Elite Distributor Alliance Expands to Puerto Rico

NASHVILLE, TN (01.10.24) – Elite Distributor Alliance (EDA) with one day shipping from 23 distribution centers, has broadened its footprint with the addition of Mobile Imports of San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Josh Eatherly, EDA’s Executive Vice President said: “We are excited to kick off 2024 with the addition of Mobile Imports.  Danny Cintron and his team fit the mindset and the go to market strategy of EDA perfectly.” Eatherly added, “It is so important that membership is like-minded in their business approach in order to provide added value for our vendors and each other.”

Josh Eatherly, Executive Vice President, Elite Distributor Alliance

Danny Cintron, the President, and CEO of Mobile Imports added, “We are excited to become a distributor partner with EDA.  They represent the most well organized and forward-thinking distributors in our industry.  We look forward to sharing and learning with our new partner.”

Danny Cintron, President/CEO Mobile Imports

Steve Cote, Eastern Regional Sales Manager at JVC added, “Mobile Imports is the right EDA member for Puerto Rico.  Danny’s team is pro-active with dealers across the island daily providing not only logistic support but superior tech level support as a JVC distributor.”

John Yodzis, one of the officers of EDA, and president of DOW Technologies said, “We took our time to find the right partner to add in Puerto Rico.  My company, DOW, has a strong presence on the island, but we felt we needed one more member to really round things out.  Danny and his team are a great fit.” 

Find out more at www.elitedistributoralliance.com.

Metra Electronics Announces Partnership with ACV GmbH

HOLLY HILL, FL (01.09.24) – Metra Electronics is honored to formally announce a partnership with ACV GmbH of Germany in 2024 and its new role as master distributor for the EU Marketplace. Metra’s brand of radio replacement products, including installation kits and fascias, wiring harnesses, antenna products, and more, will now be stocked and distributed by ACV GmbH.

A vendor of vehicle-specific product solutions that does business around the globe, ACV GmbH is headquartered in Erkelenz, a town located in the industrial region that comprises Düsseldorf, Cologne and Aachen. It is an enterprise that has been specializing in technical car accessories for decades. They now also provide product development services for custom-tailored, individual solutions in compliance with client specifications based on OEM standards and standardized products for the aftermarket. The business has earned a reputation for expeditious service and excellent, uncomplicated support services.

As a long-term partner of Metra, ACV GmbH will provide the manufacturer with logistical advantages to facilitate outreach and product fulfillment to dealers across Europe and surrounding countries. “Our team is very excited about the advancement of our relationship with ACV GmbH. We look forward to expanding our brand presence and growing mutual business within the European marketplace,” says Maurice Soto, Metra’s Director of International Sales. Any retailers or custom integrators who would like more information on this partnership may contact their Metra Representative.

Visit metraonline.com for more.

PowerBass Now Shipping New Digital Signal Processor

ONTARIO, CA (01.08.24) – Take your sound to the next level with the PowerBass PBX-DSP8 8 Channel DSP.

The PBX-DSP8 digital signal processor is engineered to deliver the ultimate in system tuning capabilities, in an easy-to-use format. Combined with a state-of-the-art 32-bit DSP processor, The PBX-DSP8 gives you the ability to do complete DSP tuning and signal summing via your smart phone or tablet using the downloadable PBX-DSP8 app.

The PBX-DSP8 31 Band Parametric Equalizer gives you complete control on your sound profile. By knowing how to adjust the EQ properly you can make fine adjustments to each channel to adjust specific frequencies to accent them or decrease them to smooth out the peaks and dips in the curve.

The PBX-DSP8 is packed with tons of great tools to enhance your in car listening experience!

PBX-DSP8 iOS
Click here to download the new PBX-DSP8 App for your Apple iOS Device.
Link Multiple XL-RGB1 to one app and control them all from your device!

PBX-DSP8 Android
Click here to download the new PBX-DSP8 App for your Android Device.
Dial in your sound from your phone, or tablet from your listening position in car with out the need of cables and bulky laptops!

  • Digital Signal Processor for system integration.
  • Wireless / APP Control compatible with PBX-DSP8.
  • Auto Turn on with DC Offset
  • High and Low level input
  • Low Level user adjustable Outputs
  • 8 Channels input / 8 channels output
  • Amplifier remote turn on with user selectable delay

Processing Features:

  • 32-Bit Digital Signal Processing
  • 31 Band User Adjustable Equalization per channel
  • User Adjustable Delay and Gain per channel
  • User Adjustable Crossover Network with adjustable slopes 6 – 48db
  • User Selectable Phase control per channel 0 / 180 degrees
  • Adjustable input voltage per channel pairings 250mV – 9V

Visit powerbassusa.com for more.

Crossover Marketing Expands to Fuel Future Growth

BATTLE GROUND, WA (01.05.24) – In a strategic move to advance future growth plans in the Pacific Northwest, The Crossover Marketing Group proudly announces the addition of Zach Vanatta to its dynamic team.

Zach brings not only a wealth of experience with automobiles, but a strong desire to work closely with like-minded people in the car audio industry. While pursuing his Business Marketing degree at Clark College, Zach honed his skills at a local Auto Broker and Dealership, managing critical business operations.

Now he joins Crossover, ready to write the next chapter in his career.

“I’ve known Zach for years, and I’m excited about the person he’s on track to become. With the right support and guidance, he will soon help define the next generation of Sales Reps in the industry.” said Rob Sutton on why he chose Zach for this important growth phase of the company.

This expansion will help Crossover utilize the unique tools that have been built quietly over the last several months, including full integration of proprietary programs to manage every aspect of the business, and several unique new sales focused programs that will roll out this year…most of all, this move will bolster the priority on customer service for dealer partners that is a core tenet of the Crossover Marketing Group.

“Operationally Zach’s addition to the team is timely and aligns perfectly with our vision and plans to provide unparalleled client support and a strong and consistent field presence to drive value to both our vendors and customer base here in the Pacific Northwest“ said Paul Pilat about the bigger picture for the company.

Visit www.crossovermktg.com for more.

SQ Soundz Is Driving Professional Car And Home Audio In Barbados And The Caribbean Islands

BRIDGETOWN, BARBADOS (01.05.24) – Barbados is an eastern Caribbean island and an independent British Commonwealth nation with the capitol in Bridgetown. Tiffany and Triston Parris operate a business that facilitates product deliveries plus conducting sound-off competitions across the various Caribbean islands with a focus of dB Drag Racing events. Custom in-vehicle installation is also included in the company’s daily activities.

Tiffany and Triston Parris pictured on their deck with a selection of HKI products.
Tiffany and Triston admiring a sound system setup in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, done by Maxwell Smith.

“Our journey into car audio installation, distribution and hosting dB Drag events has been exciting and a truly rewarding experience. We’ve made friends throughout the industry that we now consider our family – from dealers and audio teams on different islands to international suppliers and judges. It’s hard to imagine what our lives were like before these relationships became an integral part of our journey” Tiffany and Triston related.

Everything was set up and ready early in the morning for this dB Drag Racing competition.

Continuing “Imagine that we started our business over 14 years ago, shopping online for accessories to representing some of the best competitive brands in the industry today, such as SounDigital, Ground Zero, DC Audio, Incriminator Audio, Singer Alternators, XS Power, Triton Loud Speakers (Brazil), and Sparked Innovations. We really must especially thank Rusty Flowers from DC Audio for taking a chance on us and trusting us with his brand, starting us off on this incredible trajectory of working with these amazing companies. We treat each brand as if it is our own, believing that when you interact with SQ Soundz, it should be as though you are dealing directly with the supplier in “their” Caribbean locations. Focusing on the importance of these personal connections, we strive to provide a level of service that reflects the values of the brands we represent and this has been the foundation of our growth strategy.”

A pallet of XS Power batteries just arrived in Barbados.

HKI USA CEO Diogo Iannaccone offered “Triston and Tiffany at SQ Soundz are our very good partners from Barbados and they drive HKI brands and business across the Caribbean.”

SQ Soundz has a 2024 and beyond plan in place to continue to drive the enjoyment of music across the the Caribbean Islands.

Visit sq-soundz.business.site for more.

Boomer Robinson Is The New Shiflet & Dickson Road Warrior

GASTONIA, NC (01.04.24) – David Holland, Shiflet & Dickson VP and GM, stated “Boomer Robinson is our new Road Warrior to travel the territory we serve in southeastern US. Boomer’s exact territory will be eastern North Carolina, South Carolina and East Tennessee.”

Boomer brings a great deal of experience in retail as well as experience in the 12volt distributor arena. Outside sales with DAS, Next Level Marketing and Ambassador Marketing are included in his 12volt work experience.

“Our dealers will appreciate the knowledge Boomer brings to the table when he enters their stores” Holland concluded.

Visit shifletdickson.com for more.

Design Engineering Intros New Custom Cut Van Insulation Kits

AVON LAKE, OH (01.04.24) – “Van life” just got a little bit cooler, thanks to Design Engineering, Inc.’s (DEI) newly expanded line of custom cut van insulation kits.

DEI’s custom cut van insulation kits are now available for the 2023 model year of the Ford Transit, and the 2022 Dodge Ram ProMaster cargo vans. Custom insulation kits are also available for select models of (high-roof) 2007 and up model years Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans.

“Transit and ProMaster custom cut insulation kits are an excellent addition to our line of Sprinter van kits,” said Mike Buca, product manager at DEI. “They take the guesswork out of creating a cool, quiet and comfortable interior for your Transit and ProMaster vans.”

These custom cut insulation kits include pre-cut insulation pieces for each area of your interior. Installation is quick and easy, using custom-cut 30mm and 12mm thick D-Mat insulation that keeps the cabin a comfortable temperature and Boom Mat damping material that eliminates squeaks, rattles and vibrations.

Cargo vans remain popular for commercial, recreational and personal use. DEI offers a variety of products to make your cargo van more comfortable for whatever the road may have in store.

For more information about custom cut van insulation kits or any of DEI’s complete line of heat and sound control products, visit www.designengineering.com.

Alpine Welcomes GS Distributing Company as an Authorized Dealer Fulfillment Center for Northern California

AUBURN HILLS, MI (01.03.24) – Alps Alpine North America, Inc. (“Alpine”) welcomes GS Distributing Company, a NABI Industries, Inc. company, as a new Authorized Dealer Fulfillment Center in Alpine’s Northern California markets.

Shams Nabi (L), GS Distributing President and Bryan To, Area Sales Manager, are pictured with an Alpine shipment that just arrived in the warehouse.

“We look forward to partnering with GS Distributing as an Authorized Dealer Fulfillment Center for our Northern California markets,” said Gregg Thomas, Director of National Sales for the Aftermarket Division at Alps Alpine North America. “Their fast shipping, coupled with their ability to cultivate personal relationships with their customers, will positively impact our dealers’ business.”

With over 40 years of experience in the aftermarket car audio industry, GS Distributing has built a rapport with manufacturers and retailers by providing friendly, personable service and fast shipping from their 20,000 square-foot facility centrally located in Sacramento, CA as well as their new 25,000 square foot location in Livermore, CA.

“We at GS Distributing are honored with the opportunity to be the Authorized Dealer Fulfillment Center for the Northern California and Northern Nevada market. Being based in Northern California, we offer same-day will call and one-day shipping to help continue the growth of the Alpine Brand,” said Shams Nabi, President GS Distributing.

Details of the partnership were communicated directly to Alpine Authorized Dealers in the territory.

Visit alpsalpine.com and gsdistributingcompany.com for more.

1sixty8 media Unveils AI Utilization Statement

LEHIGHTON, PA – In a significant move towards integrating artificial intelligence into its operations, 1sixty8 media has officially published its AI Utilization Statement. This document specifically outlines how the company plans to incorporate AI technology into its services, ensuring that these advancements align with its commitment to excellence and ethical business practices.

The detailed statement is available for review below:
1sixty8 media AI Utilization Statement

Mitch Schaffer in his 1sixty8 office in Leighton, PA.

Mitch Schaffer, the owner of 1sixty8 media, articulates the importance of this development: “Generative AI will soon have profound effects on all aspects of our lives. As business owners, it is important that we learn how to ethically leverage AI at our companies to improve our deliverables and our efficiencies if we want to stay relevant.”

1sixty8 media’s AI Utilization Statement reflects the company’s proactive approach to adopting AI. It serves as a unique guideline, tailored to the company’s operations, on how to ethically and effectively implement AI technology. This initiative is especially significant for business owners and potential customers who may have reservations about AI, providing them with a clear understanding of 1sixty8 media’s stance and strategies regarding AI integration.

Highlighting the inevitability of AI in the business sector, Schaffer notes, “Soon AI use in business will be as common as using Google.” This underscores the necessity for a specialized approach, like that of 1sixty8 Media, in embracing AI technologies.

Addressing concerns about AI potentially overshadowing human creativity, Schaffer reassures, “AI is a powerful tool to augment human creativity, not replace it.” This statement aligns with 1sixty8 media’s commitment to enhancing its service offerings through AI while valuing and preserving the irreplaceable role of human ingenuity.

The AI Utilization Statement is a significant step for 1sixty8 media in demystifying the role of AI in its specific business context. It showcases the company’s dedication to staying ahead in the digital marketing landscape by responsibly harnessing the power of AI, all the while maintaining the highest standards of service quality.

“1sixty8 media remains committed to producing the highest quality deliverables to our clients,” Schaffer asserts. This commitment is deeply embedded in the AI Utilization Statement, demonstrating the company’s dedication to ethical and innovative practices in the era of AI.

For further information, please contact Mitch Schaffer at mitch@1sixty8.com

The 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel Rolling Into Year 6

SHREVEPORT, LA (12.29.23) – WTF…Win This Friday. The 12volt Spin-to-Win Wheel was created to bring an element of fun to the 12volt industry. The weekly 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel is now spinning into YEAR 6!

A December 2019 image and Happy Holidays post with the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel in the 12volt Central Studios.
James Halter at Stereo and Video Center in Tyler TX was the winner of the CRUX prize on the very first 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel. He is shown with his CRUX prize on the counter at his store after it arrived.

Spinning out a winner each Friday, a lucky 12volt retailer can win a cool prize and top brands receive visibility across the marketplace. 12volt retailers hat make a post on Instagram and #12voltspin have a slip placed in the jar and have a chance to win a cool prize from one of the top 12volt brands that have a space on the 12volt Spin-to Win Wheel when it rolls each Saturday morning in the 12volt Central Studios.

Ceasar Marungo is shown with his SiriusXM Prize as the winner of the fourth 12volt Spin-To-Win wheel at Endless Possibilities in Aurora IL.
German Mastrodomenico from Exotic Sounds in West Palm Beach FL is pictured with the C-Note prize as the 12Volt Spin-To-Win winner 15. 12volt prize winners recently have received checks in the mail instead of cash thru the mail.

We appreciate the support from these brands. 12volt Central Studios staff members followup with winners and work to showcase winners with their prizes.

12volt brands with a space on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel include Kicker, NavAtlas, SiriusXM, PowerBass, CRUX, JBL, AlloyGator, Kenwood, JVC, SD Lighting, Nakamichi, Alphasonik, Race Sport Lighting and Maximum Power. 12volt News $100. cash awards have spaces on the 12volt Spin-To-Wheel for the winning 12volt retailer.

For more see 12voltnews.com

WTF… Where’s The Fun… On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel 252 on Friday, December 29th. The first spin in 2024 will be on Friday January 5th 2024 with Wheel spin 253.