KICKER has plans to display at several major off-road and motorcycle shows in 2016, and recently hired Powersports Manager Bryan Grace will be touring the country. The tour is meant to show consumers that KICKER believes its Powersports audio gear belongs in every vehicle made for the road, the trail or the desert.

Grace will be driving the 2013 KICKER Ram^® Quad Cab that makes a statement with its custom black-and-yellow wrap and VSS™ (Vehicle-Specific Solutions) audio system, which is perfect for any toy-hauling truck. The tour began last week at King of the Hammers in Lucerne Valley, Calif.

“KICKER translates to more than just ‘Powersports’ to a Powersports consumer,” Grace said. “Even though they’re playing or racing on a motorcycle, ATV or UTV, it’s being towed with a truck. On those long trips, they need some great music during the ride. We will show them how the VSS system sounds, in a truck just like theirs.”

The KICKER VSS SubStage™ system is made up of three essential components:  a 200-watt monoblock amplifier, wiring harnesses and a 10-inch subwoofer. All three elements have been customized to integrate seamlessly with the vehicle, utilizing factory plugs and mounting points while working with the factory radio and speakers. In the VSS PowerStage™ system, power increases to 50 watts-per-channel, and an additional multi-channel amplifier’s digital signal processor is optimized specifically for the truck make and model of choice. 

KICKER’s Lifestyle product will be playing on the Powersports tour as well.  It will include the KICKER Amphitheater Speaker System, KPw2 Bluetooth Speaker and KICKER Vapor and Tabor wireless headphones.

“We can also let them experience our earbuds and headphones while they’re waiting for their turn on the trail,” said Grace, “and the Amphitheater will be on when we’re all together around the campfire.”

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.

Tour Schedule (subject to change):

Daytona Bike Week (Daytona Beach, Fla.) March 4 - 13

Arizona Bike Week (Scottsdale, Ariz.) April 6 - 10

Laughlin River Run (Laughlin, Nev.) April 27 -30

Rally on the Rocks (Moab, Utah) May 11-14

Vegas to Reno (Las Vegas, Nev.) May 19 – 21

Dune Fest (Winchester Bay, Ore.) July 27 - 31

Sturgis Motorcycle Rally (Sturgis, S.D.) Aug 8 - 14

Sand Sports Super Show (Costa Mesa, Calif.) Sept 16-18  

-More -

Hollister Rally (Hollister, Calif.) Sept 21- 24

Off Road Expo (Pomona, Calif.) Oct 1-2

AIMExpo (Orlando, Fla.) Oct 13-16

Camp RZR West (Glamis Sand Dunes, Calif.) Oct 30-31

SEMA Show (Las Vegas, Nev.) Nov 1 – 4

Baja 1000 (Baja, Mexico) Nov 18- 21

Lucas Oil Events

WORCS Series Races

Rockford Fosgate to Offer Marine Audio Solution with Full

Function Control via a Raymarine Multifunction Display   

Rockford Fosgate and FLIR Systems, a world leader in marine electronics for the recreational boating industry through its Raymarine brand, have announced that they have partnered in the development of integrated audio solutions for the marine environment.

The two companies will have products on display for demonstration at the Miami International Boat show to be held February 11 - 14. Visitors to the FLIR / Raymarine booth will have the opportunity to test drive and interact with Rockford Fosgate audio systems directly from Raymarine-branded multifunction navigation displays. 

“We have developed a rich and integrated audio experience for boaters within the next release of our Raymarine LightHouse II operating system,” said Gregoire Outters, vice president and general manager of FLIR Maritime. “Raymarine MFD owners can effortlessly control Rockford Fosgate audio systems from any LightHouse II powered display, including our new high performance eS Series line of HybridTouch™ displays.”

The first model Rockford Fosgate will offer with Raymarine integration is the PMX-5 digital media receiver. The PMX-5 will integrate via CAN bus to the Raymarine MFD where a custom designed user interface will be displayed. This menu system, built with “ease of use” in mind, is fully featured with all the controls found on the head unit, including control of true two independently sourced zones. Raymarine will deliver PMX-5 integration in the next release of the LightHouse II operating system in March of 2016 and the two companies are committed to delivering support for future Rockford Fosgate audio systems.

“We are pleased to announce the partnership with FLIR on Raymarine-branded marine electronics,” stated Jake Braaten, Rockford Corp. vice president of product development and engineering. “They have proven to be one of the world leaders in marine electronics and navigation systems. With the marine electronics eco-system constantly evolving with features and technology, our common goal is to make the audio experience enjoyable, seamless, and intuitive for the boating enthusiast.”

For more information, visit www.rockfordfosgate.com.

Directed introduces the Diamond Dealer Program as a reward for its premium retailers.

This new program offers a wide array of dealer benefits, including exclusive pricing on all Directed categories, premium technical support priority that exceeds Directed’s existing award-winning standard, and exclusive promotions and marketing assistance. Diamond Dealers will also receive preferred placement in Directed’s online ‘Build Your System’ tool, and the majority of consumer leads for their specific area.

“Our dealers asked for a program like this, and we listened. It offers a much simpler pricing structure, prioritized technical support, and comprehensive marketing assistance,” said Glenn Busse, Senior Vice President of Global Sales and Customer Care. “The Diamond Dealer Program is a great reward for those dealers who have proven their commitment to our company, our products, and our mutual success.”

All US Directed Authorized Retailers are eligible to become Diamond Dealers, and should ask their Directed Sales Representative for complete program details.

Forbes -- Mention “employee perks and benefits” and you’re likely to conjure images of Silicon Valley shuffleboard tournaments and off-site staff retreats in Maui. But the kinds of benefits job seekers are after are far more traditional–and more essential for hiring–than employers may think.

According to job search and salary comparison site Glassdoor, 57 percent of job seekers list benefits and perks among their chief concerns when evaluating a job offer. Further, 80% of employees would choose an added perk instead of a raise.

“Benefits and perks matter because they’re an added piece of the total compensation puzzle,” said Glassdoor career trends analyst Scott Dobroski.

Glassdoor’s review of employee benefits considers employee evaluations of over 50 benefits and perks offered by employers, such as “health insurance, 401(k), adoption assistance, tuition assistance, and more.” Employers are also provided the opportunity to “verify and comment on the benefits and perks.”

Automotive News -- Nissan is working to leverage its early lead in electric vehicles for bigger strides in autonomy and connectivity. Richard Candler, Nissan Europe's head of advanced product planning, provided details in an interview with Automotive News Europe Correspondent Olive Keogh.

Q: What is your definition of the fully connected car?

A: Autonomous, connected, electric. They just work so well together.

How soon will that happen?

We are launching a system next year that can manage traffic jams on the motorway, for example. By 2020, we will have cars that can basically drive themselves in every situation.

What's the most expensive part of connected-car solutions?

It depends on the implementation. We have the smartphone solution that is relatively inexpensive and the more expensive black-box solution. As the technology becomes more mainstream and costs reduce, we will start to see embedded solutions or a combination of embedded and smartphone systems becoming more common.

How advanced is Nissan's rollout of connected-car services?

We already have full connectivity on all of our EVs. This includes services such as a charging points download that tells customers where charging points are. We have a smartphone integration system on our other cars with access to services such as Google search and TripAdvisor. 

Read the rest of the story here: http://www.autonews.com/article/20160208/OEM06/302089985/nissan-plans-big-strides-in-connectivity

DEI has now introduced heat reflective Fuel Injector and Sensor Covers that are available in packs of two, four, six or eight, that efficiently reflects direct and radiant heat away from injectors and sensors. Constructed of high-temperature rated glass fiber material bonded to a heat reflective aluminized material, DEI’s Fuel Injector and Sensor Covers work well on most any engine configuration with stock or aftermarket injectors and sensors.

The heat reflective covers are made with a split design allowing each to wrap around the individual injector/sensor and then secured with a sewn-in hook and loop fastening edge. There is no need to remove the injector.

Excessive heat can cause performance and factory fuel injectors and sensors to be at risk of vapor lock or heat soak which can cause rough idling, slow starting or other potential serious engine problems. Also, cooler injectors perform more efficiently with a more consistent throttle response.

• Part# 010380 – 2 pack
• Part# 010381 – 4 pack
• Part# 010382 – 6 pack
• Part# 010383 – 8 pack

For more information about DEI’s Made in the USA Fuel Injector and Sensor Covers or other thermal protective products, visit www.DesignEngineering.com, call DEI at 800-264-9472 or e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. To keep up with the latest new thermal performance products from Design Engineering, Inc. (DEI), like us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed a regulation to prohibit conversion of vehicles originally designed for on-road use into racecars. The regulation would also make the sale of certain products for use on such vehicles illegal. The proposed regulation was contained within a non-related proposed regulation entitled "Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Fuel Efficiency Standards for Medium- and Heavy-Duty Engines and Vehicles—Phase 2." 
The regulation would impact all vehicle types, including the sports cars, sedans and hatch-backs commonly converted strictly for use at the track.  While the Clean Air Act prohibits certain modifications to motor vehicles, it is clear that vehicles built or modified for racing, and not used on the streets, are not the "motor vehicles" that Congress intended to regulate.
"This proposed regulation represents overreaching by the agency, runs contrary to the law and defies decades of racing activity where EPA has acknowledged and allowed conversion of vehicles," said SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting. "Congress did not intend the original Clean Air Act to extend to vehicles modified for racing and has re-enforced that intent on more than one occasion."
SEMA submitted comments in opposition to the regulation and met with the EPA to confirm the agency’s intentions. The EPA indicated that the regulation would prohibit conversion of vehicles into racecars and make the sale of certain emissions-related parts for use on converted vehicles illegal.  Working with other affected organizations, including those representing legions of professional and hobbyist racers and fans, SEMA will continue to oppose the regulation through the administrative process and will seek congressional support and judicial intervention as necessary. 
The EPA has indicated it expects to publish final regulations by July 2016.

The Mobile Electronics® group has added 7,500 square feet of exhibit space to make room for its new exhibitors at the second annual KnowledgeFest Spring event in April. Attendance for this year’s trade show and training event is expected to double over the previous year as a result of several manufacturers incorporating their regional training efforts into KnowledgeFest Spring 2016.
The event will be held April 8-10, 2016 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis. The Spring Training show floor is projected to feature more than 50 brands from manufacturer and vendor exhibitors throughout 42,000 square feet of exhibit space and 10 meeting rooms.
The Spring Training event provides dealers a top-notch venue in the midst of the new-product shipping season, allowing attendees and exhibitors to network and train on the latest mobile electronics technology. First time manufacturer exhibitors for KnowledgeFest Spring include
JL Audio, Sony, AudioControl, AAMP Global and Accele, all of who will be holding brand specific training on-site for their authorized dealers.
“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. “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”.
KnowledgeFest Trade Shows and Conferences are the mobile electronics industry’s largest educational events. This year’s events combined will offer more than 80 hours of business management, sales and installation training along with nearly 120 hours of manufacturer specific training. Additionally, some of the industry’s best known training organizations such as BusinessWorx, Del Ellis International, Mobile Solutions, Sonus Evolution and MECP will also be participating and exhibiting.
In 2016, KnowledgeFest will also return to Dallas August 20-22. For more information about either event, go to KnowledgeFest.org.

Nerdwallet -- Your official driving record tells insurance companies whether you’ve gotten any traffic tickets. But the ultimate tattletale could be your smartphone.

While insurance companies have been using plug-in telematics devices to track driving behavior for several years, smartphone apps promise to take it to the next level. Apps allow insurance companies to track driving behaviors without the consumer having to install an onboard telematics device.

New apps developed for insurers can detect when, where and how you drive. The technology captures data from the sensors and GPS in the phone, analyzes the information and produces a driving score. The results could affect your car insurance rates, depending on the insurer.

“We think of it as the Fitbit for driving,” says Kevin Farrell, president of Censio in Boston, which developed a mobile app for Progressive Insurance’s Snapshot program.

Read the rest of the story here: http://www.nerdwallet.com/blog/insurance/your-cell-phone-can-tell-how-well-youre-driving/

NAV-TV Corp.will extend sales and support hours for Authorized NAV-TV dealers, effective immediately. NAV-TV's Sales and Support department is now available to Authorized NAV-TV dealers from 9am to 9pm EST, Monday through Friday, at 1-866-477-3336 (toll free USA and Canada) or 1-561-955-9770 (Internationally).

Spearheading the newly expanded hours of operation, NAV-TV has promoted Jay Kent to Director of Sales for Western Operations. In his new role, Kent will be managing all Dealer support and account maintenance during the extended business hours.

Jay is a 25 year industry veteran that has previously held posts in research and development with Fujitsu Ten/Eclipse, technical support with Powerbass, sales and installation consultant with JTech and has been a Territory Sales Manager with NAV-TV for the last 22 months.

DEI Holdings Inc., parent company to Directed Electronics, Polk Audio, and Definitive Technology, announced that its Chairman and CEO, Jim Minarik, has decided to retire on or before July 1. He will continue as Chairman of DEI’s Board of Directors.

Minarik’s decision to retire as DEI’s CEO will bring to a close his 40-year career as a full-time operating executive in the consumer electronics business. Minarik joined DEI as its CEO in 2000 when now Congressman Darrell Issa sold the business he started in 1982 (Directed Electronics). Minarik previously served as the CEO of Clarion Corporation of America from 1992-2000. He started his career at Altec Lansing Consumer Products.

Under Minarik’s leadership, Directed/DEI grew from being exclusively a vehicle security company to a diversified consumer electronics business, holding the No. 1 market share in both the vehicle security and remote start aftermarket with its famous Viper, Clifford and Autostart brands, as well as the home theater loudspeaker business with its Polk and Definitive Technology brands. During his tenure, the company acquired Definitive Technology, Polk Audio, Autostart, Astroflex, Trilogix, Directed Canada and Designtech International. It also became the exclusive hardware partner for Sirius Satellite Radio from 2004-2008, went public in 2005 on the NASDAQ, and then became private again in 2011 when it was principally acquired by Charlesbank Capital Partners, a $2 billion private equity fund based in Boston.

Michael Choe, President of Charlesbank, said, “Jim has been a very strong leader at DEI, serving as only the second CEO of the company since its founding in 1982. The board is grateful for his many contributions and his dedicated service as CEO over the last 15 years.”  The board of directors will conduct the process to choose Minarik’s successor and will consider internal and external candidates for the job.

"I've been privileged to lead one of the greatest teams and companies in the CE business over the past 15 years, but it's time to transfer DEI's helm to a new generation of leadership,” said Minarik. “I look forward to working with the board and management team during the transition period and to then continue as non-executive Chairman, being available as an advisor.” 

Additional information about DEI Holdings and Charlesbank can be found at http://www.deiholdings.com & http://www.charlesbank.com.

Alpine Electronics of America, Inc. recently announced the recipients of its aftermarket sales awards for Rep and Rep Firm of the Year.

Rob Osheaski of Echo Sales & Marketing and Tom Schnell and Stephanie Johnson of Audio Video Marketing were honored for their 2015 efforts.  All three were acknowledged at Alpine’s annual sales meeting held in January.

Osheaski is a co-founder and sales rep for Echo Sales & Marketing, which represents Alpine in Illinois, Wisconsin and Iowa.  He was named Alpine Restyle Rep of the Year for his achievements towards the Alpine Restyle direction.  Osheaski took the initiative to adapt current processes to identify and sign-on new business for the Alpine Restyle products.  Osheaski’s enthusiasm and persistence resulted in success, and he led his rep group to adopt similar changes throughout their territory.
Audio Video Marketing was named as Alpine’s Rep Firm of the Year.  The company represents Alpine in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana.  President Tom Schnell and controller/sales manager Stephanie Johnson were recognized for their sales activities and support of the vehicle-specific Alpine Restyle products.  Schnell and Johnson made it a mission to ensure high customer satisfaction with the products.  They implemented a program focused on the selling process and the end-user’s experience which included personally delivering and configuring the Alpine system to the customer’s preferences.  Schnell and Johnson also increased business for the Alpine Restyle products by continually learning and adjusting their processes, resulting in sales that ultimately exceeded their goals. 
“Rob, Tom and Stephanie have done an exceptional job of representing Alpine and supporting the Alpine Restyle direction,” said Steve Crawford, vice president and general manager, aftermarket business unit, Alpine Electronics of America, Inc.  “Their leadership played a tremendous role in the growth of Alpine Restyle and set a foundation for our further expansion in 2016.”

Governor Scott announced that JL Audio will create 30 new jobs, while retaining 294 jobs and investing $9.4 million in Broward County.

Governor Scott said, “JL Audio began as a small business when two friends decided to build loudspeakers during their summer break from college. Today, JL Audio has provided a job for 294 Floridians and I am excited to announce that this growing business is creating 30 new jobs. We will continue to work to permanently cut the sales tax on manufacturing machinery and equipment so companies like JL Audio can provide more job opportunities for Florida families.”

Robert Oxenhorn, Director of Finance & Accounting of JL Audio, Inc. said, “The State of Florida has provided us with a home for the past 40 years, which has acted as launch pad for our company’s domestic growth and has supported us in establishing JL Audio as a worldwide brand. With the help of Gov. Scott, Enterprise Florida, The Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance and the City of Miramar, we are excited about further expanding our manufacturing operations, creating a host of new jobs, and continuing to be the most sought after manufacturer of audio products for marine, mobile, home, powersports, and ‘anything that moves’; right here in Miramar, Florida.”

Bill Johnson, President and CEO of Enterprise Florida said, “JL Audio’s creation of 30 new jobs in Broward is great news for South Florida. Manufacturers like JL Audio are integral to Florida’s economy as we continue to diversify. I look forward to seeing their continued success and growth in Florida.”

DEO Executive Director Cissy Proctor said, “The expansion of JL Audio is great news for Broward County families. We want to diversify Florida’s economy and grow the manufacturing sector across the state. That’s why Governor Scott’s proposal to permanently eliminate the tax on manufacturing equipment is so important.”

DEI’s newly released EXO Series™ Protect-A-Boot is designed maximum spark plug boot and wire heat protection. Ideal for all grassroots and professional motorsports, including extreme sports, the EXO Series spark plug boot provides top-of-the-line protection for your spark plug wires against high direct or radiant heat.

The EXO Series boot features dual layer material construction of two layers of high temperature Silica glass fiber encased in a tough outer exoskeleton of 304 grade stainless steel mesh.  The mesh prevents direct contact with the inner Silica lining and additionally provides an insulating air gap barrier. The dual layer construction and tough exterior provides a higher level of heat dissipation and abrasion resistance for high heat or abrasion prone environments such as off-road and desert racing.

The EXO Series boot is sized 1” ID x 6” L and is now available in packs of 2 (part #010088), 4 (part #010087) 8 (part #010086), or in bulk (010506B).  So whether there’s a need to protect a few spark plug boots from a high-heat area such as exhaust headers, or protecting a complete 8 cylinder application, DEI offers quantity choices to fit the vehicle owner’s needs.

For more information about the new EXO Series Protect-A-Boot, visit www.DesignEngineering.com, call DEI at 800-264-9472 or e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. To keep up with the latest new thermal performance products from Design Engineering, Inc. (DEI), like us on Facebook, or follow on Twitter.

JL Audio has unveiled the RD Series car audio amplifier line at its suite at The Palms Casino and Resort in Las Vegas. Four models are being announced for 2016, including two monoblock subwoofer amplifiers, a four-channel full-range amplifier and a five-channel system amplifier. All models are scheduled for delivery in the 2^nd quarter of 2016.

JL Audio Executive VP, Jeff Scoon said: “The RD project is all about increasing the value of our affordable car audio amplifiers. These new amps deliver innovative thinking in terms of circuit design, features, industrial design and mechanical design, and we couldn’t be more pleased with them.”

Circuit design for the RD project was led by JL Audio’s Senior Amplifier Engineer, Bruce Macmillan, and is based on JL Audio’s highly successful NexD™ Class D technology, which delivers outstanding sound quality, efficiency and reliability.

RD amplifiers also offer a very sophisticated input section, featuring JL Audio’s dual-range differential-balanced technology, for superior noise rejection and excellent compatibility with a wide range of input signal voltages. Automatic turn-on is also built-in, selectable between Signal Sensing and DC Offset Sensing modes. Convenient bridging switches are also provided for each stereo channel bank, eliminating the need for y-adaptors when bridging these channels.

Also on board, for the first time on a JL Audio amplifier, are LED clipping indicators. With the use of a CD or an audio file with a full-scale sine wave, installers can use these LED indicators to quickly establish the correct input sensitivity setting, without the need for additional test equipment.

All amplifier controls are accessible beneath a removable control cover, resulting in a clean look and security from unauthorized adjustment of the controls. Connections for speaker and power wires are via captured-wire connectors, with all screws protected by the control cover.

Model-Specific Power Specifications, Pricing and Features:

RD500/1 monoblock subwoofer amplifier
Rated Power @ 14.4V, <1% THD+N: 250W @ 4Ω, 500W @ 2Ω
MSRP: USD $349.99

RD1000/1 monoblock subwoofer amplifier
Rated Power @ 14.4V, <1% THD+N: 500W @ 4Ω, 1000W @ 2Ω

MSRP: USD $549.99

Signal Processing Features (both monoblock models):

• Low-Pass Filter (50-500 Hz, 12 dB/oct., non-defeatable)
• Bass Boost EQ (0 to +12 dB @ 45 Hz)
• Remote Level Control Port (for RBC-1 controller, sold separately)
• Pass-Thru Pre-Outs

RD400/4 four-channel full-range amplifier 

Rated Power @ 14.4V, <1% THD+N: 75W x 4 @ 4Ω, 100W x 4 @ 2Ω
MSRP:  USD $349.99

Signal Processing Features:

• Switchable High-Pass or Low-Pass Filter for each channel pair (50-500 Hz, 12 dB/oct., defeatable)
• 2/4 channel input switch
• Bridging switch for each channel pair
• Pass-through F+R summed pre-outs

RD900/5 five-channel system amplifier 

Rated Power @ 14.4V, <1% THD+N: 75W x 4 + 250W x 1 @ 4Ω,
100W x 4 + 500W x 1 @ 2Ω
MSRP: USD $599.99

Signal Processing Features:

• High-Pass Filter for Front and Rear Channel Pairs
  (50-500 Hz, 12 dB/oct., non-defeatable)
• Low-Pass Filter for Subwoofer Channel
  (50-500 Hz, 12 dB/oct., non-defeatable)
• Remote Level Control Port (for RBC-1, sold separately)
• Bridging switches for front and rear channel pairs
• 2/4/6 channel input switch

Digital images are available at http://nicollpr.com/jl_press.html or by contacting Lucette Nicoll, Nicoll Public Relations at: 781-762-9300/This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

The 30^th annual SBN / in.car.EXPO is set for March 19-20, 2016 at the Ocean Center, 101 North Atlantic Avenue in Daytona Beach, Florida. The Leading Mobile Electronics Manufacturers, Rep Firms, Dealers and Distributors along with the leading Sound Competition Organizations and their Competitors from all over the country will be present at the industry’s longest running Mobile Electronics Expo, the Spring Break Nationals / in.car.EXPO.

A change of floorplan will bring New and returning Manufacturers, Custom Show Car, Sound Quality Competition Vehicles and Dealer Vehicle Displays to the 100,000 square foot Exhibit Hall. This group will occupy the NEW SQ Zone. “We want to represent what this industry is really all about to Consumers and Dealers as well” said SBN Founder Paul Papadeas. “We have simply got to demonstrate the steps beyond what’s offered by OEM.” The Exhibit Hall will provide a much quieter environment of Mobile Electronics Entertainment, Convenience and Safety Equipment Displays.

On the other side of the Main Lobby, SBN EXPO creates the exclusive DEMO ZONE. “With PRO AUDIO SPL Systems trending”, said Papadeas, “we decided to dedicate the entire Ocean Center Arena to PRO AUDIO SPL Manufacturer’s Displays and will sign on up to 80 Consumer and Dealer DEMO Vehicles; these guys will finally have the opportunity to show off and virtually “PLAY ALL DAY”.

On the educational front, Auto Sound Dealers east of the Mississippi will have a great opportunity to attend two distinct and in-depth, Mobile Electronics Industry Specific Sales Training Sessions with Del Ellis. The first one; “Creating More Profitable Sales” and the other; “How to Get People Off the Telephone and into Your Shop”. “I’m very fortunate; I have been able to help some of the best stores in the industry,” said Ellis, “I share my 22 years of retail store ownership and teach with a full blown focus on sales techniques to Combat Internet Sales and Pricing and How to End Profit Erosion While Increasing Profitability. More information on the seminars is available at  www.delellisintl.com

“It’s an honor and a privilege to host our 30^th annual event.” says Papadeas, “we’ve found the formula to promote our industry’s best technology and teach consumers and trade participants what they need to know.” For what you want to know about participating in this milestone event, please visit www.springbreaknationals.com. For exhibit information, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 386 767 3030.

Cerwin-Vega Mobile is now shipping its highly anticipated RPM (Recreation. Powersport. Marine.) tower speaker systems. The RPM Stroker super high-output tower speaker systems are available in four 6.5-inch models, the SMC65W (White), SMC65B (Black), SMC65CFW (Carbon Fiber White), and SMC65CFB (Carbon Fiber Black). They are also available in four 8-inch models with the same color schemes, SMC8W, SMC8B, SMC8CFW, and SMC8CFB.

The RPM Vega high-output tower speaker systems are available in both 6.5-inch and 8-inch sizes as well. The 6.5-inch models consist of the VMC65W (White), VMC65B (Black), and VMC65TB (Textured Black). The RPM Vega 8-inch tower speaker systems come in the same corresponding finishes which include the VMC8W, VMC8B, and the VMC8TB.

What sets apart the Cerwin-Vega Mobile RPM tower speaker systems from the rest of the competition is the premium enclosure pod material that it is
constructed with. Compared to the plastic injected molded enclosures that are available in the mass market today, Cerwin-Vega Mobile’s premium
enclosure was originally designed for the aerospace industry.

These high-end UV treated enclosure pods are specially engineered utilizing a mixture of a high density and non-porous ceramic and fiberglass resin that is combined with crushed natural mineral composites creating superior strength similar to Corian® and is sturdy enough to handle the roughest environmental conditions. In addition, the unique carbon fiber white and carbon fiber black finish options provide a different alternative for those that yearn for something out of the norm. To complete the package, mounting brackets/clamps utilizing a 360° rotation design for mounting flexibility are included in all RPM tower speaker systems.

Both RPM Stroker and Vega series tower speakers are designed and engineered to be IP65 compliant from infiltration of dust and water. Attributes of
both tower speaker systems include a thermal molded, UV-coated speaker that utilizes a patent-pending waterproof composite paper cone, RZR
technology (Radial Zip Ring) for expanded high frequency reproduction and its unique shorting ring applied in the motor structure to increase far-field
output capability.

Integrated RGB LED lighting (fixed or audio sensing mode) is also incorporated into the speakers providing a pleasant visual enhancement at dusk/nightfall. Performance for the RPM Stroker tower speakers starts with its super high-output 25mm titanium dome tweeters while the RPM Vega speakers use a 20mm PEI dome tweeter. The RPM Stroker tower speaker system takes power handling to another level with an ultra compact neodymium motor structure utilizing Cerwin-Vega Mobile’s “MAX Xmax” suspension design and also includes an integrated passive radiator for increased full-range frequency and maximum bass enhancement.

Retail pricing for the RPM Stroker tower speaker systems range from $499.99 to $629.99 USD while the RPM Vega tower speaker systems
range from $379.99 to $459.99 USD.

KENWOOD recognized the top performers of its independent sales representative group with the brand's annual Excellence in Sales and Rep of the Year awards. The premier producer of connected multimedia receivers presented the awards in January during International CES in Las Vegas.

"CES is the culmination of a year of hard work for all of our staff, including our independent rep firms," said Robert Sutton, director of sales, KENWOOD Consumer Electronics Sector. "It seems only fitting, as we are showing the results of advanced engineering and customer feedback in our 2016 product line, that we recognize the essential members of our team that drive our continued growth."

Excellence in Sales, Eastern Region, was awarded to Trent Partners and Associates. This was the third such award to the rep firm and the fourth overall.

"We resigned (another major brand) to become the KENWOOD rep in 2003, and it was the best move I ever made," said Stephen Trentacoste, president and founder. "I would like to thank our regional manager, Ed Meenan, and of course the rest of the sales management team."

Excellence in Sales, Midwestern Region went to Pinnacle Sales of Howell, Mich., while the Western Region honor was accepted by Oliver Marketing in Auburn, Wash.

For individual sales representative recognition, Sales Rep of the Year, Eastern Region was awarded to Bill Freeman, territory manager at M.A.G. Sales in Sunrise, Fla. Mike Barrett of Comprehensive Brands in Wheaton, Ill., took home the award for the Midwestern Region. And Jeremy Foss, whose territory covers Arizona as well as California’s Riverside and San Diego counties for Cal-West Marketing, received the Sales Rep of the Year honor for the Western Region.

"It's a sense of pride and accomplishment," added Trentacoste on receiving his company’s award. "Every rep at KENWOOD is probably the top rep firm in the territory, so that means you're always up against the best. When you win an award among your peers, you've really accomplished something and it's great to be acknowledged."

Entrepreneur -- You don’t become an entrepreneur because it’s easy or convenient. You decide to start your own business because you want your life to be meaningful, because you want to feel like your life has a purpose, because you are trying to build something bigger than yourself.

What does that feel like? How does it feel to chase -- and achieve -- your dream? How do you know that you are heading in the right direction?

Finding your purpose doesn’t always come with a parade and a champagne celebration. Sometimes it appears as a quiet, simple moment. That’s how it was for Adrian Gradinaru, co-founder of New York City-based boat rental marketplace Sailo. The website allows people to search, compare and book boats online.

Earlier this summer, Gradinaru was heading home one night this summer, walking through New York City after a long day at work, when he realized he truly was doing work that provided him a sense of purpose. “I felt this interior calm that was sort of amazing,” says Gradinaru. “It’s not about money, it’s not about profit, I feel like we are providing a service that people are actually using and they are enjoying it.”

Read the rest of the story here: http://www.entrepreneur.com/video/249691

JPost -- Japanese motor company, Honda, made its formal entrance in Israel's tech market, seeking local technology for connected cars at the OurCrowd annual summit.

“Our presence at this conference is actually Honda’s first formal entrance to Israel’s technology community. Having come here from silicon valley, I can tell you that I’m very impressed with the innovative and entrepreneurial culture and spirit of the start-up nation,” said Nick Sugimoto, the Senior Program Director of Honda's Silicon Valley Lab.

Honda, he said, was searching for Israeli technology to develop smart car apps through its Honda Developer Studio, and others to participate in its accelerator program called Honda XCelerator. The eventual goal, he added, was to eventually make Honda vehicles completely collision free.

OurCrowd, an equity crowd-funding platform, presented several companies working in the connected car space. VocalZoom, for example, offers a voice recognition system that uses lasers to detect vocal vibration and separate words out from background noise. The company expects the technology to be available in cars by 2018, which will help drivers keep their eyes on the road while dealing with their car's various functions.

Read the rest here: http://www.jpost.com/Business-and-Innovation/Tech/Honda-comes-to-Israel-for-connected-car-tech-442694