RZR SPECIFIC SPEAKER PODS

September 26th, 2016 - MTX Audio announced the release of new speaker pods designed specifically for Polaris RZR side-by-side vehicles. These new speaker pods are designed to work with select RZR XP1000 and 900 models. 

As the side-by-side market continues to gain popularity, providing the right solution for riders that also want great music is paramount. Having years of experience in OEM system design and creation, MTX is releasing its first aftermarket RZR solution, the RZRPOD65. The RZRPOD65 is a rotationally molded, all-weather enclosure that houses a 6.5" full range coaxial all-weather speaker.

The truly unique thing about the RZRPOD65 versus competitor models is that rather than mounting in the "kick panel" where it can get kicked and damaged as well as being hard to hear, these pods attach to the cage and are designed to fit the contours of the dashboard. This placement (closer to the riders ears) provides much better staging and sound quality. The low profile design does not interfere with driver sight lines and they can work with both factory and aftermarket cages making them the perfect choice for any RZR that needs an audio upgrade.

"MTX pioneered the vehicle specific enclosure with our THUNDERFORM line and there was no reason we couldn't use that expertise to design the most useful and best sounding UTV pods on the market", said National Sales Manager Jason Fickas. "Having done several audio systems with Polaris over the years, we have a ton of experience with these machines and our 40 years in the audio industry positions us as leaders in this emerging market."

Las Vegas, NV, September 23, 2016 – Audiomobile has begun initial deliveries of the first model of its ‘Next Gen’ of the Elite series, the Elite 2510 S4 subwoofer. As with the original Elite 2210, the new series features premium features, including Low-profile, SLX cast-aluminum frame, exotic, ‘CCAW’ (Copper-Clad Aluminum Wire) voice coils, powerful, large diameter ceramic magnet, premium, high-modulus, “CLS” (Composite Laminated Sandwich) cones, and patent-pending “ICAR” (Inter-Cooled Alloy Radiator) heatsink. 

This proprietary technology provides both superior Conduction and convection cooling, directly to voice coil and top-plate, to vanquish heat and power-compression, as well as significantly increased long-term thermal power-handling, now over 500 watts RMS. Enhanced features include integral Aluminum Flux Stabilization Device, providing both inner and outer “shorting-rings” (to reduce Inductance and improve transient response), as well as fully CNC machined top-plate, plus reduced mounting depth (under 4.9 inches), providing even greater installation application flexibility.

Specifically designed from the start, to be the world’s finest “free-air” (I-B installation) subs ever designed, the composite of ‘world-class’ features, makes the Elite series totally unique in the market.  The drivers are also well suited for small reflex/vented and Bandpass box applications. Matthew Overpeck, VP of Sales and Marketing, commented; As we all know, like the Internet, The OEM upgrade business is ‘here to stay,’ so we opted to rededicate the Elite ‘25’ series to providing our exclusive retailer base with a true, world-class solution, to their customers who want ‘killer-bass’ in their vehicles, but who have no interest in adding cost or weight of usual enclosure in their trunk. As we like to say, “The smallest-box is NO box.”

Overpeck continued; "It is now clear that all our unique, solutions-based, relevant products, which focus on specific categories, clearly stand out, even in a crowded market, and that our message resonates with the elite specialty retailer segment, allowing them to make room in their mix for these high-value products, which will provide superior performance and enhanced solutions to their needs, both from a business perspective, as well as from an applications standpoint.  Its axiomatic that “Size matters,” especially in mobile products, and we have addressed this on every level.”

Retailers who are interested in learning more about this opportunity are welcome to contact Audiomobile via email the company at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

AAMP RELEASES AFTERMARKET INSTALLATION

DASH KIT FOR THE 2015-2017 Honda Fit

HONK850GB and BKHONK850GB Dash Kit Address Honda Fit Vehicles for Aftermarket Radio Installations

CLEARWATER, FL - (October 3, 2016) – AAMP Global, today addressed aftermarket radio installation for Honda’s compact Fit models with the American International HONK850GB and Best Kits by PAC BKHONK850GB installation dash kits designed for 2015-2017 Honda Fit vehicles. As the popularity of small, compact vehicles continue to skyrocket, radio replacement for these types of vehicles are also on the rise. These new American International and Best Kits dash kits facilitate the installation of a single ISO radio with a pocket below or one double DIN (2-DIN) radio in the factory radio location. The kits are finished in high-gloss black for an attractive original equipment (OE) factory look. The multi-piece kits include the main bezel with a removable pocket, hardware, and instruction manual.

For a complete installation solution AAMP offers the optional American International HWH810 wire harness and HO6 antenna adapter and Best Kits by PAC BHA1729 wire harness and BAA28 antenna adapter.

Better Than Yesterday

To break out of a stalling career mindset six years ago, Matt Schaeffer made the conscious choice to challenge himself every day. Today, he stands atop the 12-volt industry as Installer of the Year.  

Words by Ted Goslin
Photos by Tim Causa

Not everyone knows what they want to be when they grow up. Some wander the world in search of a dream job with no particular focus, hoping that some mystical force will guide them into their ideal life. But it doesn’t work that way. Some people never find their calling and wind up taking whatever career path is most convenient. And then there’s Matt Schaeffer.

At the age of 11, Schaeffer received his first four-wheeler and fell in love. Cars became a passion off the bat for the future installer, who learned quickly what his favorite hobby and future career would become.
“I became obsessed with building it, customizing it, making it my own. I even got into making panels and customizing my four-wheeler,” Schaeffer said. “Then when I was in high school I got an Eclipse GSX. Using the mentality I had with my four-wheeler, I customized the GSX with panels, fabricating and installing.”

It was during this time period in the early 2000s that master fabricators like Dave “Fishman” Rivera, Steve Brown and Chris Yato were making the rounds in various magazines, showing off their work to a new generation of 12-volt enthusiasts. The build articles featured things like how to build fiberglass panels, Schaeffer recalled. “I would reverse engineer my parts from those articles to figure out what I wanted to build,” Schaeffer said. “For me, I fell in love with building, making things my own. I built my Eclipse to be a show car on the East Coast. It won Best in Show at the Funk Master Flex show in Daytona. It showed the artistic place where my passion lies and I knew that’s where I wanted to take my career.”

After high school, Schaeffer sought out a school to learn his craft. But instead of heading straight for 12-volt, he started with the basics at the Universal Technical Institute (UTI) in Orlando, Fla., where he received an education in automotive repair. “I learned transmissions, suspension, all the things I wasn’t versed in. As I’m installing something in a car, I’d want to be more versatile and be able to diagnose problems in a car,” Schaeffer said. “I had a lot of fun there and use a lot of what I learned now with wheels, tires, lift kits and performance upgrades. It’s something I hold dear to my heart that’s a nice change of pace from doing custom installs and head units. In my opinion, Universal Technical Institute would be the college for our industry.”

Upon graduating in 2006, Schaeffer attended the Installer Institute, which lasted about two weeks. He then went to a week-long training with his idol, Dave “Fishman” Rivera, called “Fish Camp.” The camp opened his eyes to what is possible with fabrication.
“That was the first time I realized how easy it could be. Fish made it look so easy and effortless,” Schaeffer recalled. “Seeing him layer different pieces together, this piece into that piece, I never realized how easy it could be. I just looked at it and thought, ‘so that is how they do it.’”

Click here for the full article.

Certified Sounds of Maui is Expanding and Growing

WAILUKU, HAWAII, October 3, 2016 – Certified Sounds is an upscale specialist car electronics retailer on the Island of Maui in Hawaii. President and Founder, Derek Pace, is moving forward with long-term goals to expand and grow the company including a brand new, purpose-built facility and hiring a new GM to lead day-to-day operations.

Maui and all the Hawaiian Islands are well-known for outrageous real estate prices, something that can challenge the growth of any small business. “We purchased in 2015 after seeking a site for several years that would accommodate the facility we wanted to build from the ground up and still be accessible to the commuter traffic that frequents our area of the island. We finally found an ideal location and will be breaking ground soon. In all we’re investing over 1 million dollars” explained Pace.

In the new facility, which will be about triple the current size of his 2700 sq.ft. location, Pace plans to outfit the location with innovative display and work areas for his already successful automotive electronics business. “We will construct a client-friendly showroom that’s reminiscent of an Apple® store as well as a completely new custom wood shop, metal fab shop and upholstery room that’ll help us execute product demonstrations and more efficient labor utilization” says Pace. Certified Sounds does a great car audio business and will continue to grow the safety and driver assist categories for their client base. “Introducing new technologies with real-world demonstration capability will always be a priority for our clients’ awareness and experience” concluded Pace, whose CTA involvement in the Board of Industry Leaders (BIL) sparked the idea to broaden the store’s clientele reach.

In addition to the robust aftermarket car electronics business, Certified Sounds will also expand into product categories that bring in a broad range of new technology consumers. “We will offer a variety of select new consumer products including high resolution home audio and video, sound bars, portable and Bluetooth™ speakers, headphones, digital cameras, and eventually getting into health/fitness and wearables categories” continued Pace of the company’s future plans. He envisions Certified Sounds as a one-of-a-kind premier electronics and technology destination for Maui consumers.

To help drive this growth and development, Pace brought in an industry veteran Jay Oliphant to assume the role of General Manager and oversee daily retail operations. Jay has over 23 years of deep industry experience in installation, client relations and management. Among Jay’s career achievements are magazine and SEMA Show featured builds, IASCA and MECA judging, as well as deep expertise in OEM audio integration and system tuning with advanced DSP integration devices. Jay was most recently involved in a successful central California-based retail and B2B services specialty 12v retail store for the past 10 years before coming to Certified Sounds. “Jay will help evolve and shape our mission statement. Hiring a higher level employee like Jay is an investment into the business and in someone who has the same long-term goals and outlook as I have” commented Pace.

For more information and to follow the exciting company expansion, visit www.certifiedsounds.com or find them on Facebook at certifiedsoundsmaui.

Directed Announces Promotion of James Turner

Today, Directed announced the promotion of James Turner to Senior Vice President, Product Management and Engineering.

Vista, CA (September 28, 2016) – Directed, a world leader in automotive electronics, is pleased to announce the recent promotion of James Turner to Senior Vice President of Product Management and Engineering.

A mobile electronics industry veteran, James has over 20 years of experience, and has been with Directed for the past 15 years. In his new role, James will be responsible for leading the company’s Product Development, Product Management, Hardware, Software, Technical Writing and Validation teams. This new title reflects the high level of responsibility that James has assumed since the beginning of the year. 

“Over the years, James has developed the experience, expertise, and leadership skills that have truly contributed to Directed’s track record of success,” said Tarek Kutrieh, President of Directed. “As Senior Vice President, I am confident that he will continue to be an invaluable asset as we lead the automotive electronics industry into the future.”

James will continue to report to Directed’s President, Tarek Kutrieh, in this new role.

METRA UNVEILS NEW UNIVERSAL SPEAKER ADAPTERS

SEPTEMBER 2016: HOLLY HILL, FL – Metra Electronics introduces universal speaker mounting adapters to fit a variety of applications (part number 82-4203.)

These adapters were specifically designed to adapt speakers measuring 6 inches to 6.75 inches and will mount easily in different locations.  Most current aftermarket speakers will fall into the 6” to 6.75” size.

Installers will be able to give clients wishing to upgrade their speakers better, faster service with unparalleled fit and finish with these universal speaker adapters.

Visit www.metraonline.com or call 800.221.0932 for more information.

METRA INTRODUCES NEW CHRYSLER SPEAKER ADAPTERS WITH EXTRA DEPTH

SEPTEMBER 2016: HOLLY HILL, FL – Metra Electronics introduces Chrysler speaker adapters to fit a variety of applications (part number 82-6601 and part number 82-6602.)

Part 82-6601 is an advancement to the existing 82-6600 adapter and still encompasses the same applications, however this adapter allows for installation of speakers ranging in size from 6 inches to 6.75 inches, which will cover most current aftermarket speakers on the market.

Part 82-6602 is very similar to the existing 82-6600 and encompasses the same applications, however this adapter allows for installation of speakers ranging in size from 6 inches 6.75 inches and 1” thick to provide more depth for the installation. Specific applications which will need extra room for depth include the Dodge Dakota and the Dodge Durango, model years 1997 – 2004.

Installers can now provide Chrysler clients wishing to upgrade their speakers better, faster service with unparalleled fit and finish.

Visit www.metraonline.com or call 800.221.0932 for more information.

 Audiomobile Ships Next-Gen Elite Series      

Las Vegas, NV, September 23, 2016 – Audiomobile has begun initial deliveries of the first model of the highly anticipated, ‘Next Gen’ of the Elite series, the Elite 2510 S4 subwoofer.

As with the original, superb Elite 2210, the new series features premium features, including Low-profile, SLX cast-aluminum frame, exotic, ‘CCAW’ (Copper-Clad Aluminum Wire) voice coils, powerful, large diameter ceramic magnet, premium, high-modulus, “CLS” (Composite Laminated Sandwich) cones, and patent-pending “ICAR” (Inter-Cooled Alloy Radiator) heatsink. This proprietary technology provides both superior Conduction and convection cooling, directly to voice coil and top-plate, to vanquish heat and power-compression, as well as significantly increased long-term thermal power-handling, now over 500 watts RMS.

Enhanced features include integral Aluminum Flux Stabilization Device, providing both inner  and outer “shorting-rings” (to reduce Inductance and improve transient response), as well asfully CNC machined top-plate, plus reduced mounting depth (under 4.9 inches), providing even greater installation application flexibility. Specifically designed from the start, to be the world’s finest “free-air” (I-B installation) subs ever designed, the composite of ‘world-class’ features, makes the Elite series totally unique in the market. The drivers are also well suited for small reflex/vented and Bandpass box applications.

Matthew Overpeck, VP of Sales and Marketing, commented; As we all know, like the Internet, The OEM upgrade business is ‘here to stay,’ so we opted to rededicate the Elite ‘25’ series to providing our exclusive retailer base with a true, world-class solution, to their customers who want ‘killer-bass’ in their vehicles, but who have no interest in adding cost or weight of usual enclosure in their trunk. As we like to say, “The smallest-box is NO box.”

Overpeck continued; "It is now clear that all our unique, solutions-based, relevant products, which focus on specific categories, clearly stand out, even in a crowded market, and that our message resonates with the elite specialty retailer segment, allowing them to make room in their mix for these high-value products, which will provide superior performance and enhanced solutions to their needs, both from a business perspective, as well as from an applications standpoint. Its axiomatic that “Size matters,” especially in mobile products, and we have addressed this on every level.”

Retailers who are interested in learning more about this opportunity are welcome to contact Audiomobile via email the company at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Contact: Matthew Overpeck; VP of Sales   This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (702) 221–1977

The Magic of Carbon Fiber

Expert installation technician Matt Schaeffer reveals how carbon fiber can change the game for even the most challenging of fabrication jobs.

Foreword by Joey Knapp

Words by Matt Schaeffer

I hope you liked our series on building a false floor. I think Bing did an excellent job breaking down the process of installing equipment into a spare tire well. For the right client, that is an excellent location to fit audio gear, and still keep the functionality of the trunk/hatch space.

In this article, we are going to be taking a look into using carbon fiber in our installations. Admittedly, I don’t know too much about carbon fiber. I recently completed an installation in which I had to machine and clear coat some carbon fiber pieces. I kind of cheated, though, and used pre-made sheets of carbon fiber. We are going to learn how to make pieces using real carbon fiber cloth.

When I decided this needed to be the next topic for an article, two people came to mind as guest authors. The first was Junior Ngim of Sound Innovations in Union City, Calif. I have always followed Junior’s work on Facebook, and was fortunate to meet him during a visit his shop a number of times when I lived in California. Junior makes a number of carbon fiber accessories for cars, and does a great job integrating carbon fiber in his installations. The second person I thought of—and the guest author of this article—is Matt Schaeffer. Like I do with Junior, I have followed Matt’s work on Facebook and Instagram for quite some time. Matt does incredible work. In addition, he makes some really great videos highlighting his work and techniques. He has one such video on laying carbon fiber. To provide insight on the subject, Matt agreed to share his steps for creating and finishing pieces in carbon fiber. Let’s see what he has to say. Click here for the full article.

VOXX Electronics Enhances Drivers Field of View with Newly Introduced Back-Up Camera Systems

HAUPPAUGE, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 29, 2016 -–VOXX Electronics Corporation (VEC), a wholly-owned subsidiary of VOXX International Corporation (NASDAQ: VOXX), announced today another expansion to the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) product line with the introduction of two new high-performance back-up cameras offering wider viewing angles and trajectory parking grid-lines that move. 

“According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration a final ruling has been issued requiring rear visibility technology in all new vehicles by May 2018.  This new rule enhances the safety of these vehicles by significantly reducing the risk of fatalities and serious injuries caused by back over accidents.  We have been one of the first companies in the aftermarket to provide safety accessories as part of our product offerings and with even more visibility being place upon driver safety products today we remain committed to continuously growing this product category to the aftermarket,” said Aron Demers, Vice President, VOXX Electronics Corporation.

The ACA801 and ACA501 cameras offer a high performance 1089 HD CCD lens with sensors that create high output results with cleaner, higher quality images than past CMOS cameras.  These cameras feature a 180-degree wide-angle field of view offering great visibility with virtually zero blind spots and the high sensitivity optics provide excellent low-light performance for maximum visibility after dark.  Additionally, both cameras feature selectable image: normal/mirror, waterproof rating of IP68 and are compatible with PAL/NTSC systems.

License Plate Mounted Back-Up Camera (ACA801) features selectable trajectory parking grid-lines that move for distance measurement and includes a license plate bracket and butterfly mount for easy installation.

Universal Mount Back-Up Camera (ACA501) features selectable on-screen built-in parking lines for distance measurement.  The ACA501 includes a low-profile metal housing for easy mount and low maintenance.

Additionally, both cameras feature selectable image: normal/mirror, waterproof rating of IP68 and are both designed to work with any monitor/screen with an RCA video input (sold separately).

The ACA801 and ACA501 are available at 12 Volt Retailers nationwide for an MSRP of $139 and $129, respectively.

For more information about the ADAS Back-Up Cameras please visit: www.voxxelectronics.com.  

The ADAS brand is marketed by VOXX Electronics Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of VOXX International Corp., (NASDAQ: VOXX).

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

SEPTEMBER 2016: HOLLY HILL, FL – Corvette owners can now get the high-quality sound from aftermarket speakers without the hassle of having to custom fabricate speaker brackets with Metra’s new Speaker Adapters (part number 82-3015.) 

These adapters were specifically designed for the installation of aftermarket tweeters into the new C7 Corvette for model years 2013-Up. Metra also introduces new GM speaker adapters (part number 82-3016) to use with aftermarket tweeters in a variety of GM vehicles. Both speaker adapters mount easily into factory tweeter locations and are perfect for upgrading to component speaker sets. 

Installers will be able to give clients wishing to upgrade their speakers better, faster service with unparalleled fit and finish. Visit www.metraonline.com or call 800.221.0932 for more information.

Diz-Based Solutions are Ideal for New iPhone 7 and 7 Plus Which are Shipping Without a Headphone Jack

EDMONTON, Alberta, Canada, Sept. 26, 2016 – The rumor was recently confirmed: Apple has unveiled the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus with no 3.5 mm headphone jack.

As a result, Eleven Engineering, Inc. (www.elevenengineering.com), a market leader in semiconductor products for wireless audio for home theater, multi-room, portable, professional, 12-volt (car, truck, motorcycle, power sports, marine) and gaming applications, announces SKAA Diz solutions for quality-centric headphone brands. Diz has been designed and engineered for those brands wishing to enter the market with wireless headphones that take advantage of Apple’s Lightning high-quality digital audio.

“Apple invents the future by setting fire to the past,” said John Sobota, Eleven Engineering CEO. “It's time for the industry to let go of the analog 3.5 mm jack, and it took Apple to make the bold move. It’s a fact that the Lightning connection on the Apple iPhone 7 will enable much better-sounding headphones to be built than the old 3.5 mm jack ever could…digital audio, amplifiers right next to the driver, multiple drivers with advanced bi-amping techniques. All of these techniques are now possible, thanks to Lightning.”

On the wireless side, while Bluetooth remains viable for low-end headphones, many quality-centric headphone brands are concluding that using lackluster Bluetooth makes less and less sense as Apple continues to raise the quality bar.

“This is why we created the SKAA Diz transmitter for Lightning,” explained Rex Whitehead, Eleven Engineering director of sales, North America. “Diz takes full advantage of Lightning’s high-quality audio and wirelessly transmits that pristine digital stream to speakers and headphones built to the SKAA standard. Products using Lightning require Apple’s MFi approval, but the already-proven Diz transmitter makes this process quick and painless.”

Brands wishing to ship wireless Lightning headphones can move to market very quickly by taking advantage of Eleven’s headphone reference designs and Eleven’s already-proven Diz transmitter.  Diz is designed to work with iPhones, iPods and iPads with a Lightning connector and running iOS 7 or later.  Diz is designed to transmit audio to all SKAA-compatible receivers, including speakers and headphones.

“Also, look for Diz-based products which let you enjoy your existing favorite headphones with your brand new iPhone 7, which are coming soon,” Whitehead added.

SKAA is the new wireless HiFi audio standard developed by Eleven Engineering, Inc. SKAA transmitters work with iOS & Android mobile devices, Mac & Windows computers, televisions, and just about any product with a line output or a headphone jack. SKAA is also available as a built-in technology not requiring an external transmitter in purpose-designed partner products, which are featured at SKAA.com. SKAA navigates hostile environments saturated in wireless traffic with best-in-class reliability. SKAA delivers uninterrupted audio with the highest sound quality to all speakers without the latency that is inherent in other wireless solutions.

With SKAA, the receivers (speakers / headphones) are in charge of selecting which transmitter to listen to.  There’s no pairing.

“Diz doesn’t require Wi-Fi, and it has incredibly low latency,” Whitehead continued. “It has an indoor range of nearly 50 feet (15 meters), while the outdoor range can be even more. Diz can send audio to up to four SKAA receivers at the same time with rock-solid reliability.  Compare that with standard Bluetooth which can only send audio to one solitary device, often with poor range and flaky reliability.  SKAA’s audio quality is always 480 kbps while Bluetooth’s is always lower and actually varies depending on environment and circumstances. You can use up to five SKAA transmitters in your home at the same time.  That’s up to 20 speakers or headphones.”

SKAA is easy to use —all compatible products are ready to play right out of the box. “It’s also highly flexible, being compatible with a fantastic breadth of audio sources,” concluded Sobota. “Plus, SKAA receivers can effortlessly switch from source to source. And don’t forget rock-solid reliability, great range, and CD-quality sound. SKAA.com is the source for all things SKAA.”

For more information, contact Rex Whitehead at 480-650-3979 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. For more information on Eleven Engineering, visit www.SKAA.comand www.elevenengineering.com.

Montreal, 23 September 2016 -- Fortin has announced a 3X LOCK and remote starter update for its Volkswagen and Audi integrated remote starter and bypass solution (2006+ Push-to-Start and key vehicles). This update is now available for both EVO-ONE and EVO-ALL platforms with simple firmware updates.

The solution offers 3X LOCK remote starter and monitors and controls the OEM remote while the engine is running which allows a full LOCK, UNLOCK and trunk release functions control. Popular long range RF Kits as well as compatible smartphone and telematic apps can also be connected directly to the EVO-ALL or the EVO-ONE module. No extra and costly remote starter or device required.

Coming up this fall, Fortin will introduce the first phase of its data bypass solution for both Volkswagen and Audi vehicles as well as a custom fit T-Harness solution. 

Fortin Electronic Systems is a world leading developer and manufacturer of integrated consumer solutions for vehicle control and connectivity. Visit Fortin.ca to discover more remote starter, bypass and security system solutions.

IASCA Worldwide Inc. has appointed South African audio industry members Shaheen Kalla and Joel Kopping as their new IASCA Executives for the country.

Shaheen has been involved in car audio since 1991, first as a consumer with a passion soaking up knowledge from his local car audio shop and installing systems. He continued to work in the industry through his years in school, installing and working for a car audio distributor in the country. He became an IASCA Sound Quality competitor and later on a Certified Judge at this time, competing and judging for a number of years, until he started writing technical articles for one of the country’s foremost car audio publications.

Joel’s involvement in car audio began in the mid 1980s as an installer at his family owned car audio shop. Shortly after, he began competing in IASCA Sound Quality. Also an IASCA Certified Judge and having served on the IASCA South Africa executive committee, he judged numerous events and held seminars on car audio, with a focus on the science of car audio and what makes a good sounding system. A writer as well, Joel was an assistant editor for Audio Video South Africa (AVSA) until 2014 when he started 13H of Johannesburg with his partner, a high end audio distribution and retail company that specializes in sound quality.

"Our goal is the revival of IASCA competition as a whole, with a focus on sound quality." they both stated “Our company focuses on all aspects of quality sound from car to home; there is a great passion for audio here in South Africa and our mission is to perpetuate quality sound and the science of sound in all formats, using IASCA as our vehicle to deliver this message to the public.”

“IASCA is excited to have Shaheen and Joel at the helm of IASCA in their country” said Moe Sabourin, Directors of Operations for IASCA Worldwide Inc. “We are very proud of our dedicated members in South Africa and look forward to continued growth in all IASCA competition formats; Joel and Shaheen have the passion to make a positive impact in South Africa and not only continue, but expand that growth in the region.”

For more information on IASCA Worldwide and IASCA South Africa, visit our website at www.iasca.com or contact Moe Sabourin at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Adding another level of safety to the vehicle by enhancing the driver’s field of view

 HAUPPAUGE, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 20, 2016 -–VOXX Electronics Corporation announced the expansion of the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) product line with the introduction of the first aftermarket Blind Spot Detection system (ACABSD) using microwave based detection with approximately 30 feet of range. The system enhances the drivers field of view and acts as an extra set of eyes around the vehicle.

“Today there is a growing interest being place upon driver safety products and our ADAS product line reflects the importance we feel in delivering safety accessories to the aftermarket,” said Aron Demers, Vice President, VOXX Electronics Corporation.  “We are continuously looking to expand our product offerings and the introduction of the first aftermarket Blind Spot Detection system demonstrates our committed to growing this product category to deliver new and innovative solutions to the aftermarket.”

The Blind Spot Detection sensors supplement the vehicle’s interior and exterior rear-view mirrors and notifies the driver with audible and visual alerts when approaching vehicles and/or objects appear in the blind spot area. The sensors are equipped with adjustable speed sense and will activate at the chosen speed, turning the ACABSD on when it is needed reducing false alarms when stopped at a light or moving at slower speeds. The system is easy to install – mounts behind the bumper, no drilling required.

The ACABSD is available now for an MSRP of $799.00.

Oklahoma City, OK, September 19, 2016 -- DD Audio’s International Accounts Manager, Eric Park, will be visiting DD Audio distributors in Turkey and Russia during the month of September. The focus of trip will be to help DD Audio and their international distributors align sales strategies to better suit their regional car audio market’s needs.

When asked about the upcoming trip, Park said “Over the last year both of these distributors have seen tremendous growth with the DD Audio product line, and by meeting our customers face to face we’ll be able to better understand how to overcome any obstacles they may be facing in their specific markets.”

This trip comes on the heels of another recent international trip where another DD representative was able to have several informative face to face meetings with distributors across Europe and the UK. 

9-16-2016 -- Ford Motor Co. executives say the automaker’s investment in autonomous cars and new transportation services will hurt in the short term, but will set up the company for long-term success.

Ford President and CEO Mark Fields said Wednesday at the company’s annual investor day that Ford’s 2017 financial results will fall from the $10.2 billion the company expected to earn this year as Ford invests in ride-sharing shuttles and other services. But the company’s fortunes will pick back up in 2018, executives say, and those emerging opportunities could offer profit margins of more than double what Ford makes selling cars and trucks.

“As we expand to be an auto and a mobility company, we’re not moving from an ‘old’ business to a ‘new’ business. We’re moving to a bigger business,” Fields said in a statement. “The world is moving from simply owning vehicles to owning and sharing them. That’s why we are expanding to sell more vehicles and provide transportation services at the same time.”

Ford’s investor day presentations, Fields said, were meant to convince Wall Street that Ford, “is a solid investment with an attractive upside on emerging opportunities.”

As has been the case in recent years, investors shrugged off the news. Ford stock closed Wednesday at $12.14 a share, down 1.94 percent for the day.

Executives from across the company detailed how they plan to continue to have a strong core business while methodically expanding into new services and technologies such as driverless vehicles. Fields said those opportunities could offer profit margins of 20 percent, while its target for margins in its core business is 8 percent.

Ford is investing heavily in autonomous cars because it believes driverless vehicles could account for 20 percent of industry-wide U.S. yearly sales by 2030. Of that 20 percent, Fields said 80 percent will be in fleets, while 20 percent will be for personal use.

Executives believe the company has the potential to earn $3.7 trillion of the transportation industry’s $5.4 trillion in annual revenue from emerging mobility opportunities such as ride-hailing and car-sharing services.

The automaker’s leadership sees the biggest chance to make money off retail and finance, followed by mass transit. The company expects the mass transit sector will account for $900 billion of the potential $3.7 trillion the industry could earn.

Ford’s already investing heavily in that space. Last week it acquired Chariot, a shuttle service based in San Francisco that it plans to expand to five additional markets in the next 18 months. Chariot is working to deploy fully autonomous cars for a commercial ride-hailing or ride-sharing service in 2021.

By targeting its autonomous vehicle for a ride-hailing or ride-sharing service, Ford said it can reduce the cost of traveling. Traditionally, owning a vehicle has cost between 70 cents and $1.50 a mile, it says. Ford’s autonomous ride-hailing or sharing vehicles could reduce the cost to about $1 per mile — on par or even less than personal ownership.

The company also sees money to be made off insurance, motorcycle and taxi services.

Ford projects that driverless cars will represent 20 percent of U.S. yearly sales by the end of next decade. If those figures were applied to today’s record-level auto sales, Americans would have bought about 3.5 million self-driving vehicles.

Ford also expects 10 percent of all miles traveled will be autonomous by 2030.

Ford says it will still focus on its core business of selling cars and trucks, and reiterated a number of plans, including a $4.5 billion investment in electric cars it announced last December, as well as maintaining leadership in the truck and van segments.

The company also is refocusing how it sells small cars, trying to reduce its cost footprint in a segment that not many customers want. It reduced Ford Focus buildable combinations from 200,000 in 2015 to approximately 300 for the 2017-model year and 30 for the next-generation Focus.

That’s saving the company about $300 per car, Ford said.

Ultimately, Ford predicts a pre-tax profit of about $10.2 billion this year, down from earlier estimates of $10.8 billion, which it earned last year. The company estimates it will earn about $1 billion in the third quarter, or about 10 percent of the full-year results.

Read the rest of the story HERE. 

9/16/2016 -- STEREOACTIVE is the world’s first purpose-built, portable, IPx7 waterproof, floating, watersports stereo. It has built-in Bluetooth audio streaming, AM/FM radio with weatherband available in the U.S. and USB audio playback.

Users can easily and securely attach the stereo to any paddleboard, kayak, canoe, boat or even hot tub with the unique Puck-It mount system. STEREOACTIVE lets users take FUSION sound with them where no other stereo system will go.

Montreal, 15th September 2016 -- Fortin announces the release of an exclusive FREE Troubleshooting Guides app for iOS and Android. This new smartphone and tablet compatible app will help installers on the field to get instant 24/7 technical support through vehicle of product specifics step-by-step processes. Installation guides can also be viewed and browsed within your mobile device.

These 2 apps can be downloaded for FREE from both Apple App Store or Android Play Store.

Apple App Store :https://itunes.apple.com/ca/app/fortin-troubleshooting-guides/id1038091198?l=en&mt=8?utm_source=email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Troubleshooting_App
Android Play Store :https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.fortin&hl=en?utm_source=email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Troubleshooting_App

Fortin Electronic Systems is a world leading developer and manufacturer of integrated consumer solutions for vehicle control and connectivity.

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