LONG BEACH, CA (10.23.23) – KENWOOD USA is excited to announce its return to the highly anticipated SEMA Show in Las Vegas. The event will take place from October 31st to November 3rd at the Las Vegas Convention Center, where KENWOOD will be exhibiting in the North Hall at Booth #11029.
Known for its groundbreaking innovations in audio and electronics, KENWOOD is proud to reintroduce itself to the SEMA community, delivering a fresh range of automotive and motorcycle audio solutions. Attendees can look forward to exploring the latest in new products and cutting-edge technologies.
John Lucas, KENWOOD’s Vice President of Sales, expressed his enthusiasm about the return to SEMA, stating, “We are thrilled to be back at SEMA, a show that provides an ideal platform to showcase our unwavering commitment to quality and innovation. We’re returning with an impressive array of products, including our newest motorcycle audio lineup.”
On display at the show will also be a custom Chevy Colorado that has been outfitted with KENWOOD subwoofers, speakers, and amplifiers. This eye-catching vehicle will be showcased in the Central Hall at the Ranch booth (#58129), offering visitors a firsthand look at the exceptional sound quality and innovative technology that KENWOOD products bring to the automotive experience. NTX Audio Innovations expertly executed the custom build, highlighting the collaborative possibilities that can be achieved with KENWOOD’s technology.
Visitors to the KENWOOD booth at SEMA can expect an immersive experience, with product demonstrations and expert staff on hand to answer questions and provide insight into the latest audio and electronics solutions. KENWOOD looks forward to reconnecting with long-standing partners and forging new relationships within the SEMA community.
To learn more about KENWOOD and its participation in the SEMA Show, please visit Booth #11029 in the North Hall or visit the company’s website at https://www.kenwood.com/usa/car/
ROGERS, AR (09.26.23) – The Audio Edge Team rolled out of the company’s Nederland TX home at 5 AM on Monday September 18th for the 530 mile trip to Rogers, AR. Owner Chris Hulin was behind the wheel of the F350 pulling a 24’ trailer filled with tools, accessories and supplies needed to complete installations on dozens and dozens of bikes at the Bikes, Blues and BBQ Motorcycle Rally that ran September 27-30 in Rogers, AR.
Team members Cody Gressett, James Duvall and Seth Hollier joined Hulin in the F350 cab on the 12 hour trip.
At 5 AM Monday morning Chris Hulin snapped this image in the Audio Edge parking lot in Nederland TX ready to head to Rogers AR.
From Day 1 the Rally was busy in the Rockford Fosgate and KENWOOD area.
The 2023 Bikes, Blues and BBQ Rally was definitely impacted by weather. A total of 10” of rain fell during the week. The first night high wind took out a big tent. As the days passed the weather improved and the event finished under a sunny sky.
During the Rally KENWOOD staff members Tim Hill and Marcus Vasconcellos were under the tent showing bikers product, doing demos and closing sales along with the Audio Edge Team that completed installations.
Each night of the Rally the Audio Edge crew worked late under the lights.
All was well organized for the Audio Edge team with the trailer and install bays.
Momentum Marketing firm members were under the Rockford Fosgate tents during the event. Hector Mena, Gary Biggs, Jimmy Bradfield and Jorge Grijalva worked to show and demo Rockford Fosgate’s extensive line of motorcycle products.
Gary Biggs related, “The Bikes, Blues and BBQ event was was great. We did have rain several days but it did not keep many bikers from coming. We were busy the entire show. Audio Edge has been a strong Rockford Fosgate dealer for many years. We definitely enjoyed spending time with their team during the event.”
Amazing bikes were loaded with the latest from Rockford Fosgate.
Lots of Kenwood power added to this bike.
“This was our fifth trip to the Rally in Rogers and it was another very good trip that we are planning again in 2024. We completed KENWOOD and Rockford Fosgate installations on dozens and dozens of bikes from 8 in the mornings until all jobs were done well into the nights. We did a lot of 2 and 4 speaker installs and quite a few older bikes. The biggest job was a done the last day and was right at $7500. Rockford Fosgate Stage 5 products and radio plus a Kenwood motorcycle camera system were installed. When we packed up for the trip home we didn’t have much inventory on the trailer. We gauged it pretty well based on past trips to Rogers,” Hulin related.
The KENWOOD, Momentum Marketing and Audio Edge teams stayed in a large, very nice rental house on a lake close to the Rally site. ”We ate a lot of pizza, sandwiches and BBQ from food trucks during the day and enjoyed dinners on the grill at the house. Spending time with the KENWOOD and Momentum Team members was a terrific opportunity to talk bike, industry and what’s happening in the world around us,” Hulin added.
It would be a fun ride with this lady biker!
Lots of swag for bikers who added big sound to their rides for the trip home.
Overall attendance at the 2023 Sturgis Rally was reported to be down a bit and weather was certainly a contributing factor.
Concluding, Hulin offered, “We are all very glad to be home. During the rally we talked with hundreds of bikers about what they enjoyed listening to their systems on the road. We will be able to utilize that info as we talk to bikers here at our store. When they hear about out trips to Rogers and Sturgis they know we are the bike experts. The crew at the store did a great job while we were gone. Sales are good in Nederand and we are already getting ready to attend a few more bike rallies. Bike sales are definitely an important and a growing part of our business.”
LONG BEACH, CA (08.02.23) – KENWOOD USA has announced its participation in the highly anticipated Sturgis Rally, held in South Dakota, August 4th- 13th. This marks a significant occasion for KENWOOD as they proudly showcase, sell, and install their state-of-the-art eXcelon Motorsports motorcycle audio products designed and engineered for Harley Davidson motorcycles.
Riding on the open roads has never been more fun than with KENWOOD’s advanced eXcelon motorcycle audio systems. Designed exclusively for the Harley Davidson family of motorcycles, these audio products guarantee an unbeatable experience for riders and passengers alike. Whether you crave heart-pounding bass or crystal-clear highs, eXcelon motorcycle audio products are engineered to deliver unparalleled performance even in the most challenging riding conditions.
“As part of our commitment to partnering with and supporting our authorized dealer network, we are delighted to announce our collaboration with Chris Hulin and his team at The Audio Edge (theaudioedgeonline.com), based in Nederland, TX,” said John Lucas, KENWOOD VP of Sales. “Their expertise and passion for delivering top-notch audio solutions align perfectly with KENWOOD’s commitment to excellence.” The Audio Edge will join KENWOOD in its booth at 1601 Lazelle St in Sturgis to offer live product demonstrations, personalized advice, and professional installations for all eXcelon Motorsports motorcycle audio products as well as their motorsports action cam system.
KENWOOD invites all motorcycle enthusiasts and audio aficionados attending the Sturgis Rally to visit its booth and experience the future of motorcycle audio firsthand. Its dedicated team, together with The Audio Edge, will be on-site to demonstrate the remarkable features and performance of its eXcelon Motorsports motorcycle audio products. Prepare to be amazed by the seamless integration, durability, and unmatched audio quality that KENWOOD brings to the riding experience.
INDIANAPOLIS, IN (06.27.23) – KENWOOD USA showcased the highly anticipated eXcelon Motorsports motorcycle audio line specifically designed and engineered for Harley-Davidson® motorcycles in the company’s booth at K’Fest. The cutting-edge audio products are now shipping, allowing motorcycle enthusiasts to elevate their riding experience with unparalleled sound quality and performance.
Josh Bowen in the Kenwood booth during setup with the Harley RoadGlide by Audio Source.
Area retailer Audio Source, in Columbus IN, installed the new eXcelon Harley products in a customer’s nice 2020 RoadGlide for the trip to the K’Fest show floor.
Matt Murray related “The RoadGlide received 3 amplifiers that included all plug and play harnesses and mounting plates. The original 4 speakers were replaced with the new 6.5” speakers. We also added lower pods to hold additional 6.5” speakers. We then used the KENWOOD PowerSports lid kit in kit for 6×9 speakers. The bike sounded amazing and the build quality was excellent. It was super for our store to complete this project that was on display at Knowledgefest.”
The RoadGlide in the Audio Source bay and ready for the trip to Indy.
Kenwood 6.5” speakers were installed in the RoadGlide pods.
The Kenwood 6×9” speakers were installed in the lid kits.
Murray offered “We also added a KENWOOD STZ-RF200D motorsports camera system with front and rear cameras.”
Key Features of KENWOOD’s eXcelon Motorsports Motorcycle Audio Line: Products are designed and engineered specifically for Harley Davidson® motorcycles, Sleek designs that enhance the bike’s overall appearance, Plug and Play installation, keeping factory wiring intact, Designed to work with the motorcycle’s charging system, Built to work with a factory or aftermarket receiver, no flash is needed and Convenient packages to build a system in stages or all at once.
The Kenwood Motorsports Camera System in action and showing the Audio Source store in the smartphone screen.
LONG BEACH, CA (06.23.23) – KENWOOD USA has proudly announced the launch of its highly anticipated eXcelon Motorsports motorcycle audio line specifically designed and engineered for Harley-Davidson® motorcycles. The cutting-edge audio products are now shipping, allowing motorcycle enthusiasts to elevate their riding experience with unparalleled sound quality and performance.
Designed with meticulous attention to detail and crafted to meet the unique demands of Harley-Davidson® motorcycles, the KENWOOD eXcelon Motorsports motorcycle audio line delivers an immersive audio experience like never before. Combining KENWOOD’s renowned audio expertise with state-of-the-art technology, these solutions offer exceptional sound clarity, power, and durability to withstand the challenges of the open road.
Key Features of KENWOOD’s eXcelon Motorsports Motorcycle Audio Line:
Products are designed and engineered specifically for Harley Davidson® motorcycles
Sleek designs that enhance the bike’s overall appearance
Plug and Play installation, keeping factory wiring intact
Designed to work with the motorcycle’s charging system
Built to work with a factory or aftermarket receiver, no flash is needed
Convenient packages to build a system in stages or all at once
KENWOOD’s launch of the groundbreaking eXcelon motorsports motorcycle audio line is accompanied by a steadfast commitment to delivering exceptional customer support and service. With authorized dealers spread across the nation, riders can rely on their expertise to help them choose and install the ideal audio solution, tailored specifically for their Harley-Davidson® motorcycles.
“KENWOOD is excited to bring our passion for high-quality audio to the motorcycle community with our eXcelon Motorsports motorcycle audio line,” said John Lucas, KENWOOD VP of Sales. “We understand the unique requirements of Harley-Davidson® riders, and our goal was to develop audio systems that deliver uncompromising performance, enabling riders to enjoy their favorite music with incredible clarity while on the road.”
LONG BEACH, CA (05.01.23) – KENWOOD USA is pleased to announce the appointment of Ryan Christie as the new Western Region Sales Manager, effective May 1st. In this role, Christie will oversee sales and business development in the Western 1/3 of the United States.
Christie brings over 30 years of experience in sales and management in the consumer electronics industry, specifically representing sales of KENWOOD products for the past 15 years. With a proven track record of exceeding sales targets and building strong relationships with key clients, Christie is a valuable addition to the KENWOOD mobile electronics team.
Ryan Christie
“We are excited to have Ryan join our team and lead our sales efforts in the Western region,” said John Lucas, Vice President of Sales at KENWOOD. “With Ryan’s extensive experience and industry knowledge, we are confident that he will help us achieve our goals and continue to grow our business in this important market.”
Ryan Christie
As Western Region Sales Manager, Christie will work closely with the KENWOOD mobile electronics sales team and dealer network to drive sales growth and expand the company’s footprint in the region. Christie’s appointment reflects KENWOOD’s commitment to providing customers with the best possible products and service.
MEMPHIS TN (02.22.23) – MEMPHIS TN (02.22.23) On Monday evening, February 20th, an in-person KENWOOD product training session took place at Sound Waves Memphis. John Irwin, Sound Waves owner, made the arrangements and set up an area in the installation bay. KENWOOD’s Josh Bowen, Product Specialist, conducted the session. Brian Cargile-Progressive SE, traveling with Bowen, also attended the session.
Josh Bowen conducting the KENWOOD training in Memphis at the Sound Waves location. JC Audio, Jackson TN, also attended the session
Team members from JC Audio, Jackson TN, traveled the 88 miles to Memphis and attend the KENWOOD training session. Brian Cargile made the invitation that Jeff Cantrell accepted.
“It was a great to have an in-store training…it had been way to long. Josh Bowen really knows his stuff. Getting an overview of new products from KENWOOD was truly welcomed by our staff of seven people. The new marine and Powersports products really caught our eyes. We have had the motorcycle camera system in stock for some time with not much sales activity. After Josh covered the product and installation process we will definitely see strong sales. The motorcycle season is here. As the customer’s motorcycle is torn down for an audio installation adding the motorcycle camera system is a natural” Irwin related.
Bowen added “The Sound Waves and JC Audio staffs were ready to learn about new offerings from KENWOOD. We focused on new receivers, Marine/Motorsports and motorcycle audio. They were all engaged and asked specific questions that will prepare them to drive sales… KENWOOD sales in particular.
Bowen is an avid motorcycle rider and has a KENWOOD motorcycle camera system on his bike. He revisits the rides on his phone in the evening hours.
The evening included delicious Memphis Buffalo Wings and an opportunity for two proactive area retailer staffs to network about in-store sales activities.
LONG BEACH, CA (02.04.23) – KENWOOD USA has announced its rep of the year awards for both individual sales reps, as well as sales rep firms for the East, Midwest, and Western territories at their recent annual sales rep meeting, held at the Paris hotel in Las Vegas yesterday.
Sales Reps of the Year Western Region Sales Rep of the Year: Dave Furness, Oliver Marketing Midwest Region Sales Rep of the Year: Shawn Simpson, Momentum Marketing Eastern Region Sales Rep of the Year: Bill Freeman, MAG Sales/The Progressive Group
Sales Rep Firms of the Year Western Region Sales Rep Firm of the Year: Oliver Marketing Midwest Region Sales Rep Firm of the Year: Momentum Marketing Eastern Region Sales Rep Firm of the Year: MAG Sales/The Progressive Group
“This year’s winners come after a new beginning of what it means to be a sales representative in today’s ever-changing world and business climate,” said John Lucas, KENWOOD Vice President of Sales. “We value all of our sales reps and rep firms and greatly appreciate the unparalleled level of service and support that they provide to our dealers.”
Additional trainings for dealers begin this afternoon (Friday, Feb. 3rd) at 1:45 PM and again on Saturday, Feb. 4th at 4:15 PM at the Paris Hotel & Convention Center. KENWOOD is set to train and exhibit on many never-before-seen products, including a multitude of new additions to its marine and motorsports lineup. Interactive displays and staff will be on-site through Sunday, Feb. 5th directly to the right of the entrance at booth 501.
LONG BEACH, CA (02.03.23) – KENWOOD USA has announced the addition of a dedicated category of products aimed to boost the audio experience for Harley-Davidson® motorcycle riders. KENWOOD’s new eXcelon Motorsports “Motorcycle Audio” product line offers customers a better sound experience, while also maintaining all the factory controls and fitment with a “Plug & Play” solution.
The lineup will consist of all-in-one product packages designated by years 1998-2013 and 2014+, along with a la carte amplifier, speaker, and accessory solutions. Packages will offer direct fitment replacement speakers and sound-matched amplifier(s), enhanced with better durability and power handling than OE solutions, allowing riders to achieve better sound and higher volume levels. Expansion kits such as replacement hard saddlebag lids (1998-2013) and an existing lid cut-in kit (2014+) are precisely designed for the XM69R 6x9s. Riders can also add speakers to the lower crash bars of the bike with optional speaker pod accessory kits, all with an enhanced fit and finish. “Boot” resistant steel grilles and more, strategically designed amplifier mounting plates, and more set riders up for a full system out of the gate or easy future system expansion.
“To ensure that our dealers would be equipped with proven products right out of the gate, we looked for a partner that already lives and breathes motorcycle audio,” said John Lucas, KENWOOD Vice President of Sales. “Just like our success in partnering with companies like iDatalink™ and Garmin®, when it came to a partner for motorcycle audio, Hogtunes’ level of trusted product, support, and separate network of distribution was the logical choice. We couldn’t be happier with the outcome of the products that we’ve developed and the support that Mike “Pez” Pesdirz (Owner/President of Hogtunes) has provided.”
Rick Noetzil, KENWOOD General Manager Product and R&D, unveiled the new KENWOOD eXcelon Motorcycle Audio line to KENWOOD Sales Reps during the rep meeting Thursday, February 2nd.
Hogtunes team members Shaun Guthrie, Scott Hooper and Mike “Pez” Pesdirz (LtoR) suited up in KENWOOD shirts to help unveil the new KENWOOD eXcelon Motorcycle Audio line to KENWOOD reps during the rep meeting.
The KENWOOD eXcelon Motorsports Motorcycle Audio line is set to begin shipping this Spring.
LONG BEACH, CA (02.01.23) – KENWOOD US is announcing a “MEGA” upgrade for RV and large truck owners. Its new DNR1008RVS is a 10.1” high-definition floating panel navigation receiver that has been designed and optimized specifically for use in recreational vehicles and trucks.
The large 10.1” display on the DNR1008RVS has over 2x the actual viewing area of a typical 7” display. It employs a “Bonded Optical Display” to further enhance its high-definition 1280 x 720 (720P) capacitive touch panel, providing vivid colors and high contrast. Optical Clear Adhesive is added between the touch screen and the LCD to eliminate the air layer and suppress light reflection and glare. This revolutionary feature enhances contrast and brightness, maintaining the very best display visibility in various vehicle environments. Its floating panel design also consists of a 3-way adjustable display: 2 positions Forward/Backward (fixed by screws), 4 positions Up/Down (fixed by screws), and user-adjustable tilt by -10° to +45°.
By leveraging the power and simplicity of Garmin® navigation, its RV/Trucker-specific features include:
RV & TRUCK SETTINGS PROFILE: Vehicle-specific settings such as Width, Length, Height, Gross Weight, Number of Trailers, etc. can be input to improve map routing performance.
RV & TRUCK SEARCH MODES: RV or Truck selectable search modes include popular queries such as PlanRV Services, PlanRV Parks, Campground or RV Park, TruckDown, and Trucking search selections.
BRIDGE HEIGHT WARNINGS: Bridge clearance alerts will be displayed based on the vehicle profile information that has been entered into the receiver. Bridges that are lower than the vehicle
profile setting will be avoided on the recommended route automatically.
The navigation screen can even be displayed on a secondary monitor, such as an above-mounted television, by using the receiver’s AV-Output and a composite video cable (sold separately). Garmin enhancements also include 3D building and landmark on-screen map display, life-like terrain views, photo real junction view (displaying what complex interchanges look like before you arrive), 3 years of Garmin map care, KENWOOD Traffic Powered by INRIX® services, and more precise location positioning, With built-in Garmin mapping, the navigation routing will continue to work in areas with no or low GPS signals, such as tunnels and rural areas, providing the best overall navigation experience.
Flexibility and control are especially important in larger trucks and RVs. The DNR1008RVS is compatible with Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ via either a wireless or USB wired connection. Phone display options also include screen mirroring with touch control over a wireless connection for compatible Android® devices, as well as an HDMI™ input. It has 4 camera inputs, enabling the connection of a variety of camera configurations, including KENWOOD’s CMOS-740HD high-definition camera, on-screen viewing angle touch control with KENWOOD’s CMOS-320 camera, and connectivity to KENWOOD’s proprietary DRV-N520, a high-resolution dash camera and safety system that provides footage playback and control directly through the KENWOOD receiver.
The display’s home screen is comprised of a Source Control and Driving Widget, allowing the selection of a clock, compass, or equalizer setting, etc., while the background allows a selection of navigation, album art, audio visualizer, or photos. Photos and wallpaper can easily be customized over a connected phone’s Bluetooth connection, thanks to the KENWOOD Portal App. Additional basic-function control is available via the KENWOOD Remote App S.
The DNR1008RVS also has a data port that is compatible with the Automotive Data Solutions® iDatalink® Maestro RR and RR2. Select vehicle communication bus systems can benefit from this connection by providing additional data and information to the user, along with the ability to trigger 12-volt accessories such as lighting, electronic locks, etc. (RR2 only).
Sound quality and performance are also unparalleled in its class, incorporating tuned audiophile-grade components, 3 sets of 4-volt pre-outs, a 13 Band EQ with time alignment, parametric EQ, 3-way crossover, and dual-zone A/V controls. High-Resolution Audio is supported over its USB connection. High-Resolution Audio is high-quality sound that far exceeds CD standards and can play 192kHz / 24bit sampling DSP. It captures and beautifully expresses details and nuances from ultra-high to low frequencies. The DNR1008RVS is also SiriusXM-Ready® (SiriusXM Connect Vehicle Tuner and subscription sold separately), providing access to over 150 channels of the widest variety of ad-free music, plus entertainment, news, comedy and sports you won’t hear anywhere else.
For more information on KENWOOD and the DNR1008RVS, please visit its web page here:
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