Oklahoma City, Okla., July 5, 2019 -- DD Audio is proud to sponsor the 3rd Annual 712BOOM, where Car Audio Competition meets Music Festival, July 12th through 14th at the Onawa Racing And Events Center, 22700 248th St. Onawa, Iowa. This all ages event will feature food, drag racing, music, car show, and sanctioned SPL competitions. For racers, bassers and auto enthusiasts in Iowa and the surrounding area, this event promises to be the WILDEST automotive and music experience in the state. Festival admission is $20 presale, $25 at the gate for the entire weekend. If you are planning on staying for the entire weekend of events, camping is included with your admission fee.

The MWSPL and USACI sanctioned competitions will take place Saturday and Sunday. This is your chance to prove your build and make it onto the leaderboards. Registration begins 11am Saturday and qualifying begins at noon. Qualifying will continue Sunday from 10am to noon, followed by brackets. Also on Saturday and Sunday there will be drag racing hosted by Midwest Class Racers, a premier association of racers who are committed to bringing this thrilling sport to local race tracks all over the upper midwest.

The live music kicks off Friday and will be near constant the entire weekend with a massive line-up of Live Acts and DJs including Denham, Come Back Sandy, Dabski, Chad Bruneau Music, Raijin, TrvpSquad & Odinson, HoneyBear & The Bees, Her Grace, GhostCat, Millennial Dub, Pootie Lang, and OG Nixin just to name a few. Performances will continue into the wee hours of the morning and will be completed with a Fire Circle!

So come out to 712BOOM and support your local musicians, ground pounders, drag racers all at one epic event!

July 2, 2019 -- Alpine Electronics of America, Inc. is now shipping two new mech-less (no CD/DVD) universal navigation receivers with Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™: The 7-Inch INE-W987HD and 8-Inch X308U. Improvements to the user interface have made scrolling transitions between the screens faster and more efficient as audio and navigation are now controlled from a single, high-powered chip.  Drivers will enjoy the convenience of smartphone navigation, or in areas where service is limited, the reliability of a built-in navigation system.

The INE-W987HD and X308U have anti-glare, four-way swipe action control touchscreens with 3D and 2D built-in navigation and pinch-to-zoom mapping controls. Listen to music through the built-in HD Radio™ Tuner with SiriusXM™ Satellite Radio readiness or use your smartphone for Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™.

Get a detailed view of your map with the INE-W987HD’s and X308U’s pinch-to-zoom touchscreen controls to zoom in on the view of your map for improved navigation. Maps are preloaded to get you to your next adventure. Choose between 3D mapping, split map, and turn-by-turn arrow view. Turn-by-turn navigation delivers instructions by Text-to-Speech (TTS) technology, where street names, freeway numbers, and freeway exit names are announced clearly through your vehicles speaker system.

Using swipe motions anywhere on the touchscreen of the INE-W987HD or X308U, swipe left, right, up, or down to access navigation, entertainment sources, settings, or Bluetooth®, respectively, while keeping your eyes on the road.

You can also access frequently used functions or apps through the My Favorites feature linked to your smartphone via Bluetooth. Customize your shortcut icons by dragging the icons to a new location on the screen. Hard keys are also available for built-in navigation, Apple CarPlay™, Android Auto™, and AM/FM radio.

Access a selection of smartphone apps via Apple lightning cable for CarPlay™ or USB cable and Bluetooth® connection for Android Auto™. Receive calls, answer text messages, play music and get directions all controlled from the touchscreen and heard through your vehicle’s speaker system.

Both receivers are available now at Alpine Authorized retailers or online at www.alpine-usa.com through Crutchfield for $1299.95 for the INE-W987HD and $1499.95 for the X308U. Installation options can be found on the Alpine-USA website through our store locator.

STILLWATER, USA – Stillwater Designs, the manufacturer of KICKER® audio products, is pleased to announce the promotion of David Glasgow to International Sales Manager, effective July 1.  Glasgow is a KICKER veteran with more than two decades of experience in several positions within the company. Glasgow will take charge of several global accounts which will be determined at a later date.

“Management has identified the International Sales Department as a growth center for KICKER,” said Chester Weddle, KICKER’s Director of International Sales. “The company determined an increased investment in international sales was essential.”

“We’re incredibly excited,” Weddle continued. “We think David will be a fantastic addition to the team, and not just for the enthusiasm and work ethic he brings to the table.  He has the right mix of character and attitude we look for.

“Initially, his task will be to maintain existing relationships, and then going forward, forge a new presence in territories we haven’t explored before. We want to expand the ‘KICKER attitude’ in the field.”

KICKER, now in its 46th year, has steadily expanded distribution into more than 70 countries on six continents.

“Being a small team has allowed us to focus on the right partnerships and experience growth over the last several years,” said Weddle. “Now is the time to continue expanding and fully realize KICKER’s position on the global stage.”

“We’re going to grow the business by taking care of existing relationships and establish new ones,” said Glasgow. “By working closely with distributors around the world, we can increase communication, improve sales strategy and boost the retailer’s exposure to local markets.  Everyone wins.”

KICKER Performance Audio products, a division of Stillwater Designs and Audio, Inc.®, are available for the mobile and home audio aftermarket at authorized retailers worldwide, and also as Original Equipment for automobile manufacturers. Consumers seeking more information on KICKER or Livin’ Loud® may call the Consumer Information Line at 1-800-256-5425 or visit the brand website at www.kicker.com. Consumers can follow KICKER socially at Facebook.com/kickeraudio, Twitter.com/kickeraudio, Instagram.com/kickeraudio, or Pinterest.com/kickeraudio, and use the hashtags #kickeraudio and #livinloud.

Car Toys, Restylers United are first approved stores listed

SOUTHFIELD, MICH., July 1, 2019 (MEDIAWIRE) – The Vision Zero Automotive Network announced that it has launched a Preferred Retailer locator at its new website, visionzero.us. Seattle, Wash.-based Car Toys chain is one of two organizations first approved to populate the locator, adding 48 stores throughout Washington, Oregon, Colorado and Texas. The other is Restylers United, a 15-location organization comprising individual chains and stores specializing in automotive aftermarket enhancement. The locator is the first step in helping consumers find quality retailers that specialize in the latest vehicle safety technology for the aftermarket.

“We are honored to be a Vision Zero Automotive Network partner and a Preferred Retailer,” said Greg Parsonson, president of Car Toys. “Our goals to make driving safer are perfectly aligned. We are very excited by the promise of the newest driver safety technologies to make driving safer than ever before, and the process must begin with awareness and education. Eliminating distracted driving fatalities is not just a goal, but should be THE goal for our industry.”

The Vision Zero Automotive Network launched its new website at visionzero.us in April 2019 with a focus on educating visitors, introducing aftermarket safety technologies and enlisting safety product manufacturers and suppliers to participate. The new Preferred Retailer locator lets visitors search for qualified retail centers by distance from their location as well as proximity to an entered address. Visitors can further refine the list based on six categories and more than 30 product types and services offered.

“Restylers United is excited to be a part of the Vision Zero Automotive Network,” said Jared Cohen, Restylers United member and president of Auto Action in Kenilworth, N.J. “Our experience in both the retail and wholesale markets allows us to understand and fulfill the complexities associated with ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) technology. We welcome this additional opportunity to educate customers and provide the highest level of sales and support for this important segment.”

The Vision Zero Automotive Network has also finalized its qualifications for other retail locations to join and have their location listed as a Preferred Retailer. In order to be listed, retailers must meet three main requirements:

• The ability to offer complete sales and service of safety products. Preferred Retailers have sales and service facilities, along with the required specialty tools to ensure the job is done right.
• A complete understanding of safety products available for vehicles, and the ability to explain them in non-industry speak. Preferred Retailers continually evaluate aftermarket safety products to ensure they deliver the same quality performance as factory-installed versions.
• Ongoing education. Preferred Retailers must attend industry recognized training on an annual basis to stay up-to-date on the latest products, vehicle specifics and installation practices.

Retailers that feel they meet the requirements can fill out the Preferred Retailer application at mwi.re/PR-App, or go to visionzero.us and click “Become a Preferred Retailer” under the About Us heading.

“We want to thank Car Toys and Restylers United for being the first retailers to join us on this mission,” said Bernie Sapienza, executive director of the Vision Zero Automotive Network. “Our objective is to educate consumers on the severity of traffic-related accidents and fatalities and then show how we can eliminate them through technology that is readily available for vehicles they already own. Adding the Preferred Retailer locator gives us the final piece to guide engaged consumers to dedicated retailers that can upgrade their vehicles with life-saving enhancements.

For more information on the Vision Zero Automotive network, please contact Bernie Sapienza, executive director, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or visit the website at www.visionzero.us.

“Vision Zero Automotive Network” is a 501(c)(3) non-profit entity dedicated to educating and encouraging the saving of lives through the addition of life-saving technologies. Our mission, simply stated, is to save lives. Using several Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and technologies developed for the automotive aftermarket, we have the power to make an impact now. We want to use that power to every driver’s advantage. Not in ten years. Not next year. Not next week. Not tomorrow. Today, right this minute, the aftermarket consumer electronics industry have the products and the technology that can help drivers avoid deadly accidents. Our mission is to get those products into cars and trucks that already exist, now. And once we do, we can help avoid 10,000 deaths on U.S. roads.

Knoxville, Tenn. – July 1, 2019 -- XS Power Batteries, a world leader in performance power solutions announces a new and improved version of their BCI Group 34 AGM battery. XS Power Batteries offers four different options in their BCI Group 34 AGM battery lineup. The latest version of the XS Power Batteries BCI Group 34 batteries received over a 31 percent increase in power. 

XS Power Batteries offers the D3400, D3400R, S3400, A3400, and V3400 AGM batteries in the BCI Group 34 size. These models share the same performance, but they are offered in different appearance designs to match the variety of applications they are used for. All the XS Power Batteries BCI Group 34 AGM batteries bolster over a 15% increase in Cranking Power (CA) along with over a 22 percent increase in Amp Hour (AH) ratings. With these increases in power the BCI Group 34 AGM batteries come in at 1150 CA and 80 AH. This makes XS Power’s BCI Group 34 AGM batteries hands down the strongest BCI Group 34 AGM battery available in the industry. 

Brady Basner, Sales Manager of XS Power Batteries noted, “The BCI Group 34 is our most popular size battery in our lineup. The BCI Group 34 is used in all types of different applications like off-road, racing, street, audio, show, powersports, marine, and more. These can be used in just about any application that needs a battery.”

XS Power Batteries is a manufacturer and distributor of high-performance batteries, chargers, capacitors, cable and accessories with locations in Knoxville, Tennessee and Sparks, Nevada. They offer AGM lead acid, lithium, and custom-made power solutions, as well as a complementary line of accessories. Please visit their website at www.4xspower.com or call 1-888-4XSPOWER for more information.

You can find the new XS Power BCI Group 34 AGM batteries at your local dealer today!

June 30, 2019 -- Massive Audio™ of SoCal USA, a leader in the 12 Volt Audio industry for 20 years, is proud to welcome N&H Electronics 1100 Hardy St Hattiesburg MS 39401 / 800-264-8808 / 601-582-5571 / 601-450-1491 (fax) a Wholesale Mobile Electronics Distributor to its fast-growing family.

“Adding N&H Electronics Distributing with years of experience to our growing Massive family is very exciting.” With their years of 12V experience N&H Electronics has become intimately familiar with their customer’s changing needs. They understand that Massive Audio has everything needed to grow to the next level in the aftermarket audio world. Massive Audio is honored to sell to the best” states Jeremy Larsson, Director for Massive Audio Inc. “Massive has been exploding this year with new accounts and is celebrating it’s 20 Year Anniversary of Being Massive!”

Over 50% of all Massive distributors have been representing Massive Audio products for a decade or more with some over 15 years for a reason. “Great People, Great Product, Great Profit”

For more information on how to become an authorized Massive Audio reseller in the MS markets, please visit their website at http://nandhelectronics.com/ or call at 800-264-8808

For more information please contact Massive Audio: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit our Website: http://www.massiveaudio.com 

Since 1999 Massive Audio® has been an industry leader in high performance audio products. Massive Audio laid its roots in high quality audio reproduction through in-house engineering and a dedication to customer satisfaction. In today’s industry, aftermarket products need to excel not only in their ability to reproduce the dynamics of music accurately, but also their ability to integrate within the confines of the modern environment. In anticipation of such needs, Massive Audio has introduced an array of outstanding products designed for the enthusiast who will accept no compromise, yet recognizes true value.

June 26, 2019 -- Scrapin The Coast 2019 was a monstrous event in Biloxi, MS where bassers, baggers, and scrapers alike all gathered to show off their complete custom rides in one of the biggest gatherings of vehicles in the south. Over 4000 cars came to compete for trophies and hang out in the cloudless sky from dawn till dusk checking out each ride there.

DS18 fans were a huge part of the turnout and The Wolf Pack was there in full force to compete in the lanes and make loud music for miles with walls full of DS18 pro audio. DS18 tents and flags could be seen in every corner you turned with amazing custom rides. Lift kits, lowering springs, and loud music could be heard from across the Biloxi. Many awards were given out and DS18 was happy to be part of the event and the builds our customers trusted us to be in.

We hope to see all our supporters and family at Scrapin The Coast 2020!

Deep Intellectual Property Expertise will Enhance Directed’s Technology Leadership

VISTA, Calif. (June 26, 2019) – Directed, a leader in Remote Start and Security, Connected Car and Ignition Interlock Devices, today announced that Kathi Cover has joined the company as General Counsel. She will join the Executive Team and report to Bob Struble, Directed CEO.

“Directed has an impressive portfolio of brands, technology and intellectual property. Kathi’s deep experience in strategically building intellectual property portfolios will ensure we expand and safeguard one of Directed’s most valuable assets,” said Struble. “I have seen Kathi’s world class talent firsthand and she is an important addition to Directed’s leadership team.”

Prior to joining Directed, Ms. Cover worked for eleven years as Vice President, Intellectual Property and Assistant General Counsel at iBiquity Digital Corporation. There, she was instrumental in building the HD RadioTM intellectual property portfolio and contributing to the successful licensing and litigation strategy of the business. Kathi also worked for more than a decade at Sidley Austin, LLP, focusing primarily on patent infringement litigation and appellate work. She earned her B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Rice University and her J.D. from The University of Texas School of Law.

“I am thrilled to join Directed and work alongside the talented team Bob has assembled,” Cover said. “I look forward to working with Directed’s executive and technical teams to build upon the strong platform the company has established and extend their technology leadership in the industry.”

Not a Directed Dealer? Please visit http://www.directed.com/contact/becomedealer or call 1-800- 876-0800 to become a Directed Dealer today!

Directed is a world leader in automotive electronics, the largest North American designer and marketer of consumer-branded vehicle security and remote start systems, and a pioneer in the connected car space. Its products connect more consumers to their vehicles than anyone else on the planet. Directed markets its broad portfolio (sold under Viper®, Clifford®, Python®, Autostart®, Astrostart® and other brands) through leading national retailers and specialty chains. For more information contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

STILLWATER, USA –KICKER® announces it has begun shipping the KB6 Two-Way, Full-Range Speaker System, meant to deliver clean, crisp sound indoors or out.  Sold as pairs, KB6 Speakers come with black or gray cabinets, available for purchase both in-store at Authorized KICKER Dealers and online.

The KB6 is high-efficiency speaker system, featuring UV-resistance and weatherproof design to battle elements on a patio, near the pool or around the shop. The multi-purpose speakers are equally at home in a boat, on a UTV, outside an RV or in a home theater. Each cabinet in the dual-enclosure system houses a 6-1/2-inch KICKER woofer and a 2 x 5-inch, compression-loaded horn tweeter. The woofers utilize precisely tuned polypropylene cones and tough Santoprene® surrounds that send quality audio over long distances.

Providing an 8-Ohm load and ready to be driven by a home stereo receiver or car-audio amplifier, the KB6 can easily be used as a single set or in-series with additional pairs. The included bracketing and mounting hardware make it easy to install vertically or horizontally on nearly any flat surface.

For more information, consumers can log on to www.kicker.com/KB6_Indoor_Outdoor_Speakers.

KICKER Performance Audio products, a division of Stillwater Designs and Audio, Inc.®, are available for the mobile and home audio aftermarket at authorized retailers worldwide, and also as Original Equipment for automobile manufacturers. Consumers seeking more information on KICKER or Livin’ Loud® may call the Consumer Information Line at 1-800-256-5425 or visit the brand website at www.kicker.com. Consumers can follow KICKER socially at Facebook.com/kickeraudio, Twitter.com/kickeraudio, Instagram.com/kickeraudio, or Pinterest.com/kickeraudio, and use the hashtags #kickeraudio and #livinloud.

KICKER KB6 Outdoor/Indoor Speakers Specifications

Model                                                               KB6

Woofers (in, cm)                                             6.5, 16.5

Horn tweeters (in, cm)                                   2 x 5, 5.1 x 12.7

Impedance (Ohms)                                        8

Frequency response (Hz)                             55-21k

Max. Rec. Amp Power (watts RMS)            75

Peak Power Handling (watts)                       150

Height (in, cm)                                                 11, 27.9

Width (in, cm)                                                  8-1/8, 20.7

Depth (in, cm)                                                 8-1/8, 20.7

Knoxville, Tenn. – June 25, 2019 -- XS Power Batteries, a world leader in performance power solutions announces their new and improved D/S925 12V AGM battery.  

The D/S925 is one of the most popular 12V AGM batteries in the XS Power Batteries line up. The D/S925 is not a BCI direct fit size battery. The D/S925 is used in a wide arrange of applications including racing, audio, cranking, stand alone, power sports, industrial, and more. The D/S925 packs an extreme amount of power in a small lightweight package.

The latest D/S925 received an increase of over 15% in Cranking Power (CA) along with an increase of over 14% in capacity (Amp Hours). The D/S925 has become a very popular lightweight racing battery that can crank virtually anything while weighing in at just over 22lbs. The new XS Power Batteries D/S925 comes in at just under 29 CA per LBS, which makes this the strongest CA per LBS battery in the XS Power Batteries line up.

Brady Basner, Sales Manager of XS Power Batteries noted, “The D/S925 is used in such a wide variety of applications due to his big power and small size. The D/S925 is a 640CA battery and weighs in at just over 22 LBS. Our customers are going to be amazed at the power this light weight battery packs.”

XS Power Batteries is a manufacturer and distributor of high-performance batteries, chargers, capacitors, cable and accessories with locations in Knoxville, Tennessee and Sparks, Nevada. They offer AGM lead acid, lithium, and custom-made power solutions, as well as a complementary line of accessories. Please visit their website at www.4xspower.com or call 1-888-4XSPOWER for more information.

You can find the new XS Power Batteries D/S925 AGM battery at your local dealer today!

The Metairie, LA-Based Company Has Been a Market Leader in Creating High Quality Lighting Products for the Automotive, Powersports, Motorcycle, and Marine Markets Since 1999

METAIRE, LA, June 24, 2019 – Oracle Lighting (www.oraclelights.com) is proud to announce it is celebrating its 20th anniversary as a market leader in creating high quality lighting products and innovative LED solutions for the automotive/12Volt, powersports, motorcycle, and marine markets.

“I’m born and raised right here in New Orleans, and I started Oracle Lighting more as a hobby at first rather than thinking it would lead to what it has become 20 years later,” said Justin Hartenstein, Oracle Lighting founder and director of product development. “I’m a car guy at heart with an engineering background. With that knowledge and drive I started tweaking and working with different lighting components in my garage back in the late 90s…stuff that was not available at the time, and eventually it began to turn into a business. And here we are two decades later, employing more than 30 people with a line of more than 11,000 products.”

Located just outside the Crescent City, Metairie, Louisiana-based Oracle Lighting has been designing innovative lighting products and technologies for the automotive/12Volt, powersports, motorcycle, and marine markets since 1999.

Hartenstein said in the early days, he was a one man show who wore multiple hats because he felt he owed it to himself and the young company he created that he had poured so much of his own time and effort into developing.

“Honestly, with an entrepreneurial owner’s mentality, I didn’t think anyone would be able to take care of these responsibilities with as much dedication as I would,” he explained. “But, as the company began to grow, I was overextending myself to the point where output was not where it needed to be and that growth was becoming stunted. With the help of my wife Tiffanie Hartenstein we developed a plan to put systems and personnel in place which allowed us to be successful. Today, Oracle Lighting has a proficient staff taking care of every aspect of the business so I can focus on new products and continued overall growth.”

The original organic growth strategy has worked. Oracle Lighting has received accolades from numerous organizations for its business practices, including being listed on the Inc500 list of the Fastest Growing Businesses in the USA for the past eight years consecutively, winning the 2012 Bronze Stevie Award for Consumer Products Company of the Year, and most recently being named The Small Business Administration's Exporter of the Year and a Small Business Champion by the U.S. Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee. Oracle has won numerous local awards, as well.

“It may be cliché, but we are excited to see where the next 20 years takes us,” Hartenstein concluded. “We see that the market is growing. As we continue to grow with it, we are diversifying our products into new and emerging categories so we can face these new and exciting challenges head on.”

For more information on Oracle Lighting and its full product line, please visit www.oraclelights.com, call (800) 407-5776, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

Celebrating its 20-year anniversary in 2009, Metairie, Louisiana-based Oracle Lighting has been designing innovative lighting products and technologies for the automotive/12Volt, powersports, motorcycle, and marine markets since 1999. Oracle’s philosophy is this: in today's world of fly-by-night vendors, we think it is important to partner with businesses that you can trust to be there for you today, tomorrow, and for years to come.

Located just outside New Orleans, Oracle Lighting has received accolades from numerous organizations for our business practices, including being listed on the Inc500 list of the Fastest Growing Businesses in the USA for the past eight years consecutively, winning the 2012 Bronze Stevie Award for Consumer Products Company of the Year, and most recently being named The Small Business Administration's Exporter of the Year and a Small Business Champion by the U.S. Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee. In 2012, Oracle was named the Jefferson Parish Small Business of the Year by JEDCO. New Orleans CityBusiness Magazine also named ORACLE Lighting a Top Private Company in the Greater New Orleans Area in 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017.

Winners are semifinalists for 2019 Industry Awards winners in each category

In this Capacity, Orlando is Responsible for SSL Products Across Multiple Markets

OXNARD, Calif., June 20, 2019 – Sound Storm Laboratories (www.soundstormlab.com), a division of BOSS International Group and sister brand of BOSS Audio Systems, is proud to announce that it has named Greg Orlando brand manager, effective immediately. In this capacity, Orlando will be responsible for SSL products across multiple markets.

"SSL is growing, and we needed to expand our team by adding someone not just with experience across multiple categories, but also with a passion for the industry,” said Doug Kern, Vice President Sales and Marketing at BOSS International Group. “Greg fits the bill and is settling in perfectly at SSL in this position. We are excited to have him on board.”

Orlando has more than 25 years of professional automotive, powersports, and audio experience. Starting in retail audio in 1992, Orlando is a former IASCA and USAC competitor and has worked for such industry leaders as SSV Works, Scosche Industries, Borla Exhaust, Turbonetics, and Vortech superchargers.

“I’m a true audio enthusiast and I’ve worked with customers of all sizes…from independent retailers to mass merchants to OEM manufacturers such as Ford and Yamaha,” said Orlando. “SSL and its sister brands at BOSS International Group have a long and respected history, and I am excited to be a part of the team.”

For more information, please visit www.soundstormlab.com. 

Part of BOSS International Group, Sound Storm Laboratories was founded in 1997 by a group of business-minded car audio enthusiasts who successfully set out to show the industry that car audio products don’t need to be expensive in order to be powerful, valuable, and appealing. From day one, SSL’s mission has been to provide outstanding car audio products and to support those products with an obsessive eye on customer service and one of the best warranties in the business.

Over the past 19 years, Sound Storm has grown from a car amplifier and speaker company into a mobile entertainment juggernaut with a widespread fan base. SSL’s line now includes multiple series of subwoofers, speakers and amplifiers as well as an extensive offering of in-dash, overhead and head rest mobile video products and related accessories, and the right signal processors and audio accessories to round out most any system. Sound Storm also has an impressive line of off-road products, featuring the BoomTube series of amplified ATV speaker systems, and a whole slew of SMC products designed for on or off-road use.

All other brands, product names, company names, trademarks and service marks are the properties of their respective owners. All rights reserved.

Holly Hill, Fla. –  June 18, 2019 – Axxess® by Metra Electronics® is now shipping its new Total Control Interface Series™ (AXTC) for select Chrysler, Ford and Volkswagen vehicles. Designed for radio replacement integration, the AXTC-1 is a data interface and improved steering wheel control retention solution in one. It combines all of the features of the patented ASWC-1 with additional patent-pending features into one robust product for new radio installations. When replacing a radio, the interface utilizes patented Auto-Detect technology1 that automatically detects the vehicle type, radio connection and preset controls, while allowing the ability to dual assign steering wheel controls. Axxess has upgraded the LED feedback for simple, easier programming experience and provided improved, user-friendly instructions and a smaller, low-profile footprint. The AXTC-1 also provides NAV outputs, accessory power and a 12-volt illumination output, in addition to retaining R.A.P. (retained accessory power). Additional features vary by vehicle application.

The Total Control Interface Series is designed to work with all major radio brands and both amplified and non-amplified audio systems. In addition to Auto-Detect, it can be manually programmed for most vehicles and will retain most settings even after battery disconnection or interface removal. Axxess is now shipping six vehicle-specific harnesses for Chrysler, Ford and Volkswagen that include the AXTC-1 interface. The universal AXTC-1 solution and additional vehicle-specific harnesses are coming soon.

Total Control Interface Products Now Shipping:

AXTC-CH013

Designed for select Chrysler 2004-up* vehicles

AXTC-CH5

Designed for select Chrysler 2013-up* vehicles

AXTC-FD1

Designed for select Ford/Mazda/Lincoln/Mercury 2007-up* vehicles

AXTC-FD2

Designed for select Ford 2012-2016 vehicles

AXTC-VW1

Designed for select Volkswagen 2002-2017 vehicles

AXTC-VW2

Designed for select Volkswagen 2015-up* vehicles

*See the application chart at AxxessInterfaces.com for up-to-date, vehicle specific information.

(1) U.S. Patent No.8257147

Product Specifications:

●        Provides accessory power (12-volt 10-amp)

●        Retains R.A.P. (retained accessory power)

●        Provides 12-volt illumination output

●        Can be used in both amplified and non-amplified models

●        Upgraded simple LED feedback

●        Improved user-friendly instructions

●        Provides NAV outputs (parking brake, reverse, and speed sense)

●        Designed to be compatible with all major radio brands

●        Auto detects vehicle type, radio connection, and presets controls

●        Ability to dual assign steering wheel control buttons

●        Can be manually programmed for most vehicles

●        Retains memory settings even after battery disconnection or interface removal

●        Micro “B” USB updatable

Installers can learn more by visiting Metra Electronics at booth #601 at KnowledgeFest in Dallas, TX from August 9-11, 2019 and by attending the Axxess new product training session at the event. New Axxess products can also be seen online at AxxessInterfaces.com.

At Metra, 12-volt installation and integration is our passion. We strive to continuously offer the highest quality products to meet the fluctuating technological challenges of the automotive world.  We actively listen to our customers’ requests and invest resources into developing the highest quality dash kit and harness solutions. We make dash kits for more vehicle applications than anyone else in the world. That’s why we’ve been known as “The Installer’s Choice” ® for more than 72 years. Our other brands include: Axxess®, T-Spec®, The Install Bay®, Heise LED Lighting Systems®, iBEAM Vehicle Safety Systems®, Shuriken High Performance Batteries®, Raptor®, Ballistic®, AmmoTenna®, Metra PowerSports®, Saddle Tramp® and Metra Marine®. Metra’s expertise in connectivity solutions is also applied to its division of premium home theater and surveillance products, Metra Home Theater Group®.  For ordering information and pricing, visit Metra Electronics online at MetraOnline.com or call 800.221-0932.

June 18, 2019 -- DS18 thundered down the strip in our Six monster-built demo jeeps to take over the New Jersey Beach in 2019. Led by Rob Ferro, the DS18 Jeeps had no match in sound or looks. DS18 screaming Hydro Tower pods, thunderous JBASS sub enclosures, and concert quality J-BAR jeep soundbars could be heard all across the area with crystal clarity.

Over the three-day once in a lifetime show, over 2,500 jeeps paraded down the beach strip. From Texas, to California, to New York the masses came out in support of their favorite jeep and jeep mods, which DS18 dominated. With all this support and our booth packed all three days, DS18 was no doubt the most represented brand and loudest team on the beach!

Before Rob (Mr. DS18) Ferro and his team make their long journey home, they are showing their support to the local dealers in the area by showcasing Rob Ferro’s Big Bad Wolf (Fully Custom DS18 Jeep) to show all current and future DS18 family.

Upcoming session to demonstrate everyday uses to improve workflow and increase sales

LAS VEGAS – June 17, 2019 (MEDIAWIRE) – Kingpin University (KPU) announced that its next class will be the first to fully acquaint mobile electronics installers and fabricators with practical and everyday uses for laser cutting machines. The “Laser Focus” three-day session is scheduled for September 7-9 at the brand’s new retail and training facility, located at 5880 S. Valley View Blvd. in Las Vegas.

The Laser Focus course will familiarize attendees with the laser-cutting and engraving machinery, including power requirements, maintenance and safety. A segment on software will teach configuration and setup to properly plan and input jobs to achieve the desired result. In addition, attendees will get ideas from experienced instructors on adding premium enhancements to traditional installs and learn tips and techniques to improve efficiency. Finally, the class will teach retailers how to bid for—and profit from—laser-enhanced work.

“I think just the word ‘laser’ causes an intimidation factor in our industry,” said Kingpin University President Jason Kranitz. “It’s a big machine with technology we really only talk about in science fiction and specialized fabrication. The goal of the class is for shops to see a laser cutting machine as a tool they can use every day on a number of projects to add creativity and value to their work.”

Kranitz will be joined by industry experts John Brettle, Chris McNulty, and Erick Markland, all of whom have been recognized and awarded by Mobile Electronics magazine for their installation and fabrication expertise. Instructors will guide attendees in creating take-home projects that demonstrate their laser use and fabrication skill to potential customers.

Laser Focus is the second class offered by Kingpin University since its move from Wilsonville, Ore., to Las Vegas. Held June 7-9, the inaugural session welcomed 35 attendees to the new facility to learn techniques for 3D routering, vinyl wrapping, metal mesh and using aluminum and stainless steel to create attractive accents for finished work.

"The main reason we made the move was to make training more accessible to more installers,” said Kranitz. “Las Vegas is a popular destination so there are more affordable flight and entertainment options. Our ultimate objective is to become an easy-to-access training hub where we can host classes and partner with manufacturers to train industry professionals in a working retail facility.”

Tuition for the Laser Focus course is $799.00, which includes lunch daily. The nearby Palace Station Hotel is available for out-of-town attendees at a special rate for the course. Installation professionals can reserve a seat for the course at http://bit.ly/KPU-Laser719. For more information on Kingpin University’s training, products and services, please call (702) 850-2995 or visit kingpinuniversity.com.

June 18, 2019 -- DS18 Traveled across the country 1200 miles to the country’s largest basshead event, Slamoloy. The DS18 Team was well represented with a vast amount of vehicles sporting DS18. From large manufacturers to the everyday hobbyist, DS18 tents were widely spread throughout the landscape.

Chris Allen, Leader of Team DS18, was the front runner in the amazing DS18 sponsored Groundpound. Groundpound turns heads wherever it goes with its massive 150 speaker sound system. Six hooligan x15s are powered by Six DS18 SPLX amplifiers at 18 volts tthat bring this beast to a window shattering 166.3 db!

To complement all this bass, we installed stunt walls in the side windows that lift up, rear hatch that props open, and rear facing wall full of DS18 pro audio speakers that can be heard for miles. DS18 was very happy to see all the love and support from the customers we consider family. We can’t wait for Slamology 2020.

STILLWATER, USA – KICKER® returns to its music roots as the title sponsor of the 24th annual KICKER Country Stampede, June 20-22 at the new venue of Heartland Motorsports Park in Topeka, Kansas. The three-day music festival has moved from its traditional setting of Manhattan, Kansas due to severe flooding this spring.

More than 65 bands total will perform, with 16 featured on the main stage alone. This year’s headliners are country-music stars Jake Owen, Old Dominion and Jason Aldean in front of 160,000-plus fans, placing it among the largest country-music festivals in the nation.

KICKER plans to show off several vehicles during the event, including the XRV (Xtreme Recreational Vehicle) tractor-trailer, which houses a full showroom of hands-on KICKER products. Accompanying the XRV will be a KICKER/SSV Works™-equipped UTV racer, featuring a Phase 5 audio kit with subwoofer, speakers and powersports amplifiers, alongside an additional UTV loaded with over 4,500 watts of KICKER power including TB-Series tube subwoofers and horn-loaded tower systems.

The newest in a trio of “ground pounders,” the KICKER Silverado pickup truck will be stationed near the rig, playing more than 5,000 watts of bass from a half-dozen KICKER L7S™ square subwoofers.

Select KICKER lifestyle and portable gear will be available for purchase, including headphones, the entire KICKER Bullfrog™ portable speaker line and select wearables, and concert goers can play games with chances to win prizes. They will also be able to register for daily giveaways of a Bullfrog BF400 wireless speaker.  Winners will be announced via email during the event.

Prior to stage performances, each Country Stampede artist will receive a gift basket filled with KICKER gear, and they will also autograph acoustic guitars that will be auctioned off for charity.

For more information, consumers can visit www.countrystampede.com.

KICKER Performance Audio products, a division of Stillwater Designs and Audio, Inc.®, are available for the mobile and home audio aftermarket at authorized retailers worldwide, and also as Original Equipment for automobile manufacturers. Consumers seeking more information on KICKER or Livin’ Loud® may call the Consumer Information Line at 1-800-256-5425 or visit the brand website at www.kicker.com. Consumers can follow KICKER socially at Facebook.com/kickeraudio, Twitter.com/kickeraudio, Instagram.com/kickeraudio, or Pinterest.com/kickeraudio, and use the hashtags #kickeraudio and #livinloud.

Oklahoma City, OK, June 17, 2019 -- DD Audio is proud to be the Official Car Audio Sponsor of Illegal Toys Oklahoma Summer Bash 2019 taking place in Oklahoma City, OK, DD Audio’s home city, at the Cox Convention Center, Sunday, June 30th, from 10am to 5pm.

This indoor, air conditioned event will feature trucks, hot rods, imports, lowriders, classics, bikes and more. Not only is this Oklahoma’s premier custom auto event for the year attendees will also be treated to a live concert, by artists Slim Thug, GT Garza, Beatriz Gonzalez, Kirby Gomez, Martian, and Stunn.

The DDKONG plus a thunderous audio build by OKC locals, 405 Audio, will be pulverizing spectators with bass demos and representatives from DD Audio and 405 Audio will be on hand to answer equipment and install questions.

DD Audio and 405 Audio will also be giving away a full DD Audio system upgrade, complete with installation, worth over $1,500.00!

Don’t miss this awesome one day event in the heart of DD Country!

Now Shipping and the Only DOT Compliant “Street Legal” LED Headlight Conversion Available, the New V-SERIES Bulbs are Ideal for Cars, Trucks, UTVs/ATVs, and Motorcycles, Offering Substantial Technological, Performance, and Cosmetic Advantages Unavailable Anywhere Else

METAIRE, LA, June 13, 2019 – Oracle Lighting (www.oraclelights.com), the market leader in creating high quality lighting products and innovative LED solutions for the automotive/12Volt, powersports, motorcycle and marine markets, is proud to announce the launch of the new V-Series LED bulb conversion kits. Now shipping, the V-Series are the only DOT compliant “Street Legal” LED headlight conversion available in the market today.

“Our new V-Series LED bulbs are a cross-market product that work on cars, trucks, motorcycles, UTVs, ATVs, and more, providing technological, performance, and cosmetic benefits currently unmatched in the marketplace,” said Justin Hartenstein, Oracle Lighting director of development. “These were developed with numerous technological advantages which make these superior to standard LED bulbs, including our new SmartDrive™ Active Thermal Regulation (ATR) temperature management.”

In addition, said Hartenstein, “They also physically match the original bulb for OEM fitment, allowing for easy DIY installation and cosmetic compatibility without any additional wiring or external drivers. The die-cast design also provides increased thermal conductivity and heat dissipation to insure long bulb life.”

The new V-Series LED bulbs also feature:

• the first 6-volt daytime running light (DRL) compatible LED bulb available
• precision Filament Geometry for no-glare illumination
• no fan, heat-sink, or other obstructing/cumbersome cooling system
• DRL compatibility offers even more functionality by working with vehicles that use the headlight bulb for the DRL function at a reduced voltage; operates at 50 percent brightness in DRL mode
• MSRP: $119.95 - $149.95.

Bulb specifications include:

• Color Temp: 6000K
• Input Voltage: 6-32V DC
• DRL Compatible: yes
• Power Draw: 17W/ bulb
• Lumens: 3,600LM/ set
• Efficacy: >100lm/W* (*industry-leading efficacy ratio)

“The V-Series LED driver operates from a 6V to 24V input and offers constant current output at up to 1 amp,” Hartenstein continued. “If the bulb becomes hot and surpasses optimal working temperature, the driver can reduce the current by altering the PWM duty cycle until temperature stabilizes. Supplementing passive thermal management with active techniques such as this allow for a very small bulb package without risking damage to the LED or creating an environment where the LED lifetime would otherwise be significantly shortened.”

Celebrating its 20-year anniversary in 2009, Metairie, Louisiana-based Oracle Lighting has been designing innovative lighting products and technologies for the automotive/12Volt, powersports, motorcycle, and marine markets since 1999. Oracle’s philosophy is this: in today's world of fly-by-night vendors, we think it is important to partner with businesses that you can trust to be there for you today, tomorrow, and for years to come.

For more information on Oracle lighting’s V-Series LED bulbs, please visit https://www.oraclelights.com/collections/v-series-led-headlight-conversion-kits

For more information on Oracle Lighting and its full product line, please visit www.oraclelights.com, call (800) 407-5776, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

Celebrating its 20-year anniversary in 2009, Metairie, Louisiana-based Oracle Lighting has been designing innovative lighting products and technologies for the automotive/12Volt, powersports, motorcycle, and marine markets since 1999. Oracle’s philosophy is this: in today's world of fly-by-night vendors, we think it is important to partner with businesses that you can trust to be there for you today, tomorrow, and for years to come.

Located just outside New Orleans, Oracle Lighting has received accolades from numerous organizations for our business practices, including being listed on the Inc500 list of the Fastest Growing Businesses in the USA for the past eight years consecutively, winning the 2012 Bronze Stevie Award for Consumer Products Company of the Year, and most recently being named The Small Business Administration's Exporter of the Year and a Small Business Champion by the U.S. Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee. In 2012, Oracle was named the Jefferson Parish Small Business of the Year by JEDCO. New Orleans CityBusiness Magazine also named ORACLE Lighting a Top Private Company in the Greater New Orleans Area in 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017.