11-16-2016 -- Wet Sounds Inc. has been honored for the 3rd year in a row with the Aggie 100 Award for businesses. The Aggie 100 identifies, recognizes, and celebrates the 100 fastest growing Aggie-owned or led companies in the world. Tim White, Fighting Texas Aggie Class ’98, and President, was in attendance to accept the award on behalf of Wet Sounds Inc.

Wet Sounds Inc. joins a very small handful of companies to make the list three years in a row. The continued success of the company is "driven by the leadership, pride, and dedication of the principle owners and the employees that follow their lead," according to the company. 

For new product information please visit www.WETSOUNDS.com and send in your pictures describing your Wet Life experience! @wetsounds Instagram

STILLWATER, USA – KICKER® is the featured audio provider for the new NFL Network’s reality show, "Tackle My Ride," which was announced at the 2016 SEMA Show. The first of six episodes in the initial season airs Tuesday, November 15 at 8 p.m. EST.

“There were many facets of (Tackle My Ride) that really appealed to us,” said Roger Demaree, KICKER Brand and Sports Marketing Director. “The show not only will focus on ‘super fans’ of the NFL and tricking out their vehicles, but also the positive work those fans are doing within their community. I believe this is what separates this show from many of the other build shows currently out there.”

Co-hosted by Super Bowl champion LaMarr Woodley and Demented Customs founder James Torrez, the show will feature team-inspired vehicle makeovers for deserving fans who are making a difference in their own hometowns, while offering an inside look into the lives of their favorite NFL teams and players.  It is the first unscripted program of its kind for NFL Media.

Current players participate in each episode, including Jason Pierre-Paul of the New York Giants, Brandon Carr of the Dallas Cowboys and Joe Haden of the Cleveland Browns. Each week, viewers go inside the player’s garages, learn about the fan’s story and get a behind-the-scenes look at the inner workings of Torrez’s shop.

“NFL Network has given us a tremendous opportunity to bring fresh, authentic and inspiring programming beyond the game for football to fans across the country,” says Executive Producer and 15-year NFL veteran Michael Strahan. “Through the lens of custom-car restoration, the series highlights individual stories of loyal fans-in-need while giving viewers inside access to some of their favorite football stars.”

Once we get to know the owner of the vehicle and the team they love, the restoration process begins. In this intriguing segment of the show, viewers will get to see the Demented Customs crew change each car into the ultimate football fan ride, step by fascinating step. The vehicle’s transformation from ordinary to extraordinary is covered with exceptional detail, as the car turns into a rolling tribute to their favorite NFL club. When an audio system is installed, KICKER mobile audio gear will be the product pumping out the tunes!

“The car customization industry has an attitude, lifestyle and culture all its own,” says Michael Mandt, Executive Producer of Original Content for the NFL Network. “I expect this series will deliver cool access and a great story in each episode.”

For more information, visit http://www.nfl.com/network/shows/tackle-my-ride.

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.

AUDIOCONTROL DEALER SHIPPING ANNOUNCEMENT

11-14-2016 -- Audiocontrol is now shipping the new DM-810 Matrix Processor. The processor, a 2017 CES Innovations Award honoree, allows users to optimize the performance of their audio system, regardless of whether they are using a factory or aftermarket source, and to truly achieve the goal of “Making Good Sound Great”.

These versatile digital signal processors (DSPs) are equipped with key features, such as active speaker level inputs, line-level and digital audio inputs, providing up to 10 channels of output. AudioControl’s “smart user” interface contains the power of AudioControl processing through a flexible PC interface packed full of features in a simple lay out.

Users can configure signal summing, 30 bands of equalization, signal time-alignment, input delay and phase correction, plus AudioControl proprietary features like AccuBASS®, GTOTM Signal Sense, and MILCTM as well as integrated input and output RTA’s. The built in Option Port on the DM-810 will allow hi-res streaming directly into the DSP. It also opens up future proprietary connections for additional inputs, controllers and interface solutions.

For more information or to become an AudioControl Dealer, contact your local AudioControl representative or email Chris Bennett at AudioControl at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

To see and experience AudioControl's DM-810, to download the DM-810 software onto your computer, to check out the full user manual, as well as all the technical specifications visit the AudioControl DM-810 website at: http://www.audiocontrol.com/.../digital-signal.../DM-810/

11-14-2016 -- Wet Sounds recognized its top representatives of 2016 during the SEMA Show in Las Vegas last week. Team Sales was awarded Representatives of the Year, Brian Tolley (middle) and Ben Pugh (second on right) Mark Couch and Mark Eldridge (not pictured).  

"Team Sales energetically and professionally represents Wet Sounds. The drive and work ethic of these individuals is the core of Wet Sounds," said the company in a press release. "Great product, great people, and a love of High Performance Marine Audio industry. Wet Sounds is proud to work with such great people on a daily basis." 

Pacific Coast Marketing was also awarded the most improved territory of 2016 during the SEMA Show. Wet Sounds has stated that it is committed to working with only the best and continue to strive to provide the best sounding, highest performing marine and powersports audio available.

Eleven Engineering Proactively Addresses Apple iPhone’s Lightning Audio Bug with a Program to Help SKAA Users Who Have Been Affected

EDMONTON, Alberta, Canada, Nov. 10, 2016 – Eleven Engineering, a market leader in semiconductor products for wireless audio for home theater, multi-room, portable, professional, 12-volt (car, truck, motorcycle, power sports, marine) and gaming applications, is addressing Apple’s Lightning audio bug found in newer iPhones and its affect on SKAA® Diz transmitters.

“The bug occurs when outputting audio from the iPhone via the Lightning port to dock speakers, USB speakers, external DAC headphone amplifiers, wireless audio transmitters, and other Lightning audio products,” explained John Sobota, Eleven Engineering CEO. “SKAA’s Diz transmitter is affected and so are other third party products. Since many Diz users are affected, we are being very pro-active here - I’m sure Apple is working diligently to fix this bug, but in the meantime we will support our customers with an innovative program to get them back up and running immediately. We want to assure all of our customers that we are working hard to protect them from this issue."

According to Sobota, this Apple iPhone bug has already been logged with Apple. “From what we’ve been able to gather from multiple Internet reports and our own investigation, the iPhone occasionally fails to send all of the audio data it should to the plugged-in audio device,” Sobota continued. “This USB communication protocol error causes periodic clicks and dropouts in the audio and then the audio may stop altogether."

This bug affects 44.1 kHz audio output only (nearly all music files are 44.1 kHz). It does not affect 48 kHz audio (nearly all videos have 48 kHz audio). “So, a good way to confirm if your phone has this bug is to use Diz to listen to some music and then watch a video,” Sobota explained. “If you hear audio problems when playing music, but not when playing video, your phone likely has this particular bug.”

Currently, devices affected by the bug include some (not all) iPhone 6S and 6S plus models, depending on the manufacturer of the A-series processor chip used in the phone. This bug does not appear in the iPhone 5 or 5S. So far, Eleven Engineering has not seen this bug show up in iPads or iPods. Sobota expects that some (not all) iPhone SEs are affected.  It appears this bug affects all iPhone 7 and 7 Plus models.

“We think that the iPhone 6S, 6S Plus and SE have been sold with two versions of the A-series processor chips,” Sobota added. “One of these chips carries the bug and one does not. Samsung versions of the A-series chip do not have the bug. TSMC versions of the A-series chip have the bug. We think the iPhone 6S, 6S Plus and SE may have launched with the Samsung (bug free) chip but part way through their product life, a change was made to the TSMC chip.  It appears the iPhone 7 and 7 plus launched with the TSMC chip from day one, so it's likely all 7-series iPhones have the bug.  This is the best information we have currently, but we will keep updating our bulletin on SKAA.com/TLC with the latest information as we get it."

Explained Rex Whitehead, Eleven Engineering Director of Sales, North America, “For SKAA customers who own Diz transmitters and who don’t want to wait for Apple’s fix, Eleven has created the Lightning Bug Rescue program. Customers should send a short message to Eleven Engineering via the contact form at SKAA.com/TLC with ‘Lightning Bug Rescue’ in the subject line and the Tx Version of their Diz transmitter in the body of the message (this may be found in the SKAA cmd app’s info page —SKAA cmd is available on the iTunes App Store). Eleven will then respond with several options to get the customer back up and running again - immediately.”

Sobota continued, “Our R&D team kicked into high gear when we learned about the Lightning bug. Our research revealed that the clicks and dropouts in the audio caused by the Lightning bug can actually be masked. If you know the bug is there, you can react to it appropriately when it happens. Our team invented a way to effectively conceal the bug with an ingenious firmware modification to Diz. Of course, like our customers, we are waiting with anticipation for Apple fix the root cause. But in the mean time we are offering a Diz trade-in program for any customer who is stuck with the Lightning bug and doesn’t want to wait. The concealment firmware is excellent - it makes the artifacts caused by the bug virtually impossible to hear. Users may want to know whether a Diz transmitter, modified with this concealment firmware, will still work OK once Apple fixes the Lightning bug. Well, the answer is yes, it absolutely will.”

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

Recently, Apple unveiled iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus, both without the familiar 3.5 mm headphone jack.  Eleven Engineering responded with SKAA Diz solutions for quality-centric headphone brands.

“This is why we created the SKAA Diz transmitter for Lightning,” said Whitehead. “Diz takes full advantage of Lightning’s high-quality audio and wirelessly transmits that pristine digital stream to speakers and headphones built to the SKAA standard. Products using Lightning require Apple’s MFi approval, but the already-proven Diz transmitter makes this process quick and painless. SKAA cmd is the perfect app to control wireless headphones and speakers which take advantage of Lightning’s superior audio quality.”

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

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

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

NOVEMBER 2016: HOLLY HILL, FL – Metra is proud to announce an original line of Camouflage dash kits. We’ve partnered with Mossy Oak® and Realtree® to introduce officially licensed camo patterns. 

Liquid films are used in a completely submerged dipping process for a permanent Camo skin over Metra’s factory quality premium dash kits. These Camo kits come in two different styles, Mossy Oak Break-Up Country and Realtree Xtra.

Applications are available for Ford, GM, Jeep, Nissan, Ram, and Toyota, as well as antennas and a marine cover.

11-14-2016 -- Samsung Electronics and Harman International Industries announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement under which Samsung will acquire HARMAN for approximately $8.0 billion. Upon closing, the transaction will immediately give Samsung a significant presence in the large and rapidly growing market for connected technologies, particularly automotive electronics, which has been a strategic priority for Samsung, and is expected to grow to more than $100 billion by 2025.

HARMAN is the market leader in connected car solutions, with more than 30 million vehicles currently equipped with its connected car and audio systems, including embedded infotainment, telematics, connected safety and security. Approximately 65% of HARMAN’s $7.0 billion of reported sales during the 12 months ended September 30, 2016 are automotive-related, and its order backlog for this market at June 30, 2016 was approximately $24 billion.

HARMAN’s experience designing and integrating sophisticated in-vehicle technologies, as well as its long-term relationships with most of the world’s largest automakers, will create significant growth opportunities for the combined business by enabling it to leverage Samsung’s expertise in connected mobility, semiconductors, user experience, displays and its global distribution channels. In addition, the combination of HARMAN’s brands and audio capabilities and Samsung’s expertise in consumer electronics will deliver enhanced customer benefits and elevate user experiences across Samsung’s complete portfolio of consumer and professional products and systems.

“HARMAN perfectly complements Samsung in terms of technologies, products and solutions, and joining forces is a natural extension of the automotive strategy we have been pursuing for some time,” said Oh-Hyun Kwon, Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Samsung Electronics.  “As a Tier 1 automotive supplier with deep customer relationships, strong brands, leading technology and a recognized portfolio of best-in-class products, HARMAN immediately establishes a strong foundation for Samsung to grow our automotive platform. Dinesh Paliwal is a proven global leader and, in our extensive discussions, we have developed deep respect for him, his strong senior leadership team and HARMAN’s talented employees.  HARMAN’s sustained track record of rapid growth fueled by technology leadership and an unmatched automotive order pipeline reflects its commitment to innovation and customers.”

“The vehicle of tomorrow will be transformed by smart technology and connectivity in the same way that simple feature phones have become sophisticated smart devices over the past decade,” added Young Sohn, President and Chief Strategy Officer of Samsung Electronics. “We see substantial long-term growth opportunities in the auto technology market as demand for Samsung’s specialized electronic components and solutions continues to grow.  Working together, we are confident that HARMAN can become a new kind of Tier 1 provider to the OEMs by delivering end-to-end solutions across the connected ecosystem.”

Dinesh Paliwal, HARMAN Chairman, President and CEO, stated, “This compelling all-cash transaction will deliver significant and immediate value to our shareholders and provide new opportunities for our employees as part of a larger, more diversified company.  Today’s announcement is a testament to what we have achieved and the value that we have created for shareholders.  Samsung is an ideal partner for HARMAN and this transaction will provide tremendous benefits to our automotive customers and consumers around the world.  Combining Samsung’s strengths in leading-edge displays, connectivity and processing solutions with HARMAN’s technology leadership and long-standing customer relationships will enable OEMs to provide new offerings for their customers.  Partnerships and scale are essential to winning over the long term in automotive as demand for robust connected car and autonomous driving solutions increases at a rapid pace.  This transaction will bring HARMAN and Samsung’s complementary strengths together to accelerate innovation in this space. More broadly, this investment underscores the strength of HARMAN’s employees, as well as our success and leadership across our markets.  We look forward to working together with Samsung to elevate experiences for consumers worldwide.”

Customer Benefits and Significant Growth Opportunities

Samsung expects the combination to deliver significant growth opportunities and benefits to customers by leveraging Samsung’s and HARMAN’s complementary technologies, resulting in increased market penetration across important end markets.

• Automotive:  Combining HARMAN’s leadership in new connected car technologies, including its top positions in infotainment, cyber security, over-the-air updates and telematics, with Samsung’s significant expertise and experience in connectivity technologies, including 5G, UX/UI, display technology and security solutions, will enhance HARMAN’s automotive and connected services businesses to drive greater sales and provide significant benefits as automakers speed the adoption of next-generation connected cars.

• Audio:  HARMAN’s leading brands and cutting-edge audio systems include JBL®, Harman Kardon®, Mark Levinson®, AKG®, Lexicon®, Infinity®, and Revel®.  The company also licenses Bowers & Wilkins® and Bang & Olufsen® brands for automotive.  All of these brands will greatly enhance the competitiveness of Samsung’s mobile, display, virtual reality and wearable products to deliver a fully differentiated audio and visual experience for customers.

• Professional:  The combination will also expand the combined company’s business-to-business platform through its ability to deliver integrated, large-scale audio and visual professional solutions at stadiums, concert facilities and other performance centers such as The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and STAPLES Center – home of the GRAMMY Awards®.

• Connected Services:  Samsung will gain access to HARMAN’s 8,000 software designers and engineers who are unlocking the potential of the IoT market.  This collaboration will deliver the next generation of cloud-based consumer and enterprise experiences, as well as end-to-end services for the automotive market through the convergence of design, data and devices.

Operating Structure and Leadership

Upon closing, HARMAN will operate as a standalone Samsung subsidiary, and continue to be led by Dinesh Paliwal and HARMAN’s current management team.  Samsung is pursuing a long-term growth strategy in automotive electronics, and plans to retain HARMAN’s work force, headquarters and facilities, as well as all of its consumer and professional audio brands.  Samsung believes the combination will increase career development and advancement opportunities for the employees of both companies.

Samsung’s Automotive Electronics Business Team, which was established in December of 2015 to identify opportunities for Samsung in the automotive sector, will work closely with the HARMAN management team to realize the full growth potential of the combination.

Terms of the Transaction

The purchase price represents a premium of 28% based on HARMAN’s closing stock price on November 11, 2016 and a 37% premium to HARMAN’s 30-calendar day volume weighted average price ending November 11, 2016.  Samsung expects to use cash on hand to fund the transaction.  The agreement has been unanimously approved by the boards of directors of both companies.

The transaction, which is subject to approval by HARMAN shareholders, regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions, is expected to close in mid-2017.

NSB710 and BKNSB710 speaker adapters address 1995-2016 Nissan aftermarket speaker installation, and MSB180 and BKMSB180 speaker adapters address 2007-2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter aftermarket speaker installation

CLEARWATER, FL - (November 9, 2016) – AAMP Global addressed aftermarket speaker installation with the American International NSB710 and Best Kits by PAC BKNSB710 speaker adapters designed for the 1995-2016 Nissan, and the American International MSB180 and Best Kits by PAC BKMSB180 speaker adapters designed for the 2007-2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. These brackets raise the speakers from their mounting surface to accommodate the speaker magnet clearance while utilizing OEM mounting locations.

The new American International and Best Kits by PAC speaker adapters for the 1995-2016 Nissan facilitate the installation of one pair of 6”, 6.5” or 6.75” speakers. The new American International and Best Kits by PAC speaker adapters for the 2007-2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter facilitate the installation of one pair of 5.25” speakers. 

The American International NSB710 and Best Kits by PAC BKNSB710 speaker adapters are available now in the US. The American International MSB180 and Best Kits by PAC BKMSB180 speaker adapters are scheduled to be released December 9, 2016.

11-9-2016, Mobile Electronics -- Every now and then a build will come in to a shop that plants major seeds for the future. That scenario happened for Chris Hilbert and his shop, Sound Decisions, out of Racine, Wisc. After completing a stealth box build for a client, he returned with a bigger job. That client was Master Sergeant Chris Moore of the 347th Air Force recruiting squadron out of Oak Creek, Wisc.; the job was to turn a 2014 Ford Expedition into a recruiting tool for the Air Force. According to Hilbert, it's working.

"Moore has trucks similar to that in Texas and had great success with that. He was really happy. He asked us for estimates and went with it," Hilbert said. "It needed to be loud, visible on the outside and have lots of lights. The truck got tons of exposure at Oshkosh. The biggest thing was to get them more recruiting. Chris gets paid commission for the more people he signs up for the Air Force. He said this has made his job incredibly easy."

But the job was anything but easy for Hilbert and his team, comprised of installers Ian Glacio and Dave Northart. Due to the truck being leased, anything installed had to be easily removable once the lease ended. The build included a 20-inch flat panel screen and Xbox that were supplied by the Air Force. Audio equipment included one JL Audio XD1000/5v2 amplifier, four JL Audio 12-inch subwoofers, one JL Audio MM100S (marine control center) and two JL Audio MX650-CCX-SG-TLD-B component coaxial systems. Stinger, Compustar, iDatalink and Cobra rounded out the mix with various accessory products. Overall, the build took 10 days to complete.

Although creating a custom build that is easily removable is a rare feat for the shop, they were well prepared thanks to their previous training with Sonus, learning techniques that would come in handy with this and other builds.

"I paid for my guys to go through training at Sonus two years ago. They implemented lots of techniques from that in this truck. There's fiberglass in the rear panels where the speakers are. Two screws hold each one of those panels in place completely. Using what we have there, it's easy to come out if we have to work on it," Hilbert said. "We knew the Xbox had problems with overheating, that's why we made mesh compartments so it doesn't overheat. They say they've run the system for as long as 12 hours without having to start the vehicle. Being in the back of the truck, it's important so you don't gas people out when they are playing the game."

Since completing the job, Hilbert posted the job on the store's social media pages and website to attract attention. It worked. "Because of the pictures we sent, a store in Nebraska inquired to us about what we did and how we did it. I know the store in Nebraska saw all the same work we did and was asked by the recruitment office there, too. I posted this to our MESA forum where dealers actively search for this business," Hilbert added. "This is something that can be done any time. They need to go to events, they need to attract young people, which are our 12-volt clients anyway. Keep in mind [the military] have funds for this type of work." 

Read the rest of the story HERE. 

Las Vegas (Nov. 1, 2016) – Members of the Automotive Lift Institute (ALI) elected their 2017 board of directors at the organization’s annual meeting on Oct. 31 in Las Vegas. Stet Schanze of Gray Manufacturing Company (St. Joseph, Missouri) was elected to a second term as chairman. Buck Gasner of DEKRA North America (Marietta, Georgia) was elected to a two-year term as Associate Class representative.

In addition to Schanze, returning members of the board for 2017 include Jeff Kritzer of BendPak (Santa Paula, California), past chairman Jerome Lentz of Challenger Lifts (Louisville, Kentucky), Stan Poweska of PKS Lifts (Ancaster, Ontario), Harold Yeo of TLS Lifts (Oakville, Ontario), Matt Webster of Vehicle Service Group (Madison, Indiana), and ALI President R.W. “Bob” O’Gorman.

The ALI Board of Directors is comprised of representatives from the North American-based vehicle lift manufacturers that are members of ALI, plus one elected Associate Class representative. ALI Associate Class membership is available to any North American service organization with at least one ALI Certified Lift Inspector on staff. 

To learn more about ALI, 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 twitter.com/LiftInstitute and on YouTube at www.youtube.com/LiftInstitute.

NOVEMBER 2016: HOLLY HILL, FL – Metra’s Heise LED brand of lighting systems introduces new LED Replacement Headlights kits. These headlights are designed to replace weaker, factory bulbs, with brighter, low current consuming LED bulbs. 

Built with Phillips Luxeon ZES LED chips, these headlight kits are extremely bright, providing the additional light needed on dark nights.  Each kit has a pair of 22-watt LED bulbs, and a pair of ballasts that help regulate and drive the voltage to the LED lights.

The Heise LED headlight kits are built with a braided heatsink which allows for movement in tight locations and the flexibility to get around any obstructions while installing them. The Headlight kit comes in 18 different model sizes to fit a majority of the vehicles on the road, and is the perfect upgrade for driver’s wanting more out of their headlights.

11-7-2016 -- DD Audio is re-introducing the new and improved VO-W woofer series complete with CT compression tweeters. The new VO-W woofers feature cast frames, stronger motors, and larger diameter voice coils for higher power handling.

Based on high-end PA designs used to fill sold out concert halls with sound, this style of driver should have no problem doing the same in any vehicle. They work well in outside PA style speaker arrays or in a vehicle when the mids and highs need to keep up with DD Audio subwoofers. 

Outside of the mobile audio realm, these woofers could be used in homemade live sound set ups or replacements for blown PA woofers. For a full rundown of the VO-W and CT series head over to ddaudio.com.

CLEARWATER, FL (November 3, 2016) – AAMP Global introduces a new Minimum Advertised Price (MAP) policy kicking off with the PAC and EchoMaster brands. This policy is designed to protect the value and integrity of AAMP’s Power Brands, and AAMP’s network of retail partners.

Why Implement a MAP Policy?

The Internet has made it easier than ever for consumers to research products before they buy, and part of that process is price comparison. People can choose from a variety of online stores and vendors, and in many cases, they’ll go with whoever has the lowest price. For brick and mortar stores, this “showrooming” has been especially problematic.  Consumers look at products in person before buying them online at a lower price. Because online retailers have minimal overhead, the discounts can be incredibly steep. This not only disadvantages other retailers, but can devalue AAMP Global’s brands.

This new MAP policy prevents retailers from advertisingAAMP Power Brand products too cheaply, protecting the value of these solutions. The MAP agreement requires retailers to advertise the products at what they’re worth, and prevents online retailers with minimum overhead from offering steep discounts that give them an advantage over other sellers.

“We recognize the investments our brick and mortar retailers are making and the effect margin compression caused by online price erosion can have, especially within the AAMP portfolio of accessories.   AAMP invests large amounts of resource to engineer, develop and market these products, our mission with the new policy is to secure the margins our retail partners need to be successful.”   explained Scott Forst senior vice president of sales.

By implementing a MAP policy, AAMP Global hopes to free certified retailers from the burden of catering to price-driven bargain shoppers. Instead, AAMP’s products can be priced consistently in a way that reflects their true value.

A copy of AAMP’s MAP policy can be found at: http://aampglobal.com/map-policy

LONG BEACH, CALIF. – November 2, 2016 (MEDIAWIRE) – JVC Mobile Entertainment announced it has become the official head unit sponsor of “Zed Sled 2,” a vehicle restoration project by TV personality and paint expert Kevin “KT” Tetz. The finished 1978 Camaro Z28 will feature the JVC KD-R875BTS, to be replaced with the 2017 model KD-R985BTS when it becomes available. The audio installation was conducted by Christopher Robinson of AutoPro of Nashville, while most engine work was finished at Bay One Customs in Springfield, Tenn.

“We are happy to be involved in a project that has garnered so much attention from automotive and restoration devotees,” said Hazim Jainoor, marketing manager for JVC Mobile Entertainment. “Kevin is well-respected in the automotive aftermarket, both for his knowledge of paint and restoration, and his enthusiasm in connecting with his audience.”

The Camaro will be showcased at the 2016 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show, in the Heatshield Products booth, #24013 in the Central Hall, and later on enthusiast network television and other car shows. For more information on the vehicle, search ‘Zed Sled 2’ at youtube.com. 

11-2-2016 -- JL Audio has announced its list of vehicles on display at the 2016 SEMA Show, which is being held in Las Vegas, Nevada at the Las Vegas Convention Center from November 1st - 4th.

The annual SEMA show brings together over 2,400 companies that provide an array of products for automotive restyling and on average is the introduction for roughly 2,500 new products that shape the coming year for vehicle customizing. 

Each year, JL Audio hand selects projects to collaborate with leading automotive customizers in order to feature their latest high-performance aftermarket audio systems to those in attendance at the SEMA Show. This year, as in years past, we are excited to promote a wide range of builds from new model years to classic restorations, mild to wild and an array of vehicle types. 

Not going to the show? Check out the social profiles for more project and build information.

1949 Chevy Pickup by Stoners Speed Shop - Precision Replacement Parts, Booth #24189 | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube
Featuring: MX Amplifiers, C2 Speakers, and PowerWedge+™ Amplified Subwoofer System

1955 Chevy by Denny Terzich and Pro Rides - Gear Vendors, Booth #22475 | Instagram | Facebook
Featuring: HD Amplifiers, C5 Speakers, and TW3 Subwoofers

1968 Mustang by Customs by Kilkeary - Restomod Air, Booth #22993 | Instagram | Facebook
Featuring: HD Amplifiers, ZR Speakers, and TW3 Subwoofers

1970 Dodge Charger by Pro Comp Customs - Toyo Tires Treadpass area | Instagram | Facebook
Featuring: MX Amplifiers, C2 Speakers, and TW1 Subwoofers

2014 Dodge 3500 Limited by Blaine Hann - Rolling Big Power, Booth #20113 | Instagram
Featuring: HD Amplifiers and W1v3 Subwoofers

2017 Dodge Ram Megacab by Jeff Dyer - McGaughy’s Suspension Parts, Booth #21615 | Instagram
Featuring: HD Amplifiers, ZR Speakers, and W6v3 Subwoofers

Plus... Did you know Steven Tyler's ultra-rare Hennessy Venom GT (Yes... featuring JL Audio), will be on display in the Barrett-Jackson Auction Co. LLC Booth (Central Hall, #21327) and auctioned-off for charity following the SEMA Show?

Eindhoven – November 2, 2016 – ZENS, market leader in the field of wireless charging, is introducing innovative wireless power banks that allow users to re-charge their phones, tablets or cameras on the go. The unique feature of the ZENS back-up batteries is that they can be charged wirelessly using any ZENS or other brand wireless charger.

Charge the ZENS Power Pack at home, at work or at a Qi wireless charging hotspot and utilize the extra power to chat, play and stay connected wherever you are. An extra-long USB cable (60 cm) may be used to hook-up the Power Pack to fast-charge your mobile device. In addition, this cable also serves to charge the Power Pack the traditional – wired - way.

The new power banks include four different wireless Power Packs for one (3000 mAh), two (5200 mAh), three (7800 mAh) or four (10400 mAh) charges respectively. With an output of 2A, fast charging is guaranteed. The one and two-charge Power Packs measure 7,9 x 7,9 x 2,5 cm (LxWxH), weigh 137/150 gr and feature one USB-port. The three and four-charge Power Packs measure 9 x 9 x 2,8 cm (LxWxH) and weigh 220/264 gr. Using the two USB-ports, two devices can be charged simultaneously.

All ZENS Power Packs feature a beautiful, rounded design with a soft touch finish. They are available in black and grey. Their suggested retail price ranges from € 29,99 for the one-charge Power Pack to € 59,99 for the four-charge Power Pack.

Check out these new mounting solutions and all of Scosche’s new car audio and mobile accessory products at the Scosche Booth #11917 in North Hall, Las Vegas Convention Center

Las Vegas, NV – November 1, 2016 -- Scosche Industries, a leading innovator of car audio and consumer tech products and accessories, is announcing the availability of its latest innovation, the all-new Dash Mount for iPad®.
Quickly and easily installed in a matter of seconds without the need for tools, the Dash Mount for iPad® provides a custom, quality fit and sleek, low profile design. The sturdy, scratch-free mount ensures the user’s iPad remains safely and securely mounted to the dash for convenient access to favorite apps, maps/directions, music and more, with open access to the iPad’s ports and the power button. Users simply remove the iPad to gain full access to the factory stereo beneath.
Scosche will be showcasing the new Dash Mount for iPad at the SEMA Show 2016, Las Vegas, Nevada, Las Vegas Convention Center - North Hall, Booth #11917, along with a wide selection of additional new car audio installation solutions and accessories for domestic and import cars and trucks, motorcycles and Powersports vehicles.
Dash Mounts for iPad® are being introduced for the following vehicles:
 Ford F-150 - (2013 - 2014)
 Ford F-150 - (2015 and up)
 Ram Trucks - (2013 - 2015) with UConnect 8.4” Systems
 Chevy Silverado/GMC Sierra (2014 and up) with 7” MyLink Display
 Toyota Tacoma - (2012 - 2015)
with more dash mounts planned in the coming months.
The mounts are designed to work with iPad Air, iPad Air 2 and iPad Pro 9.7.

RESEDA, Ca. (October 31, 2016) – Crux Interfacing Solutions announced that it is releasing a brand new 360 Degree Camera System for select Toyota vehicles. SEMA attendees can visit the company's SEMA Booth #1250 for a demo and more information.

The company has said that the CRUX360 is the first 360 Degree camera system available with Auto Calibration and additionally, that it is the first 360 Degree Camera system to be offered as a complete OEM integrated solution that is PLUG n’ PLAY.

CRUX360 FEATURES:

• AUTO CALIBRATION / Manual Calibration
• Auto calibration can be performed in five minutes. The system has Optional Manual calibration as well
• PLUG n’ PLAY INSTALLATION seamlessly integrates into the factory system
• Quad View:
• CRUX 360 Quad View feature can be used to record each camera separately using 2 channel DVR.
• Mode view:
• Mode view allows the viewing of each camera independently on the display monitor (F/L/R/R)
• Super high quality Manufactured in Korea using OEM Grade components

11-1-2016, Mobile Electronics November Issue -- Las Vegas has many names. The City That Never Sleeps, City of Lights, Disneyland for adults and Sin City top the list. But today, it has a dual identity. By night, it's an adult playground. By day, a resort destination where millions of families flock each year to experience its gorgeous pools, lavish buffets, shows for different ages and theme park attraction rides like the roller coaster at New York, New York. One could say, the city has something for everyone.

In that spirit, the same can be said of Industry Auto Designs Las Vegas, a destination for auto enthusiasts looking to both repair and enhance their vehicles, all at once. For owner Andrew Evens, creating a one-stop-shop came naturally, given his background as a born wrench monkey.

"Since I was a kid, I've always had tools in my hand. My dad worked in a body shop. He would always bring home stuff to tinker with. I had a carburetor as a toy. I remember the springs on it," Evens said. "My mom's father was always into wood working and would build stuff for the county fair. Whenever we went to his house as kids, we were always painting something. It's like Karate Kid. You don't realize why you're doing it at the time but looking back, you realize how much you learned as a kid. I was lucky enough to have those two influences to set my path."

As Evens got older, he worked with his dad at the body shop to earn an allowance. His work focused on wiring, replacing things like harnesses. "Come high school time, my friends were really happy because I had a shop to work out of and would do their stuff on the side," Evens added. "When I was about 14, I was putting in radios and wiring cars. I would charge them and get rides to school out of it. I was always the one negotiating to get a ride the next morning, to avoid taking the bus. It was always good side money."

Having what he called "normal retail jobs" as a teenager didn't stop Evens from continuing to learn anything and everything automotive when he could. For the duration of high school, Evens's dad, Mike, owned a body shop that allowed him to continue his education. At the age of 15, Evens bought his first car thanks to a wholesale deal with local dealer Premier Audio, which would soon take on Evens as his apprentice. While there, Evens learned both through wiring books and by installing remote starts and car alarms. "That came on pretty easy and I was pretty much running his shop," Evens said.

After high school, Evens attended ITT Technical Institute in Williamsville, N.Y., looking to learn the trade of computer drafting and design given his love of the structural engineering concept. "I took every course there was to take. I took drafting and residential structures and a bunch of the engineering courses. I took everything I could take technology-wise," Evens said. "I liked drawing, electrical schematics and computers at the time. The problem is that most of those job offerings were 11 bucks an hour. I was already making $40 to $50,000 as an installer. So I went mainstream doing car audio full time."

Evens began working at Stereo Advantage in Williamsville, spending four years picking up as much 12-volt knowledge as he could. After his stint there, he became store manager at Circuit City, but didn't last given the lack of excitement he experienced.

"That was kind of boring to me. All the radios had harnesses. There was not a lot of actual installing there," he said. "It was good money. But they started to close down stores because they paid too well."

By 2004, Evens had the itch to move. He thought about a place that was warm and would give him a fresh start. Las Vegas sprang to mind. "Everything was built out here, it was sunny with palm trees," Evens said. So he rented out his house in New York, moved to Vegas and took a job as an install manager at Audio Excellence. After about eight months, Evens had a reputation in town, given that as an automotive community, Las Vegas is quite small. He did more research, landed at VIP Motoring, a high-end retailer and was able to fulfill his desire for large custom builds. But that too wouldn't last.

Once the housing market crashed, Evens found himself out of work. He became a union bartender in the nightclub scene. But he never forgot his roots, always keeping his tools close by to take on jobs whenever they arose. Soon enough, 2009 came, the market began to recover and Evens got that familiar itch again.

"I made a lot of money in the nightclub, but woke up one morning and said I didn't want to be around a bunch of drunk people anymore. I realized that these people have disposable income. They're about flash, buying the newest car out there. I decided it was a good idea to follow my passion," Evens said. "I took a month off from all work, found a spot with 1,200 square feet of space and opened my store." But there was much more to it than that.

Read the rest of the story HERE. 

CLEARWATER, FL (October 27, 2016) – AAMP Global introduces several new technologies under its seven Power Brands: EchoMaster, PAC, Rosen, Stinger, Phoenix Gold, Autoleads and iSimple. Experience these new solutions live at SEMA’s North Hall, booth 11817, or follow on Facebook at Facebook.com/AAMP for videos from the show and new product details. 

EchoMaster

EchoMaster delivers solutions to “Protect Your Precious Cargo” with new views and enhanced driver assistance for consumer and commercial drivers.  Multi-view cameras, 360-degree bird’s eye view camera kit, and a fully integrated safety solution for Mercedes-Benz Sprinters are just a few of the new vehicle-specific and universal safety products EchoMaster will be introducing at SEMA.

PAC

PAC continues to revolutionize what integration means for 12Volt this year with its SEMA line up. Integrated, vehicle-specific safety solutions, AmpPRO and integrated radio replacement kits will be making their debut in Vegas. 

Rosen

Rosen redefines the meaning of “Go Big or Go Home” by introducing a complete home theater experience all from your backseat. The biggest and last rear seat entertainment system any consumer will need to purchase.  Any if you know the password, we might even show you what’s locked away in the secret room, maybe.

iSimple

iSimple is known for connecting smartphones to any vehicle, no matter how old the car is. But did you know, they also make the most durable cables in the market? Just how tough are they? The iSimple uLinxMAX can be cooked, froze and even Tow. A. Five. Ton. Truck. Mic drop…Can yours? Come see it in action.

Stinger

Stinger is enhancing audio experiences beyond everyday vehicles by introducing its Harley-Davidson solutions. From a small, but mighty Bluetooth amplifier to a direct-replacement battery that packs a powerful punch, we’re creating adrenaline-pumping experiences in whatever moves you, whether on two wheels or four.

Phoenix Gold

Phoenix Gold exists to give you an experience of musical realism that will have you questioning if you’re riding around in a music studio or are sitting in the front row of a rock concert. We uphold our legacy by delivering high quality sound on every adventure—from riding top down on road trips to winning best of show at car competitions. It’s simple: a Phoenix Gold audio system gives you more reasons to love your vehicle.