JASPER, IN (07.16.24) – Meyer Distributing announces the winner of the Mustang Giveaway: Midwest Aftermarket, a retailer for aftermarket auto parts based in Litchfield, IL.

Holley, Air Lift and Mickey Thompson sponsored the giveaway of this 2024 Mustang GT Premium in Grabber Blue. The 5.0L Mustang was outfitted with a 6-speed manual with Hurst shifter, Recaro seats, 9” Brembo brakes with painted-to-match calipers, active exhaust with Flowmaster Outlaw catback, Carroll Shelby 20×9.5 CS3 Gunmetal front wheels with 255/35R20 Mickey Thompson Street Comp Tires, Carroll Shelby 20×11 CS3 Gunmetal rear wheels with 305/35R20 Mickey Thompson Street Comp Tires, raised wing rear spoiler, and full Air Lift Performance suspension with 3P and dual compressor setup.

“We are very excited to announce the winner of the Mustang Giveaway to Midwest Aftermarket. The Cooper brothers have been great partners for all aspects of products we carry at Meyer for a long time now,” says Austin Zehr, Performance Sales Manager at Meyer. “It was awesome to be able to deliver the car directly to them at the shop and see their reactions first hand. They have a great team and we look forward to continue watching them grow.”

“My relationship with the Cooper brothers has grown tremendously,” claims Zach Wood, Sales Manager at Meyer. “They are hardworking, good people with a strong vison in sight. They are more than deserving winners of the Mustang Giveaway.”

“The car is way above expectations. I loved to get to meet Austin to hear about all the different aspects of the vehicle and appreciate his willingness to take time out of his day to deliver,” states Zac Cooper, owner of Midwest Aftermarket. “My relationship with Meyer and Zach is amazing. I would have never expected a company the size of Meyer to be such a personal partner and go above and beyond every day to make sure my account is a priority. Relationships in business have become a thing of the past with most companies, but not with Meyer Distributing.”

Meyer Distributing is a complete international automotive and RV/towing distributor. With 107 locations nationwide and over 3,500,000 sq. ft. of warehouse space, Meyer has a huge inventory of parts to service their customers. With strategically positioned warehouse facilities, Meyer Distributing is able to provide next day delivery to most locations using Meyer Logistics direct ship.

Visit mymeyer.com for more.

PHOENIX, AZ (07.16.24) – Lucky Star Trading, LLC, operating as Cicada Audio and Recoil Audio, is pleased to announce the appointment of Justin Miller as Regional Sales Manager. This strategic hire comes in response to the surging demand for the company’s Motorcycle Audio category, the last project spearheaded by late founder Larry A. Frederick.

Justin Miller brings over two decades of industry experience to the role, with a strong background in audio solutions for the Powersports and Motorsports markets. His appointment is aimed at managing the explosive growth in the Motorcycle Audio segment while upholding the company’s commitment to quality and innovation.

The late Larry A. Frederick, co-founder of Cicada Audio, had previously stated, “The Motorcycle Audio market represents an untapped potential for high-quality, innovative audio solutions. Our goal is to revolutionize how riders experience music on the road.” This vision has proven prescient, with the category experiencing unprecedented demand.

Ron Trout, newly appointed President of Lucky Star Trading, commented on the hire: “Justin’s extensive experience and deep understanding of our market make him the ideal candidate to lead our regional sales efforts. His addition to the team will help us meet the growing demand while maintaining the high standards set by Larry Frederick.”

Marty Deane, Director of Sales and Product Development, added, “The response to our Motorcycle Audio line has been overwhelming. Justin’s expertise will be crucial in managing this growth and expanding our market presence. His appointment reaffirms our commitment to Larry’s vision of delivering exceptional audio experiences to motorcycle enthusiasts.”

Miller’s role will involve overseeing sales strategies, building customer relationships, and ensuring the successful market penetration of both Cicada Audio and Recoil Audio products across his assigned region.

“I’m honored to join the team at Lucky Star Trading,” said Justin Miller. “Larry Frederick’s legacy in the audio industry is unparalleled, and I’m excited to contribute to the continued success of his final project. The potential in the Motorcycle Audio category is enormous, and I look forward to helping the company meet this growing demand.”

Visit cicadaaudio.com and recoilaudio.com for more.

About Lucky Star Trading, LLC (Cicada Audio and Recoil Audio): Lucky Star Trading, LLC, operating as Cicada Audio and Recoil Audio, is a leader in innovative audio solutions. With a strong focus on quality and customer satisfaction, the company offers a wide range of audio products designed to enhance the listening experience, particularly in the Powersports and Motorsports markets.

Contact: Marty Deane Director of Sales and Product Development Cicada Audio and Recoil Audio Email: marty@cicadaaudio.com Phone: 480-716-7769

PHOENIX, AZ (06.10.24) – Orion Car Audio proudly announces the return of industry legend Bill Turner as the Vice President of Dealer Success. The board of directors has chosen Bill Turner to lead Orion’s efforts and report directly to the investors. With a clear mission to revive American-made car audio and reintroduce the Original Orion experience in 2024, Bill Turner’s return to Orion marks a significant turning point for the brand.

Bill Turner brings an unparalleled level of devotion to Orion, spearheading the revival of the brand. With decades of experience in selling Orion’s products to installers, retailers, and mobile enthusiasts, Bill is reuniting the talented individuals who played a crucial role in Orion’s success.

“Our vision is to resurrect the spirit of the old Orion. We want to go beyond offering U.S.-made products and develop a symbiotic relationship with our dealers—treating them as part of our family once again,” says Bill Turner. “We are determined to support the growth of independent specialty retailers and invite them to test our commitment by engaging in our free 60-day trial. Contact family@orioncaraudio.com today and take us for a test ride.”

Bill Turner’s primary responsibilities at Orion are twofold: to revitalize American-made car audio and to foster Orion family support for independent specialty retailers. Orion is currently in the process of assembling the Original Orion family once again, and they are reaching out to those who share their passion for Orion.

“We are thrilled to be bringing back the Original Orion experience and are committed to building strong dealer relationships, just like in the early days of Orion,” adds Bill Turner. “We welcome those who share our passion for Orion to reach out to us at family@OrionCarAudio.com. We would love to speak with anyone who wants to be part of the Original Orion family.”

Orion fans should visit the updated website OrionCarAudio.com and hear our vision directly from Bill Turner and the other Orion O.G.’s. (Old Guys).

From customers to competitors and every retailer in between, if you have a question, hit us up at family@OrionCarAudio.com

BOCA RATON, FL (06.10.24) – Tint World Automotive Styling Centers has announced that experienced industry executives J.R. Stocks and Kurt Hurley have joined the company as it continues to experience explosive growth.

Stocks has been named Tint World’s chief growth officer and Hurley has been named vice president of marketing. They lead a fast-growing Tint World corporate team that continues its investment in talent and franchisee support in 2024 with enhanced business coaching, accounting and operations departments.

“J.R. and Kurt know what it takes to thrive and excel in high-growth industries,” said Charles J. Bonfiglio, president and CEO of Tint World. “They’ve demonstrated they share our vision to empower franchisees with the proven tools and systems that help them succeed, and we’re proud to have them in the Tint World family. Their leadership skills and experience will be critical as Tint World continues building the number-one franchise brand for automotive aftermarket solutions.”

Stocks has more than 25 years of experience shaping the automotive and marine electronics industries, including extensive experience as a vice president and C-level executive. In his new position, he leads Tint World’s business development and growth strategies.

“This is an incredible opportunity to be part of something special,” Stocks said. “Tint World’s innovative systems and processes are transforming the automotive franchise market. It’s exciting to be part of this groundbreaking enterprise and to be in position to accelerate Tint World’s growth while having a positive impact on the lives and careers of all our franchisees.”

Hurley brings more than 25 years of marketing and entrepreneurial experience across multiple industries to his new role. He has overseen holistic marketing operations for a range of health care, home service, finance and marketing businesses. In his new role, he supports the franchise’s continuing fast growth through innovative communications and brand consistency.

“Tint World is recognized as the most trusted franchise brand in the industry,” Hurley said. “The corporate team is talented and passionate, and our franchisees are committed to delivering world-class service to their communities. It’s a joy to develop and execute messaging and marketing efforts that continue elevating the brand and enhancing the company’s position as the industry leader.”

Visit tintworld.com for more.

IRVINE, CA (07.10.24) – Audison has announced the release of its highly anticipated bit Drive 2.0 software, featuring the innovative ACCORDO auto-tuning. Now, at the push of a button, this cutting-edge technology offers an industry-first guarantee of audio quality configuration for DSP-equipped products.

Developed by the Audison R&D team, ACCORDO acoustically tunes a car audio system to a selected target with time and phase alignment. This innovative feature not only saves time but also ensures a high-quality audio experience. In a few moments, the step-by-step wizard procedure performs output EQ, level, and time delay adjustments using a single external microphone or soundcard. Simply connect your microphone, select a target curve, or create your own. ACCORDO does the rest.

“With ACCORDO, we are the only company that can guarantee high-quality sound in a vehicle to our dealers and their customers,” said Pietro Pantaleone, President of Elettromedia Group. “Now dealers and their technical staff can spend less time tuning a car audio system and get better results for their customers guaranteed by Audison.”

Audison bit Drive continues its lead as an industry-standard DSP software platform without the need for expensive external hardware. In addition to the extensive features from previous releases, bit Drive features a range of new tools, including:

Upmixer: A proprietary algorithm that creates a wider spatial image for driver and passenger seats, significantly improving the listening experience. The algorithm reproduces monophonic music content on the center speaker while maintaining stereophonic content on the left and right channels. Upmixer offers three modes (Wide, Default, Narrow) to match your stage width preferences.

Target Curve Management: Includes an eleven-band parametric/graphic EQ, six preloaded target curves, and import/export options for target curve files.

Preferential Memories: The device automatically switches to the selected memory whenever a source change occurs, ensuring a consistent and optimal listening experience.
Import EQ Settings from REW: Allows seamless import of EQ filter settings from REW for advanced acoustic measurements.

Advanced Time Delay Management: Streamlines the entry of output time delay settings with an integrated window in the main GUI.

Shortcuts: Enhances tuning efficiency with keyboard shortcuts compatible with QWERTY, QWERTZ, and AZERTY layouts.

“Audison has refined what we thought was the best system and made it better,” said Ken Ward, a car audio industry veteran with 30 years of experience. “There is no expensive equipment for the dealers, and anyone trained on bit Drive only needs to learn a few new features to offer customers a guaranteed high-quality audio experience.”

bit Drive 2.0 and the accompanying ACCORDO are available for free download now in the U.S. at Audison.com.

ATLANTIC CITY, NJ (06.18.24) – Zapco and ESB Audio showcased their latest product lineups in the company’s booth along with a Jaguar demo vehicle that drew rave reviews from attendees.

Chris Bennett, who recently joined the Apex Group Italy, manages all US Sales and activities. “This was an opportunity to bring all members of the Apex Group Italy and the US staffs together and proved to be very successful. Enzo Biasella travelled from Italy to join George Jenkins, Ernie Hundal and myself as we presented the Zapco and ESB Audio products and marketing plans. Jack Mazur, and his AllBoro Custom team from New York City, delivered the show stopping Jaguar demo loaded with an extreme custom installation of Zapco and ESB Audio gear.”

“KnowledgeFest Atlantic City was perfect for us to debut ESB Speakers, which are relatively new to the US Market. Many dealers who had not heard of ESB Speakers before were excited by the wide range of speakers and the value of ESB Audio for their stores” Bennett concluded.

AllBoro Custom is a well known 12volt retailer that specializes in custom installations. The Jaguar is Mazur’s personal vehicle. “Actually we worked on the Jaguar project for nearly 2 months. I personally worked on the project. Initially the project was getting all the gear in house and then setting up the custom design work. We started with a little bit of work on the project every day. I lost track of the hours sometime back at about 300 hours. As the show date appoached we went full time and finished up the buld the day before we rolled out to Atlantic City. When the Apex team experienced the sound and installation they very happy. When attendees saw and listened to the Jag they very very impressed and all gave big thumbs up. That was what made me very happy and proud” Mazur stated.

George Jenkins, VP US Sales, related “We were thrilled to have Chris join the Apex Group Italy recently. He did super work organizing everything for our successful launch in Atlantic City. The stage is set to drive Apex Group Italy’s objectives and goals forward.”

ERIE, PA (6.18.24) – The area in front of the Custom Audio location in the West Ridge Plaza was filled with over 100 cars on Sunday June 16th, Father’s Day, to benefit The Anna Shelter mission.

“Cars started showing up early for a place on the plaza and we soon had our max of 100 car, trucks and vans for the event to further the Anna Shelter mission” Sondralee Orengia offered.

The Anna Shelter animal welfare organization in Erie PA was established in June of 2004. The organization helps dogs, cats, small animals… even horses, one animal at a time. During the Sunday event there were gift baskets, raffles and 50/50 opportunities on site along with the RouechaQue food truck which shared a percentage of sales with the Anna Shelter..

Continuing “The event on Father’s Day was so special. The weather was terrific and so many families came to see the wide selection of amazing vehicles at the event and spend the afternoon together.”

On Sunday Custom Audio’s showroom was open and staff members engaged with enthusiasts about the wide variety of 12volt and automotive aftermarket 12volt products available at Custom Audio. Sondralee and Nick were slammed inside as AJ and Paula were outsideand helping Anna Shelter and others direct traffic.

“Last year we were very busy following the event every day during the week following the Car Show and expect to be this year also. Putting the Custom Audio brand in front of consumers and enthusiasts continues to drive business. We certainly look forward to next year’s Anna Shelter event” Orengia concluded.

Visit customaudioshop.net for more.

AVON LAKE, OH (06.18.24) – Design Engineering Inc. (DEI), a worldwide leader in heat and sound control products, is thrilled to announce the launch of its groundbreaking product, ATAC™: Advanced Thermal Acoustic Control Coating.

ATAC (#50208) is a revolutionary water-based coating that sets a new interior heat and noise management standard. It was developed using micro-sphere ceramic technology that utilizes tiny beads to dampen noise and vibrations while reflecting heat up to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (177 degrees Celsius).

Unlike traditional coatings that focus solely on either heat or sound control, ATAC combines both functionalities in one innovative solution thus saving time and money. This cutting-edge product can be sprayed on, rolled, or brushed onto interiors, providing unparalleled performance in heat and sound management.

“We are excited to introduce ATAC to our customers,” said Mike Buca, Brand Manager of Design Engineering Inc. “With ATAC, we are offering a unique solution in one product that addresses the dual challenges of heat and sound control. Whether you’re restoring a classic car, refurbishing a boat, upgrading an RV, enhancing a truck, or tackling industrial applications, ATAC delivers exceptional results.”

ATAC is now available for shipping and comes in a convenient 1-gallon size, making it ideal for various projects and applications. Its versatility and effectiveness make it a must-have product for automotive enthusiasts, marine enthusiasts and industrial professionals alike.

Key features and benefits of ATAC include:

• Advanced thermal and acoustic control in one solution saves time and money.
• Reflects radiant heat up to 375 F (177 C) while reducing vibration and noise for a quieter more enjoyable ride.
• Easy application through spraying, rolling, or brushing.
• Available in a 1-gallon resealable bucket that covers up to 75 square feet.
• Provides superior performance compared to traditional coatings.
• Water-based coating that cleans up easily and is environmentally safe.
• Suitable for automotive restoration, marine vessels, RVs, trucks and industrial applications.
• An optional DEI Spray Gun is also available (#50209)

For more information about ATAC, available to order now, visit https://www.designengineering.com/atac-advanced-thermal-acoustic-coating-1-gallon/ or contact sales@designengineering.com.

To learn more about DEI’s complete line of innovative products, visit www.designengineering.com.

ORLANDO, FL (06.13.24) – VOXX Electronics Corporation (VEC) is writing to inform you of an important update regarding the distribution of VOXX Electronics products. After 06-22-24, Davis Distribution will no longer be an authorized distributor for VOXX Electronics products.

However, we have exciting news to share! To ensure continued access to our premium range of products, including Viper, Python, Avital, Directed by VOXX, Prestige, Flashlogic, CarLink, Audiovox, Advent, Movies to Go, and more, we encourage you to establish a direct account with The Progressive Group, our trusted partner.

Progressive Representatives are ready to assist you in setting up your direct account and providing seamless access to the latest VOXX Electronics products. Additionally, you’ll have access to purchasing through Progressive Distribution, in which you’ll enjoy enhanced convenience and efficiency in ordering processes.

But that’s not all! We understand the importance of uninterrupted access to DIRECTECHS, and we are pleased to inform you that by connecting with The Progressive Group, you can ensure the seamless continuation of your DIRECTECHS account.

To get started or if you have any questions, please reach out to your dedicated Progressive Representatives:

Craig Norman: Serving the Greater Indianapolis Area, Greater Louisville and Lexington Area, Greater Cleveland Area, Mid and South Ohio Territory

Email: cnorman@teamprogressive.com

Mobile: (614) 264-0224

Office: (248) 307-9100

Brian Robinson: Covering Northern Indiana and Northern Ohio (excluding Cleveland)

Email: brobinson@teamprogressive.com

Mobile: (574) 930-6326

Office: (616) 878-3500

Nicolas Hayes: Catering to Southern Indiana, Kentucky (excluding Louisville and Lexington), Greater Youngstown Area, West Virginia, and West Pennsylvania

Email: nhayes@teamprogressive.com

Mobile: (480) 433-2293

Office: (616) 878-3500

In addition to setting up a direct account with Progressive Representatives, Progressive Distribution is now authorized to sell VOXX Electronics products in WV, PA, OH, KY, IN, & MI. Please visit the Progressive Distribution website at https://progressivedistribution.net/  or call 1-616-878-3500.

VOXX Electronics products are also available for purchase in KY and IN from Lesco Distributing. Please visit their website at  https://www.lescodistributing.com/ or call 1-800-348-2888

We’re excited about this transition and confident it will enhance your experience with VOXX Electronics products. Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to continuing to serve you in the Ohio River Valley region!

ROSENBURG, TX (05.29.24) – Tim White and Wet Sounds are renowned in the industry for consistently leading the way in innovation in High Performance Audio and showcasing the most impressive vehicles at SEMA. Their innovative products have completely transformed the industry landscape, introducing groundbreaking advancements such as the first-ever Horn Loaded Compression Driver (HLCD) production tower speakers, trailblazing the world’s initial UTV soundbar, pioneering the LED backlight marine speakers, and numerous other industry-defining achievements that have paved the way for the evolution of marine audio today.

Tim established Wet Sounds in 2005 in his Taylor, Texas garage, eventually bringing in partners Brett Triola and Joe Mandola soon after. Together, they propelled Wet Sounds to become one of the most innovative and prominent marine audio manufacturers worldwide, expanding into Powersports, Motorcycle, Lifestyle, and Home Outdoor Audio. Wet Sounds was acquired by Patrick Industries in 2021, leaving the 3 founders as leaders of the company.

Tim follows Brett Triola into retirement, who retired in January of 2024. Tim and Brett have passed the torch to Joe Mandola, as they embark on new ventures. After nearly two decades, Tim is bidding farewell to Wet Sounds to pursue his passion for Tequila as co-owner of the groundbreaking brand, Agazul, set to shake up the Tequila industry much like Wet Sounds revolutionized marine audio.

We send a very heartfelt good luck and hope that he never stops continuing the #WetLife ambition in his future endeavors.

Visit wetsounds.com for more.