PALM BEACH, FL (03.15.24) – Gooichi Motors and ZyCoat is proud to announce an extraordinary event set to take place at the Palm Beach International Boat Show. For the very first time in Florida, we will be unveiling our remarkable BMW GT3 Z4, powered by a Supercharged M120 Engine and the exhaust system coated with ZyClear the revolutionary high temperature, high gloss, corrosion resistant coating, aboard the prestigious Mega yacht “Far Niente.”  ZyCoat will demonstrate ZyClear’s technology innovation & applications for the marine industry while on board.   

This historic occasion promises an unforgettable experience for attendees and media alike. The Palm Beach International Boat Show is renowned for its luxury, elegance, and innovation, making it the perfect backdrop for our debut. On March 21st-24th , visitors will have the exclusive opportunity to witness the marriage of automotive excellence and maritime grandeur with ZyClear treated, Gooichi Motors SEMA Race car takes its place on the back of “Far Niente.”

This groundbreaking event marks a significant milestone for Gooichi Motors and ZyCoat and highlights our joint commitment to pushing the boundaries of performance and engineering. This 1500hp Street-legal BMW GT3 Z4 represents the pinnacle of automotive innovation, delivering unparalleled power, precision, and speed. This vehicle made its debut at the 2023 SEMA show, where it earned recognition by securing a position in the top three for the SEMA Best Engineered Vehicle Award.

Visit https://www.gooichimotors.com, https://zycoat.com, and https://www.pbboatshow.com for more.

ANCHORAGE, AK (03.15.24) – Known by so many throughout the industry as “Big Bro”, SoundShield founder and CEO, John Schwartz has earned that title by doing whatever he can to help others be their best. At the next Knowledgefest event, which takes place in Nashville, TN from April 19th through April 21st, Schwartz’s company will continue that tradition by sponsoring the seminar entitled “Cast Off the Crutches”. This seminar, which will be delivered by Jon Kowanetz of Pathways Coaching & Consulting, aims to help attendees to identify and overcome the obstacles that are holding them back from getting to where they want to go in both their personal and professional life.

Through the sharing of personal experiences with habit and behavior change, Part 1 of this seminar seeks to empower others to proudly acknowledge the areas in their own lives that they would like to change and shows them how doing so could benefit them both at home and at work. Whether the habit is as seemingly harmless as nail biting or excessive social media usage, or as destructive as alcohol and drug dependence, attendees will learn a step-by-step process to overcome it.

Part 2 of Cast Off the Crutches is a workshop that builds upon what attendees learned in Part 1, by giving them an opportunity to use that same step-by-step process to create an actual plan to change their unwanted habits and behaviors, in a way they may not have encountered before. “We all know that in order to change a habit or behavior, we must first acknowledge it,” Kowanetz said “But to create the desire to actually make that change, we need to clearly define why it is a problem for us, how much it could negatively affect our lives if we don’t change it and how much our lives could improve if we do!”

“Look, we all need to make money, sell more, install better and there are so many classes at KnowledgeFest that will teach people how to do those things,” said John Schwartz of the sponsorship “But what is all that worth if we are not good within ourselves? The industry needs a class like this and SoundShield is proud to support it!” 

Part 1 of “Cast Off the Crutches” will be delivered at 8:00 am on Saturday, April 20 2024 in room 103 A and Part 2 will be delivered at 10:30 am on Sunday, April 21 2024 in room 103 A, as part of the Knowledgefest Nashville event, being held at the Music City Center in Nashville TN. 

Please contact Jon Kowanetz at Pathways Coaching & Consulting with any questions. 

Visit https://www.soundshieldusa.com for more.

NORTH ANDOVER, MA (03.14.24) – The Mobile Electronics Association (MEA) is thrilled to announce an innovative addition to this year’s KnowledgeFest in Nashville — the highly anticipated Truck Expo. This dynamic event will spotlight a variety of truck and off-road categories, featuring top-notch products such as truck bed covers, step and nerf bars, weather protection, and much more.

RealTruck, the premier global manufacturer and digital destination of accessories for trucks, Jeep, and Bronco, will be a highlight at the Truck Expo, showcasing leading brands including AMP, Go Rhino, Retrax, AVS, Husky, and more. In addition to RealTruck, numerous other truck accessory exhibitors will be on display, providing attendees with an extensive range of products and innovations, and Meyer Distributing will be hosting several truck accessories partners to exhibit and demonstrate their products.

The Truck Expo will offer a main stage on the exhibit floor, hosting key industry speakers, product demonstrations, and hands-on demos. Chris Cook, President of MEA, emphasized the significance of the truck accessories category, stating, “The truck accessories category is a great way for our member companies to enhance their business. We welcome dealers/jobbers to explore traditional mobile electronics products as well.”

KnowledgeFest, already renowned for its comprehensive educational workshops, will feature over 150 hours of sessions covering key topics for owners and managers, sales and marketing, as well as technicians and fabricators. The Truck Expo aligns with MEA’s commitment to provide diverse opportunities for growth within the industry. Attendees can look forward to engaging seminars, insightful workshops, interactive demonstrations, and unparalleled networking opportunities.

Truck accessories retailers, even those not currently MEA members, will receive special invite codes from exhibiting manufacturers and distributors, enabling them to register for free and explore the exciting offerings at KnowledgeFest. MEA anticipates about 250 additional attendees.

As an added incentive, retailers registering and attending KnowledgeFest will have the chance to win a Ford F-150, loaded with products from participating exhibitors.

MEA invites mobile electronics retailers, distributors, manufacturers, and industry enthusiasts to mark their calendars for all the KnowledgeFest 2024/25 events and be part of this exceptional opportunity to revolutionize the mobile electronics landscape.

Upcoming KnowledgeFest events:
• April 19-21, 2024 – Nashville, TN
• June 7-9, 2024 – Atlantic City, NJ
• August 23-25, 2024 – Dallas, TX
• January 31 to February 2, 2025 – Las Vegas, NV

Learn more at mobile-electronics.com

EDMONTON, CANADA (03.14.24) – Eleven Engineering, Inc. is proud to announce that Jessica Ritchie has joined the company’s growing Research & Development Design Team.

“We have seen a continued need to grow our R&D department the past couple years due to unrivaled growth for Eleven Engineering,” said Rex Whitehead, Eleven Engineering executive vice president, sales & marketing. “Jessica’s education and drive make her a perfect fit for our Research & Development Design Team.”

Ritchie graduated the University of Calgary with a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering with a biomedical engineering minor. 

“I was initially drawn to Eleven Engineering because of my interest in RF technologies, and I was also intrigued that they designed their own processors as this is almost unheard of in wireless audio,” said Ritchie, whose current responsibilities include writing firmware for products such as Dillinger Labs’ Death From Below subwoofer, and improving internal software tools. “It was obvious Eleven Engineering is doing something unique and I wanted to be a part of it. Since joining, I have already learned so much about audio engineering and embedded systems, and I am very excited to be part of the team.” 

SKAA has become the go-to wireless solution for the emerging PSM (Party Speaker Market) due to its long range and the fact that no network is required. Additionally, SKAA wireless lets the integrator easily create a dedicated multi-room home audio superhighway with a range up to 150 feet with a robust, interference-free low-latency signal eliminating lip-sync issues with TV and gaming. SKAA-enabled products can stream music between them, up to four sets simultaneously – one transmitter to four devices. In environments laden with heavy Wi-Fi and Bluetooth traffic, SKAA navigates through these hostile environments with best-in-class reliability. SKAA also allows for uninterrupted audio signals that are delivered with the highest sound quality to all speakers without the latency that is inherent in other wireless solutions.

SKAA is available as a built-in technology not requiring an external transmitter in purpose-designed partner products. SKAA transmitters work with iOS & Android mobile devices, Mac & Windows computers, televisions, and just about any product with a line output or a headphone jack.

Eleven Engineering breaks down the Seven Deadly Sins of WiFi Audio on its YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tw2iSCuT0x8).

For more on SKAA and the Seven Deadly Sins of WiFi Audio, please subscribe to https://www.youtube.com/user/SKAAwireless and visit SKAA.com.

For additional information, contact Rex Whitehead at 480-650-3979 or email whitehead@eleveneng.com. For more information on Eleven Engineering, visit www.elevenengineering.com, SKAA wireless YouTube channel, and Facebook/.

GRAPEVINE, TX (03.13.24) – Southwest Sales & Marketing is now on the road in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana with the THINKWARE Dash Cam line on their brands line card.

Billy Alexandre, THINKWARE Sales Manager, stated “We are moving forward with setting up a rep firm network across the US and recently appointed Scott Ringo and his team to represent the THINKWARE brand in their territory. Scott and his team Tommy McClure and Taylor Williams hit the road to see 12volt retailers. Those dealers can showcase the important dash cam category to their customers.”

Ringo offered ‘Our firm had not been looking at this category. One day I overhead my wife, an insurance claims adjuster, talking about the importance of drivers installing dash cams to document and accident that could occur and result in a claim. I then learned more and contacted Billy at THINKWARE. The dash cam category offers many opportunities for specialty retailers who utilize consumer focused sales presentations in their stores. The THINKWARE line is loaded with top features that are very beneficial to consumers driving safely on the road.”

Alexandre related “The THINKWARE dash cam lineup includes models with advanced technology features like radar parking mode, Bluetooth and dual-band WI-FI connection along with speed and red-light camera alerts. Front and rear cameras make the THINKWARE a premium in-vehicle connectivity dash cam line.”

Southwest Sales & Marketing represents HKI, Epsilon, Maxxsonics, Cicada and Beyma along with THINKWARE. see swssalesmarketing.com for more or contact 214-212-9049 for more.

LIBERTYVILLE, IL (03.13.24) – DISCUS is BACK! Get ready to experience NEW HIGHS in treble performance with Discus Speaker Systems. ALL-NEW for 2024 — Discus speakers deliver much brighter highs and trebles in every song through inverted dome tweeter technology. Hear and take in incredible clarity in every note with undistorted sound through the innovation of Discus speakers. Deeper sound meets LOUD.

It’s time for your TREBLE GAME to transform to new heights of sound!

The MB Quart Discus speaker line includes: 3.5-inch coaxial speakers, 4-inch coaxial speakers, 5.25-inch coaxial speakers, 6.5-inch coaxialspeakers, 6.5-inch shallow mount coaxial speakers, 4×6-inch coaxial speakers, 5×7/6×8-inch coaxial speakers, 6×9-inch coaxial speakers, and a 6.5-inch component speaker system. Hear more sound. Feel more LOUD.

For complete details on each speaker model – follow the link HERE.

ALL-NEW Discus speakers set the bar in audio playback through inverted dome tweeter technology. Embrace more detail in every song with improved tweeters brightening highs, steady mids adding layers of richer sound, and an overall speaker upgrade to your MB Quart audio system.

FEATURES ACROSS THE MB QUART DISCUS SPEAKER LINE
TWEETERS – Aluminum inverted dome tweeters deliver great sound with increased reliability.
SURROUND / CONE COUPLING – Butyl rubber surrounds provide durability and deeper mid-bass impact.
CONE MATERIAL – Lightweight thermal-formed Polypropylene cones enable faster midrange response.
VOICE COIL / FORMER ASSEMBLY – Pure Copper voice coil creates a strong magnetic field with a very thin extrusion. Kapton voice coil former is lightweight and efficiently dissipates heat.
SPIDER – Natural fiber allows flexibility, while the infused epoxy gives strength during the manufacturing process.
MOTOR – Ferrite magnet motor creates a strong magnetic field while remaining small enough to fit in nearly every application.

Enhanced butyl rubber surrounds provide consistent durability adding deeper mid-bass impact in every beat as the cone/surround connection utilizes a high-temperature adhesive, which assures the cone and surround do not separate in high power uses or extreme weather conditions.

Inverted dome tweeter technology has arrived through MB Quart Discus innovation. Get ready to embrace deeper treble impact through innovative layers of Discus technology. Hear more of your sound through Discus speaker systems and elevate your MB Quart car audio system NOW!

Learn more HERE about the line of MB Quart Discus Speaker Systems.

GASTONIA, NC (03.12.24) – Make your plans to attend the 2024 Shiflet & Dickson Dealer Show. The event kicks off Saturday night at 7 pm with a St Patty’s Day party featuring live music along with food and refreshments in the company’s facility in Gastonia. Sunday is the show day that runs from 9 am until 5 pm with over 20 brands represented in the showroom. Outside there will be live vehicle demos. Food and refreshments are on the menu on show day Sunday also.

Shiflet & Dickson’s David Holland stated “This will be our 32nd dealer show! Many dealers have not had the ability to go to a show recently to see the newest 12volt products. With vendor motorcycles and other vehicles in the house we plan on letting our customers hear what these products sound like in a real world setting… other than a YouTube video on a smartphone or laptop.”

Continuing Holland offered “We will have trainings on Sunday with certain vendors as well as having reps on the show floor to meet with and answer questions. We start the St Patty’s Day party Saturday night with food, refreshments and live entertainment with a rock’n roll band.”

12volt brands to be showcased include Kicker, JVC Mobile, CRUX, Metra, DB Drive, Jensen, AudioControl, Polk Audio, PowerBass, Nakamichi, Audio Enhancers, SD Lighting, XPERT, Maximum Power, Planet Audio, MaxPro Film, Rydeen, LinksWell and SoundStream.

Concluding Holland stated “Our show is like having our large family come into our facility for a large get together. We also have many of our vendors that have offered us special discounts before and after the show to make our dealers more profitable on their sales floors. The floor have been polished and we look forward to seeing our extended family on Saturday and Sunday, March 16th and 17th.”

Contact your Shiflet & Dickson inside or outside sales person to make sure you are able to sit down and take advantage of the special pricing being offered for dealers at the show. Contact 800-222-9411 for more.

Visit shifletdickson.com for more.

ELKHART, IN (03.12.24) – ASA Electronics, LLC—the leading provider of premium marine, agricultural, commercial vehicle, and recreational vehicle audio solutions—announced today a new heavy-duty (HD) stereo lineup that brings unmatched sound and durability to the everyday farmer, driver, and road brave-heart in town. 

Bluetooth Stereo with DAB+ 

The JHD62 and JHD962BT are built to deliver crystal-clear personal music and enable hands-free calling above the worksite or road noise elements. The compact size of the Mini version (JHD962BT) allows for tight installations without compromising powerful sound in harsh work conditions, making it an ideal choice for fully loaded cabs and close quarters. 

Bluetooth and Weatherband Stereo 

The JHD22 and the much-anticipated successor JHD922BT (upgrading from JHD91022BT) go beyond expectations with Bluetooth and an array of additional features, including the ability to withstand dust, dirt, grime, and water with a UV and water-resistant front panel (rated at IPX5). The Mini version (JHD922BT) boasts a compact size that enables snug installations without sacrificing sound quality, even in loud and rugged environments. 

“After 17 years with this company, this might be one of my favorite product launches,” says Mark Wojtys, Vice President of the HD Division at ASA Electronics. “ASA has a strong history of durable, heavy-duty products that last years for our customers. We have brought and continue to bring audio solutions tough enough for construction equipment and powerful enough for powersports vehicles. As one of my final projects before I retire, I couldn’t be prouder of the legacy I’m leaving behind.” 

The lineup gets its slogan “Harsh Conditions Certified” from ASA Electronics’ engineering team’s commitment to exceptional longevity and durability. Through rigorous testing procedures, each stereo is equipped with features like circuit board protection and UV and water resistance to withstand the challenges of rugged work environments. A unique membrane behind the screen protects the unit against dust, ensuring a clear display and optimal functionality for years. Additionally, ASA evolved the new HD lineup to include Bluetooth technology in lieu of the CD deck, allowing users to customize their experience and enjoy an extensive library of songs without physical storage constraints. The absence of deck openings and moving parts in the solid-state internal hardware enhances durability, allowing for better tolerance to external elements like shock, vibration, dust, and heat. 

Contact Joe Camacho, successor to Mark Wojtys, at jcamacho@asaelectronics.com for more information or visit https://www.jensen-electronics.com/jensen-heavy-duty/ to find stereos that straddle the line between utility and entertainment.

ORLANDO, FL (03.11.24) – VOXX Electronics Corporation (VEC) is thrilled to announce the appointment of Ian Worrall as its Eastern Region Retail Sales Manager.

With over 20 years of extensive experience in the 12-volt industry, including over a decade in distribution, Worrall brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his new role at VOXX Electronics Corporation. His journey in the industry began in the install bay, where he gained invaluable hands-on experience before transitioning to sales and management roles.

“I am excited to join the VOXX Electronics Corporation team and contribute to the company’s continued success in the automotive aftermarket industry,” said Worrall. “VOXX’s commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction aligns perfectly with my values, and I look forward to leveraging my experience to drive growth in the Eastern Region.”

As the Eastern Region Retail Sales Manager, Worrall will be responsible for leading sales initiatives, developing strategic partnerships, and driving revenue growth in the retail sector across the Eastern United States. His proven track record of building strong relationships and delivering results makes him a valuable addition to the VOXX team.

“Ian’s deep understanding of the 12-volt industry, combined with his leadership skills and passion for excellence, make him the ideal candidate for this role,” said Aron Demers, Senior Vice President, VOXX Electronics Corporation. “We are confident that Ian will play a pivotal role in strengthening our presence in the Eastern Region and further solidifying VOXX’s position as a leader in automotive aftermarket solutions.”

Based in Enola, Pennsylvania, Ian will be instrumental in expanding VOXX Electronics Corporation’s footprint and delivering exceptional service to customers throughout the Eastern United States. He can be reached at iworrall@voxxintl.com.

For more information on becoming a VOXX Electronics Dealer, Expeditor, or Restyler in the US, please visit: www.voxxelectronics.com/become-dealer

For more information on becoming a VOXX Electronics Dealer in Canada, please visit: gemsen.com/become-a-dealer

EDMOND, OK (03.11.24) – Petra Industries, the consumer technology authority and wholesale electronics distributor, is excited to announce the addition of King Boxes to its 12-volt family of products.

King Boxes launched in 2019, filling a need for speaker enclosures at a time when supply chain issues were hitting the 12-volt industry hard. Initially developed as a house brand for Audio King, a Gadsden, AL retailer and now spun off as its own entity, King Boxes understands the need to not only produce top-quality product but to also ship orders out quickly. Their portfolio includes a variety of enclosures, from black carpeted boxes, to bed-liner sprayed boxes, alongside offerings that fill gaps left by other manufacturers, including both universal and vehicle-specific boxes.

“We chose King Boxes for their high-quality speaker and subwoofer enclosures and their ready availability,” said Tate Morgan, President, Petra Industries. “Not only does the brand enable us to offer a larger assortment to customers, but also their inventory supply is consistent and their prices competitive. Anyone in the 12-volt space looking for quality speaker enclosures certainly needs to spec our assortment of King Boxes.”

Explore the full range of King Boxes products at petra.com.