Safety and Driver Assistance becomes its own category, separate from security

NORTH ANDOVER, MASS. – April 20, 2016 – The Mobile Electronics Group has made a change to the vendor category of this year’s Mobile Electronics Industry Awards. The Safety and Retention category will now be split into two categories: Vehicle Security and Convenience, and Safety and Driver Assistance. The change enables industry participants to recognize companies that have excelled in providing vehicle and content protection as well as companies that help drivers stay safe and informed on the road.

“Each year we take an in-depth look at the awards makeup to ensure that it is in step with the current trends and practices of the mobile electronics industry,” said Solomon Daniels, program administrator. “Last year we noticed that there were several companies—those that solely produce safety or driver information products—that were not adequately represented. We’re taking steps this year to ensure that they have a proper place in the awards process.”

Prior to this change, safety was a subcategory of vehicle security, stemming from the fact that alarm and remote start manufacturers were also the driving force behind the industry’s first security-related features, such as GPS tracking, roadside assistance, and stolen vehicle recovery.

Today, safety has evolved into products and services that arm the driver with information to improve road awareness, increase efficiency, and minimize mishaps. This includes maneuvering aid cameras, dash cameras, radar detection, and the emerging line of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) products that provide lane departure and crash warnings.

As part of the awards, industry participants will vote for nominated companies in five categories. The company with the highest number of votes will earn the Top Vendor honor in that category and be eligible to win Vendor of the Year. Vendors have until May 6 to nominate their companies for inclusion in the awards process.

Industry-dedicated show readies for Dallas event, Industry Awards

NORTH ANDOVER, MASS. – April 18, 2016 (MEDIAWIRE) – The Mobile Electronics Group completed the second Spring Training session of KnowledgeFest, an education and exhibiting conference series centered on advancing the knowledge and expertise of mobile electronics retail and technical professionals. Held April 8-10 in Indianapolis, the show boasted more than 750 attendees and over 40 exhibitors.

"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."

Eight meeting rooms rotated educational and manufacturer training workshops throughout the show. Attendees received peer-based instruction, tips and advice through 18 workshops segmented for owners and managers, sales professionals and installation technicians. An additional 40 workshops were allotted to exhibitors whose trainers conducted brand-specific instruction, with most opening their workshops to prospective as well as current authorized retailers.

The KnowledgeFest show schedule has been adjusted over the past few years to improve efficiency and make the time more valuable for attendees and exhibitors.  On the last day of this year's spring training venue, 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. 

The next KnowledgeFest event takes place August 20-22 at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas. Now in its seventh year, the Dallas conference will feature more classes, a larger show floor and the finale of the Mobile Electronics Industry Awards. For more information, visit KnowledgeFest.org.

Montebello, CA April 15, 2016 – Epsilon Electronics, Inc. welcomes Amber Omran as National Sales Manager to our sister brands NESA and VST. Both brands focus on manufacturing audio and visual electronics to the automotive industry and provide a lot of the high quality products that Epsilon is proud of providing.

Amber is “…really excited about this new venture and opportunity. My goal here is to team up with our sales reps and customers to bring brand awareness to NESA and VST.” Having worked in manufacturing and as a sales rep, she brings a unique skill set to the table understanding both sides of the equation. Furthermore Amber believes that “Processes lead to efficiency and efficiencies lead to growth.”

VST holds a strong reputation as one of the leading manufacturers in the mobile video industry for their maximum information display systems and advanced technological products. VST products are engineered to simplify all aspects of the mobile video industry without sacrificing quality. 

4/15/2016 -- Alpine Electronics of America, Inc. will participate in Jeep Beach, an annual consumer event for Jeep enthusiasts taking place in Daytona Beach, FL, April 20-24.  

Now in its tenth year, this popular event is presented by Jeep and the Mid Florida Jeep Club. The four day gathering includes organized trail rides and scavenger hunts and is highlighted by the main event at the Daytona International Speedway on April 22-23, featuring vendor booths, an obstacle course, and show-n-shine.

This is Alpine’s first year to attend Jeep Beach and the company will showcase the X009-WRA 9-inch Restyle dash system for 2011-up Jeep Wranglers.  Alpine staff and authorized Alpine retailer Starwood Motors from Dallas will be on hand to give demonstrations of the X009-WRA, which has audio, video, navigation, Bluetooth features and comes with a dash bezel fitted specifically for the 2011-up Jeep Wrangler.  Alpine and Starwood are bringing six Jeep Wranglers, all equipped with Alpine Restyle dash systems, for use at various activities throughout the week.  Four Jeep Wranglers will be displayed in Alpine’s 40x20 booth located in spaces # 162A-164B at the speedway.  The other two Jeep Wranglers will be used as driving vehicles at the off-site trail rides and as demo vehicles at the concert and block party.   

Booth visitors will have the opportunity to participate in a social media giveaway at the event.  Visitors will be invited to take a photo with a Jeep Wrangler in the Alpine booth then upload the photo to their Instagram or Twitter profile including #AlpineRestyle and mentioning @AlpineUSA.  Two winners will be randomly chosen from the entries to receive a large Alpine duffel bag filled with an extensive roadside safety kit and Alpine branded merchandise.

In-store staff to win prizes for selling qualifying JVC products through June 30

LONG BEACH, CALIF. – April 14, 2016 (MEDIAWIRE) – JVC Mobile Entertainment, producer of lifestyle-enhancing car audio products, is kicking off the third iteration of its DrivePoints promotion for authorized JVC retailers. The company announced the new promotion with an email to its retail dealer base this past week.

DrivePoints is intended to reward the sales personnel and installation staff at participating JVC Mobile retail outlets. Between April 1 and June 30, 2016, retail sales staff earn and accumulate points that can be redeemed for prizes when a qualifying JVC product is sold.

"DrivePoints is part of a larger program to strengthen the relationship between JVC and the specialist mobile electronics community," said Hazim Jainoor, marketing manager. "The performance and build quality of our products is traditionally underrated, and we're able to maintain attractive price points and still deliver decent margin to our retailers. We're excited to reward loyal dealers for doing something they already love to do."

Another component of the specialist push is the introduction of the company's first multimedia receiver equipped with Apple CarPlay™, the KW-V820BT. The double-DIN unit also brings back the El Kameleon moniker with its black, buttonless face when turned off. The KW-V820BT is expected to ship in May.

Authorized JVC retailers can register for DrivePoints, as well as log and redeem points, by going online to www.jvcdrivepoints.com. A list of qualifying products can be downloaded at mwire.co/JVC-DP16.pdf.

Four Models of Stackable Speaker Brackets Available to Raise Speakers from .25” to 1.75”

CLEARWATER, FL - (April 14, 2016) – AAMP Global, released the American International USB725, USB750, USB700 and USB1000 and Best Kits by PAC BKUSB725, BKUSB750, BKUSB700 and BKUSB1000 stackable speaker brackets.  The only multiple size and stackable universal speaker adapters available today, these unique brackets enable installers to utilize 6”, 6.5”, and 6.75” speakers and raise them from their mounting surface from .25 inch all the way to 1.75 inches for speaker magnet clearance or customized installations.

“Installers are often faced with clearance issues when it comes to speaker installations, especially in door applications, and often have to build spacers out of wood that significantly increase install time,” said Sam Hunt, product manager of integration products for AAMP Global.  “With different height sizes available and completely stackable, our speaker spacers will simplify this process and accommodate virtually any situation.”

Applications:  6”, 6-1/2”, and 6-3/4” Speakers

• USB725 and BK USB725 – .25" Extension (stackable)       
• USB750 and BKUSB750 – .5" Extension (stackable)     
• USB700 and BKUSB700 – 1" Extension (stackable)           
• USB1000 and BKUSB1000 – includes .25", .5”, and 1" Extensions (stackable) for height combinations of .25”, .5”, .75”, 1”, 1.25”, 1.5” and 1.75”

The American International and Best Kits by PAC Universal Speaker Brackets are now available.

TAMPA, Fla. (April 18, 2016) – DOW Electronics announced today that it has reached an agreement with dB South Distributing to acquire certain assets and obtain distribution rights to key product lines and territories of Marietta, Ga. based dB South Distributing.

The parties are working toward a definitive agreement and closing of the transaction near the end of April 2016. Upon closing, this acquisition will bring additional customers and key vendor relationships to DOW Electronics, as well as increase territory agreements with current DOW vendors.

“This acquisition will allow DOW to fortify our position as a leading 12-volt and custom integration/consumer electronics distributor in the states of Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Alabama, and Mississippi”, stated John Yodzis, DOW’s executive vice president.  “We look forward to strengthening our existing vendor relationships, while forming new relationships that will help DOW continue to provide the absolute best in products and service to our customers in these territories.”

David Smith, president of dB South Distributing, stated, “We are excited about the opportunity and additional product selections that DOW will bring to our retailers.  Once closed, this transaction will provide dB South’s current retailers with access to a much wider and broader product assortment, as well as access to DOW’s infrastructure and expertise. We look forward to working with Dow Electronics in our role as a manufacturers’ representative.”

“We look forward to welcoming dB South’s customers to the DOW Electronics family, and we are excited to provide them with the level of service, commitment, and dedication that has become the foundation of our business for the past 57 years,” added Chip Yodzis, DOW’s president & chief executive officer.

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

4/13/2016 -- It takes time to build a business. First comes the idea, followed by the will to make the vision become reality. Once logistics are determined, the hard work of implementation begins. Any 12-volt retailer can vouch for the difficulty of opening a store, but all successful retailers share the same feeling at the end of the day -- a sense of accomplishment. 

Now in its second year, KnowledgeFest Spring Training has achieved a similar sense of accomplishment, nearly doubling last year's attendee numbers and gaining a confidence from manufacturers and retailers alike. The most common thing I heard while walking the halls of the event was, "this is great." Everyone was in agreement that the event was a success and better in many ways than last year. Considering it's a work in progress, the trade show has proven its worth as a mainstay for the industry, and in some ways, more timely than its counterpart, at least regarding its educational value. 

Taking place at the beginning of April, a time when most companies are planning the year ahead with new product purchases, manufacturers see the event as an opportunity to teach new products and gain new retailers for those products at the event. The centerpiece of the show was the theme of training. Regardless of whether it took place in the seminars, on the show floor, in manufacturer trainings, or at a table in one of the bars of the JW Marriott where attendees hung out after hours to talk over tasty libations, the word was getting out about anything and everything 12-volt related. 

Having only been in this industry for less than three years, I've learned a lot about the products and services offered, but nothing has given me more insight on what 12-volt is all about like its people. When I went to my first KnowledgeFest, I was overwhelmed with the positive, welcoming nature that everyone showed me, an outsider with zero experience. When I asked questions, no matter how rudimentary or naive, they were always answered without judgment by such names as Del Ellis, Bryan Schmitt, John Schwartz and Solomon Daniels, among others. 

The same spirit was represented at the town hall discussion where a panel of five retailers discussed how they got to the top of their game. Matt Schaeffer, last year's Installer of the Year Runner-up, spoke on the importance of how keeping passion at the center of his mindset allowed him to continuously improve his work. Ken Ward of Musicar Northwest delivered some of his signature wisecracks while mentioning how his shop does it different from others to help distinguish itself as a business. 

Overall, whether the comments were made on stage at the town hall, or in one-on-one conversations with individuals, the sentiment was the same: KnowledgeFest Spring Training is a great event and is here to stay. Regardless of whether you choose to go to Dallas or Indianapolis, your attendance is crucial if you hope to one day sit on the stage and tell the story of how you reached the top of your game. 

4/13/2016, EDMOND, Okla. – Petra Industries announced that its 14th Annual Car Audio Expo will be held on Sunday, April 17, at Petra’s new distribution facility in Edmond, Okla.

This year’s Expo features a full schedule of activities and promises to be something that mobile audio/video dealers won’t want to miss. Dealers will get the opportunity to meet with representatives from exhibiting manufacturers like Pioneer, SiriusXM, WeBoost and more. Representatives will be on-hand with their 2016 product lines featuring new car speakers, subwoofers, head units and more and be ready to answer questions and offer their products for dealers to purchase.

Dealers can also take advantage of Petra’s show specials when they order on-site during the one-day show. Manufacturers will promote exceptional deals with special pricing available only to dealers who attend the Expo. Dealers can also look forward to Petra’s incredibly popular Dealer Olympics, as well as the event’s highly anticipated manufacturer giveaways and door prizes.

“Every single year this show grows in popularity because it is a great opportunity for our dealers, the people who install these products every day, to meet face-to-face with the manufacturing partners,” said Tate Morgan Petra President.  “This show is also very exciting because it is our first show at the new Petra Distribution center.”

Petra’s Car Audio Expo is free to attend for dealers. Dealers must register by April 1 to ensure they receive their free t-shirt and gift bag.

For dealers who will not be able to attend the show, video coverage will be available online after the show. Video coverage will feature the newest mobile A/V products and brands, interviews with manufacturer partners, highlights of Petra’s Dealer Olympics and much more.

Avon Lake, Ohio (April 13, 2016)…DEI’s Exhaust Wrap Kit is designed to wrap a set of small block or V-6 headers in one package. The kit includes two rolls of 2-inch by 50 ft. wrap designed to protect up to 1500° F, one can of HT Silicone Coating that coats, protects and preserves the wrap after installation, and eight 8 inch and four 14 inch 304 Stainless Steel Locking Ties to ensure long-lasting durability and hold. A free Locking Tie Tool is included to lock the ties tight and works with any ¼” drive. DEI’s stitched-in wrap guide line protects against overlapping for a professional and tight fit.

"Easy to install," this kit is recommended to use whenever there is a need to reduce underhood temperatures, improve exhaust flow, or protect against potential burns to arms and legs such as on motorcycles, ATVs or UTVs, according to the company.

DEI now offers its popular all in one kit in multiple combinations of wrap color and silicone coating colors including: tan wrap and white coating (#010091), tan wrap and aluminum coating (#010093), and black wrap and black coating (#010094).

For more information about DEI’s Made in the USA Exhaust Wrap Kits, 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.. To keep up with the very latest DEI product introductions and company news connect on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest, or subscribe to DEI’s You Tube channel.

K40 Electronics will be exhibiting at the fourth annual PACIFIC NORTHWEST CONSUMER ELECTRONICS EXPO (http://www.pnwcee.com). This Industry trade show for mobile electronics/consumer electronics professionals offers educational seminars, product training, and networking opportunities.

The event takes place on May 17, 2016, from 9am to 8pm. Admission is free, with free parking for registered attendees and free lunch. The SeaTac DoubleTree by Hilton will host the event (three miles from the Seattle Tacoma International Airport (SEA)). 

K40 will host a special session called "K40…have we met?" that will teach about the company's products, programs and profitability. 

NEW YORK – April 11, 2016 – SiriusXM announced today that it added 465,000 net new subscribers in the first quarter of 2016, resulting in a record-high of 30.1 million subscribers as of March 31, 2016. Self-pay net additions were 348,000 in the quarter, resulting in a self-pay subscriber base of 24.6 million at quarter’s end.

“SiriusXM has grown from a pioneering startup to a media powerhouse in less than fifteen years of service by providing listeners with the best audio entertainment available,” said Jim Meyer, Chief Executive Officer, SiriusXM.

“Our exclusive, unmatched content and ease of use has led us to this important subscriber milestone. I’d like to thank our dedicated employees, our valuable content creators and brands, our automotive distributors, and most of all our paying subscribers for their contribution to our success,” added Meyer.

“We believe there is more success to come because of our relentless search for new and exciting content, our intense focus on subscriber satisfaction, and our significant investments in next-generation services and platforms,” said Meyer.

SiriusXM plans to report full first quarter 2016 financial and operational results on April 28, 2016. For more information, please visit investor.siriusxm.com.

Becoming fulfilled in life meant a willingness to take risks and learn as much as possible for David Phillips, owner of The Sound Shop in Indian Trail, N.C. After working at several shops, including a big box giant, Phillips chose the hard road and found himself through the path of entrepreneurship. 

Mobile Electronics April Issue, 4/1/2016 -- Finding one's path in life is a goal most people hope to achieve. The sad truth is that many fail. Either they succumb to fear and choose the easy route or follow the wrong path, not clearly seeing the difference between that path and the one that will best fit them. For David Phillips, owner of The Sound Shop in Indian Trail, N.C., the path to finding his life's fulfillment was more like a roundabout.  

Starting out like many others in car audio, Phillips' passion began in high school when a friend introduced him to the field. After hanging out with his friend at events, he decided to join in and start doing his own builds. His lack of money didn't stop him from finding a way to build box enclosures and perform installs for friends throughout high school.

Once he reached college, Phillips worked part-time at a local 12-volt shop in Charlotte, N.C. "It was one of those places I started working but saw everything was wrong and learned what not to do," he said.

Soon enough, his time in college lingered without a true focus. Starting out as a graphic design major, Phillips eventually landed on business management, graduating with a bachelor's degree that took eight years to achieve.

"While still in college, I got a job at a high-end shop called Circuit Werks in Monroe, N.C. I went with a customer of mine to get parts for an install. They noticed how knowledgeable I was and offered me a chance at a job," Phillips said. "I had to compete with another candidate in a two-week trial but eventually got the job. I started in 2003 and worked there for five years doing things like alarms, remote starts and custom work."

According to Phillips, many of his fabrication ideas were developed from reading various car magazines like Euro Low Rider and Mini Truckin'. Some of his custom work included paneling trunks and building amp racks. The shop then started doing vinyl graphics and striping police cars, eventually becoming the only work Phillips did there for his last six months. Wanting to have more variety, and make more money, Phillips hit up a friend who worked at a local Ford dealership. He soon left to work at the dealership as an automotive technician, but realized quickly he had made a mistake.

"I didn't like being greasy all the time. I wasn't into diagnosing problems. I did it for a year to try it out," Phillips said. "During that time, I racked up credit card debt and needed a part-time job to get out of debt. I went to a shopping center and dropped off résumés at several places, including a Best Buy. They called me in to work there part-time, then they offered me a full-time position to run bay."

For the next four years, Phillips would run the installation bay at Best Buy, doing mostly stock installations of car audio equipment. There was no fabrication work, no vinyl graphics work. There was also no fun.   

"Most people's careers go opposite of that. When I went backwards to Best Buy, it was kind of easy. Deck and floor all day, speakers and radios, subs once in a while. At first I was excited because it was easy, but it wasn't very fulfilling. That Best Buy was part of budget cuts across the country and was closed. After that, I decided it was time to open my own shop."

To read the rest of the story, click HERE. 

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has launched a separate company tasked with quickly developing apps and on-demand services. The move is part of a trend among automakers to take direct charge of technologies that will redefine the car industry.

Britain-based JLR, which is owned by India’s Tata Group, said InMotion, as the new unit is called, will be an independent business that will have the agility and independence to move quickly in response to market requirements. InMotion will next month already start testing several different car-sharing and car-ownership models.

“InMotion provides us with an opportunity to provide engaging and invaluable experiences to both new and existing customers globally,” Adrian Hallmark, JLR’s group strategy director, said in a press statement.

InMotion, which is based in London, will derive input from the automotive and technology industries to develop new products for connected cars. The company will employ up to 30 people.

JLR said last week that the Jaguar XFL will be the first model to be built at its Chery Jaguar Land Rover Changshu plant in China. The XFL is the long-wheelbase version of the XF mid-size sedan.

The second day of KnowledgeFest Spring Training culminated in the Town Hall discussion, a staple for the event. The panelists consisted of five of the top retailers in the business, who answered questions based on the theme of what it takes to be successful in 12-volt today. 

The discussion was moderated by Chris Cook, president of the Mobile Electronics Group, and included Eric Carter of Cartronix, Brian Layton of SoundFX, Josh Mojica of GNC Customs, Matt Schaeffer of Safe & Sound Mobile Electronics and Ken Ward of Musicar Northwest. Questions for the panel ranged between having the right mindset with the business, what to look for in staff to ensure their success, and how to create a customer experience that makes a business stand out and build rapport. 

"We treat employees and customers like family. It's part of my vision on how to do things differently," said Mojica. "Passion is the reason we are here right now," said Schaeffer at another point. "You can't teach passion. Passion is just there."

The event took place after a full day of educational seminars and manufacturer trainings at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, Ind.  

4/8/2016 -- Day 1 of KnowledgeFest Spring Training featured a round of trainings with industry notables Bryan Schmitt, Ken Ward and Jason Kranitz. The trainings centered on business-enhancing installation techniques, audio and system sales designs and how to make profitable A-pillars.

Several manufacturer trainings also took place by companies that included K40 electronics, Focal and Kenwood, among others. 

The day ended with a networking event at restuarant, High Velocity at the JW Marriott in downtown Indianapolis. It featured retailers from across the country setting up meetings with manufacturers for the remainder of the event. 

Day 2 will feature the opening of the show floor, more workshops, trainings and the town hall panel presentation. For more information, visit www.kfest.me. 

Kansas City, Mo. – After acquiring the assets of HiPer Technology in October 2015, WELD has announced the completion of its consolidation of HiPer Technology’s operations into its Kansas City, Missouri-based headquarters. The physical move of HiPer Technology’s Lawrence, Kansas-based operations began March 1 of this year and was completed in less than a month to achieve the goal of minimizing any disruptions to customers and partners of the company.

HiPer Technology by WELD is the largest manufacturer of high performance “super structural” carbon fiber wheels for all-terrain vehicle (ATV) and side-by-side (UTV) vehicles.

“Since the acquisition we have moved quickly and diligently to position HiPer to better serve customers and the marketplace. This has included an aggressive production build schedule for 2016,” said Norm Young, president and CEO of WELD. “Completing the move to Kansas City allows us to consolidate and maximize many business functions, including finance, sales, engineering, marketing and customer support. It also provides HiPer with access to WELD’s forging operations and improved product quality and design.”

WELD was founded in 1967 and has close to 200,000 square feet of space that includes manufacturing, distribution, offices and an in-house engineering and test lab. “With our history as a manufacturing company and the depth of resources we have available, we provide long-term stability for HiPer,” added Young.

HiPer Racing Wheels, primarily manufactured for ATVs, and UTVs, are the lightest, toughest wheels available in their market segment. More information on HiPer products can be found at www.HiPer-Technology.com.

WELD manufactures the highest quality forged race wheels for dirt, oval and drag racing, along with wheels for performance street cars and trucks. Each WELD wheel is precision engineered for maximum performance on the street, off road and at the track. For more information about WELD, phone 800-788-9353 or visit www.WELDwheels.com.

To simplify the process for attendees, the KnowledgeFest Spring Training schedule classes, trainings and events is available only online this year. The schedule can be accessed at www.kfest.me. 

The site offers several page sections, including Events, Workshops, Manufacturer Training, Exhibitors, Sponors, and a Gallery section with updated photos of the event. On-site registration is available through the website as well, to expedite the process. 

This year's event features a networking event, town hall meeting, manufacturer trainings and an invitation-only after party, hosted by Davis Distribution. For more information on the events at KnowledgeFest Spring, visit http://kfest.me/kfevents.html. 

March 31, 2016 -- Rosen Electronics’ long awaited AV8900H Digital Headrest Entertainment System is now available.  A first in the industry, the headrests feature a “digital system” which produces the highest quality picture making it the ideal entertainment add-on for new vehicle purchase.

The AV8900H features:

• The digital system passes video signals from the media player, HDMI, or USB to the monitors in digital form producing incredible picture quality,
• Built-in dual DVD drives,
• Large high-resolution 8-inch LCD monitors (800 x 480) for a bigger picture viewing experience,
• Multiple inputs (HDMI X2, USB, micro SD card slot, aux in) to connect smartphones, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Roku Stick, hard drive, and more,
• Capacitive touch buttons for increased sensitivity and an easy-to-use graphical user interface (GUI)
• USB connectivity (up to 1TB) and 1080P file format support with power output ratings of 2.5 amps (compatible with today’s most popular devices).  

The new digital headrest system is available for more than 200+ vehicle models, matching in interior colors, headrest shapes, pattern, and stitching.  Rosen is also matching the vehicle’s factory bumper-to-bumper warranty with the headrests.

April 5, 2016, STILLWATER, USA – KICKER® will be among manufacturers conducting dealer trainings at this year’s Spring KnowledgeFest, April 8-10 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis.  KICKER will also be displaying from the show floor in Booth 202, featuring several exciting technologies including its premium Q-Class line of speakers and amplifiers, VSS™ (Vehicle-Specific Solutions), and marine-audio gear.

The KICKER Training Staff is scheduled to conduct a one-hour seminar both Friday and Saturday beginning at 4:15 p.m. each day in Room 103. Subjects for the seminars will be KICKER Q-Class and Marine products.

“We feel a commitment to the core demographic,” said Kevin Campbell, KICKER Director of Marketing. “Car-audio specialists deserve appreciation and respect for helping us build this brand. We are still totally rabid about audio, and want to bring them the best examples of what we can do. That’s why it is important to show them the top shelf in 12-volt, marine and powersports.”

In addition to the popular Q-Class and Marine interactive displays for dealers, KICKER will have a pair of show cars at KnowledgeFest. A 2012 Ford® F-150 equipped with a VSS PowerStage™ system will be in the front of the Convention Center.  To show VSS effectiveness, the F-150 is equipped with a simple 3-way demo switch for playing the factory system on its own, the factory system with the VSS SubStage™ upgrade, or the full VSS PowerStage system with DSP amplifier and powered sub. Members of both KICKER and Davis Distribution will be offering demos of the truck throughout KnowledgeFest.

A Mustang® with premium Q-Class KICKER components will be playing at Booth 202. The system includes the KICKER IQI™ Intelligent Interface featuring Bluetooth®-streaming capability, a trio of IQ-Series Amplifiers, QS-Series Component Systems and the all-new L7QB8 Compact Subwoofer Enclosure. The Mustang’s sound can be tuned using the TWEEQ™ software, a standard feature in all IQ amplifiers.  TWEEQ can be accessed wirelessly via a tablet or cellphone app with the IQI.

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.

Ford and Mustang are registered trademarks of Ford Motor Company.  The Bluetooth word mark is a registered trademark owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc.