Industry

KICKER Welcomes Aziz Masri to the International Sales Team

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STILLWATER, OK (01.17.2020) – KICKER announces the addition of longtime KICKER employee Aziz Masri to the International Sales Team.

In a new initiative spearheaded by International Sales Director Chet Weddle, Masri will serve several locations on every continent KICKER serves, as will every member of the International Sales Team.

Aziz Masri

“When you interview for a position like this, you search for someone who can become the face of the company outside these walls, and do so admirably,” Weddle said.  “We loved that Aziz would look at the position from a different perspective, and knew he would be an immediate fit.

“Based on this expansion, we’ve thrown a stick of dynamite at the traditional model. Instead of assigning territories to each member of the department, we are matching people to personalities,” Weddle said.

Masri has worked at KICKER for over two decades, starting in the Electronic Repair department and then transferring to Research and Development. He was then promoted to Electronic Repair Manager – a post he held for the past 15 years.

“I have always felt that because of my overseas background, that I could do a good job in the International Sales Department,” Masri said. “I wanted to do more for this company and move to a new challenge. Working in the technical side, you are trained to look at transistors and coils.  Now I look at how the product I have worked on for so long fits my customer, and how I can help make our products serve each territory.  I’m very excited to start.”

Visit kicker.com for more.

SCOSCHE Industries Previewed NEXS2 Full HD Smart Dual Dash Camera – Powered by Nexar, at CES

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LAS VEGAS, NV (01.17.2020) – SCOSCHE previewed their feature-rich, Smart Dual DashCamera – Powered by Nexar, for attendees of the 2020 International CES.

The NEXS2 is part of a range of new Scosche Smart Dash Cameras that leverages the technology of your smartphone and the Nexar safe driving app to record, capture, store and upload to your personal Nexar Cloud, video footage of your drives and significant incidents. Together, this Dash Cam, the Nexar safe driving app and a smartphone (iOS or Android), will help protect your vehicle, your livelihood, your reputation, and most importantly, your personal safety.

With its two cameras, the NEXS2 captures video footage both inside and outside of the vehicle. The front, forward-facing camera has a 1080p @30fps, Sony Starvis Image Sensor with 155-degree wide angle lens and ultra-low light visibility +HDR for superior night vision.The rear, inward-facing camera has a 720p @30pfs with 140-degree wide angle lens sensor paired with IR LED array for visibility within the vehicle cabin, even in dark conditions.

Whether you’re driving to the local store, or you’re a professional driver carrying dozens of passengers and driving hundreds of miles per week, you need to be prepared for anything. And, in the event of an incident, either inside or outside of your vehicle, it’s crucial to have a reliable witness. There’s nothing more credible than video footage and the Nexar app features One-Click reporting that sends a comprehensive incident report directly to (participating) insurance companies.

On a lighter note, dash cams also let you capture those strange, amazing, and often funny moments that have to be seen to be believed. The NEXS2 makes it easy to share your video footage of those moments with your friends and family, and on social media.

NEXS2 is equipped with a robust WiFi to quickly and reliably connect and communicate with your smartphone. It’s high-precision 3-Axis G-Sensor automatically detects, measures and records incidents and supports the Parking mode. Parking mode records and saves video of incidents and impacts that occur when you (and your phone) are not in your vehicle.

The Nexar safe driving app works with the NEXS2 to provide GPS data, and Siri Shortcut integration, The Nexar app works while you drive and stops when you do. The app also, very importantly, provides free storage of significant events to your personal Nexar Cloud. Once uploaded to the Cloud, the footage auto-deletes from your camera so you never run out of storage space.

Installation is simple and everything you need is included with the Dash Cam, including: 24W dual-port USB car charger, 90°-angle USB 11.5 ft. power cable, and installation tools, ties and mounts.

The NEXS2, part of Scosche’s SafeTech line will become available Summer 2020 at an MSRP of $199.99.

Visit scosche.com for more.

Oracle Lighting Launches New Jeep Wrangler JL Cargo LED Light Module

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METAIRE, LA (01.16.2020) – ORACLE Lighting has announced the launch of its new Jeep Wrangler JL Cargo LED Light Module (p/n 5858-023). Now available with an MSRP of $109.95, the new LED light modules are designed for 2018-2020 Jeep Wrangler JL models.

“A Jeep’s factory LED dome light does not provide illumination for the rear cargo area, making it difficult to see at night when accessing cargo,” explained Justin Hartenstein, Oracle Lighting director of development. “The new ORACLE Cargo LED Light Module easily adds bright LED light to the rear hatch area using an existing power source. The plug-and-play design allows you to simply replace the factory wiper motor cover with the new cover using the included parts and plug the adapter into your rear accessory socket. It’s that easy.”

The Cargo LED Light Module’s lights can easily be turned on and off with the flush switches located on the panel. The dual white LED Cargo light function provides ample illumination and the added feature of the emergency flasher makes any road-side issue safer with additional amber flashing lights.

A clear advantage of ORACLE’s unique design is that this was developed to completely replace the factory wiper cover. This molded part features LED lights that are seamlessly integrated into the module for a factory look rather than “stuck-on” LED lights like some aftermarket options.

For more info, visit www.oraclelights.com, call (800) 407-5776, or email info@oraclelights.com.

Heise LED Lighting Systems Introduced Super Slimline Lightbar Series at CES

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HOLLY HILL, FL (01.16.2020) – Heise by Metra Electronics unveiled a new series of lightbars at CES 2020. The new Super Slimline Series of single-row LED lighbars offers a clean, sleek look, engineered with an optic design and a new chipset that offers a brighter, higher output of light for its size.

This modern slimline style doesn’t sacrifice its durability or IP67 rating, as it features Heise’s proprietary torture-tested heavy-duty construction with a virtually unbreakable polycarbonate lens and integrated-epoxy encapsulated electronics. This lightbar has a military breather port that allows any internal moisture caused by extreme heat and rapid cooling to escape while preventing any external moisture fro fm entering the housing.

HE-SS550

The new sleek design produces less wind noise and comes with dual mounting options, one for a side mount and one for a rear rail mount. A hybrid beam pattern features a combination of a 90-degree flood beam and an 8-degree spot beam for an intense spotlight in the center flanked by a widebeam driving light for a larger area of illumination. These new lightbars will be available soon in 5.5”, 9”, 20.50”, 32”, 39.5” and 51” lengths.       

HE-SS51

HE-SL Series Product Specifications:

  • Length: 5.5” (HE-SS550), 9” (HE-SS9), 20.50” (HE-SS2050), 32” (HE-SS32), 39.5” (HE-SS3950) and 51” (HE-SS51)
  • Wattage: 9W, 18W, 45W, 72W, 90W and 117W
  • Raw Lumens: 810 lm, 1620 lm, 4050 lm, 6480 lm, 8100 lm and 10530 lm
  • Current Consumption @ 13.8V: 0.55A, 1.08A, 2.80A, 4.55A, 5.78A and 7.60A
  • IP Rating: IP67

Visit HeiseLED.com for more.

Maxxsonics USA Promotes Beata Wasilewski

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CHICAGO, IL (01.15.2020) – Effective January 1st of the new decade, Alden Stiefel, President and CEO of Maxxsonics USA, announced that his long-time customer Service Manager Beata Wasilewski will be taking on new critical roles for Maxxsonics.

Beata Wasilewski

Wasilewski has been with Maxxsonics for 15 years and in this new role will be working to integrate Maxxsonics’ customers like Polaris and Kawasaki OEM businesses into Maxxsonics inventory forecasting and business planning.

Brian Cooper, Senior Purchasing Analyst with Polaris said, “In an environment of time crunches and fixing things gone wrong, working with Beata is a refreshing break from the norm. Any vendor which can support our needs with 2 emails and a bi-weekly 10 minute phone call is one I’m happy to buy from. There are no problems and no constant changes, just quick, effective communication and consistently easy management.”

Beata, or “B” to those that work with her on a daily basis, will continue handling OEM inventory and scheduling, rolling 6 and 12 month forecasting, and will remain the point of contact for new and current OEM customers.

Wasilewski will also continue in her role managing Maxxsonics core business customer service in the aftermarket audio category for domestic and export national chains, independent representatives, and distributors. In the months to come, she will be helping to facilitate the implementation and testing of a major SYSPRO ERP upgrade.

Beata Wasilewski, Director of Customer Support commented, “I am so excited to see how our systems and people are being upgraded across the organization. Alden has a saying, ‘The customer is always first.’ It doesn’t matter if it’s a young person, choosing their first adult subwoofer, or an OEM executive, modifying a 50,000 piece order — for us, they are all customers and we are striving to make the Maxxsonics experience world class.”

Visit maxxsonics.com for more.

VAIS Technology Announces 2019 Distributor and Dealer Awards

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ENGLEWOOD, CO (01.15.2020) – VAIS Technology, a Colorado based manufacturer of audio, video, Bluetooth streaming and SiriusXM integration announces their 2019 Distributor and Dealer awards.

Left to Right: Paul Trueman- SiriusXM, Jonathan Elster- Audio America, Dennis Hopper-VAIS Tech and Michael Cronin- Audio America.

2019 Distributor of the Year:                           Audio America, FL

2019 Canadian Distributor of the Year:         Importel, ON

2019 Online Dealer of the Year:                      Crutchfield, VA

2019 Dealer of the Year:                                   The Specialist, AZ

2019 Expeditor of the Year:                              Dealer Source, TX

Left to Right: Eugen Kaspin- VAIS Tech., Stephen Davis- Crutchfield, Carl Matthews- Crutchfield, and Dennis Hopper- VAIS Tech.

EVP, Dennis Hopper comments: these accounts have continued to grow with the VAIS Technology brand and have made excellent advances in 2019.

For three years in a row VAIS Technology has seen strong growth, a true testament to the quality products that are sold through our dealers and distributors in North America.

Visit vaistech.com to learn more.

Velocity Distributing Introduces New Team Members and Promotion

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HOUSTON, TX (01.14.2020) – Starting off the New Year the right way Velocity Distributing, Inc. introduces new sales team members.

First is Anil Lakhwani. Anil has been in this 12 Volt industry since 2002. He has been with Velocity as a sales rep since August 2019. Born in India, raised and educated in Dubai. Lakhwani speaks a few different languages and is a great asset to the Velocity Distributing team.

Team members pictured in the Velocity Distributing lobby in Houston. Anil Lakhwani, Lupe Saucedo and George Cantor (L to R).

In the center of the image is Lupe Saucedo. Lupe is the new addition to the sales team as the Inside Sales Representative. Lupe has been in the industry since 2000 and her first job was working at Champing Audio, where she was employed over 20 years. Lupe was born in Mexico City and is a resident of Houston for 41 years.

George Cantor is pictured on the right. George has just been promoted to the Branch Sales Manager of the Houston HQ. George started with Velocity on September 8, 2019. Born in Colombia, and raised in New Jersey. George has been in this 12 volt industry since 1985.

Visit velocitydistributing.com for more.

BB Distribution Exclusive Canadian Distributor of Ground Zero and SounDigital Car Audio Products

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EDMONTON, ALBERTA (01.14.2020) – BB Distribution Ltd, a distribution company specializing in best-in-class products for the automotive, marine and consumer electronics markets, is proud to announce an exclusive distribution partnership with both SounDigital and Ground Zero in Canada – a historic first for both brands.

Products from Ground Zero and SounDigital will be stocked by mid February in BB Distribution’s Western Canadian warehouse and headquarters in Edmonton, Alberta as well as our Eastern Canadian warehouse in Mississauga, Ontario.

“As a leader in Canadian wholesale distribution, BB aims to establish meaningful connections between retailers, supply chain partners and employees and this is a natural extension of that work,” said Jason Haberman, Sales & Marketing Director. “We are excited to team up with both SounDigital and Ground Zero providing our Canadian partners direct access to more of the world’s best in car audio.”

Ground Zero offers dealers a complete brand solution that can cover any part of their product line up. With products ranging from entry level to high end “SQ” amps, speakers, and processors, SPL subwoofers, Pro Audio style drivers, and OEM drop in and plug and play solutions, Ground Zero has become one of the largest car audio brands in the world.

“With more than 400 products distributing in 65 countries, we are sure to be a great partner for BB,” said Ground Zero founder Karl Felix Lautner. “Ground Zero is not just another brand in car audio entertainment, every product is engineered in Germany to be the best in sound and value to compete on the highest level with any competitor.”

SounDigital brings together small footprint, big power, versatility, and great sound quality to a single family of amplifiers, making it a go to line for dealers and consumers both. The EVOX line is a great mix of multichannel and monoblock amplifiers that gives sales and installs the flexibility to use our amps in pretty much any situation.

“BB Distribution is the perfect partner for our company in Canada and we are very confident that we will have the best possible representation from coast to coast.” added SounDigital CEO Diogo Ianaconi.

In the new year, both SounDigital and Ground Zero will be exhibiting at the KnowledgeFest events in the States. For the first time showing in Canada, you can find both brands exhibiting at the BB VIP Expo in Edmonton and the Mobile Audio Expo in Toronto.

Visit bbdistribution.ca, ground-zero-audio.com, and soundigitalusa.com for more.

Directed Announces New DS4 Security Sensors

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VISTA, CA (01.13.2020) – Directed has announced the addition of two new DS4 security sensors to its ecosystem of DS4 products. Since its founding, Directed has been at the forefront of automotive security, and these new security-specific sensors build on that legacy.

The Directed layout at the Hard Rock Hotel included new product introductions and in-vehicle SmartKey Technology demonstrations. Alcohol Detection System programs were also on the schedule.

The 8604W is a multi-function sensor that connects to DS4 systems via Bluetooth, and provides multiple functionalities and uses. The 8604W is truly wireless and is battery powered with an estimated 5-year battery life. Like all accessories for the DS4, it is configurable via the Directlink Mobile app. The 8604W can be configured in three innovative ways – as an impact sensor, a tilt sensor, or as a hood or door trigger. It is configurable to perform just one of these functions or all three at the same time.

The 8508D dual-zone proximity sensor is an update to Directed’s 508D. The 8508D sensor connects to DS4 systems via D2D2.0 and provides adjustable inner and outer fields via the Directlink mobile app. It detects moving high-density objects using digital field-disturbance technology and provides warn-away and full-trigger warnings to the DS4. The 8508D is ideal for convertibles or any vehicle where a customer may want to protect the interior contents from theft. It features a single D2D2.0 connection for communication and power, as well as a D2D2.0 pass-through port to add additional sensors.

“In 2019, we launched a number of security-only options for DS4. In 2020, we’re expanding our DS4 security options with the most cutting-edge sensors ever created in our industry,” stated James Turner, SVP & GM, Remote Start and Security at Directed. “The 8604W and the 8508D sensors add to the ever-growing DS4 ecosystem, providing faster, easier installation options for both technicians and consumers. Whether you’re protecting a convertible or a box truck, Directed has the best security options in the industry.”

Visit directed.com for more.

Dual Electronics Introduces New In-Vehicle Headunits Including One with 10.1” Display

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LAS VEGAS, NV (01.13.2020) – Dual Electronics Corporation has announced the introduction of three new in-vehicle media receivers. Key features include Apple CarPlay technology, Android Auto, built-in iGo Primo navigation, iPlug Smart Remote app control, a dedicated push-to-talk voice assistant button, Bluetooth technology, a 10.1” capacitive LCD, and FLAC playback. One receiver is available in January, and two will be available in February. All three receivers were on display during the 2020 International CES in Westgate Suite #2809, January 7-10, 2020.

The three new models in the 2020 media receiver lineup include one 10.1” 2-DIN touchscreen media receiver: DMCPA11BT (MSRP: $379.99); two 7” 2-DIN touchscreen media receivers: DMCPA70 (MSRP: $199.99), and DM620N (MSRP: $149.99).

Two receivers (DMCPA11BT, DMCPA70) feature Apple CarPlay, Android Auto a steering wheel control input that is compatible with most popular SWC interfaces, and high resolution 1024p x 600p screens.

Apple CarPlay is a smart interface for iPhone, which allows the driver to voice-control (via Siri) music, navigation, phone and messaging apps, thus significantly reducing driver distraction. CarPlay launches immediately upon connecting an iPhone to the receiver via USB; the familiar app icons will appear on the receiver’s touchscreen, including the home button to activate Siri voice control. This consistent, familiar interface makes the iPhone integration truly seamless. The user can navigate and control the phone apps through the receiver’s touch screen or using Siri.

Android Auto is a smart interface for Android devices, which lets the driver control music, navigation, phone and messaging apps verbally via the built-in Google Assistant. The Android Auto interface launches once a compatible Android phone is connected via USB. The user can then navigate supported phone apps through the touchscreen, or verbally command the Google Assistant by either saying “OK Google” or tapping the onscreen microphone button followed by a voice command.

One receiver (DM620N) includes built-in navigation with USA map data. This feature is powered by iGo Primo navigation technology, and includes 1.2M Points-of-Interest, Text-to-Speech, and the first map update for free. Support via the Naviextra’s website is available for adding additional features and updating map regions.

This receiver also features support for the iPlug Smart Remote app which allows an Android or Apple smartphone connected to the receiver via Bluetooth to control mode, station, song, volume, and settings without needing to be in the receiver’s line of sight.

Two receivers (DMCPA11BT, DM620N) include a dedicated front panel push-to-talk voice assistant button to activate the smartphone assistant on a phone connected via Bluetooth.

All three receivers feature support for FLAC playback, backup camera inputs, and built-in Bluetooth technology for hands-free calling (HFP), music streaming & player control (A2DP & AVRCP). Users are able to answer a call, redial, or manage call waiting directly from the receiver. Audio streaming allows basic controls from the receiver’s screen, including play/pause, back/forward, and volume up/down. Two models (DMCPA11BT and DMCPA70) also include Bluetooth phonebook support (PBAP) and use external microphones for improved voice intelligibility.

The DMCPA11BT also includes an extra-large 10.1” capacitive LCD that is tilt-adjustable during installation, three pair of 4V preamp outputs (Front, Rear, Sub), two USB inputs (front 1A, rear 1.5A), and a front panel microSD input.

DMCPA11BT – 10.1″ Large Touchscreen Media Receiver

  • 10.1″ Extra-large capacitive touchscreen LCD (1024p x 600p)
  • Works with Apple CarPlay
  • Supports Android Auto
  • Built-in Bluetooth technology with hands-free calling, music streaming with ID3 tags and phonebook support (HFP, A2DP, AVRCP, PBAP). External microphone.
  • AM/FM tuner with 30 station presets (18FM /12AM)
  • Push-to-talk button to access voice assistant on a connected smartphone
  • Front and Rear USB input (front 1A, rear 1.5A fast charging)
  • Front panel microSD card input
  • Backup camera input (RCA)
  • Rear RCA A/V input
  • 3 Pair of 4V preamp output (Front, Rear, Sub)
  • Media playback: USB, microSD card
  • File formats: MP3, FLAC
  • 8 Band graphic EQs or EQ Curves
  • Steering wheel control (compatible with most popular SWC interfaces)
  • 200 Watts (50W x 4) MOSFET
  • Detachable front panel
  • Wireless remote control

Available January, MSRP: $379.99

DM620N – 7” Touchscreen Media Receiver with Built-in Navigation

  • 7″ Extra-large resistive touchscreen LCD (800p x 480p)
  • Built-in Navigation – iGo Primo with USA map data, 1.2M POIs, and text-to speech. Includes first map update for free.
  • Built-in Bluetooth technology with hands-free calling and audio streaming with ID3 tags (HFP, A2DP, AVRCP). Internal microphone.
  • AM/FM Tuner with 30 station presets (18FM/12AM)
  • Push-to-talk button to access the voice assistant on a connected smartphone
  • Dual iPlug Smart Remote app via Bluetooth (Apple/Android)
  • Front USB input with 1A charging
  • Backup camera RCA input
  • Front 3.5mm AUX input
  • 1 Pair of RCA preamp outputs (Front or Rear)
  • Media playback: USB
  • File formats: MP3, FLAC
  • 7 Preset EQ curves (Pop, Jazz, Rock, Flat, Classic, Beat, & User)
  • 2 Band tone control (Bass, Treble)
  • Super slim 5.1in (130mm) mount design for easy installation
  • 200 Watts max power (50W x 4)

Available in February, MSRP: $149.99

DMCPA70 – 7” Touchscreen Media Receiver

  • 7″ Extra-large LED backlit touchscreen LCD (1024p x 600p)
  • Works with Apple CarPlay
  • Supports Android Auto
  • Built-in Bluetooth technology with hands-free calling, audio streaming with ID3 tags, and phonebook support (HFP, A2DP, AVRCP, PBAP). External microphone.
  • AM/FM tuner with 30 stations presets (18FM/12AM)
  • Rear USB input (1.5 Amp charging for most phones)
  • Backup camera input (RCA)
  • Rear RCA A/V input
  • 3 Pairs of preamp outputs (Front, Rear, Sub)
  • Media playback: USB
  • File formats: FLAC, MP3
  • 8 Band graphic EQs or EQ Curves
  • 8 EQ presets (Default, Custom, Classic, Rock, Jazz, Electric, Pop, Soft)
  • Steering wheel control input (compatible with most popular SWC interfaces)
  • 200 Watts (50W x 4) MOSFET
  • Wireless remote control

Available in February, MSRP: $199.99

Visit www.dualav.com.