VOXX Technical Service Group Appoints New Positions in Support of Newly Acquired Directed Automotive Product Lines

ORLANDO, FL (08.13.2020) – VOXX Electronics Corporation (VEC) is excited to announce and welcome Bryan Nelson and Chris Libardi to the VOXX Tech Service Team in support of the recent Acquisition of Directed’s Automotive Aftermarket Business last month. As part of this announcement VOXX has acquired the aftermarket vehicle remote start and security solutions business inclusive of eight brands, led by Viper, along with Autostart, AstroStart, Avital, Clifford, Directed, Smart Start and Python.

In their new roles, Bryan Nelson, Technical Service Manager and Chris Libardi, Technical Service Supervisor will oversee and support these newly acquired product lines as part of the larger VOXX Tech Service Team. Bryan has always had a passion for automotive 12V, even before owning his own car and he joins the team with over 14 years of experience in the industry. In his career he started out as part time car audio sales at Best Buy, quickly moved to be an installer, then worked with their “Secret Weapon” technical support team. After moving to Vista, California and joining Directed Electronics worked this way up the ranks over the past 6 years to now become the technical service manager of the DEI product lines for VOXX. Joining Bryan in support of the tech team is Chris Libardi. Chris has been working in the industry for the past 16 years in various leadership positions. Chris most recently joined the Directed team 2 years ago as a Technical Service Rep and will now assist Bryan and the rest of the team as a supervisor.

Both Bryan and Chris will report directly to Ed Catapano, Assistant Vice President of Technical Service, Customer Service and Repair Service Teams at VOXX International. Ed’s team at VOXX has been rated “The best technical minds in the business” by Mobile Electronics Magazine and the team combined has almost 300 years’ experience providing tech support to the dealer network. “I welcome both Bryan and Chris along with the whole DEI group to our VOXX family. I am confident with their leadership capabilities and can’t wait to see this group thrive,” said Ed Catapano, Assistant Vice President of Technical Service.

Feel free to contact us at 1-800-753-0600 / technicalservice@directed.com, the team is looking forward to assisting you!

Visit www.voxxelectronics.com for more.

SEMA’s Back to Basics Webinar Series Continues Wed, Aug 12

DIAMOND BAR, CA (08.12.2020) – SEMA’s “Shifting Gears: Back to Business” webinar series continues with “Cash Flow Tactics for the Automotive Aftermarket Industry” on Wednesday, August 12, at 10:00 a.m. (PDT).

Presented by SEMA Education in partnership with CPA and journalist Gene Marks, attendees will learn about the latest trends, technologies and best practices that smart business owners and leaders are implementing to manage their cash flow and build reserves to see them through to future growth.

The webinar is the second in SEMA’s four-part program that concentrates on tactics and concepts to help businesses emerge from the current economic downturn stronger and more intentional than ever.

Register today.

Details about the series and additional webinars that are scheduled through September 2, as well as resources to help SEMA members navigate their businesses during this uncertain time, are available at www.sema.org/reopen.

CRUX Introduces New Sightline ACPCH-01

CHATSWORTH, CA (08.12.2020) – This new Smart-Play Integration features Multi-Camera inputs for select 2011-2017 Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat and Maserati Vehicles with Uconnect.

The Smart-Play integration system allows connection of Android and other smartphones to the Chrysler infotainment system and is made for Android Auto and CarPlay.

In addition, this interface includes front and rear aftermarket camera inputs while retaining functionality of the OEM backup camera if present.

The front camera automatically shows on the screen after changing the gear from reverse to drive creating forced view of the front camera capability.

Visit cruxinterfacing.com for more.

Accele Electronics Offers Touchless Switching for Virus Protection

SANTA FE SPRINGS, CA (08.11.2020) – Accele Electronics has announced its first product in the emerging “Personal Safety” category, The HMS200T Hand Motion Switch. The HMS200T is a unique product for those concerned about virus protection and offering their customers the latest technology in switches. Our HMS200T is the perfect solution for Fleet Vehicles, Project Vehicles, Vans, Buses and Limousines and anyone concerned about the spread of virus during this Pandemic of Covid-19.

Like the latest OE Infotainment systems, activating the switch is as easy as waving your hand or a finger in front of the switch. For maximum user flexibility it has an adjustable range from 2 – 8 inches. Also adjustable is a “momentary mode” with adjustable 0.5 to 20 second pulse output and a toggle On/Off mode. The unit’s Red or Green LEDs can also be connected to a Car Alarm’s LED wire.

This switch can be used to upgrade all your existing switches from a standard push switch to a high-tech touchless switch. Typical uses are Fog or Driving Lights, Alarm Valet Mode, Actuators etc. Any vehicles with multiple drivers carrying multiple passengers on a daily basis are perfect candidates for these switches, Limos, Buses, Forklifts, Golf Carts are just some of the many applications.

Accele’s HMS200T switches are available for immediate shipment, call your Accele Representative for special introductory pricing and further information.

Visit accele.com for more.

Clarion Marine Unveils Affordable Speaker Line for Open-Air Boating

MIRAMAR, FL (08.11.2020) – Clarion Marine has announced the introduction of its all-new CMS line of marine coaxial speakers. Including three variations of a 6.5-inch full-range speaker: classic grille and sport grille with or without RGB lighting built-in. The new CMS speaker line extends the brand’s commitment to producing affordable, high quality and great sounding products to new levels.

“Clarion has a legacy of delivering quality products that offer uncompromising performance and value. Our new CMS speakers are no different and will lay the groundwork for Clarion Marine’s business for years to come,” said John Zimmerman, Clarion Marine product line manager. “Our customers will love the attention to detail that went into making these speakers so great!”

Quality Sound – Let’s Hear It

Ideal for source unit-powered systems, Clarion Marine CMS coaxial speakers are engineered using high-quality components that deliver excellent sound quality. Optimized for infinite-baffle (open-air) applications, CMS speakers feature a vacuum-formed polymer woofer cone body and marine-grade suspension components for deep lows and rich mids. They also feature a bridge-mounted, balanced-dome, polymer tweeter with neodymium magnet and ferrofluid cooling for crystal-clear highs. Tweeters are protected by a high-pass tweeter filter that is integrated into the woofer basket.

New Signature Design

The CMS series is part of a new design signature for Clarion Marine speakers, with grille design options to complement all boat styles. The new CMS-series speakers are offered in ‘classic’ and ‘sport’ models, each including black and white grille options in the box. For boaters seeking to make a visual statement, the sport grille models can be ordered with integrated LED RGB illumination that creates a fun ambiance with nearly limitless lighting color options (RGB controller sold separately).

Salt & Sun Certified

Utilizing UV-treated, durable, marine-rated materials, the new CMS line of speakers and subwoofers are built to withstand years of use in harsh marine environments. Specifically engineered, marine grade polymers and finishes are employed for the chassis and grilles in the CMS lineup. A close attention to critical connection by points by the design team ensures protection from corrosion. All models are Salt and Sun Certified; built to exceed industry standards for salt-fog/UV exposure (ASTM B117/D4329) and shock/vibration resistance, ensuring excellent long-term durability.

Complete CMS Series

Clarion Marine CMS Speakers: All coaxial speaker models include both black and white grilles.

All CMS speakers are backed by a 1 year limited warranty.

CMS series speakers are now available for purchase by authorized Clarion Marine retailers and will be incorporated into select model year 2021 boats as standard or optional equipment.

Visit clarionmarine.com for more.

Tint World Continues Comprehensive Florida Coverage with New Boca Raton Store

BOCA RATON, FL (08.10.2020) – Tint World Automotive Styling Centers has opened a new location in Boca Raton, Florida, under the co-ownership of Mike Rogers and Mike Halperin. The new store is the 15th Tint World location in Florida and serves the Boca Raton, Highland Beach, Kings Point and Delray Beach areas. 

“Mike and I recognize the strong market for Tint World that exists here in Boca Raton” Rogers said. “The quality of the products and services the company provides for auto and boat owners is the best in the industry, and they also lead in training and sales and marketing support for franchisees.”

Tint World Boca Raton, Florida offers a full range of products and services, including window tinting, advanced driver-assistance systems, car stereo upgrades, custom wheel and tire packages, mobile electronics, nano ceramic coatings, paint protection films, security systems and color-change vehicle wraps.

“Mike Rogers and Mike Halperin have shown us that they’re knowledgeable, experienced and passionate about the Tint World brand,” said Charles J. Bonfiglio, president and CEO of Tint World. “They’re great additions to the Tint World family, and we’re looking forward to seeing their success in Boca Raton.”

Tint World Boca Raton, Florida is located at 2600 NW 2nd Ave., Boca Raton, FL 33431. For additional information, call (561) 408-0777 or visit https://www.tintworld.com/locations/fl/boca-raton-006/.

SEMA’s Back to Basics Webinar Series Continues Wed, Aug 12

DIAMOND BAR, CA (08.10.2020) – SEMA’s “Shifting Gears: Back to Business” webinar series continues with “Cash Flow Tactics for the Automotive Aftermarket Industry” on Wednesday, August 12, at 10:00 a.m. (PDT).

Presented by SEMA Education in partnership with CPA and journalist Gene Marks, attendees will learn about the latest trends, technologies and best practices that smart business owners and leaders are implementing to manage their cash flow and build reserves to see them through to future growth.

The webinar is the second in SEMA’s four-part program that concentrates on tactics and concepts to help businesses emerge from the current economic downturn stronger and more intentional than ever.

Register today.

Details about the series and additional webinars that are scheduled through September 2, as well as resources to help SEMA members navigate their businesses during this uncertain time, are available at www.sema.org/reopen.

Ground Zero Introduces New Subwoofer and Preloaded Enclosure

DANIA BEACH, FL (08.07.2020) – Ground Zero USA has introduced its two newest Radioactive models. Now shipping is the GZRB 20SPL and the GZRW 8XSPL. 

Recently announced, and now available, the GZRW 8XSPL (MAP $229.99) is the little brother to our wildly successful Hydrogen 8-inch subwoofer. This driver is a high-quality SPL subwoofer that utilizes a reinforced paper cone with a long stroke compound surround, dual 2-ohm 50mm/2” copper voice coils, and is designed to run on 500w RMS. This driver is best suited for vented applications, and we have you covered with that also.

The GZRB 20SPL (MAP $379.99) is a custom tailored preloaded vented enclosure with grill specifically for the GZRW 8XSPL (included). 

For more information on how to purchase this product or to become an official dealer please contact us at info@soundigitalusa.com or visit our website www.groundzerousa.com

AudioControl Shipping New LC2i PRO

SEATTLE, WA (08.07.2020) – AudioControl has announced that the highly-anticipated LC2i PRO is now in-stock for immediate shipping.

Product Features:

  • Slimmer case design- easier to install and hide in dashboards & behind panels.
  • 3 turn on modes: Remote, GTO (DC offset), or Audio (signal sensing).
  • LMC (Load Matching Circuit) technology with 20 ohm, 60 ohm and 20k ohm settings.
  • AccuBass circuitry, now with top-mounted controls and a status LED to help make setup easier & faster than ever.
  • 40 volts (~400 watts) of hi level/speaker level input capability.
  • 2ch of active hi-to-low level conversion.
  • 4ch RCA out, with up to 9.5vrms output.
  • ACR-1 remote-mounted sub output level controller is NOW INCLUDED.
  • Independent level controls for Main and Bass outputs
  • Maximized LED for quick setup & tuning

Visit audiocontrol.com for more.

KENWOOD Unveils 2 New Value-Priced CD/DVD Playback-Equipped Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Ready Receivers

LONG BEACH, CA (08.06.2020) – KENWOOD USA has announced the release of 2 new feature-packed multimedia receivers at value conscience price points.

The DDX5707S ($369.95 MAP) and DDX57S ($369.95 MAP) are CD/DVD playback equipped multimedia receivers that both feature support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay in a wired configuration. With driver safety and smartphone integration features abound, they allow customers an easy alternative to their CD/DVD-less counterparts (the DMX4707S and DMX47S), which were released back in May. 

Notable call-out features include a 6.8” WVGA clear glass capacitive touch panel for better touch control and precision, Android phone screen mirroring via the “Mirroring for KENWOOD OA” application, a rear view camera input to add a back-up camera (such as the KENWOOD CMOS-130, CMOS-230, or CMOS-320, sold separately), front, rear, and subwoofer RCA pre-outs, and built-in Bluetooth for hand-free phone calls and music streaming.

To gain a better in-car entertainment experience, both models also come equipped with the connection for an optional SiriusXM tuner, (SiriusXM Connect SXV300 satellite radio tuner required; sold separately), which enables album artwork and a variety of text information to be displayed from hundreds of channels of music, news, sports, talk, and more. 

“We are delighted to expand our Apple CarPlay and Android Auto ready multimedia receiver offerings to include features customers are asking for at such an incredible value,” said Tim Hill, Midwest Regional Sales Manager for KENWOOD. “We know that the purchase of one of our flagship receivers may simply be unobtainable by some, and now with these models, they can still experience the trusted quality and performance that comes with the KENWOOD name.” 

For detailed product information, please view their respective product pages at www.kenwood.com/usa/car.