HAUPPAUGE, NEW YORK – APRIL 5, 2016 -–VOXX Electronics announced today it will be attending the 2016 KnowledgeFest Spring Training in Indianapolis on April 8-10 to showcase its extensive 12-volt retail and car dealer specific products across numerous brands (Booth #402). 

The Company will also be hosting a new product introduction workshop on Prestige PROCORE and CarLinkBT during the show on Saturday afternoon hosted by Product Managers and Technical Support Members of VOXX Electronics.

“KnowledgeFest Spring Training provides us with the perfect venue to display our broad lineup of 12 volt products to a group of passionate specialty retailers and reps with an interest in learning more while also giving us the opportunity to connect –one-one-one with our loyal customers,” said Aron Demers, Senior Vice President, VOXX Electronics Corporation.

At the VOXX Electronics Booth attendees will get a closer look into the future of remote starts with the introduction of CarLinkBT.  CarLinkBT is a Bluetooth module and smartphone app that is compatible with most popular remote start systems. When paired with our powerful smartphone app, CarLinkBT transforms your smartphone into a virtual transmitter, instantly giving you remote access to your vehicle and a direct connection to OE-style safety and convenience services. 

VOXX is has also announced the CarLinkBT module will now also be included in the recently introduced upgradeable remote start system, Prestige PROCORE. Prestige PROCORE is a “one-module” solution allowing dealers to build any style of remote start by focusing on customized features based on what is most important to their customers – without stocking multiple complete kits. 

VOXX will also be showcasing the latest offerings across all of their product categories including: Advent/Audiovox Mobile Video, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), Remote Start Systems, and Vehicle Security and Tracking.

On Saturday, April 9, attendees will also have the opportunity to be one of the first people to see the introduction of CarLinkBT and how it interacts with the all new Prestige PROCORE system. This introduction workshop will take place Saturday afternoon from 4:30pm to 5:30pm in Meeting Room 109. The first 50 attendees to arrive to the introduction workshop will receive a VOXX Electronics Swag Bag, plus there will be a drawing to win a first, second and third place prize!  Prizes packages feature Klipsch Reference On-Ear Headphones, a Prestige PROCORE system with CarLinkBT and a $100 Snap-On Gift Card.

Visit VOXX Electronics at Booth #402 at the 2016 KnowledgeFest Spring Training on Friday, April 8, through Sunday, April 10 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, IN.

For more information about VOXX Electronics please visit: www.voxxelectronics.com.

Wiring and antenna connections are sold separately. Ask for standard wiring harness part number 70-1761, or TYTO-01 premium interface harness. Use antenna adapter part number 40-LX11.

LONG BEACH, CALIF. – April 4, 2016 (MEDIAWIRE) – JVC Mobile Entertainment introduced more than 20 new products during CES in January, including two new outdoor-specific in-dash receivers. With the newest marine speakers shipping this month, the producer of value-minded, high-performance audio products gives retailers a solid upgrade package for owners of boats and off-road vehicles.

The CS-DR6200M / CS-DR6201MW speakers (MSRP $119.95) comprise an oversized two-way coaxial framework with a one-inch balanced dome tweeter atop the 6.5-inch waterproof polypropylene cone woofer. The rubber surround complements a power handling capacity of 50 watts RMS / 150 watts peak. UV-resistant grilles feature an aggressive design in black or white, secured by stainless steel hardware to deter rust.

The speakers pair well with JVC’s two element-defying receivers, the KD-R97MBS and KD-X33MBS. The KD-X33MBS (MSRP $129.95) is designed for over-the-air sources and connected smartphones, while the KD-R97MBS (MSRP $149.95) adds CD playback and variable illumination. Both DIN-sized receivers are ready for smartphone connectivity with playback and control of a USB-connected iPhone (via the receiver or Siri® Eyes Free) or Android™-powered phone while providing 1.5-amp charging.

Built-in control for Pandora® and iHeartRadio® amplify a user’s unique music selections through the audio system. Bluetooth connectivity enables hands-free calls and wireless audio playback, and both receivers can connect to two phones simultaneously, enabling driver and passenger to select the phone to make and answer calls from the receiver menu. The duo is also SiriusXM-Ready™ and connect to the latest SiriusXM SXV300 Connect Vehicle Tuner (sold separately, subscription required).

Both receivers can power the speakers with 50 watts per channel or connect to amplifiers with three sets of 4-volt outputs. Built-in K2 technology expands the bit rate and frequency range to restore frequencies from compressed music, and a 13-band equalizer lets the listener tailor music to his or her personal tastes.

“Consumers want to take their music wherever they go, and these days, that includes off-road or on the water,” said Hazim Jainoor, brand marketing manager. “We’ve put together what we think is the perfect system—in terms of quality, versatility and price point—to enable outdoor enthusiasts to experience multiple entertainment choices and share them with friends.”

Jacksonville, FL - March 22, 2016 -- Jon Dewar and Darren Fettik have announced an all new state-of-art facility: Window Tint School. The school has been designed from inception to help specialty retailers maximize revenue opportunities in the highly-profitable automotive window and flat glass film categories.

On the immediate agenda for Window Tint School will be a three-day boot camp. Attendees who would benefit would be owners, shop foremen, window film technicians, and those wanting to start a career in window tinting. Attendees will learn film from A-Z, laws that surround window film, and will work with seasoned professionals learning the tricks of the trade installing film. They will return to the field with a newfound understanding of how to increase efficiency and profitability in the category. All attendees will also receive certification upon completion.

"Attendees of this program will learn from the best of the best! We're proud to announce the inclusion of Tint Master Extraordinaire, DJ Medvec, as one of our instructors," Fettik said. "DJ's ability to teach his craft is second to none."

In addition, Window Tint School will also offering a three-day "MONEY MAKER" Class. Attendees who would benefit from taking this class would be owners, managers, marketing staff and any Boot Camp attendee. They will learn how to leverage their brand in the categories, SEO and advertising basics, presentation and salesmanship, sales strategies for both automotive and flat glass, as well as managing relationships with vendor partners. In addition, they will learn how to set up their facility to maximize quality, increase production, and streamline workflow. Finally, attendees will learn how to use plotters for both film and vinyl as well as vinyl graphic installation.

Both three-day programs will offer plenty of hands-on time. Window Tint School is the first of its kind with 10 dedicated front door stations, eight rear clips of different vehicles, including rear windows and rear doors. Each station provides a different degree of difficulty and was chosen specifically for real world applications. 

Window Tint School has a dedicated room for speciality windows such as sliding rear truck glass, rear gasket windows, van windows, front windshields and different flat glass windows.It also also has a dedicated class room to teach general window tint theories and the compositions of films.
Hotel accommodations are included, which include a kitchenette, stove, fridge and microwave. Transportation is provided to and from the school each day as well as catered lunches during classes. Window Tint School also provides a set of tools, free of charge, to every student as well as window film for use during the classes.

"In my travels, it has become crystal clear to me that window tinting professionals are getting farther and fewer between," Dewar said. "Within window tinting,
there are several categories that offer specialty retailers huge profit opportunities. It's our objective to take those that are in the business and make them better as well as take those that are not in the business and get them involved!"

Visit http://tint.school/ to learn more.

Compustar has begun a campaign for retailers called "Cash For Car Alams." The program allows retailers to send in up to 40 new, used, broken, or defective alarms to the company. For each unit sent in, the company provides a $15 credit to be used towards one Compustar alarm unit.

In order to maximize the savings, the company sugests retailers purchase an equal or greater number of Compustar alarms to the number of old alarms submitted. For example, if you send in 10 car alarms, you'll get $150 to apply towards 10 or more Compustar alarms. 

For more details, visit https://www.compustar.com/buyback. 

Oklahoma City, OK, April 3, 2016 -- DD Audio, fresh off the SBN event in Daytona, will now set their course for the 2nd annual KnowledgeFest Spring Training in Indianapolis, Ind. (April 8-10). DD will be located at booth #230.

The DD Work Van will be on display showcasing its dual system demo that can go from a panel flexing bass system to an audiophile pleasing sound quality system with the push of a DSI-1 processor button. Customers will also be able to speak with members of the sales and tech teams while getting up close and personal with the baddest DD products out on the market.

During K-Fest, DD will be hosting a technical trainings focused on their DSI signal processor and its USA-made subwoofer lines on Friday the 8th, from 5:15-6:15 PM (training room 105) and Saturday 4:30-5:30 PM (training room 108). Aaron Trimble, National Product Trainer, will provide an in depth look at why and how to use these products to get the best performance possible out of your mobile audio system.

In addition to attending the show, the DD Audio team will once again be taking advantage of the drive to and from the event. They’ll be leaving out of OKC on April 5th and returning the 14th; giving them plenty of time to visit current and potential dealers along the way. So, if you’re not able to attend KnowledgeFest Indy 2016, watch the DD Audio social media feeds for the team’s whereabouts, and the possibility of getting some swag for being in the right place at the right time.

Montebello, CA March 31, 2016 – Soundstream is now releasing the VHD-99 universal replacement headrest pre-loaded with DVD player, a 9-inch LCD Touch Screen.

It’s large scale and adjustable LCD touch screen and control of all on-screen menus and commands makes it very user friendly. Additionally, it also includes a wireless IR youth fit headphone perfect for keeping the kids entertained while driving.

Furthermore it comes equipped with AUX A/V input for connection of game console or personal media devices and RCA A/V input and output for auxiliary source or opposite headrest.

The Soundstream VHD-99 contains the additional following features:

• Adjustable Universal Installation headrest w/9” swiveling LCD
• Touch Screen control of all on-screen menus & commands
• 3 Changeable color skins available (grey, beige, black)
• Playback from DVDR/RW of 720p MP4 & Other video formats
• Playback from 32GB USB of MP4 & Other video formats
• Dual Channel Wireless IR Headphone transmitter
• FM Stereo Transmitter for Car Stereo Integration
• Hardwired 3.5mm Headphone Output
• 3/8” Locking Pole w/1/2” & 9/16” Adapters
• NTSC/PAL Auto Selection
• 800 x 480 16:9 Widescreen Resolution
• 400 NIT Screen Brightness
• Dimensions: 10.5”w x 8”h x 5.5”d

For further product info: http://soundstream.com/product/vhd-99/

Boston (4/1/2016) – The Mobile Electronics Group (formerly Mobile Electronics Retailers Association) announced today that the automotive electronics aftermarket industry is expected to grow by more than 18% during the next three years due to the high demand of installable products.

April Fools!  - but wouldn’t it be nice if it was true? What are you doing to grow your business while maintaining a high level of quality customer service?

Join more than 650 industry leaders coming together next weekend in Indianapolis at KnowledgeFest Spring Training to find out

Register Here

ORLANDO, FL– MARCH 29, 2016 -–Invision Dealer Direct,, announced today it will showcase its ConnectedHD rear-seat entertainment headrest systems at the NADA Convention and Expo on March 31^st through April 3^rd, in Las Vegas, Nevada. These FactoryMatch headrest systems offer a simple direct replacement of the factory headrests, matching the OEM material and stitching, while adding mobile video and connectivity that provides backseat passengers with the ultimate entertainment experience – while meeting or exceeding all OE safety standards. 

“We are excited to be a part of the NADA Convention and Expo again this year, as this show presents the perfect platform to showcase our latest automotive products and solutions, said Aron Demers, Senior Vice President of VOXX Electronics Corporation.  “We are happy to continue supporting the car dealer network for over 40 years and believe that Invision headrests have the ability to deliver profits to each department within the dealership as one of the most profitable accessories a dealership offers.”

The ConnectedHD 7-inch and 8-inch FactoryMatch replacement headrest systems incorporate certified HDMI/MHL inputs that give the user a direct connection to their smartphone, tablet, and even Smart-TV devices, while still allowing consumers to utilize their DVD collections.  The ability to connect a mobile device directly and conveniently to the HDMI/MHL inputs makes the backseat entertainment possibilities literally endless.  Content that is stored or being streamed live to the mobile device can be displayed on the headrest monitors, creating the best in rear-seat entertainment. The FactoryMatch^TM replacement headrest systems are designed and built in our state of the art OEM production facility complying with rigid OE standards, meeting and/or exceeding stringent Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard Regulations.

The ConnectedHD 8-inch Headrest with Android integrates tablet technology with our custom headrest DVD systems giving backseat passengers endless content on the road ahead.  In addition to the many features of the standard ConnectedHD systems, the Android version is GooglePlay Certified and features IPS panels with capacitive touch screen controls, a user friendly interface, a fast dual-core processor, Micro SD card input (also used for memory expansion), built-in 8GB memory (expandable to 32GB), built-in Bluetooth and built-in Wi-Fi (needs 3G/4G hotspot to feed internet access while driving outside Wi-Fi coverage) and a built-in Camera and Microphone.  Finally, the non-removable Android tablets eliminate any concern consumers might have for potential damage that could occur from taking a portable tablet in and out of the vehicle.

Visit Invision at the 2016 NADA Convention & Expo – Thursday March 31, through Sunday April 3, at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV to learn more about the Invision Headrests and other innovative products on display.  Find us in the Central Hall/Booth #301C.

For more information about any of the products being show at the NADA Convention & Expo, please visit www.invisionautomotive.com.  

Cortland, New York (March 29, 2016) – New commentary in the latest edition of the International Building Code (IBC), the building code in use or adopted by all 50 U.S. states, clarifies that all installed vehicle lifts must conform with the American National Safety Standard ANSI/ALI ALCTV (current edition) “Safety Requirements for the Construction, Testing and Validation of Automotive Lifts.” The IBC is also in use or adopted by the District of Columbia, Guam, Northern Marianas Islands, New York City, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.

“To put it as simply as possible: If you’re installing a vehicle lift in an area covered by the International Building Code, you must choose a lift that meets ANSI/ALI ALCTV. In other words — choose an Automotive Lift Institute (ALI) certified lift, or you’re violating the IBC,” explains R.W. “Bob” O’Gorman, ALI president. “Lift customers and code enforcement officials can easily identify certified lifts by the gold ALI certification label that is applied to every lift that passes third-party testing and achieves certification. A complete list of certified lifts is available at www.autolift.org/ali-directory-of-certified-lifts.”

Although the IBC has long covered automotive lifts by reference, there was still some confusion in the marketplace, O’Gorman says. “We’ve been contacted by many lift customers who had been incorrectly told that the IBC only applies to elevators, not vehicle lifts. The new language in the supporting commentary of the 2015 IBC makes it very clear that building inspectors can enforce the ANSI/ALI standard regarding lifts.”

From the 2015 International Building Code, Chapter 30, Section 3001.2 Referenced Standards, Commentary: “The enforceability of a standard is established in this section, and applies wherever the provisions of this chapter do not otherwise indicate a requirement. Therefore, even if a standard is not referenced anywhere else within this chapter it will be applicable to such systems and equipment. For example, automotive lifts are addressed by the reference to ANSI/ALI ALCTV, but no further requirements are found in Chapter 30. This standard is fully applicable to such automotive lifts.”

ANSI/ALI ALCTV is a nationally recognized safety and performance standard covering the construction, testing and validation of vehicle lifts that are used to perform service on cars, trucks, vans and other vehicles. In order to fully comply with the ALI certification program supporting the standard, all lift models must be tested by one of three approved, third-party, OSHA-accredited Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories. The testing includes listing of the electrical system and validation of the structural integrity of all the lift’s systems and components, proper function of its controls and load-holding devices, proper lowering speeds and mechanical overload protection. Part of the testing process involves loading the lift to 150 percent of its rated load capacity and ensuring that no visual deformation of the lift’s structural elements or components occurs. Instructional materials and the lift manufacturer’s production facility must also meet requirements outlined in the standard.

Lifts that are tested by one of the approved laboratories and found to meet all of the requirements outlined in the ANSI/ALI ALCTV standard receive a gold ALI Certified label. ALI’s gold label is the only industry-recognized documentation that the specific lift model has been tested and certified to meet the industry’s performance and safety standards. Not all lifts for sale in today’s market are certified, regardless of country of origin. Therefore, the burden of purchasing and installing lifts that meet ANSI/ALI ALCTV and comply with the IBC rests on the lift buyer.

Quick facts about lift certification:

• There are no partial, conditional, pending or temporary certifications. A lift is either certified or it’s not. And if it’s not certified, it doesn’t meet ANSI/ALI ALCTV or comply with the International Building Code.
• Only lifts bearing the ALI gold Certification Label and listed at www.autolift.org/ali-directory-of-certified-lifts are certified.
• Lifts can only be certified at the time of manufacture. Lifts cannot be retroactively certified after installation.
• Lift options and accessories are also subject to testing and certification. Use of non-certified options or accessories on a certified lift will void that lift’s certification for as long as the original configuration remains altered.

For more information about vehicle lift certification and lift safety, visit www.autolift.org or call (607) 756-7775. You can also connect with ALI on Facebook at www.facebook.com/LiftInstitute, on Twitter at www.twitter.com/LiftInstitute, and on YouTube at www.youtube.com/LiftInstitute. For more information about the International Building Code, visit www.iccsafe.org/international-code-adoptions/.

Wiring and antenna connections are sold separately. Part number 70-1729 is the wiring harness required. Ask for part number 40-HD11 antenna adapter. Have an EX and higher? Ask for antenna adapter part number 40-HD11.

NORTH ANDOVER, MA – March 28th, 2016 – InstallerNet, a Boston-based company that provides Automotive fit and compatibility data for consumer electronics products serving manufacturers, retailers and insurance companies, announced today a new partnership with Car Toys, the largest independent multi-channel specialty car audio and mobile electronics retailer in America.

The Car Stereo Fit Guide solution will provide Car Toys customers with an option to enter their vehicle make, model and year to help them identify the specific car audio, accessories and video products that fit their ride.  This tool will provide vehicle specific information that ensures their customers make informed purchase decisions, and improve the overall buying path experience. InstallerNet’s comprehensive Automotive database provides information for just about any car on the road today.

“Car Toys is excited to add this important feature to our website, and believe this will constitute a significant enhancement to customer experience”, says Jim Warren, VP -- Merchandising and Marketing.

"Car Toys is the leading specialty Car Electronics retailer and we are very pleased to have partnered with them to provide the Fit Guide solution", said Bill Ali, SVP – Sales and Marketing. “Their dedication to the Car Electronics category is top-notch, and we look forward to working with the Car Toys team”.

Pittsburgh, PA—March 28, 2016—Consumer electronics rep firm End Result, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has confirmed that its 16^th electronics expo for home A/V and 12-volt retailers was a resounding success. Held on Tuesday, March 22, 2016, in Washington, PA brought in 168 people from 61 dealers from Ohio, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania. 

The one-day Survive—Revive—Thrive event offered dealers who didn’t attend CES, a preview of the latest products from 25 exhibitors, educational & business seminars, manufacturers’ training sessions, and an opportunity to have some fun and network with one another. 

Ed Dalesandro, Principal of End Result, said, “I would like to sincerely thank everyone involved with this years show. We had record breaking attendance and exhibitors wrote more business at this event than ever before. The displays were more complex and made for an engaging show floor!” Continuing he said, “A lot of my dealers don’t go to CES, so this show gives them the opportunity to experience the hot products and talk with the people behind them. I tried to offer seminars in areas that my dealers need help, like social media. It’s especially important these days where most reps and manufacturers are doing less yet asking for more.”

Comments from exhibitors were enthusiastic:  Jim McGall, Director of Sales for Wolf Cinema said, “Great show Ed, no one does it better... from the show planning, to communications and then execution‎—you hit with all cylinders clicking. I enjoyed the time with our dealers and industry friends, and look forward to next year's event. Count us in!” 

Joe Finn, Director of Sales for NEAR said, “We played NEAR speakers for the dealers, put products in their hands, talked to them about connecting large outdoor systems—and probably saw more dealers than we would have if we spent a week in the territory.  This show took a lot of effort, but it was a great experience.  Thank you Ed for organizing it.”

Keith Dowd, Director of North American Sales for Paradigm & Anthem said, “This show was a hit and well worth everyone’s time and efforts (both the vendors and the dealers who made time to attend in record numbers). It confirms what we all know—that salespeople are important, that even the best products don’t sell themselves and that people want to learn from and buy from, other people. We wish more reps across the country did similar events.” 

March 23, 2016  Santa Fe Springs, CA, -- American Road Products will conduct two dealer interactive workshops at the Mobile Electronics’ KnowledgeFest Spring Training event being held April 8-10, 2016, at the Indiana Convention Center. The focus of these workshops is to jump start 12V Specialist retailers into sales and installations of the 360º OmniVue Advanced Vision Surround View Camera Systems and the ReverseGUARD line of add-on back-up protection products.  

The safety business is the fastest growing segment of aftermarket vehicle electronics. American Road Products will give proactive retailers the foundation to begin the high margin business of selling and installing safety to consumers AND local commercial fleets. Carlos Garcia, Fleet Installation Manager and Stephen Witt will conduct the sessions. The how to sell to commercial customers is the NEW business education for retailers. 

All Dealer Workshop attendees will be entered into a drawing to win a 360º OmniVue Surround View Passenger system worth $1199. retail. 

"With our commercial product offering, 12V Specialty retailers can add the profitable local commercial fleet safety business to the revenue stream of the store states" Stephen Witt, "The local HVAC, electrical, plumbing, landscaping, delivery and service fleets need safety products to improve driver behavior and reduce accidents. The average cost in 2015 of a non injury accident for commercial fleets was $64, 981. Working together with our Authorized 12V Dealers, we will help the local commercial business save money by lowering accident rates, insurance costs and downtime" says Witt.  

To register for the American Road Products sessions, visit the following link and click on the American Road Products Sales & Install Workshop listing:

https://knowledgefest.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php  

Open to ALL  Dealer Workshop:  5:15PM - 6;15PM Friday, April 8 

Open to ALL  Dealer Workshop:  9:30AM - 10:30AM Sunday, April 10  

Garcia and Witt will also be conducting the Selling Safety: Developing You New Profit Center Sales Track workshop on Saturday, April 9 from 11:00AM - 12:15PM. This session is must attend for store owners and managers that WANT to expand their business into the high margin vehicle safety business. Attendees will learn how to market and position their store in the growing safety market, how to target, present to and close commercial fleet safety customers and what products are in the highest demand. 

For more information call 888.918.8800 or visit amercianroadproducts.com

NBC News, 3/27/2016 -- As part of a unique industry-government consortium, American motorists will soon find virtually every car, truck and crossover on the market equipped with a breakthrough safety system called Automatic Emergency Braking.

But that's likely to be only the start. The same group of 20 automakers, along with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, plans to push even more advanced safety technology into tomorrow's cars faster than would normally be possible under the slow and cumbersome regulatory process.

Experts say such moves — which will help lead up to an era of fully autonomous vehicles — could yield huge benefits in terms of lives saved, as well property damage prevented.

Autonomous Emergency Braking, or AEB, alone has been shown to reduce the number of rear-end collisions by as much as 40 percent, according to a recent study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. NHTSA Administrator Mark Rosekind earlier this year suggested it may be possible to bring the total number of U.S. highway fatalities — which topped 32,000 in 2014 — down to zero in the not-too-distant future.

To get there, automotive manufacturers and suppliers are taking a two-pronged approach, starting with improvements in passive safety — systems like seat belts and airbags designed to keep occupants safe in a crash. The latest vehicles are expanding the use of high-strength steel, carbon fiber and other materials which, along with new designs, absorb much of the energy of a crash before it reaches the passenger compartment. 

Read the rest here: http://www.nbcnews.com/business/autos/technology-taking-auto-safety-next-level-n544841

3/24/2016 -- Diamond Audio, an industry leader in high-end mobile audio products, recently exhibited at the 30th annual Spring Break Nationals at the Ocean Center in Daytona Beach, Florida.

In addition, Larry Frederick of New Product Development, provided dealer training and covered educational topics such as tuning vehicles and system troubleshooting. He demonstrated Diamond Audio’s new MICROV2 series amplifiers designed with an integrated Bluetooth port that accepts Diamond Audio’s new and compatible DATBTR10 and DATBRT12 Bluetooth receivers that can operate with any Bluetooth enabled device. Utilizing a custom “boom box” equipped with Diamond Elite series speakers and subwoofers, he demonstrated how speaker distance can cause and effect multiple phase/time and frequency aberrations and how many variables in the car audio environment can have an impact on sound quality. 

“I think that real world demonstrations are very beneficial for our dealers and by doing this, I hope that it can help them deliver the most optimal performance out of Diamond Audio products and achieve the ultimate listening environment,” Frederick said. Diamond Audio showcased a highly customized demo vehicle with a sound system full of Diamond Elite series products in its booth that was built by local dealer, MARS Audio in Orlando, FL. It took home multiple trophies and won a “Best of Show” award at Spring Break Nationals.

Diamond Audio’s newest addition to its product line, Motorsport Series, was being demonstrated throughout the show in a fully active display board that is now being offered to authorized Diamond Audio dealers. Tri Star Marketing, Diamond Audio’s sales representative from Florida educated and informed dealers and spectators of Diamond Audio’s new product line all weekend long and are looking forward to the tremendous growth opportunities with the brand. 

“This event provided me with the opportunity to talk with both our valued dealers and consumers about Diamond Audio. It’s great to be out in the field and have our finger on the pulse of the car audio scene and participating in a car audio event that’s been in existence for 30 years now. Seeing people from all over the country and being able to share the passion for car audio and the Diamond Audio brand never gets old”, added Karl Giles, Eastern Regional Sales Manager.

To obtain more information about Diamond Audio, please contact our sales and support staff at 213-261-4161 or visit us online at www.diamondaudio.com.

Panelists will discuss going beyond average to build a successful, longstanding operation

NORTH ANDOVER, MASS. – March 25, 2016 (MEDIAWIRE) – The town hall meeting at the upcoming KnowledgeFest Spring Training show and education conference will feature five prominent retailers, discussing how specialist mobile electronics outlets can continue to grow their businesses. "Breaking Through the Retail Ceiling" will focus on the strategies and practices that elevate a business from moderate performance to legitimate success and sustainability. 

The town hall signals the midway point for KnowledgeFest Spring Training, following the first full day of exhibits and education. Its purpose is to present and discuss topics that concern or benefit the industry, led by an informed group of panelists.

"This year, we felt it was important to let retailers speak to retailers," said Chris Cook, Mobile Electronics president. "KnowledgeFest has always thrived as a peer environment, where people in the same profession can network and share ideas. For the town hall, we've selected a group of retailers who have achieved above-average levels of profit, market share and repeat clientele, and all of them are excited to relay their experiences and advice to our attendees."

The 2016 retail panelists are all current or prior recipients of awards from Mobile Electronics. They include:

• Eric Carter of Cartronix in Valparaiso, Ind., multitime Top 50 and Top 12 Retailers award recipient
• Brian Layton of Sound FX in Lewes, Del., a recent Retailer of the Year award recipient and multitime Top 50 Retailer
• Josh Mojica of GNC Customs in Goshen, Ind., a recent Top 12 Retailers award recipient
• Matt Schaeffer of Safe and Sound Mobile Electronics in Manassas, Va., 2015 Installer of the Year runner-up
• Ken Ward of Musicar Northwest in Portland, Ore., previous Retailer of the Year award recipient

KnowledgeFest Spring Training leverages the time of year when new products have begun to ship and retailers are most in need of instruction on product features and specifications as well as selling strategies. The event will be held April 8-10 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, Ind. Professionals who wish to attend can register at www.knowledgefest.org/attendees/attendee-registration. Prospective attendees can view and register for available workshop classes, reserve seats, and print out a personalized itinerary at http://bit.ly/KFSpring16. Find more information on KnowledgeFest Spring Training, travel to the event, and accommodations at www.knowledgefest.org.

Montebello, CA March 24, 2016 – Soundstream is now releasing its Picasso amplifiers. These Picasso amplifiers provide good sound quality and good looks at an affordable price that doesn’t break the bank. 

Soundstream Picasso Amplifier contains the additional following features:

• Class A/B Full Range and class d monoblock amplifier
• 2-ohm stereo and 4-ohm bridged full range operation
• Capability to strap 2-like monoblocks together for double power
• Military grade PCB with PWM MOSFET power supply
• Direct Short, Thermal, & Overload circuits protect amplifier
• Dash mount gain control module included (select models)
• Variable 12dB high pass, low pass, and subsonic crossovers

For further product info: http://soundstream.com/car-audio/amplifiers/picasso/

Mobile Electronics March Issue, 3-1-2016 -- Everything starts small. Children grow into adults. Small seeds blossom into giant redwood trees. And small businesses that wish to learn and improve come together to form internationally recognized trade shows. SEMA, for example, started in 1963 with a group of small automotive manufacturers who supplied performance equipment for early hot rods. After 40 years, it became what it is: an industry giant, featuring thousands of companies and hundreds of show cars, all having joined over time, despite several name changes and makeovers to the event over the years.

KnowledgeFest, now in its 23rd year, has grown and changed in similar ways with a name change (formerly referred to by many retailers as MERA), growing attendance from both manufacturers and retailers, adding activities (like the Industry Awards) and changing venues over the years. Now, held in Dallas at a luxurious hotel and including more seminars and events than ever before, it's outgrown being just an annual event.

After last year's highly successful first-time effort, KnowledgeFest Spring Training is back to offer an alternative for some and an expansion for others looking to improve their businesses. Located at the Indiana Convention Center in downtown Indianapolis, Indiana, this year's show will emphasize more focused seminars and product trainings from the biggest names in 12-volt. The event has more exhibitors, requiring an addition of 7,500 square feet of exhibit space to make room for those new companies. First time manufacturer exhibitors for the event will include JL Audio, Sony, AudioControl, AAMP Global and Accele.

“We are extremely pleased to have these new exhibitors join us at KnowledgeFest Spring Training 2016. Most of them have been supporting our Dallas event for several years,” said Chris Cook, Mobile Electronics Group President in a recent press release. “Their support recognizes this event as the best opportunity to provide quality sales and installation training during the launch of their new products and services introduced earlier this year at CES."

Over 50 brands are scheduled to be featured within 42,000 square feet of exhibit space and 10 meeting rooms at the event. Given the timeliness of the event coinciding with new product releases, dealers can expect trainings on the ins and outs of the newest products from top manufacturers.

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3/23/2016, YNET News -- The autonomous car is coming to Israel: a steering team that includes representatives from various government ministries began on Sunday to work towards preparing the ground for the arrival of the revolutionary technology in Israel.

The Transportation Ministry said the team has been tasked with “designing a strategic plan for the move and creating a proper synergy between ministries for the purpose of properly preparing for the coming of the autonomous car.” The team is expected to meet regularly throughout the year to discuss opinions and examine various issues, including the ramifications on each ministry’s work.

The first discussion, held on Sunday, included 30 representatives from the Ministries of Transportation, Justice, Economy, Finance, and Environmental Protection, as well as the Tax Authority, Prime Minister’s Office, Electricity Authority, and the Office of the Chief Scientist. 

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4781277,00.html