VWK1019 or BKVWK1019 Make It Possible to Upgrade to an Aftermarket Radio 

CLEARWATER, FL - (June 28, 2016) – AAMP Global makes it possible for 2015-2016 Volkswagen Golf owners to upgrade to an aftermarket radio with its American International VWK1019 and Best Kits by PAC BKVWK1019 installation dash kits.

These new American International and Best Kits dash kits facilitate the installation of a single ISO radio with a pocket below or one double DIN (2-DIN) radio in the factory radio location.  The kits are finished in satin black for an attractive original equipment (OE) factory look.  The multi-piece kits include the main bezel with a removable pocket, hardware, and instruction manual.

For a complete installation solution AAMP offers the optional American International EU08 antenna adapter and Best Kits by PAC BAADIN22 antenna adapter.  

6-3-20-16 -- Kenwood USA, manufacturer of advanced-technology driver entertainment systems, is now shipping its 2016 line of multimedia receivers. The receivers, which debuted at this year's CES, include both the Kenwood and Kenwood Excelon lineups, which feature Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility.

The collection includes 15 new double-DIN multimedia receivers—12 of which supplant the previous year’s models—across the KENWOOD and KENWOOD eXcelon lines. Key improvements address consumers’ desire to seamlessly and safely access smartphone-centric apps through an intuitive interface, as well as performance enhancements to support onboard navigation and source selection.

The 2016 multimedia platform received a processor upgrade resulting in improved stability and faster startup. The additional power also supports a completely new graphic user interface that delivers album art, navigation instructions and source selection in vibrant color and clarity. To personalize the interface, users can add shortcuts to their most-used sources on the home screen, select from a variety of backgrounds and switch between information sources by swiping across the display. For models with built-in Guidance by Garmin®, navigation maps and icons are more informative, and routing and recalculating are faster, thanks to new solid-state memory and a doubling of data transfer speeds.

The number of models embedded with Apple CarPlay™ has increased from four to eight, encompassing the four new topline models across KENWOOD and KENWOOD eXcelon. When a compatible iPhone® is connected to the receiver via USB, the Apple CarPlay interface lets the user access select entertainment and information smartphone apps on the receiver’s display, as well as use Siri® to make selections, provide navigation directions and deliver search results by voice.

As well, the number of units equipped with Android Auto™ has doubled to four models in 2016. Created to extend the Android experience into the vehicle environment, Android Auto provides useful information at the right time, in addition to turn-by-turn navigation, music selection and more. A combination of voice and simplified touch menus lets the driver access Android Auto’s features with minimal distraction. Phones connected through the USB port now benefit from new rapid-charging technology that delivers up to 1.5 amps.

Sound quality was enhanced in the 2016 line. Available on select KENWOOD eXcelon receivers, High-Resolution Audio Playback decodes up to 192KHz, 24-bit FLAC- or WAV-embedded files from media connected through the USB port, which now supports more types of storage media. For all 2016 receivers, a built-in 13-band equalizer enables precise audio adjustments. To further tailor audio to the vehicle environment, the user can access new features to adjust digital time alignment, sound stage height, ambiance and volume based on ambient road noise, powering the built-in amplifier or external amplifiers through three sets of RCA outputs.

Previously featured only on key models, all 2016 receivers now support the ability to have two phones actively connected via Bluetooth at the same time, letting the driver and passenger select which phone will be broadcast through the audio system. All models also receive the latest Hands-Free profile, supporting high-quality calls at twice the bandwidth of the previous profile.

In addition to audio and the user interface, all 2016 multimedia units can now better interface with the larger vehicle world. Each supports connection of two cameras (front and rear view) to help avoid obstacles while parking and maneuvering. Most new units also support connection with iDataLink® Maestro, an add-on vehicle gateway device that enables the receiver to read vehicle information, control specific factory features and connect to factory installed entertainment and safety peripherals.

For more details, please visit the KENWOOD website at www.kenwood.com/usa.

EDMOND, Okla. — Petra Industries, an accessory authority in the consumer electronic industry, has expanded Maximum Mobility™ by adding Consumer Cellular products. 

As Petra customers seek new ways to engage in the rapidly growing mobile market, Consumer Cellular serves as the perfect partner to address their ever-changing needs. For more than 20 years, Consumer Cellular has offered affordable, no-contract cellphones and service plans, primarily to those 50+. The company has also received the highest overall customer satisfaction of all mobile carriers (based on Nielsen Mobile Insights survey data during all four quarters for 2015 and Q1, 2016).

“Consumer Cellular meets a demand from Petra customers and we are excited to welcome them to the team,” said Tate Morgan, Petra President. “Their proven track record and exceptional customer service is something that we at Petra are proud to have in common with them and look forward to our future together.”

Ranking on the Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Companies list for seven years in a row, Consumer Cellular is also an AARP provider, offering AARP members special discounts on service.

“We are thrilled to partner with Petra to serve customers in local communities across the country,” said John Marick, CEO of Consumer Cellular. “We look forward to a long, successful relationship.

A selection of Consumer Cellular products is now available to Petra’s independent dealers. For more information about Petra or other products in the Maximum Mobility category please visit www.petra.com.

Theme for annual show and conference in Dallas focuses on keeping up with advancing technology, consumer patterns.

NORTH ANDOVER, MASS., June 27, 2016 (MEDIAWIRE) — The Mobile Electronics Association® (MEA) announced the theme for its 2016 KnowledgeFest® trade show and conference, scheduled for August 20-22, 2016 at the Hilton Anatole Resort & Convention Center in Dallas. "SHIFT" will be depicted on all show signs and artwork, signifying a call for industry professionals to take their expertise, drive and professionalism to a higher level.

The KnowledgeFest theme is chosen annually by MEA staff after carefully evaluating changing trends that directly affect the mobile electronics community. This year, the focus has been on evolving safety and driver assistance products and technologies.

"Carmakers are using significant advertising budget to promote safety features on new vehicles, and almost all of the available OEM options have aftermarket counterparts," said Chris Cook, MEA president. "Retailers can take advantage of a new profit center in which consumer value has been stoked high by OEM messaging."

The media is also heavily covering autonomous vehicle technology and how cars will make decisions based on input from vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) networks. The potential changes to the driving experience hold future opportunity for retailers and installation technicians. 

Celebrating its 20th year, KnowledgeFest will employ its own shift as well. The educational component of the conference will undergo a change from individual classes to three-class courses. Each course is intended to enhance the educational experience with graduated lessons from class to class, as well as a broader view of how the chosen curriculum works within the store structure.  Attendees who complete each course will receive wall certificates marking their achievement.

The "SHIFT" theme is visualized by a classic car gear shifter that also includes a button, presumably to employ nitrous oxide, which propels a vehicle faster by increasing the amount of oxygen available for combustion.  

“The shifter and its nitrous button are the perfect representation of how we need to keep up with opportunities that come from evolution in the vehicle space," concluded Cook. "Shifting gives us more headroom to be able to react to changing market conditions. Then we hit the button and put all of our resources into overdrive."

Registration for KnowledgeFest 2016 is currently open, and attendees will be able to select and reserve space in education courses in the coming weeks. For more information, please visit knowledgefest.org.  

About the Mobile Electronics Association®

The Mobile Electronics Association (MEA) strives to grow the mobile electronics industry by supporting its retailers, salespeople, technicians and manufacturers with integrated services built around the group’s 1100-plus members, its Mobile Electronics® magazine, KnowledgeFest® tradeshows, Partnership Program, point-of-sale system and data products. Through these offerings, Mobile Electronics delivers education, networking avenues, business and marketing resources, and promotes partnership between retailers and manufacturers to increase sales and profits. For more information, contact MEA at 85 Flagship Dr., Suite F, North Andover, MA 01845, telephone: 800-949-6372, or visit join-mea.com.

6/23/2016, June 2016 Issue -- In 1987, the Conference Board, a New York-based nonprofit research group conducted a job satisfaction survey. Since then, the survey has become a regular occurrence, the most recent conducted in 2014. In its first year, 61 percent of workers said they liked their jobs. That number fell over the years, reaching an all-time low in 2010 after the Great Recession with only 42.6 percent satisfied with their jobs. The survey went on to cover various elements of a person's job including job security, wages, vacation policies, health and retirement plans and sick leave, among others. All elements pointed to a downward trend, showing that workers were happier in 1987 than they are today.  

Mobile Electronics recently sent out a similar survey to try to identify how the industry feels about many such elements. 41 questions were asked with topics that included professional development, career advancement, enthusiasm for work, overall shop attitude, compensation, relationship between management and employees, various benefits and job security, among others. The majority of those surveyed are owners (40 percent) with lead installation technicians coming in second (15 percent) and regular installers (10 percent) coming in third. 131 people were surveyed in total.

The survey reflected opinions from some of the top retailers and installers in the industry, including Top 12 list-makers Jeff Cantrell of 660 Audio, Josh Mojica of GNC Customs and Matt Cropper of Stereo King. As an industry, finding quality employees has been one of the most talked-about struggles of the modern age. To solve it, various industry participants were interviewed to gather their take on what the information represents and how best to use it to improve the industry's practices related to job satisfaction.

Work Hard, Play Harder

Out of 113 people surveyed on being satisfied with opportunities for professional growth, 42 (about 37 percent) are satisfied. At the same time, while 30 percent agree they are pleased with the career advancement opportunities available to them, about 26 percent are neutral and roughly 20 percent disagree. Those figures seem to suggest that while the majority of people surveyed are owners, they and their employees feel there is plenty of room to grow their skill sets but not a lot of room to advance their careers.

As president of K40 Electronics, one of the industry's top radar detection companies, one could say that Peggy Finley is an expert regarding happiness at her company. When she took over as president the company had high turnover and low morale. She transformed it into a positive work environment where the concept of "work hard, play hard" is center stage. Her style earned her a "Top 10 Bosses To Work For" Award from Small Business Magazine.

"We have a really open, transparent policy with our retailers. We also have it inside the company. If you walk inside the building, there are no walls. My office is all glass," Finley said. "There are no hidden agendas or hidden product defects. If there's an issue with the product everybody knows it."

When asked whether communication between senior leaders and employees is good in their organization, 20 percent disagreed, while 28 percent were neutral and 32 percent agreed. At the same time, when asked if management within the organization recognizes strong job performance, 40 percent agree, while only 18 percent were neutral and 12 percent disagree. This may imply that while communication isn't always as high as some would like, recognition of a job well done is usually noted correctly. In contrast, when mistakes happen, it's management's responsibility not to overreact.

"The culture is punishment free. No one is waiting to get in trouble for anything. It's a culture that I think promotes creativity. We don't call it problem solving. I would say it's a creative environment," Finley said of K40's culture. "We have an opportunity to be creative together without fear that we might do something wrong. It's an opportunity to learn from decisions we make and to make better decisions. One of the things that happens is the genius engineers design the product and give it to sales people to sell. They have objections because they are on front line. When we design a product, we get several retailers involved and salespeople involved. So it's very cooperative and all-inclusive."

Read the rest of the story HERE.

Montebello, CA June 22, 2016 – Power Acoustik newest product release brings you the Edge Speakers. These top-notch speakers come improved with higher efficient diaphragm and magnet structure. Its carbon fiber injection cone and treated woven cloth surround makes it ideal for taking any audiophiliac to the edge of the moon and back. All in all these speakers retain the Power Acoustik high audio performance that rivals most competitors in its class but without the high cost.

The Power Acoustik Edge Speakers contains the following:

• Improved Efficiency Diaphragm & Magnet Structure
• Carbon Fiber Injection Molded Polypropylene Cone
• Treated Woven Cloth Surround
• 1” Voice Coil on Aluminum Former
• 4-ohm System Impedance
• Quick Disconnect Terminals
• 1” Balanced Dome Mylar Tweeter
• ½” Dome Super Tweeter (Select Models)

SKAA is the New Wireless HiFi Audio Standard for Consumer & Professional

Electronics; the New SKAA.com has Expanded Form and Functionality,

Outlines Which Leading Wireless Audio Product Manufacturers Utilize the Technology,

Provides a Store Where Customers Can Buy SKAA-enabled Products, and More

EDMONTON, Alberta, Canada, June 21, 2016 – Eleven Engineering, Inc. (www.elevenengineering.com), a market leader in semiconductor products for wireless audio for home theater, multi-room, portable, professional, 12 Volt (car, truck, motorcycle, power sports, marine) and gaming applications, is proud to announce that it has updated and re-launched SKAA.com. The site, which features Eleven’s SKAA wireless audio standard, is now live.

“The new, revamped SKAA.com has expanded the site’s form and functionality,” explained John Sobota, Eleven Engineering CEO and director. “As this technology continues to grow in popularity and is implemented by many partner companies, it is imperative that we have a website that is deeply informative to the end consumer. The site conveys exactly what SKAA is and why it is vastly superior to traditional wireless audio technologies. It also provides links to the sites of our licensed brands and products, and introduces SKAAstore.com where consumers can purchase SKAA accessories including the full line of transmitters. The new SKAA.com has all of this, and more.”

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. In environments laden with heavy Wi-Fi and Bluetooth traffic, SKAA navigates through these hostile environments with best-in-class reliability. SKAA also allows for uninterrupted audio signals that are delivered with the highest sound quality to all speakers without the latency that is inherent in other wireless solutions.

“Speakers incorporating SKAA Nadja technology give you the best of both worlds…the ubiquity of Bluetooth and the flexibility and performance of SKAA,” said Rex Whitehead, Eleven Engineering Director of Sales, North America. “Our customers tell us Nadja is the best networked Bluetooth on the planet. Our updated website also offers the opportunity to download the optional SKAA cmd app. SKAA cmd is available for iOS, Android, Mac, Windows, and enables users to individually control bonded SKAA-equipped speakers, receivers, and amplified receivers. Users can custom-name each receiver, control their volume and mute, define how left and right audio is routed to them, and more.”

Sobota concluded, “SKAA is ridiculously easy to use…all compatible products are ready to play right out of the box with no pairing required. SKAA is also highly flexible as it is compatible with any brand, any product, anytime, anywhere, with rock solid reliability, great range, and CD-quality sound. SKAA.com is the source for all things SKAA.”

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

Arlington, VA, June 20, 2016 - The Consumer Technology Association (CTA)™ and Tech. Co. are joining forces to host a unique combined conference where the biggest names in tech meet the cutting edge of the startup world: Innovate! and Celebrate. Registration opens today for this new event designed for tech companies at every stage. 

WHAT: Innovate! and Celebrate will connect the consumer technology industry around the theme of fostering innovation in companies of all sizes. CTA brings its expertise in custom research, industry forecasts and programming on emerging technology trends while Tech.Co will have a dedicated program for startups that includes speakers, mentoring, office hours, workshops and fun excursions. The event will culminate with a global startup competition, featuring innovative technology demos, to select Tech.Co's Startup of the Year. Event highlights will be featured on social media platforms with the hashtag #InnovateCelebrate.

As the event nears, check the Innovate! and Celebrate website for scheduling updates.

WHEN/WHERE: Innovate! and Celebrate

                                September 20-22

                                Fairmont

                                170 South Market Street

                                San Jose, CA 95113

REGISTER: Registration is open for Innovate! and Celebrate. Media can contact 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. 

6/16/2016, STILLWATER, USA – KICKER® is once again excited to place its logo over the mainstage at the 21st annual KICKER Country Stampede, June 23-25 at Tuttle Creek State Park in Manhattan, Kansas.  The music festival always features chart toppers and award winners who entertain the numerous fans who attend. Since the inception of the event two decades ago, the Stampede has grown significantly, as has the awareness of the KICKER brand and the dealers who offer the products. The attendance is expected to exceed more than 160,000 fans this year, placing it among the largest country-music festivals in the nation.

“We had approximately 35,000 attendees in 1996,” said Wayne Rouse, founder and president of the KICKER Country Stampede. “Stars like ZZ Top, Hank Williams, Jr., Luke Bryan and Blake Shelton have all headlined the show.”

KICKER plans to bring several vehicles to the event, including the XRV (Xtreme Recreational Vehicle) tractor-trailer, which houses a full showroom of KICKER products, plus the outrageous 20,000-watt “Boom Room” where fans can get a taste of bass.

For the first time ever, KICKER will display a customized pontoon boat, stacked with KICKER Marine amplifiers, LED-equipped speakers and subwoofers, and one of KICKER’s new all-weather source units.

Parked nearby will be a trio of KICKER-equipped Polaris® RZR® side-by-sides. Each RZR features a different combination of powersports amplifiers, speakers and subwoofers. A Chevy® Silverado using the KICKER VSS® (Vehicle-Specific Solutions) PowerStage™ Upgrade with DSP amplifier and powered subwoofer will also be at the event.

KICKER will also feature the first public appearance of the portable Bullfrog™ - the brand’s newest, wireless all-weather Bluetooth® speaker for personal use. Fans can explore the many features of the Bullfrog using an on-site dedicated display.

Two independent sales stations will also allow fans to purchase select KICKER personal products, as well as hats, shirts and other wearables. KICKER will also be giving away thousands of dollars in prizes during the course of the Stampede.

The performers will be presented a collection of KICKER products during the show to fill their tour buses with great sound. The artists will receive their giveaways in front of everyone on the massive Starscreen, displaying to the crowd at five times larger than life.

“This is our fourth year at the Country Stampede,” said Kevin Campbell, KICKER’s Director of Marketing. “It’s our favorite event of the year because it gives us the opportunity to put our brand right in front of music fanatics. 

“We’re music fanatics as well, so it gives us a great way to bond with them, to share our enthusiasm and our passion for music – especially live music – with the best fans in the country.”

Oklahoma City, OK, June 16, 2016 -- DD Audio’s long awaited D Series Amplifiers are now available for shipping. The D Series amplifiers offer extremely compact chassis, strong power output levels, and feature rich pre-amp sections all at very attractive price points. The D Series also features a sleek new chassis design that will be used throughout the entire DD Audio amplifier lineup. With the combination of elegant design, high performance, and intelligent features these amps are sure to become the new favorite everyday amps for DD Audio dealers and customers worldwide.

Features:

• MOSFET POWER SUPPLY AMPLIFIER
• 4 GAUGE POWER TERMINALS
• DOUBLE SIDED THROUGH HOLE PCB
• CONFORMAL COATED PCB
• VARIABLE 24d/Oct. CROSSOVERS
• OUTPUT CLIPPING LIMITER
• PASS-THROUGH OUTPUT (DM500, DM1000, D4)
• REMOTE SUBWOOFER CONTROL (DM500, DM1000, D5.500, D5.1000)
• HIGH-LEVEL INPUT SUMMING (D4, D5.500, D5.1000)
• HIGH-LEVEL INPUT SIGNAL SENSE TURN ON
• INPUT MODE SWITCH (D4, D5.500, D5.1000)
• 3-WAY PROTECTION: CLIPPING LIMITER, SPEAKER SHORT,THERMAL

Specs:

• DM500: 500W x 1 @ 1Ohm, 8x5x2in
• DM1000: 1000W x 1 @ 1Ohm, 12x5x2in
• D4: 90W x 4 @ 4Ohm, 9x5x2in
• D5.500: 90W x 4 @ 4Ohm + 500W x 1 @ 1Ohm, 12x5x2in
• D5.1000: 90W x 4  @ 4Ohm + 1000W x 1 @ 1Ohm, 15x5x2in

BCI-CH41 Offers New Features Consumers Want in their Vehicles

CLEARWATER, FL – June 16, 2016 – Safety is the buzz word in today’s automotive world with more and more vehicles on the road with not only back-up cameras but also blind spot elimination cameras and forward facing cameras for a greater view of the vehicle’s surroundings. Today, PAC released an enhanced version of its BCI-CH41 back-up camera interface module to coincide with the safety trend, enabling select Chrysler owners to add a reverse camera, side view/blind spot cameras and a front camera (video switcher and cameras sold separately). 

It also includes a wide variety of additional convenience features such as an audio/video input for passenger entertainment, three programmable 12 Volt outputs which can be used for powering additional cameras, LEDs and dip switches for ease of installation, navigation and radio feature unlock for passenger use, and more.  With the module, Chrysler owners can overcome Chrysler’s programmed default behavior of the Start-Stop, Sport-mode, Eco-mode, and Remote start climate controls. Instead of continuously defaulting to the factory chosen setting each time the vehicle is restarted, the BCI-CH41 remembers the driver’s last setting and reinstitutes their preferences after engine start-up, hassle-free. 

“We’re seeing explosive growth in the driver safety products category so we took our most popular back-up camera interface, the BCI-CH41, and completely revamped it with additional features that will help drivers be more aware of their surroundings,” said Nathan Wincek, senior product manager of Integration Products for AAMP Global. “With this model, our retailers can offer Chrysler owners these extra safety features that may not have been available when they purchased their vehicles.  Plus, the module adds other conveniences for passengers including rear seat audio/video entertainment inputs and the freedom to use their navigation system while the vehicle is in motion.”

The module’s versatile design allows it to be configured for a wide variety of uses and markets with the ability to add an optional data-controlled camera switcher (VS41, sold separately) and feature deactivation by dip switch for specific markets. Other exclusive features to the model includes the ability to reconfigure the vehicle’s steering wheel control (SWC) settings and Digital Audio equalizer (EQ) presets.

The new BCI-CH41 features include:

• Multiple camera inputs:
  • Reverse (Force reverse camera on anytime)
  • Additional camera support with added VS41 video switcher (sold separately):
    • Dual Blind Spots (configurable control options)
    • Front (configurable control options)
• Radio control activated A/V input (to OE radio option)
• Retains last user settings for vehicles with including:
  • Start-Stop
  • Sport-mode
  • Eco-memory
  • Remote Start Climate Controls
• Navigation and Radio Feature Unlock
• 3 Programmable 12 Volt Outputs
  • Output 1 - provides up to 10 amps
• Stores User Options (even with loss of power)
• Text driven menu seen on instrument cluster (using OE vehicle buttons)
• OE steering wheel control functions customization
• Digital audio EQ presets x3 - (vehicles with digital amp only)
• LED and dipswitches for ease of installation
• VS41, Intelligent 4 Camera Switcher support (plug and play)
• Direct USB Updateable

The new version of the PAC BCI-CH41 is compatible with select 2013-2016 Jeep/Dodge/Ram/Chrysler vehicles and is available for a suggested retail price of $299.95.  Visit pac-audio.com for specific vehicle applications and additional information.

6-14-2016 -- Audiocontrol has announced that products are now shipping in its new category, merchandising packaging. All of its prodcuts are also now available in its exclusive "Espresso Black" finish.

Categories include "Factory System Upgrade" in yellow color, "Bass Restoration Processor" in orange color, "Digital Signal" Processor in green color and "In-Dash Audio Processor" in blue. Product lines include the LC7i, Epicenter and DM-608 processor. 

To place an order or become an AudioControl Dealer, contact your local AudioControl Rep or contact the team live in Seattle at 425-775-8461 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.

AudioControl announces all products now

shipping in AudioControl's NEW Espresso Black finish.

Avon Lake, OH (June 14, 2016)…Design Engineering’s Stainless Steel Positive Locking Ties are now available. The kits are designed for high heat applications such as exhaust wrap.

DEI’s Positive Locking Ties are made of 316 stainless steel in a ladder-style design with a ratchet tightening system and low profile clasp. Made for high heat applications, the ties can withstand heat in excess of 2500° F. Resistant to abrasive chemicals, the ties also can be used to secure electrical wires, cables, hoses and fluid lines.

DEI now offers a free Locking Tie Tool with the purchase of its Positive Locking Tie Kit (part #010219). The kit includes eight 9” x 8mm and four 14” x 8mm stainless steel ties and one Tie Tool.

For users not experienced with DEI”s stainless steel ties, or professionals that are accustomed to using the ties frequently, the DEI Locking Tie Tool is a major timesaver that will consistently provide professional results. To use, slide the tool on the end of any ¼” nut driver, engage the tie, and twist. DEI’s Locking Tie Tool fits on the end of any standard ¼” drive and works with all popular styles of stainless ties - up to ½” wide.

The DEI Locking Tie Tool is made of hardened steel and is black oxide coated for years of trouble free use.

To learn more about DEI’s complete line of thermal control products call 800-264-9472, visit www.DesignEngineering.com, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Keep up with the very latest product developments and company news for DEI on Facebook and Twitter, or subscribe to DEI’s newsletter.

EDMOND, Okla., 6-9-2016 — Petra Industries, the consumer electronic industry’s accessory authority, has just released its 2016 Catalog to independent retailers, e-tailers and custom installers all over the U.S.

With more than 1300 pages and over 15,000 products, this catalog features more than 3000 brand new SKUs. A fresh new look, including Petra’s new logo, combined with the newest accessories on the market, all backed by Petra’s lowest price guarantee, and customers are sure to find great new opportunities to profit by updating their product assortments. This catalog also features a new layout that groups traditional categories together into six larger, user-intuitive families including Maximum Mobility™, PowerTrip™, SmartestHome™, Out. Fit.™, Maxcessories™ and Appliance Alliance™.

“At Petra we strive for a best-in-class experiences in every facet of our business and our catalog is no exception,” said Tate Morgan, Petra President. “It takes a dedicated team of people a great deal of effort to create a book that our customers can rely on for the most up-to-date information and wide-ranging opportunities to grow their business. This book goes above and beyond any book we have ever produced.”

This is a big year for Petra, with the debut of new branding, Petra is Redefining Distribution™.  Their catalog and a redesigned website that was launched earlier this year reflect this commitment to bring extraordinary value to their customers and shows their renewed vision for the superior level of satisfaction that they provide.

To see the online version of the 2016 catalog, see about getting your own printed copy or for more information about Petra visit petra.com or contact them at 800-443-6975.

Drive Recorder touts advanced safety combined with high-resolution recording and playback

LONG BEACH, CALIF. – June 13, 2016 (MEDIAWIRE) – KENWOOD USA is introducing its first advanced safety product for the North American aftermarket. Expected to ship this month with an MSRP of $250, the Drive Recorder (DRV-410) is a window-mounted, front-facing camera with recording capabilities and enhanced driver assistance features.

The Drive Recorder features a front-view, wide-angle camera that is designed to excel in nighttime and low-light situations. Its Super HD 2304x1296-pixel capability and High Dynamic Range (HDR) image processing result in video that shows details of an incident with pinpoint clarity. A built-in shock sensor allows the Drive Recorder to instantly begin storing video and audio from an impact or collision while the vehicle is parked, and incident locations are geotagged with onboard GPS.

The Drive Recorder can be set to continuously record video to a removable SD card. (An 8GB card is included, and it can accommodate up to a 32GB SD card.) Video can be viewed on the internal screen, or by downloading KENWOOD’s PC application and transferring the SD card to a computer. The unit turns on and off with vehicle ignition and can also record when the vehicle is parked thanks to its built-in rechargeable battery.
In its driver assistance package, the Drive Recorder includes lane departure warning, emitting a series of audible tones when the driver strays outside of road lane markers. Collision avoidance monitors the distance and speed of the car or object in front of the vehicle and sounds an alert if an impact is imminent. The sensor system also includes a distraction deterrent, which alerts the driver when stopped traffic ahead of the vehicle has started moving. Each of the driver assistance features can be selectively turned on or off to fit driver preference.

“Turn on the TV at any point in the day, and nearly every new car commercial is talking about the safety and driver assistance features of its new vehicle,” said Rob Sutton, director of sales. “We felt it was the right time to introduce our camera to the U.S. market. It’s been a proven winner in Japan for a number of years, so our dealers can be assured that it’s road-proven and reliable.”

The Drive Recorder should be hardwired into the vehicle ignition system as it comes with permanent mounting hardware. Professional installation is recommended. A cigarette lighter cord is also included. For more information, visit www.kenwood.com/usa.

12-Volt Retailers Can Now Order Fleece and Electrical Tape from Firstech

June 14, 2016 – (SEATTLE. WASHINGTON) -- Firstech, makers of Compustar and Arctic Start remote starters, has announced that it is now an official North American distributor of TESA Tape. TESA is a manufacturer of self-adhesive products for a wide variety of applications, ranging from automotive to healthcare to marine.

Within the automotive electronics industry, TESA offers installers an easy-to-use, “OEM-grade” solution for wrapping wire harnesses and providing customers a “clean” install inside of their car. TESA tape also leaves minimal residue when removed, preventing surfaces from being covered with dust and dirt over time. Commenting on the new partnership with TESA, Firstech’s regional sales manager Tanner Wilson shares: “This is an exciting opportunity to partner with a company whose solutions complement our own. We believe that our customers will be equally thrilled about the convenience of purchasing TESA products directly from Firstech.” 

Firstech will offer TESA’s fleece (#51608) and electrical (#4173) tape in rolls of 33 and 25 meters in length, respectively. Bulk pricing options will also be available for both distributors and retailers. Pricing is now available and can be requested directly from Firstech at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

6-9-2016 -- GROM Audio just released two new car audio integration kits for select 2008 VW vehicles, along with later RNS 310, RNS 315, RNS 510, RCD 510 stereo models.

These new kits will now allow VW drivers to enhance their existing factory car stereos by seamlessly integrating with Android phones, iPod/iPhones, and other USB mass storage devices. In addition, they provide Bluetooth and aux-in 3.5mm connections. They offer wireless music streaming and HD Radio. The kits also offer head unit connectivity via add-ons that are sold separately.

Upon installation, users will have the ability to connect many mobile devices to their car stereo through a cable connection or wirelessly via Bluetooth. These easy-to-install car kits are designed to provide a range of device integration options, a diversity of features available through phone-to-car connectivity, and enhanced safety through hands-free communication.

GROM Bluetooth car kits allow for hands free phone calls (HFP) and wireless audio streaming (A2DP) with integrated AVRCP controls. This allows drivers to use their mobile device without taking their hands off the wheel or their eyes off the road. The kits additionally offer complete integration to factory car stereos through steering wheel buttons and car stereo controls.

Smartphones can be integrated via a USB port for advanced music browsing and controls, in addition to a wireless Bluetooth connection. For advanced Android phone integration, owners will have to download the DashLinQ app, which is available free from GROM on Google Play Android market.

These GROM car kits are installed behind the dashboard, to preserve a car’s factory look and conceal any visible modifications. GROM car kits are known to provide high quality sound that does not require additional amplification.

GROM Audio car kits for VW 2008 and later with RNS 310, RNS 315, RNS 510, RCD 510 stereo models are available for purchase at the company web store with the starting price of $129.99 for the IPD4 model, and $145.99 for the USB3 model. More detailed compatibility is available on the company website.

The new system is for select Jeep Wranglers and offers control of external accessories

Torrance, Calif. (June 9, 2016) – Alpine Electronics of America, Inc. is now shipping the X109-WRA 9-inch Restyle dash system for 2011-up Jeep Wranglers. In addition to its audio, video, navigation, and Bluetooth functions, this product goes beyond the infotainment system by offering control of other Jeep accessories right from the touch screen.

“Alpine Restyle Dash systems with 9-inch touch screens are the largest aftermarket screens available for the Jeep Wrangler,” said Steve Crawford, vice president and general manager, aftermarket business unit, Alpine Electronics of America, Inc. “The new X109-WRA empowers Wrangler owners to use the system for more than just entertainment by controlling other accessories that are part of the Jeep lifestyle.”

The X109-WRA consists of the main unit featuring a 9-inch touch screen, a dash bezel specifically fitted for the Jeep Wrangler, and vehicle specific wiring harnesses. The dash bezel completely replaces the factory radio footprint and has large buttons which are back-lit to match the lighting on the Wrangler’s gauge cluster.

Audio sources include a built-in HD Radio™ receiver, “Made for iPod and iPhone” music control, audio streaming, Pandora® internet radio control from a smartphone, FLAC music playback via USB, and SiriusXM programming (SXV300 tuner and subscription required, sold separately). Video features include a new anti-glare screen and HDMI input for connectivity to HDMI-enabled devices. The navigation system has pre-loaded maps of the United States and Canada, with free lifetime HERE Traffic RDS service.

The X109-WRA comes with an iDatalink® Maestro® module to retain select factory features like steering wheel controls. Vehicle information such as tire pressure and user selectable gauges can also be viewed on the screen. The “My Favorites” function lets the user assign shortcuts to the most-used features like audio sources, navigation commands, and phone settings.

System Expansion
Jeep Wrangler owners often add accessories like a light bar, winch, air suspension, etc. for their off-road adventures. These accessories can be controlled from the X109-WRA’s touch screen when used with the optional KAC-001 External Accessory Control Module (sold separately). The X109-WRA can control up to eight accessories, and a graphical icon and name can be assigned to each one for quick identification on the screen.  A simple press of the touch screen allows each accessory to be controlled as a pulsed, latched or momentary output, depending on how the accessory is configured.

The KCX-C250MC Multi-Camera Controller (sold separately) is helpful for Jeep Wranglers equipped with multiple camera systems. This optional module works with up to three camera systems and allows viewing modes from each camera to be controlled and monitored right from the X109-WRA’s touch screen.

Additional Features
The X109-WRA has a capacitive touch screen and a new GUI (graphical user interface) with 4-way swipe control so users are one swipe away from commonly accessed functions: swipe left for navigation, swipe right for audio and video features, swipe down to adjust the audio system or rear seat entertainment system (sold separately), and swipe up for Bluetooth and source selection. Within the audio and video page, the user can swipe across to access the entertainment sources connected to the system.
The X109-WRA is compatible with the new Alpine Connect app, which provides popular infotainment apps from leading content providers through the Alpine interface. Alpine Connect currently features apps from Yelp® and iHeartRadio, with more apps to be added in the future. The Alpine Connect app is free and available now on iTunes and Google Play.

Availability
The X109-WRA joins two other Alpine Restyle models for 2011-up Jeep Wranglers, the i109-WRA 9-inch dash system with Apple CarPlay and the X009-WRA 9-inch dash system. All products are available now, visit www.alpine-usa.com for a store locator.  
· X109-WRA 9-Inch Restyle Dash System for Jeep Wrangler, SRI $4,000
· KAC-001 External Accessory Control Module, SRI $250
· KCX-C250MC Multi-Camera Controller, SRI $200
· i109-WRA 9-Inch Restyle Dash System with Apple CarPlay for Jeep Wrangler, SRI $2,500
· X009-WRA 9-Inch Restyle Dash System for Jeep Wrangler, SRI $3,500 

6-9-2016 -- In an effort to protect the investment of our high-quality dealers, distributors and PowerBass’s brand reputation,the company has unilaterally adopted a MAP policy (Minimum Advertised Price). The policy was adopted to protect reseller's service and support efforts from from advertising and sales practices that could their business. PowerBass believes that these practices are unfair and thus discourages such efforts.

To support its resellers’ efforts, PowerBass wishes to establish policies that allow resellers to earn the profits necessary to maintain the high level of customer excellence people have come to expect from PowerBass dealers.
The new policy that is now in effect addresses all of the avenues where the industry has started to see price and brand value decline.

With the UMAP Agreement in place, PowerBass dealer and distributor partners are now able to have price protection from the likes of the internet, big box, group buy and so on. The new policy ensures that each and every dealer, direct and via distribution will abide by the suggested UMAP pricing in all forms of consumer sales or will be subject to loss in rebates and even termination with a three strike rule in place. This policy not only holds the dealer liable for its pricing to consumers but also holds the distributor liable for its dealers pricing making this one of the most effective policies presented to not fight but address the declining margin sales due to internet and cost cutting sales techniques.

Alpine Electronics of America, Inc., manufacturer of in-vehicle audio, video and navigation systems, will participate in the Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival, a consumer event for Jeep enthusiasts taking place June 10-12 at Cooper’s Lake Campground in Slippery Rock, Pa.  

The festival takes place near Butler, Pa., the city where the Jeep was created 76 years ago. The festival pays homage to the historical role of the Jeep, plus incorporates off-roading activities enjoyed by Jeep enthusiasts today. The three-day gathering includes organized trail rides, competitions, Jeep obstacle courses, as well as historical and family-focused activities.

Alpine will have a 55 x 20 booth featuring three Jeep Wranglers with Alpine Restyle dash systems.  Each Alpine Restyle dash system has audio, video, navigation, and Bluetooth features, and comes with a 9-inch touch screen and dash bezel specifically fitted for 2011-up Jeep Wranglers.  The festival will serve as one of the first consumer showings of the upcoming X109-WRA 9-inch Alpine Restyle dash system.  The X109-WRA will be installed in an  Alpine Jeep and used with the KAC-001 external accessory module to control Jeep accessories like a light bar or winch from the X109-WRA’s in-dash touchscreen.  The current model X009-WRA 9-inch Alpine Restyle dash system will also be displayed.  Alpine staff and sales reps from Online AV who represent Alpine in Ohio, West Virginia and western Pennsylvania will be present to give demonstrations of all the products.

Alpine is one of the sponsors of Ultimate Jeeper contest being conducted at the festival.  Attendees who complete all of the requirements will be eligible to compete for the grand prize, a full suite of Jeep accessories with a prize value of $23,000. Alpine is supplying the X109-WRA 9-inch Alpine Restyle dash system as part of the grand prize.