Protects starters and other components from the damaging effect of heat soak.

Avon Lake, Ohio (May 4, 2016) -- Constructed of an aluminized heat reflective material backed with a high temperature rated glass fiber insulation barrier, the new mini DEI Versa Shield™ protects starters and other components from failure due to heat soak. Capable of reflecting radiant heat up to 2000°F and direct heat up to 500°F, this thermal product installs easily and can be trimmed to size.

Its convenient hook and loop closure design allows the shield to wrap around the starter and attach in minutes. Most starters will not require removal. Simply wrap the starter with the aluminized side out, trim length to fit and secure the edges by pressing the black loop material sewn into the material into the sewn in strip of black hook material.

Developed with a universal design to fit most mini sized starters (5.25” wide x 16.5” long) the shield is also ideal for multiple components where heat can affect performance—master cylinders, distributors, fuel pumps and more.  

For more information about DEI’s Made in the USA Versa Shield (part # 010384), visit www.DesignEngineering.com, call 800-264-9472, or e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

5-1-2016 -- Custom Autosound has announced new OE fitment radios for various Chevrolet models. Shipping applications include the 64-73 Mustang, 68-76 Corvette, 67-72 GMC/Chevy truck, 67-73 Cougar, 64-66 Falcon, 62-65 Chevy Nova, 55/56 Bel Air, and 57 Bel Air. 

MSRP for the radio is $299

Radio features include:
• 300 watts
• AM/FM RDS tuner with 25 pre-sets
• USB Flash Drive Player
• Subwoofer Line Out
• Direct iPod Charge and Play
• CD changer controller
• Bluetooth Option
• Aux Input
• 7 LCD color choices (white/red/blue/cyan/green/yellow/pink) w/ dimmer
• Bass/Mid/Treble Tone Control
• DSP EQ

TOYK932GB and BKTOYK932GB Dash Kit Address Toyota Hybrid Prius Vehicles for Aftermarket Radio Installations

CLEARWATER, FL - (May 3, 2016) – AAMP Global, today addressed aftermarket radio installation for the most popular hybrid vehicle in the market with the American International TOYK932GB and Best Kits by PAC BKTOYK932GB installation dash kits designed for the 2016 Toyota Prius. 

As the popularity of hybrid 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 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 TWH950 wire harness and LX8 antenna adapter and Best Kits by PAC BHA1761 wire harness and BAA44 antenna adapter.

5-3-2016 -- VOXX Electronics is now shipping its new Carlink BT device. The Bluetooth module provides remote start from a phone within 50 to 80 feet from the vehicle without any service charges. 

The module is included for free with VOXX’s Prestige PROCORE remote starters. To use the feature, however, users must download an app for $7.99.

A standalone version of the Bluetooth module will also be offered that can be used with remote starters from other brands for a one-time charge. Customers who want an extended range can upgrade to a full cellular version for $99 per year.

After a well-received but loosely attended first year, KnowledgeFest Spring Training has become a rousing success in its second, shattering its previous attendance and adding more vendors to help train dealers on new products for the coming selling seasons.  

5-1-2016, Mobile Electronics, May 2016 Issue -- Sometimes in life, you need a trial run. You get an idea, try it out and learn from it to improve for next time. Such was the case for KnowledgeFest Spring Training when it was first introduced to the 12-volt industry in April 2015. Since then, the show-runners at Mobile Electronics Group have listened to their audience and made adjustments to craft an experience worthy of the precedent that its namesake event set in Dallas.

In its first year, the event drew around 350 attendees and had a turn-out that was below expectations for its Mobile Electronics show, where industry manufacturers set up booths to mingle with current and future dealers. This year, the three-day event which took place April eighth to April 10 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, Ind., drew over 750 retailers and 40 manufacturers. In comparison, KnowledgeFest in Dallas has drawn around 1,000 retailers on average each year.

The event featured three elements for retailers to take part in: educational seminars, taught by various experts in and around the industry, manufacturer trainings and the Mobile Electronics Show, where manufacturers set up booths to showcase the latest products and mingle with attendees. The latter represents what the event has become since its inception—an opportunity for networking between everyone in the industry, to share ideas and help progress the industry as a whole.

"We are extremely pleased with the turnout of the event," said Chris Cook, Mobile Electronics Group president. "We had a steady presence of retailers during exhibit floor hours and workshop attendance was strong. Exhibitors we've spoken to are pleased with the traffic they received, both in their booths and their individual product training workshops. In fact, onsite we received strong commitments from exhibitors to come back to Indy next year."

The seminars and trainings were housed in eight meeting rooms that rotated throughout the show. Attendees received peer-based instruction, tips and advice through 18 workshops segmented for owners and managers, sales professionals and installation technicians.

Exhibitors hosted 40 workshops to focus on brand-specific instruction, with most opening their workshops to prospective and current authorized retailers. On the last day of the event, the exhibit floor hours were moved to the morning and educational workshops finished off the day, resulting in more face time between manufacturers and attendees. 

Check out the rest of the story by Clicking HERE

Montebello, CA April 29, 2016 – Wet season is upon us and Soundstream is releasing its 2016 product line of Wake Tower Speakers. These units are made of heavy-duty properties designed to stand up to any extreme environments such as water, snow, mud, etc.  and come in 6.5” or 8” sizes.

The packaging further displays the many uses that come with these units highlighting its element-ready specifications. They come colored in either white or titanium waterproof enclosure.  

Customizable lighting is also available on both models.  Furthermore, known for its high audio performance that rivals most competitors in its class, Soundstream delivers not in only in price but also in quality of its products.

The Soundstream WTS-65 and WTS-80 Wake Tower Speakers contains the following specs:

• 100% Water-Resistant Enclosure and Speaker System
• Marine Grade Waterproof Coaxial Speaker
• Fiber Reinforced ABS Frame w/UV Protection
• 1” Titanium Dome Tweeter
• Injection Molded Polypropylene Cone
• Butyl Rubber Surround w/UV Protection
• Moisture Isolated Magnet Structure
• Rubber Tweeter Pole Gasket
• Quick Disconnect Terminals
• Meets ROHS & CE Certification

For further product info: http://soundstream.com/wake-tower-speakers/

TEMPE, Ariz. – May 2, 2016 – CrimeStopper has announced the launch of its new 1-Way Security and Keyless Entry System.

“Our new SP-102 is the start of our deluxe universal security system with keyless entry,” explained Alvin Klement, national sales manager, security & safety products. “The system includes two small four-button remotes with up to 500 ft. of range, featuring a dual stage shock sensor, siren, and starter kill output. There is a lot of security packed into a very small package.”

The CrimeStopper SP-102 allows the user to arm/lock, disarm/unlock, and release the trunk as well as do all of these functions without audible alerts with silent mode. The SP-102 also offers single or double pulse for unlock as well as the ability to work with electric or vacuum locking systems.

The SP-102 is scheduled to ship June 1 with an MSRP of $69.95.

“We are also launching a new look with the SP-102’s packaging, one that will soon be emulated within the rest of the line,” added Klement. “Combined with our new and improved website, we are excited about what CrimeStopper has in store for our customers in both the short and long term.”

For more than 30 years in the North American market, CrimeStopper, Inc. has been an industry leader in 12-volt aftermarket electronics and has become a one-stop-shop for all total vehicle security and safety needs. Over the past decade, the company has been recognized for offering the widest selection of vehicle security and remote start systems in the marketplace. It has also expanded its product line to include a wide variety of vehicle safety products such as cameras, monitors, wireless video systems, collision avoidance and parking sensor systems, and DVR systems.

For more information, visit www.crimestopper.com.

5/2/2016 -- CRUX INTERFACING, specializing in OEM integration and safety products for the 12-volt aftermarket, has hired Rich DeSclafani, OEM Integration specialist. DeSclafani will be responsible for providing customer support starting from vehicle and product application to sales and technical support for the OEM integration products.

DeSclafani has worked in 12-volt for 20 years and has won the Manufacturer’s Sales Rep of the Year Award from Mobile Electronics magazine in 2012. He also has vast experience in the OEM integration category.

“I am very excited to work with a great company full of great people,” DeSclafani said. “CRUX is pushing forward with innovative products and I really look forward to helping move the industry forward with an amazing company”

As a result of continued growth and the introduction of technically advanced products Rydeen Mobile has created a new position and hired industry pro, Jordan Shahriary

TORRANCE, CALIF. – May 1, 2016 --  Rydeen Mobile Electronics announced that it has hired industry professional Jordan Shahriary as Technical Services Coordinator, a newly created position that will enable Rydeen to further support its existing dealer and distributor network.

Jordan's 10 year career in Mobile Electronics includes various sales, tech support and installation positions, most recently with Al & Ed's Autosound's in Southern California. Jordan has had hands on experience designing and selling solutions utilizing Rydeen Mobile products at retail during the past few years.

"Jordan's addition will provide a boost to our sales and technical support efforts both internally and in the field," said Bob Goodman, director of sales and marketing for Rydeen. "Jordan will work with our current team to improve existing systems to better serve our installers, retail & distributor salespeople, manufacturers representatives and consumers seeking solutions with our products. Jordan will not only be part of our technical support department, he will also be out in the field training our dealers, distributors and manufacturers representatives to support their sales efforts."

Additionally, Sharhriary will develop training materials, including video and PowerPoint presentations that will be accessible from our recently updated website, Goodman added. 

A wiring harness is not included. The antenna connection is sold separately. Ask for part number 40-EU10.

April 26 (Reuters) - Alphabet Inc's Google unit, Ford Motor Co, Volvo Cars and two ride-sharing companies said Tuesday they are forming a coalition to urge federal action on self-driving cars.

The coalition, which also includes Uber Technologies Inc and Lyft, is "to work with lawmakers, regulators, and the public to realize the safety and societal benefits of self-driving vehicles."

The group said David Strickland, the former top official of the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, will serve as the coalition's counsel and spokesperson.

"The best path for this innovation is to have one clear set of federal standards, and the coalition will work with policymakers to find the right solutions that will facilitate the deployment of self-driving vehicles," Strickland said in a statement.

Sweden-based Volvo Cars is owned by China's Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co.

4/26/2016, GAO -- The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) conducted a recent study on vehcile cybersecurity and the efforts underway to protect drivers from future threats. There following is an excerpt of that study:

What GAO Found

Modern vehicles contain multiple interfaces—connections between the vehicle and external networks—that leave vehicle systems, including safety-critical systems, such as braking and steering, vulnerable to cyberattacks. Researchers have shown that these interfaces—if not properly secured—can be exploited through direct, physical access to a vehicle, as well as remotely through short-range and long-range wireless channels. For example, researchers have shown that attackers could compromise vulnerabilities in the short-range wireless connections to vehicles' Bluetooth units—which enable hands-free cell phone use—to gain access to in-vehicle networks, to take control over safety-critical functions such as the brakes. Among the interfaces that can be exploited through direct access, most stakeholders we spoke with expressed concerns about the statutorily mandated on-board diagnostics port, which provides access to a broad range of vehicle systems for emissions and diagnostic testing purposes. However, the majority of selected industry stakeholders we spoke with (23 out of 32) agreed that wireless attacks, such as those exploiting vulnerabilities in vehicles' built-in cellular-calling capabilities, would pose the largest risk to passenger safety. Such attacks could potentially impact a large number of vehicles and allow an attacker to access targeted vehicles from anywhere in the world. Despite these concerns, some stakeholders pointed out that such attacks remain difficult because of the time and expertise needed to carry them out and thus far have not been reported outside of the research environment.

Key Vehicle Interfaces That Could Be Exploited in a Vehicle Cyberattack

In this context, long-range refers to access at distances over 1 kilometer.

This port is mandated in vehicles by statute for emission-testing purposes and to facilitate diagnostic assessments of vehicles, such as by repair shops. 

Selected industry stakeholders, both in the United States and Europe, informed GAO that a range of key practices is available to identify and mitigate potential vehicle-cybersecurity vulnerabilities. For instance, the majority of selected industry stakeholders we spoke with (22 out of 32) indicated that—to the extent possible—automakers should locate safety-critical systems and non-safety-critical systems on separate in-vehicle networks and limit communication between the two types of systems, a concept referred to as “domain separation.” However, some of these stakeholders also pointed out that complete separation is often not possible or practical because some limited communication will likely need to occur between safety-critical and other vehicle systems. In addition, selected industry stakeholders we spoke to identified technological solutions that can be incorporated into the vehicle to make it more secure. However, according to stakeholders, many of these technologies—such as message encryption and authentication, which can be used to secure and verify the legitimacy of communications occurring along in-vehicle networks—cannot be incorporated into existing vehicles. Rather, such technologies must be incorporated during the vehicle design and production process, which according to stakeholders, takes approximately 5 years to complete.

Read the rest of the study here: http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-16-350?utm_medium=email&utm_source=transportationcommunicationsnewsletter

4/26/2016, Farmington Hills, MI -- The Philips HiPerVision Bulb range has been expanded with two new CrystalVision ultra upgrades for 12276 and 12086FF, the two most popular bulbs in the line.
The Philips CrystalVision ultra bulb provides a bright, white light for a high-tech style, so drivers will be able to color match the 4000K bright white performance of their fog lights to their HID and LED headlights.

Philips is the only OE manufacturer of the HiPerVision Bulbs and now makes these formerly ‘dealer only’ lighting applications available to the aftermarket. HiPerVision Bulbs are featured on many late model vehicles including GM full-sized trucks and SUVs equipped with front fog lights (since 2007), Jeep vehicles with front fog lights (since 2010), and 2015 Chevrolet Colorado. Philips HiPerVision is available for a wide range of applications including daytime running lights, fog lights, and front and rear signal lights.

Although HiPerVision Bulbs have the appearance of a traditional incandescent light, they employ a proprietary lighting technology derived from cathode ray tube manufacturing. The bulbs are extremely compact with accurate coil positioning that helps improve reliability. Philips is the only OE supplier to feature this technology in their bulbs.

The Philips HiPerVision line now includes Standard and Natural Amber bulbs, Philips CrystalVision ultra, and the silver-coated Philips SilverVision bulb. The SilverVision bulb gives lighting assemblies the ‘all-silver’ look that is found on many of today’s luxury vehicle brands. The bulbs are extremely compact with accurate coil positioning that helps improve reliability.

For more information, visit: http://www.usa.philips.com/c-m-li/car-lights/ or call 1-800-257-6054.

Oklahoma City, OK, April, 22  2016 -- DD Audio has announced the addition of three new component sets to their Mids + Highs category. The CC6.5, DC6.5 and EC6.5 component sets will give customers even more options to choose from when building their custom audio systems.

When designing these new component sets DD didn’t focus on making the standard good, better, best products based on price. The design criteria was for all the sets to be of equal quality, but engineered to perform optimally within set power bands. The CC6.5 power band is 60-180W, the DC6.5 is 50-150W and the EC6.5 is 25-100W. All sets feature high end performance elements such as copper pole caps, aluminum-double slit voice coil formers, rubber surrounds, and silk dome tweeters. 

The crossover networks for all sets feature mylar capacitors and segmented air-core inductors. So, no matter the system being built, with these new components DD Audio will "have it covered." To learn more about these products and the rest of the DD Audio Mid + High offerings go to ddaudio.com. 

STILLWATER, USA – For the first time in its 43-year history, KICKER® has developed and perfected high-performance media centers for the marine market, and consumers can purchase them now at authorized KICKER dealers. The KICKER KMC10 Media Center and KMC20 Premium Media Center deliver all-weather performance with IPX6 waterproof certification, as well as ASTM salt/fog and ultraviolet exposure guarantees. The radios and their accessory product KRC15 Digital Remote Commander are the first source units to carry the KICKER label.

Bluetooth® devices easily pair with either KMC Media Center, and once a device is initialized, a custom 12-character source name can be added. While streaming Bluetooth audio, station and artist info appears on the screen. Cover art can even be displayed during playback when connecting a phone to either KMC’s USB charging ports.

The KMC20 Premium Media Center (MSRP $749.95) was designed for full ease of use on the water. The full-color, sunlight-viewable LCD screen includes day/night mode and controls several sources including Bluetooth, SiriusXM®, AM/FM, in addition to a pair of RCA auxiliary connections and two USB inputs.  It also provides dual-zone entertainment control on the boat, allowing independent source, track/station and volume commands from the head unit or from the KRC15 Remote if installed. The second zone can also be named independently. 

The KMC20’s small-footprint, controller display allows for outstanding installation flexibility in an environment where space is always at a premium. The full-color controller is attached to an outboard processor by a single six-foot cable, and it provides three sets of RCAs for amplification, ready for a full complement of amplifiers including a dedicated subwoofer output.

The KMC10 All-In-One Media Center (MSRP $549.95) is a single-zone unit with all systems integrated into a single frame. Sharing the same full-color display and Bluetooth capabilities as the KMC20, this unit provides two sets of RCA outputs, as well as an auxiliary RCA input and USB connection. It is also compatible with the KRC15 Remote.

Both units’ weather-band priority system is a valuable KICKER safety feature. This defeatable system prompts the user with an alert to turn the receiver to the weather-band, regardless of the source that the media center is playing.  Additionally, a battery-monitoring system is also included on both, sounding an alert when the voltage drops below an acceptable threshold. This kind of foresight ensures that the vessel’s charging system always retains priority over the audio system.

The separately sold KRC15 Remote (MSRP $149.95) is mountable anywhere a boater needs control of the entertainment source.

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. Follow KICKER socially at Facebook.com/kickeraudio, Twitter.com/kickeraudio, Instagram.com/kickeraudio, or Pinterest.com/kickeraudio.

SiriusXM is a trademark of SiriusXM Satellite Radio, Inc. The Bluetooth word mark is a registered trademark owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. Apple is a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.

Model:  KMC20 Premium Media Center

RMS output @ 2 Ohms: 50 watts x 4

RMS output @ 4 Ohms: 25 watts x 4

Bluetooth compatible

SiriusXM compatible (requires SiriusXM tuner and antenna)

AM/FM Tuner with Weather Band

Certified Apple® compatibility

RCA Outputs: 3

USB Inputs: 2

Auxiliary Inputs: 2

Zones: 2

-more-

IPX6 Weatherproof certified

ASTM B117 Salt/Fog certified

ASTM G154 Ultraviolet Exposure certified

Controller Width: 5.5”

Controller Height: 3.5”

Controller Mounting Depth: 0.75”

Processor Width: 6.9”

Processor Height: 2”

Processor Depth: 6.7”

Model:  KMC10 All-in-One Media Center

RMS output @ 2 Ohms: 50 watts x 4

RMS output @ 4 Ohms: 25 watts x 4

Bluetooth compatible

AM/FM Tuner with Weather Band

Certified Apple compatibility

RCA Outputs: 2

USB Inputs: 1

Auxiliary Inputs: 1

IPX6 Weatherproof certified

ASTM B117 Salt/Fog certified

ASTM G154 Ultraviolet Exposure certified

Width: 5.5”

Height: 3.5”

Mounting Depth: 3.25”

Model:  KRC15 Digital Remote Commander

Compatible with KMC10 and KMC20

2-Line LCD Display

IPX6 Weatherproof certified

ASTM B117 Salt/Fog certified

ASTM G154 Ultraviolet Exposure certified

Controls All Zones (KMC20)

Diameter 3.86”

Mounting Depth 0.75”

TEMPE, Ariz. – April 21, 2016 – Rockford Corp. has announced that it has finalized and completed the transition of the distribution of Audiotec Fischer products under the Brax, Helix, and Match brands in the U.S. and Mexico to Atlanta-based Hybrid Audio Technologies, Inc., officially effective April 25, 2016. Rockford announced the end of its four-year distribution agreement with Audiotec Fischer in January 2016 in order to dedicate resources and capitalize on opportunities within its own brands.

“After careful consideration, Audiotec Fischer chose Scott Buwalda and the team at Hybrid Audio Technologies to take over distribution of the Brax, Helix, and Match brands in the U.S. and Mexico,” explained Theresa Anthony, Rockford Corp. VP of sales and marketing. “Hybrid Audio Technologies will assume all service and support for dealers who purchased from Rockford Corporation, so it will be as seamless a transition for all involved…most importantly, for Brax, Helix, and Match retailers and customers.”

Brax, Helix, and Match will be now be managed under the dba namesake Audiotec Fischer Brands USA (AFB-USA), sister company to Hybrid Audio Technologies, Inc.

“AFB-USA and Hybrid Audio Technologies are collectively and uniquely positioned to assume the Brax, Helix, and Match distributorship,” added Scott Buwalda, Hybrid Audio Technologies founder and president. “We plan to expand the reach of each brand as we grow them in parallel with each other, complementing a large and diverse collection of the very finest retailers across the USA. Additionally, a distribution announcement in Mexico is imminent.”

Heinz Fischer, owner of Audiotec Fischer, stated, “I would like to thank Rockford for their dedication and efforts over the past four years, and with their professionalism and dedication to our brands and customers during this transition. We are pleased that Hybrid Audio Technologies will continue this trend in North America.”

Bill Jackson, president and CEO of Rockford Corporation, stated, “Everyone at Rockford, including myself, has the highest level of respect for Mr. Heinz and Mrs. Gudrun Fischer, their brands, and the technology they bring to the market place. Brax, Helix, and Match are in good hands with Hybrid Audio Technologies, and we wish them continued success.”

Providing dealers, installers and customers with an interactive platform for product support        

HAUPPAUGE, NEW YORK – APRIL 18, 2016 -–VOXX Electronicsannounced the launch of its new Facebook Group ‘VOXX TECH’.  VOXX TECH was created to provide another channel for dealers, installers and customers to get support on all VOXX Electronics products; while also opening up the lines of communication for our members.

“Today in a world where society seeks instant gratification and continuous communication we wanted to provide our dealers, installers and customers with an interactive platform to ask questions, share ideas and experiences and offer feedback to one another.  Using one of today’s most popular social media channels to host our Group seemed like the perfect match,” said Aron Demers, Senior Vice President, VOXX Electronics Corporation.  “Our MECP certified support team will monitor VOXX TECH to address any specific VOXX product questions in an open forum setting.  We encourage our members to communicate with one another and look forward to the advice and direction from all of you.”

VOXX TECH is a closed Facebook Group, to join please visit VOXX TECH and click on the “+Join Group” button.  At this time you’ll be required to provide your E-mail Address and Company Name; from there a VOXX Representative will accept your request to join the Group and you’ll have access to participate in the on-going conversations. 

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

4/19/2016 -- Swann Electronics releases the DriveEye Ultra HD dash cam video recorder to help boost 12-volt safety market. The dash cam features G-sensory technology that detects collisions and prevents overwriting footage. 

Features include:

• Full-HD 1080p 1920x1080 video recorder and 3 Megapixel Camera
• G-Sensory Technology detects collisions and prevents overwriting footage
• 120-degree wide angle lens at 1080p (140 degree at 720p)
• Built-in HDMI Output for easy viewing on any display
• Automatic video stabilization eliminates jittery videos
• Supports up to a 64 GB SD card for recordings up to 2000 minutes
• Lithium ion battery for video recording when not connect to a power source

The device has an MSRP of $179.99. For more information, visit: www.swann.com

Addition Brings Retailer Experience and Product Knowledge to Award Winning Team

TAMPA, Fla. (April 15, 2016) – DOW Electronics announced today that Ron Staelens has joined the company to support and grow the 12-volt audio and video segment. Staelens joins DOW after working in marketing, sales, and training roles with Sony Corporation of America.

The experience gained over 23 years with Sony has provided Mr. Staelens an extensive knowledge of products and a comprehensive background in the 12-volt industry. His product knowledge and experience as a key account manager will be fundamental in assisting 12volt retailers grow their businesses. Mr. Staelens will support retailers throughout Louisiana, Mississippi and his home state of Arkansas.

“I’m very excited to engage with the 12-volt industry in an expanded capacity and get back to products that I am passionate about,” stated Staelens. “I want to use my experience to create growth opportunities for retailers and continue to build DOW’s 12-volt business.”

“Ron brings a wealth of industry experience that will be valuable for both our vendors and retailers.” added strategic sales manager Mike Barcia. “His ability to build great relationships is an asset to DOW and will be integral in helping our retailers succeed.”

To learn more about DOW Electronics, please visit www.DOWElectronics.com or call 1.800.627.2900. 

146 awards to be presented to top industry professionals

NORTH ANDOVER, MASS., April 18, 2016 – Mobile Electronics magazine, the premier resource for business growth and expertise among its industry's retail professionals, officially kicked off the 2016 Mobile Electronics Industry Awards this week. The nomination, voting and judging stages of the four-month process culminate in the announcement of winners at the Industry Awards celebration during Mobile Electronics’ annual KnowledgeFest® tradeshow and conference in Dallas. This year’s event takes place August 20-22.

The Mobile Electronics Industry Awards celebrate companies and individuals that best exemplify the highest standards of quality and service excellence. Winners represent the industry at-large to consumers and act as ideal examples to better peers within the industry. The process starts with self-nominations submitted online and via video. A panel of judges selects the Top 50 Retailers and Top 50 Installers, which are eligible to move on to the second phase of the awards process.

Industry professionals as well as consumers then cast votes to narrow the Top 50 down to the Top 12 Retailers and Top 12 Installers. These finalists then become eligible to compete for the third and final segment: the coveted Retailer of the Year and Installer of the Year honors. 

Additional awards recognize top industry sales representatives and vendors, as well as retail businesses that excel in specific aspects of their operation. The winners of these awards are selected by votes from industry professionals.

“The Industry Awards process is one of the most anticipated events in the mobile electronics industry,” said Solomon Daniels, program administrator. “It’s the one time when professionals are called on to promote themselves in one phase, then reach out to their peers and customers for support in the next phase. The final phase is a grueling preparation of materials for judging that often reveals aspects—both positive and negative—of a person’s character or work ethic, or a business’ focus and direction. Most who have gone through the process say it is as fulfilling as it is challenging.”

Mobile Electronics is accepting nominations through its special website at www.meindustryawards.com. Nominees submit a short video outlining their qualifications. Retailers, installation technicians, vendors and sales representatives have until May 6 to submit nominations.

Complete information on the Industry Awards, including rules, award descriptions, past winners, eligibility requirements, instructions and submissions can be found at www.meindustryawards.com. For additional information, contact Solomon Daniels 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..