Industry

KENWOOD Invests in 12 Volt Future with 2 Industry Mogul Hires

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LONG BEACH, CA (03.09.2020) – KENWOOD USA has hired Rob Voorhies as Sales Manager – Special Markets, and Tim Hill as Midwest Region Sales Manager.  With these positions, KENWOOD is committing to expand its focus on growth and guidance for the future of the 12 Volt industry.

Voorhies brings 30 years of consumer electronics industry experience, serving in various roles including Regional Manager, National Sales Manager, GM of Special Markets, and VP of Sales & Marketing.   Through his Manufacturing and Distribution experience, Voorhies has the background necessary to immediately power into action for KENWOOD’s Special Market Channels. “I am thrilled to be back at JVCKENWOOD,” said Voorhies. “I look forward to capitalizing on the growth of our cutting-edge technologies.” 

Hill has been an active part of selling KENWOOD products for over 40 years. Leveraging his background in Retail Sales, Installation, Store Management, then as a Manufacturer’s Sales Rep, he then opened his own rep firm in 2003, of which he represented KENWOOD since onset, earning the KENWOOD Rep of the Year Award 16 times.  “I’m ecstatic for the opportunity to work for a company that shares my passion for and cares so much about their dealers and the 12 Volt industry as whole,” said Hill.  “I can’t wait to begin meeting with our reps and dealers in the Midwest to find new and creative ways to help them grow their business.”  

“The chance to add Hill to the KENWOOD team wasn’t even a question, as I personally hired him as a KENWOOD Sales Rep in 2003 and am confident in his ability to seamlessly transition in his new role,” stated Mike Roberts, KENWOOD VP of Sales & Marketing.  “And with Voorhies extensive background and previous experience at our company, we know without a doubt that he is the best choice for leading the way for our Special Markets Channels.”  

Voorhies will be based out of Washington and can be reached at rvoorhies@us.jvckenwood.com.  Hill will be based out of Michigan and can be reached at thill@us.jvckenwood.com.

Visit us.jvckenwood.com for more.

Planet Audio Shipping New Rear-View License Plate Mount Camera

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OXNARD, CA (03.09.2020) – Planet Audio is now shipping a new high resolution rear-view license plate mount camera. The PCAM40B has an MSRP of $24.99 at planetaudio.com and select online retailers. 

“Our new PCAM40B is not just for the safety minded, but also for those on a budget,” stated Jason Hannon, Planet Audio brand manager. “This weatherproof, high resolution color, wide-angle view camera stays hidden by being mounted behind the license plate with existing license plate mounting screws for easy installation. In today’s world, you can never be too safe, and the PCAM40B is the ideal unit to view and keep track of the world around your vehicle.”

Click here to visit the PCAM40B product page.

Additional features and specifications include:

  • On-screen Display Distance Guide
  • Low light visibility
  • NTSC output
  • Warranty – 1-year and 60-day hassle free returns

Visit planetaudio.com for more.

SiriusXM to Showcase Its Biggest Exclusive Live Concerts from the Past Decade

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NEW YORK, NY (03.06.2020) – SiriusXM has announced the broadcast of the biggest, exclusive SiriusXM subscriber-only concerts from the past 10 years, including critically-acclaimed performances by musical icons such as Paul McCartney, Garth Brooks, Bruce Springsteen, U2, and Lady Gaga, on a dedicated limited-time channel, SiriusXM’s Superstar Concert Series, starting March 9.

For more than a decade, SiriusXM has invited its subscribers to exclusive concerts headlined by some of the most important names in music playing at legendary venues; Pearl Jam will perform at Harlem’s world-famous Apollo Theater in a special invitation-only concert for SiriusXM subscribers and Pandora listeners March 26. SiriusXM programmers have now curated the exclusive concert series to create a limited-time channel for a national audience. SiriusXM’s Superstar Concert Series channel will air one special concert, all day, on their respective broadcast date on channel 30.

“A hallmark and distinctive benefit of being a SiriusXM subscriber has been the chance to not only hear the best big-time and emerging artists on our great range of channels, but also to actually attend a live special show by the musical artists they love,” said Scott Greenstein, President and Chief Content Officer, SiriusXM. “We continue to hold great concerts for subscribers, but we wanted to share these great moments, and bring it all together in one place for our listeners.”

The limited-run channel will highlight the outstanding caliber of SiriusXM live shows, featuring live performances from renowned, global artists at unique venues such as New York City’s Apollo Theater, Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium and Grand Ole Opry, and world-famous rock venues such as The Troubadour and Whisky a Go Go in Los Angeles, as well as other intimate venues.

The SiriusXM Superstar Concert Series pop-up channel will run from March 9 through March 24. See the full broadcast schedule below.

SiriusXM’s Superstar Concert Series Broadcast Schedule:

DATE  CONCERT                        ORIGINAL DATE/LOCATION     
3/9   Paul McCartney at The Apollo         12/13/10, New York City
3/10 Billie Eilish at The Troubadour           9/18/19, Los Angeles, CA         
3/11   Coldplay at Stephen Talkhouse          8/7/16, Amagansett, NY
3/12    Bruce Springsteen at The Apollo           3/9/12, New York City  
3/13     Garth Brooks at The Ryman                   9/8/16, Nashville, TN     
3/14     Dave Matthews at The (SiriusXM) Garage  9/11/19, Los Angeles, CA
3/15   Bon Jovi at The Faena Theater             12/3/16, Miami, FL
3/16   Lady Gaga at The Apollo                     6/24/19, New York City
3/17   U2 at The Apollo                              6/11/18, New York City
3/18     Guns N’ Roses at The Apollo            7/20/17, New York City
3/19  Florida Georgia Line at The Ryman      5/29/19, Nashville, TN
3/20   Eagles at The Grand Ole Opry        10/29/17, Nashville, TN
3/21     Metallica at The Apollo                    9/21/13, New York City 
3/22    Mumford & Sons at Stephen Talkhouse  8/25/19, Amagansett, NY
3/23    KISS at The Whisky a Go Go                 2/11/19, Los Angeles, CA
3/24  Phish at The Metropolitan Opera House     12/3/19, Philadelphia, PA

Visit www.SiriusXM.com/streaming to learn more.

Sound Storm Laboratories Launches New Charge Series Amplifiers

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OXNARD, CA (03.06.2020) – Sound Storm Laboratories a division of BOSS International Group and sister brand of BOSS Audio Systems, is proud to announce the launch of four new amplifiers in its Charge Series. The Charge Series amplifiers are now available at soundstormlab.com and select online retailers.

“Our Charge Series consists of two new mono, one 2-channel, and one 4-channel amplifiers,” explained Greg Orlando, SSL brand manager. “Although rugged and powerful, our Charge Series amplifiers are also innovative yet affordable. With four amps to choose from coupled with industry-leading customer service and up to a six-year warranty, SSL has what you need for your next install.”

The 3000 Watt (MAX) Class D CG30001D and 1500 Watt (MAX) Class A/B CG1501M monoblock amplifiers feature:

  • CG30001D: 750W x 1 @ 4 Ohm; 1500W x 1 @ 2 Ohm; 3000W x 1 @ 1 Ohm
  • CG1501M: 750W x 1 @ 4 Ohm; 1500W x 1 @ 2 Ohm
  • Remote subwoofer control
  • Class A/B topology
  • PWM MOSFET power supply
  • RCA & Speaker level inputs
  • Bass boost
  • Warranty: 1-year standard*
  • CG30001D MSRP: $119.99
  • CG1501M MSRP: $69.99

The 1600 Watt (MAX) CG1604 4-channel amplifier features:

  • 400W x 4 @ 4 Ohm; 800W x 2 @ 2 Ohm; 1600W x 1 @ 4 Ohm (Bridged)
  • Remote subwoofer control
  • Full range; Class A/B topology
  • PWM MOSFET power supply
  • RCA & Speaker level inputs
  • Bass boost
  • Warranty: 1-year standard*
  • MSRP: $99.99

The 1200 Watt (MAX) CG1202 2-channel amplifier features:

  • 300W x 2 @ 4 Ohm; 600W x 2 @ 2 Ohm; 1200W x 1 @ 4 Ohm (Bridged)
  • Remote subwoofer control
  • Full range; Class A/B topology
  • PWM MOSFET power supply
  • RCA & Speaker level inputs
  • Bass boost
  • Warranty: 1-year standard* See site for additional (up to six year) extended warranty info
  • MSRP: $74.99

Visit www.soundstormlab.com for more.

Devine Concepts Shined at the Naples Motorfest

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NAPLES, FL (03.05.2020) – Devine Concepts put the company’s brand and products in front of thousands of enthusiasts on a sunny Sunday, March 1st, at the Mercato Shopping Center during the Naples Motorfest in Naples FL. Exotic cars, live music, a car show and exhibitors excited the crowd. The Devine Concepts tent and demo Mercedes was in the center of the action.

Devine Concepts was in the center of the action at the Naples Motorfest.

“The show on Sunday was great. During the day the Devine Concepts brand was positioned in front of an ideal audience. I personally was face-to-face with over 200 people in our booth. Our shop vehicle, a new Mercedes GLC 300, was set up to demo the onboard audio system. In addition we had a special installation that allowed us to demo live a custom stealth Radenso radar detector” Adam Devine related.

Adam Devine takes an attendee through a demo in the  shops new Mercedes.

In a Devine Concepts Instagram post Devine offered a big shout out to Jason and John from Radenso who were in the booth.

As an event sponsor, Devine Concepts was included in the Naples Motorfest promo activity.

“Our participation in the Naples Motorfest offered a very strong ROI. We were listed as a sponsor of the event in all the promotions leading up to the Naples Motorfest. Having our brand along side Porsche, Tesla and Lamborghini was special. This was our second year at the event and we look forward to next year” Devine concluded.

The Mercato Shopping Center was an ideal setting for the Naples Motorfest.

A big 12volt Hat’s Off to Adam Devine. Devine Concepts definitely had their ‘Shine On’ at the Naples Motorfest.

Visit devine-concepts.com and naplesmotorfest.com for more.

JL Audio to Sponsor Dinner with Night Training at the Mobile Solutions Master Tech / OEM Integration, March 6th Class

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MIRAMAR, FL (03.05.2020) – JL Audio is collaborating with Mobile Solutions and their Master Tech OEM Integration class on Friday, March 6th. JL Audio will be sponsoring Bryan Schmitt’s class by providing a dinner for attendees. While everyone is enjoying Tacos from a local food truck, Rob Haynes, Technical Trainer with JL Audio, will be providing an educational training to support the OEM integration class Schmitt and the team at Mobile Solutions provided during the day.

Rob Haynes, JL’s Technical Trainer

JL Audio will also have several demonstration vehicles on hand; most featuring JL Audio’s premier C7 component drivers for active systems and VXi amplifiers with integrated DSP.

The evening training session and dinner is open to all local dealers to attend, so make your plans join JL Audio and Mobile Solutions for Tacos and Tunes.

This is a night you don’t want to miss.

When: Friday, March 6th starting at 6 PM

Where:
Homewood Suites by Hilton Phoenix/Tempe ASU Area (Click for info)
2104 E Rio Salado Parkway
Tempe, AZ 85281, US

What:
FREE food from a local Taco Truck and outdoor dining during Arizona’s best weather of the year. Experience a fleet of demo vehicles with JL Audio’s premier C7 and VXi products with

JL Audio’s Technical Trainer, Rob Haynes, providing an educational training.

Visit jlaudio.com for more.

AAMP Global Introduces EchoMaster Fleet Solutions

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN (03.04.2020) – AAMP Global announces today the launch of their new division, EchoMaster Fleet Solutions, at the NTEA Work Truck Show 2020.

EchoMaster Fleet Solutions is a full-service provider with a passion for engineering efficient solutions for Fleet, Commercial and OES. From safety and security products, custom wiring harnesses, fleet monitoring, national installation services, and more – EchoMaster Fleet Solutions is dedicated to help deliver excellence for any upfitting need.

AAMP Global acquired Nagy FleetNet last year to join forces in the Fleet industry. Combining AAMP Global’s engineering and product development capabilities with Nagy FleetNet’s experience in fleet solutions inspired the merge of the entities into EchoMaster Fleet Solutions.

“The capabilities of our team inspired us to take a step forward and combine the two companies into EchoMaster Fleet Solutions,” said Derek Prentice, Director of Commercial Sales, “we will be the full-service solution provider for Fleet, Commercial, and OES.”

The NTEA Work Truck Show 2020 starts today at the Indianapolis Convention Center in Indianapolis, Indiana. EchoMaster Fleet Solutions is exhibiting at booth #2001 showcasing their newest products and capabilities.

To find out more about EchoMaster Fleet Solutions, visit us at booth #2001 during the NTEA Work Truck Show or visit echomasterfleetsolutions.com.

SEMA Student UTV Build Tours Off-Road Events

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DIAMOND BAR, CA (03.04.2020) – The UTV Student Build Pilot Program, a program launched by the SEMA Young Executives Network (YEN) to connect young aftermarket professionals with aspiring automotive students, will showcase the completed 2019 Honda Talon in a multi-city tour before being auctioned off at the world’s largest collector car auction, the Mecum Auction, in November. One hundred percent of the proceeds will go towards benefiting the SEMA Scholarship Fund, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity.

Sponsored by YEN, the customized Talon was completed by students from the Alex Xydias Center for Automotive Arts (AXC), who throughout the course of the semester worked alongside industry mentors to produce a one-of-a-kind UTV using products donated from 16 SEMA member companies. Skills learned include project management, 3-D scanning, CAD, manufacturing, installation, fabrication, suspension, body styling, wiring, and testing.

The SEMA Young Executives Network (YEN) UTV Student Build Pilot Program will showcase the completed 2019 Honda Talon in several cities before being auctioned off at the Mecum Auction to benefit the SEMA Scholarship Fund.

“The purpose of the build was to inspire youth to become automotive hobbyists and to encourage career paths into the automotive aftermarket,” said Kirstin Stone, Chairman of the SEMA Young Executives Network. “This UTV build allowed YEN members to introduce the greater scope of the opportunities available in the aftermarket while encouraging trade skills.”

After weeks of mentorship and instruction from YEN members, the students’ labor culminated in a unique build that was displayed at the 2019 SEMA Show. The UTV will now tour at various off-road events throughout 2020, which includes The Mint 400 in Las Vegas, L.A. County Fair in Los Angeles, and the Off-Road Expo in Pomona, CA.

“SEMA is invested in the future of the automotive industry and is proud to support a program that has offered students a wide variety of professional development and training opportunities,” said Zane Clark, SEMA Director of Education. “With the proceeds being invested into the SEMA Scholarship Program, we can continue to help automotive students pay for their college tuition and SEMA members pay off their student loans.”

For more information on the UTV Student Build, visit sema.org/utv-build. To donate to the SEMA Scholarship Fund, visit bit.ly/394xSUf.

Velocity Distributing Hosted a Heise LED Lighting Systems Training

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HOUSTON, TX (03.03.2020) – The LED lighting category is becoming a profit center for many 12volt retailers. Houston-based Velocity Distributing hosted a Heise LED Lighting Systems Training at the company’s facility on Monday evening, February 24th.

George Cantor in the Velocity showroom with the Heise LED Lighting display.

Metra’s Jon Brothers conducted the training session that covered in detail many of the new Heise products that were introduced at CES 2020.

Velocity used this graphic in social media posts to let dealers know about the Heise Training session.

Velocity’s George Cantor offered “Jon made a super presentation that dealers related to very well. We had 14 dealers in the training room and several picked up new Heise products for their stores after the meeting was over.”

Prior to the training session dealers enjoyed a catered Italian meal. Brothers also had Heise caps sunglass holders for dealers attending. Raffle prizes awarded included Heise LED headlight bulbs and 2 Axxess ASWC-1 steering wheel control interfaces.

Visit velocitydistributing.com and heiseled.com for more.

KENWOOD Promotes John Lucas to Director of National Accounts

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LONG BEACH, CA (03.03.2020) – KENWOOD USA announced it has promoted John Lucas to the position of Director of National Accounts. In this new position, he will be responsible for spearheading KENWOOD’s efforts to ensure world class leadership for several of their largest accounts.

Lucas brings 32 years of consumer electronics industry experience with him, of which his first 16 were spent working in various aspects of sales, sales management, and then as a buyer for several key retail businesses, including Audio King, Best Buy, and more. In 2004, he joined KENWOOD as their Manager of National Accounts, and was then promoted to Senior Manager of National Accounts in 2010.

Now serving as their Director of National Accounts, he will leverage his extensive experience to lead the national accounts team to continue the level of leadership and guidance of which their national accounts have come to expect.

Visit kenwood.com/usa for more.