The N&H 2023 Dealer Show Is This Saturday April 1st… No Foolin’

HATTIESBURG, MS (03.30.23) – “The N&H Dealer Show is back and we can’t wait to see members of our dealer family lined up at the door this Saturday morning. We have more dealers signed up for this show than any of our past dealer shows. Our last show was 3 years ago and we are excited about seeing our dealers this Saturday.” Ricky Gibson related.

The doors open at 11AM when dealers can fill the aisles to see new products from over 30 top brands with special show special prices. A number of factory reps will be in the house to cover the product features and connect with dealers from across the territory. The famous catfish truck will pull up in the parking lot and lunch will be served at 1PM. The show officially wraps at 5PM. Sunday appointments can be scheduled.

Previous distributor shows this spring have been very well attended with excited dealers being very happy to see new products and connect with reps and other dealers.

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Continuing Gibson shared some highlights to come. “Metra will be here showcasing new products under the company umbrella with Mike Demeter traveling from the Metra HQ in Holly Hill Fl. We will show the new JVC 1000z 1with 10.1” screen. PowerBass, with Jeff Falk National Sales Manager, will excite the dealers with their all inclusive OEM plug and play speakers which are fantastic and reduce dealer install times. KICKER will talk about their new products with Tech Marketing’s Rickie Holtzman in the house…also with JVC, Rydeen, PowerBass and Soundstream. DB Drive will hit on their hot motorcycle category lineup. Massive Audio has introduced their new single DIN with DSP onboard with Bob Anderson in the booth. AAMP has a broad lineup and will be displayed across several tables.”

Wayne Horton, Audio Solutions 49, related “I have been attending the N&H Dealer Show for years and am excited about heading south for this years show.”

Members of the N&H Dealer Family just finished a delicious catfish lunch at the 2018 Dealer Show with Ricky Gibson up front.

Concluding Gibson stated “It’s tax season time and our super show specials will add profit for dealers who take advantage of the specials. Dealers can take orders with them and have our specials in stock for Monday morning sales. The N&H team looks forward to seeing all this Saturday, April 1st.”

Visit nandhelectronics.com for more.

​Alpine Hosted a Dealer Training in the Houston, TX

HOUSTON, TX (03.30.23) – Wednesday, March 22nd, was the date of the latest Alpine Training for Houston TX area dealers. The location was Pappas BBQ in Houston, TX. Alpine invited both Direct Alpine Dealers & Tri-State Enterprises Alpine Dealers to the event.

When dealers arrived at Pappa’s BBQ for the Alpine training they were directed upstairs to the private Party Room.

The training was conducted by Alpine’s Texas based Brand Specialist, Dan Greenwood. Dan also brought the Alpine Toyota Tundra Demo Truck equipped with a completely new system for 2023, featuring Status Series Hi-Res Amps, Speakers, DSP & Head Unit.

The newest addition to the Tundra system is Alpine’s brand-new R Series Shallow Subwoofer Enclosures, which feature the new RS series shallow subwoofers. Dealers were able to come away with valuable information about many new products that Alpine is shipping NOW for 2023!

Dan Greenwood, Alpine’s Texas-based Brand Specialist, set to get the Alpine training meeting started.

Lucky Alpine Turn 1 Bluetooth Speaker winners flank Dan Greenwood. Eli Larios from Xochilt Car Audio and Lucas Buluc from Stereo Max are both with Houston-based 12volt retailers.

There was a lot of excitement about the new product – especially the new RS Shallow woofers. Jake Jesty, from Sound Evolution in Houston, said “These are the best sounding shallow woofers on the market. They sound just like a standard woofer…but with less than 3.5” of depth needed!”

In addition to tasty hot BBQ from Pappa’s, Alpine also gave away Turn 1 Bluetooth Speakers to two lucky attendees. The winners were Eli Larios from Xochilt Car Audio and Lucas Bulux from Stereo Max. Both stores are located in Houston, TX.

Andy Allen, Alpine Brand Representative in the South Texas, contributed this coverage of the Alpine Houston training.

Visit alpine-usa.com for more

VAIS Technology Releases SiriusXM Add-On Adapter for 2020-23 GM & GMC

ENGLEWOOD, CO (03.30.23) – VAIS Technology has released new satellite radio integrated solutions specifically designed for 2022-23 GM and GMC vehicles. This solution allows owners of these models to add SiriusXM satellite radio to their existing factory stereo, without compromising factory functionality.

“Since 2003, VAIS Technology have been developing satellite radio adapters for vehicles that aren’t equipped from the factory with SiriusXM tuners,” Dennis Hopper, EVP, says. “While satellite radio is more popular than ever, many new OEM vehicles still don’t come equipped from the factory with satellite tuners. For 2023 several more OEM’s have removed satellite tuners from their platforms. Over the last few years Ford, Honda, Kia, Jeep, Mazda, Mercedes, and other have removed satellite tuners from their base model vehicles. VAIS Technology develops simple, easy to install integrated solutions that add satellite radio, but preserve factory functions.”

The new kits provide coverage for new GM and GMC models. Also, all these models are compatible with the GSR-UV01 (universal unit) which can be flashed using online software. This allows dealers to only stock one unit to do almost all applications. This adapter connects directly to the original factory radio and allows the vehicle owner to listen to satellite radio through the existing factory system. The VAIS integrated solution also allows for full control of satellite radio functions – changing stations, setting presets, steering wheel functions, etc.

GSR-GM05 and GSR-UV01 is available for order now. Retail price is $349.99 with SXV300 tuner included.

Visit vaistech.com for more.

The 2023 Woofer Electronics Electronics Expo Packed the Midwest Conference Center in Northlake, IL

ITASCA, IL (03.29.23) – The 2023 Woofer Electronics Expo was our largest event to date! We had 350+ attendees with over 30 manufacturers present along with our local territory reps. There was an overwhelming response to the training seminars and many dealers noted that they loved the fact that they could learn from and interact with all of our vendors throughout the event.

Woofer Electronics utilized this attention grabbing graphic that packed a big message with Expo info when dealers scanned the QR Code.

We had two guest speakers. Ray Padilla from Media Tune and Steve Cote (Regional Sales Manager) from JVC finished off the evening with incredible speeches on the importance of marketing your business and properly managing inventory turns and relying on good distribution to bolster profitability.

The showroom area of the Midwest Conference Center was filled with displays and area for all to gather for networking and to catch-up with friends.

Sam Yoo in the KICKER booth with Tom Ebeling-Tree Associates and KICKER’s Carlos Jimenez and Lori Boyer (LtoR).

Steve Cote related to the 12volt Central Studios “It was great to connect with so many excited dealers. They were all looking for ways to connect with consumers and get them into their stores. That strategy is definitely a win for all. I also enjoyed and learned from the presentation by Ray Padilla from Media Tune.”

Nalaka Adikari from Orca pulled the winning ticket. The lucky winner of our Focal America sponsored Mini Cooper raffle was Zack Olson from Mobile Concepts in Mokena, IL. Pictured in the collage below is his GM, Justin Garcia.

ORCA’s Nalaka Adikari is flanked by Sam Yoo (L) and area Rep Max Falhmark-Midwest Sales Group in front of the Focal booth.

Marty Deane conducting a Cicada Audio sales meeting. Deane is newly onboard at Cicada Audio as Director of Sales.

We haven’t had an event in 4 years and we felt that our dealers’ time warranted an expo of this caliber. We wanted to show our appreciation to our dealers and vendors with more than a simple online event with giveaways…thus the Mini Cooper prize. Our dealers need to be in touch with vendors and potential new categories and we stressed the importance of continuing to innovate. Woofer Electronics and its partners are invested in the continued success of our dealers and the industry as a whole. We are looking forward to making next year’s event an even greater success.

This photo collage shows some hot demo side x sides on the Expo floor and images at the drawing for the Mini Cooper. Nalaka Adikari drew the winning ticket and Sam Yoo congratulates the winning retailer Mobile Concepts from Mokena, IL.

Territory reps present at the Woofer Electronics Expo included Comprehensive Brands, Heritage Marketing Solutions, Midwest Sales Group, Progressive, Tree & Associates and Virtual Marketing Consultants.

Sam Yoo contributed this article featuring the Woofer Electronics Expo 2023.

Visit woofered.com for more.

Car Toys Tulsa Attended the Recent Sony Training in OKC

TULSA, OK (03.29.23) – DOW Electronics recently hosted a 3-City Sony and Mobile ES training swing in the territory. Richard Wong conducted the sessions in Dallas/Ft Worth, Oklahoma City and Little Rock. The Sony trainings covered the product line up plus Mobile ES.

Charles Stewart and the entire Car Toys Tulsa closed the store early and made the 100 trip to Dave & Buster’s in OKC on Wednesday, March 22nd.

Stewart related “The guys came away with some install techniques about the Sony products they didn’t know about. I thought Richard did a great job with his entire presentation. Learning about the new double DIN models AX4000 and AX6000was very helpful. We enjoyed the meal too and got back to Tulsa a little after 10PM.”

The Car Toys Tulsa crew, all in black company shirts, at the Sony meeting in OKC.

Sony radio prize winners Mark Adams and Gabe Morgan pictured in front of the Sony display in the Car Toys Tulsa showroom.

The Car Toys Tulsa crew included Mark Adams, Chance Rotert, Kyle Nixon, Frank Fransein, Gabe Morgan, Matt Bowman and Stewart.

“As an added bonus Mark Adams and Gabe Morgan both won a new Sony radio…an AX4000 and AX6000” Stewart add.

Car Toys Tulsa was a Top 10 Finalist in the recent National Sony ES build competition earlier this year.

Visit cartoystulsa.com for more.

Design Engineering Intros Product to Stay Hydrated and Cooler While Racing

AVON LAKE, OH (03.29.23) – It’s a challenge to stay cool during races, and a cold drink can keep drivers refreshed and focused. A new In-Car Drink Bottle Insulator from Design Engineering, Inc. (DEI) keeps water or a favorite sports drink cooler for longer periods of time.

“A well-known issue that many drivers face is keeping cool drinks cold. Drivers need to drink liquids during races to prevent dehydration, cramps and loss of concentration. We’re excited to announce a solution with our newly available drink bottle insulator,” said Mike Buca of DEI. “This product has been tested at the track and passed the heat test with rave reviews.”

The In-Car Drink Bottle Insulator is large enough to completely enclose a 42-ounce Longacre bottle. The design completely covers the Longacre 52-22551 and 52-22553 Drink bottle and holder. The insulation is made from a durable, washable neoprene material to make cleaning between races easy.

The hook and loop closure design makes installation and removal easy and retains access to the mounting bracket. A sleeve for the tube gives drivers access to the bite valve, for hands-free hydration.

Highlights include:

Washable
Full-length hose cover
Lightweight
Easy to install
Keeps drink cool and secure

For more information about this Drink Bottle Insulator (# 10910) and DEI’s complete line of performance heat and sound control products, visit www.designengineering.com.

Mastertech Expo 2023 Is A Success

MESA, AZ (03.28.23) – The second annual MasterTech Expo, which took place on March 5-8, 2023 in Mesa, AZ, was an overwhelming success. Show organizer and founder, Bryan Schmitt, said “we grew the audience by a solid 30% and added more educational workshop sessions, more vendors and more skills contests. It’s really become a unique event like no other.” MasterTech Expo attracts attendees from broad aftermarket automotive disciplines including upholstery professionals, 12 volt technicians, fabricators, vehicle builders, automotive electricians and more. The event’s education tracks taught by renowned subject matter experts in their field offer a crossover of different skills and learning paths for attendees.

Education workshops are the cornerstone of MasterTech Expo and the 2023 event reached into a range of new areas, including coding Arduino controllers for custom lighting applications, metal shaping, TIG welding, DC electronics fundamentals, remote starter installation, custom radar/laser install and more. In post-event surveys, attendees rated the overall knowledge of the instructors and expertise in the subject matter a 9.1 out of 10. About half of the instructors returned from last year’s event, with the other half being new to the Expo. In all cases, the workshops contained all new content so attendees from a prior year need not worry about seeing the same presentation. “We are proud that our expert instructors take the time and effort to develop curated presentations that they share with attendees throughout their education workshops at MasterTech Expo” remarked Schmitt.

The skills competitions included the Rockford Fosgate-sponsored build off, the Clean Wire Challenge with Dean and Fernando as well as the VIPER security challenge. Pictured on the Mesa Amphitheater stage are all competitors, the organizer(s) and emcee. 

A unique highlight at MasterTech Expo are the skills contests. This year, the Rockford Fosgate-sponsored build off competition ran with four three-person teams competing and a new clean wire challenge, overseen by Dean and Fernando of 5 Star Car Stereo, allowed eight individual participants to compete with their wiring layout and design skills to for a grand prize. There were also skills contests for the Viper security challenge and light off contest, which added to the excitement. “The skills contests are an effective methods to both show techniques and demonstrate how to think in a production mindset while still exercising the creativity and individual skills each team member brings to their contest” adds Schmitt. Surveys indicated that nearly 80% of attendees watched one or more of the skills contests.

This amazing set up was created to showcase the creative and exacting fabrication of this project in the ARC AUDIO display area.

Both attendees and exhibitors are served morning coffee/pastries, a buffet lunch as well as a catered dinner on the outdoor plaza. “We want every person attending MasterTech Expo to maximize their time with us by not having to leave campus for meals if they would rather not do so” explains Schmitt. This added value is a signature component of most professional-level conferences and group learning events.

Additional highlights of MasterTech Expo 2023 included Chip Foose as a special guest speaker. Accompanied by the build team on stage, Foose did a live rendering of the 1964 Impala that was on the final Overhaulin TV episode. Additionally, a state of the industry keynote was presented by Aron Demers, SVP of VOXX Electronics.

The dates for MasterTech Expo 2024 are set! The event will take place March 3-6, 2024 at the same venue, the Mesa Convention Center in Mesa, AZ. Mesa Mayor John Giles informed attendees at the welcome reception at the Mesa amphitheater on Sunday evening March 5 that MasterTech Expo is now the third largest event at the convention center. Look for even more exciting details about the 2024 event later this summer.

Watch for more detailed information on MasterTech Expo 2024 at the official event website, MasterTechExpo.com. The site includes workshop descriptions, hotel information, event schedule, cost to attend and so much more. Information about the 2024 event is coming soon! Interested first-time attendees and exhibitors can contact info@mastertechexpo.com for more information as well as get on the mailing list for updates.

Alpine Released Free Software Update with SiriusXM’s Latest Generation 360L Platform

AUBURN HILLS, MI (03.28.23) – Alps Alpine North America, Inc. (“Alpine”) today released the free software update that includes SiriusXM-Ready with 360L on compatible head units, including the Alpine Halo11 iLX-F511, the Alpine Halo9 iLX-F509, the iLX-507, and Jeep-specific head units i509-WRA-JL and i509-WRA-JK. Alpine is the first aftermarket car audio company to offer SiriusXM-Ready head units enhanced with the satellite and streaming capabilities of 360L – SiriusXM’s most advanced audio entertainment platform.

SiriusXM with 360L combines satellite and streaming content delivery into a single, cohesive in-vehicle entertainment experience, providing more choice and a more customizable listening experience. SiriusXM with 360L delivers more SiriusXM channels (350+), SiriusXM’s Pandora Stations, “For You” recommendations, recorded on demand content and podcasts, and more. SiriusXM with 360L in Alpine’s head units will also feature individual SiriusXM listener profiles to allow multiple drivers and passengers to customize and maintain their own SiriusXM favorites and personalized recommendations, as well as voice search functionality.*

SiriusXM offers promotions for Alpine head unit owners that purchase and activate the SXV300 Tuner. Visit siriusxm.com/activatenow for offer details.

Subscribers can also listen to SiriusXM outside their vehicles on the SXM App, available on the App Store or Google Play, and on connected devices and speakers in their homes.

The free software update that includes SiriusXM-Ready with 360L is available now and can be found on the Alpine Knowledge Center (https://kb.alpine-usa.com). SiriusXM-Ready with 360L is available on compatible Alpine head units and requires the SXV300 Tuner and subscription (sold separately).

*Some 360L content and features require a Wi-Fi connection with internet access. Data rates may apply.

Coleen Matsumura And Paradise Marketing Inc to Represent HKI USA Brands in Hawaii

DANIA BEACH, FL (03.28.23) – HKI USA, the US importer for SounDigital Amplifiers, Ground Zero Car Audio, Four Connect Wiring Products, and Tury Vehicle Enhancement products, have announced a new Representative for Hawaii.

There have been a lot of exciting changes going on with HKI USA, and they are pleased to announce a new member of the team. Coleen Matsumura and Paradise Marketing, Inc have chosen to take on the task of building the HKI USA brands in Hawaii.

Coleen Matsumura

“We are excited to have Coleen aboard with us on the islands. She has strong relationships with her dealers and an amazing understanding of her market which she has shown already since partnering with us at HKI,” said Tommy Spears, Director of Sales with HKI USA.

Look for her in her travels, and keep an eye out for what great things happen on the islands.

For more information about HKI USA brand(s) and the growing family, visit http://www.hki-usa.com or e-mail info@hki-usa.com.

The KICKER AMA ArenaCross 2023 Series Rolled Into Little Rock

LITTLE ROCK, AR (03.27.23) – The KICKER AMA ArenaCross 14-City Series rolled into the Barton Coliseum on Friday March 24th. Arch Street Audio, a strong KICKER dealer in Little Rock, was in the house with owner Rocky Carter and JC Bradburg. The Arch Street Audio team connected with attendees throughout the evening.

“It was terrific to have the Arch Street Audio crew at the event and in the KICKER booth in the lobby. They really know their stuff when it comes to seeing all the opportunities for consumers to install KICKER gear in their rides.” Lorin Morrell, who orchestrates the KICKER AMA Arenacross Series events, related.

Rocky Carter (L) and JC Bradburg from Little Rock based Arch Street Audio flank Lorin Morrell in the KICKER booth in the Barlow Coliseum lobby.

The KICKER booth was in the lobby area and virtually everyone attending the event had to pass by and see the selection of products displayed on the tables. Arch Street Audio placed a large company banner on the back wall in the booth to put the company’s brand in front of enthusiasts attending the event.

Brad Ganz, KICKER Sales Manager for the territory, was in the booth with his wife and 3 children…who are triplets. Rocky Carter offered “It was super to see Brad and his family drive to Little Rock to work in the booth. While in the booth he learned firsthand what enthusiasts are looking for when they come into our store. He saw that UTVs, marine, bikes and pickups owners are our customers in the area.”

Brad Ganz, KICKER Regional Manager, traveled with his wife and triplets to attend the event. Rocky Carter and JC Bradburg from Arch Street Audio are on the right

KICKER KMX athlete Jerald LaRue (2nd L) and Monster Jam Freestyle Team members came to the booth and are with Rocky Carter (L) and Lorin Morrell (2nd R).

Continuing Carter stated “We also saw several attendees brought their 14 to 16 yearolds to see about gear for their future rides. JC spent time with them and connected with those future customers. We gave out a large box of our T-shirts plus company stickers and business cards. We are certainly ready to participate in a future event with KICKER.”

A very busy Pit Party got the action started very shortly after the doors opened. Attendees walked the track and had an opportunity to meet the riders and check out the motorcycles they would be riding around the track and flying high over the mounds. As soon as riders left the starting gate the track was red hot as riders and attendees were Livin’ Loud.

Kyle Peters flying high and taking the checkered flag in this amazing  @arenacross image.

The lucky fan who caught the KICKER T-shirt with the Bullfrog certificate carried her young son to pick up the prize from Ricky Carter and Lorin Morrell (R).

Morrell added “Once again the stands were filled with enthusiasts who were excited to see the riders circle the track and cheered when the riders flew high off the track mounds. In addition to the action on the track wrapped KICKER T-shirts were tossed into the crowd during race breaks and track maintenance periods. A special KICKER T had a certificate wrapped inside for a KICKER BullFrog prize to be picked up at the KICKER display in the lobby. The lucky lady who caught the KICKER T with the certificate carried her young son to the booth and was smiling from ear-to-ear when she saw her prize. Rocky and I placed the Bullfrong in her hands. We told her she would be Livin’Loud with KICKER.”

The challenging track at the Barton Coliseum was set for riders.

Crowd members also participated in flag-waving sessions as Wes Kain was on the PA system exciting members of the crowd to wave checkered flags for a chance to win KICKER Lifestyle products. All the winners smiled with Kicker prizes in their hands.

For the last 5 AMA KICKER ArenaCross events a KICKER dealer from the area was under the KICKER tent in the lobby and connected with attendees. Those 4 dealers-MB Customs 303 in Denver, Tunes and Tint in Amarillo, Expert Customs in Tulsa, Star City 12Volt in Salem joined Arch Street Audio to create traffic in their stores that will stimulate future business and make the cash register ring.

The 2023 AMA KICKER ArenaCross in Little Rock AR on Friday, March 24th wrapped the very successful 14-City Series that saw enthusiasts Livin’Loud with KICKER.

Visit kicker.com for more.