1-11-2017 -- Sony has redefined its territorial boundaries and added several new 12 Volt focused distribution partners to more effectively cover the United States, better serve its retailers with timely product delivery, more training, and expertise in the field.

“Adding these business partners on the distribution channel helps our independent retailer channel by providing them the best option for purchasing our product across the entire country, while helping us protect our online representation, pricing, and margins.” said Rick Kojan, National Sales Manager for Sony Car Audio.

New Sony Distribution Partners & Territories

• MRI Premium Distribution Services (New York state, New England)
• Murfco (Southern California, Arizona, Southern Nevada, Hawaii)
• AM Merchandising (Northern California, Northern Nevada)
• Mid-State Distributing & CPS Distributors Inc. (shared territory in Iowa, Nebraska)

Training events are being scheduled with all distributors, and there will be an intense focus on re-educating retailers across the country on Sony technologies and the product line, as well as techniques to sell the products and features effectively. In addition, the Sony 12-volt Tech Line is dedicated to helping retailers who need assistance on sales or installation tips, and can be reached at 855-SONY-12V (855-766-9128).

Sony Car Audio recently displayed in the North Hall at CES 2017, with a focus on the new XAV-AX100 Car Play / Android Auto head unit, as well as other new products staged for release over the next few months. Contact Rick Kojan at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Anthony Tozzi at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information about the company's distribution strategy or about new products.

April 18, 2019 -- Sony has added two new 12 Volt distribution partners that will be able to better serve their specialty retailers in Alaska and Hawaii. Both states will benefit from a local representation and supply of the Sony product line, and Hawaii will be celebrating the return of Sony products at a local level.

“These new business partners in our distribution channel will help independent specialty retailers by providing them a more efficient method for purchasing our products while helping us serve these retailers in a more hands-on model,” said Anthony Tozzi, Distribution Sales Manager.

Automotive Distributors of Alaska will serve the state of Alaska. “We are excited to expand our aftermarket accessory offerings beyond automotive lighting through our partnership with Sony. We have a long history of partnering with excellent manufacturers and look forward to continuing that trend”, said Spencer Richardson, owner. They can be reached by phone at (907) 841-5360 or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Certified Distribution will serve the islands of Hawaii. “The people of Hawaii have an affinity toward the Sony brand, and we look to be the solution to getting the products into retailers’ stores on the islands in a more effective manner,” said Derek Pace, owner of the company. They can be reached by phone at (808) 276-6327 or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Sony will be supporting retailers in both states in the same, highly-effective manner as they do across the contiguous US, including the Sony 12 Volt Tech Line, dedicated to helping retailers who need assistance on sales or installation tips at 855-SONY-12V (855-766-9128). Technicians and Sales staff can also join the retailer support Facebook page at http://bit.ly/SonyDealerPage.

You can reach Anthony Tozzi at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information about the Sony distribution strategy.

September 10, 2019 -- Sony has made several moves recently to improve territory coverage in the Northwest, Northeast and in Michigan. Davis Distribution, based in Newell, WV replaces Altron International as the distribution partner covering the state of Michigan. GoFast Solutions out of Middletown, CT replaces MRI Premium Distribution Services in the Northeast. And AM Merchandising expands North and replaces Custom Plus Distributors as the distributor in the greater Northwest. DAS Distributors takes over the entire state of New York to expand the northern portion of their territory. All four partners look to grow Sony sales and leverage their ability to serve retailers at a high level in their respective new territories.

“Growing Davis Distribution’s and DAS Distributors’ territories makes great sense for us because of the great service and support they provide their retailer partners. GoFast Solutions is a new business partner, but their team is familiar with us and how we go to market. Tom Miller’s team at AM Merchandising has proven to be a great partner in Northern California, so their growth into the Northwest was logical. Each will help serve our independent specialty retailers and grow our business in these markets,” said Anthony Tozzi, Distribution Sales Manager.

Davis Distribution will now serve the state of Michigan, in addition to their existing Sony territory in Indiana, Ohia, Kentucky, West Virginia, and Western Pennsylvania. Davis Distribution can be reached by phone at (304) 387-3900 or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

GoFast Solutions will serve the states of Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. GoFast Solutions can be reached by phone at (203) 641-0272, or by emailing Dave Prinz at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

AM Merchandising expands from Northern California and Norther Nevada to now serve Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Montana. AM Merchandising can be reached at (510) 653-7134, or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

DAS Distributors expands north and now covers Virginia, Washington D.C., Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, Eastern Pennsylvania, and New York. DAS Distributors can be reached at (800) 706-0521, or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Sony backs all independent specialist retailers through their nationwide network of premium distribution partners and their highly effective representatives. The Sony 12 Volt Tech Line that is dedicated to helping retailers who need assistance on sales or installation tips can be reached at 855-SONY-12V (855-766-9128). Technicians and Sales staff can also join the retailer support Facebook page at bit.ly/SonyDealerPage.

Reach out to Anthony Tozzi at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information about Sony.

July 17, 2018 -- Sony has enjoyed recent success in its grass-roots effort to educate its retailers, align with top-tier distribution partners, and to increase market share. As a 2016-2017 Mobile Electronics Top Vendor in Autosound & Multimedia with hundreds of retailer trainings nationwide over the last two years, a dedicated dealer technical support line, and a close-knit closed Facebook dealer support group, the time is right to join the Sony Car Audio team.

Car Audio Field Support Specialist - SONY Car Audio

General Position Overview

Sony Car Audio program currently has an opportunity available in the U.S. for a Car Audio Support Specialist, who will be responsible to manage and grow positive relationships and focus on all sales and training activities of client products within assigned locations in a specific territory. Ideal candidates will reside in the Western United States and have English and Spanish bilingual capabilities.

Detail of Responsibilities

Face-to-Face Training: Effectively train in-store sales associates and managers on the features and benefits of Sony’s products.

Sales: Coordinate sales plans and gain commitments for training, assisted-selling and special events to increase sell through of Sony’s products. Track sales success and inhibitors in assigned market.

Territory Management: Coordinate all aspects of Sony’s in-store presence. This involves coverage modeling, coordinating resource support in the market, relationship building and event planning and support.

Distributor Relationship: Work with assigned distributor to represent Sony and drive sales through the channel by partnering with distributor sales network

Trade Shows/Events: Represent Sony and Sony products at assigned trade shows, dealer events, distributor events, etc. Must be able to independently setup/tear down events as required.

Formal Training: Train large groups of people in a formal presentation setting. Ability to demonstrate and effectively communicate features and benefits of client’s products.

Candidate Profile

• Education/Certification
• MECP certification desired
• Experience Required    
• At least five years of experience selling and/or installing mobile audio in the Consumer Electronic Retail Channel
• Bi-lingual (English and Spanish) strongly preferred
• Knowledge/Skills
• Strong presentation and training skills
• Strong computer skills (e.g. MS Office)
• Strong technical background in automotive electronics/car audio
• Ability to travel internationally, as required
• Must have reliable transportation
• Must be willing to work weekends, as needed
• Must be willing to travel extensively within assigned territory, >70 percent overnight travel may be required

Contact Anthony Tozzi at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information or click here to apply online: http://bit.ly/SonyCarAudioSupportPosition

July 10, 2018 -- Sony Car Audio will exhibit at KnowledgeFest in Dallas, Texas in mid-August. As a long-time Diamond level Sponsor of KnowledgeFest, the Sony booth is #201 and is located front and center as you walk into the exhibition hall. Retailers will see awesome new product and get to interact with Sony’s industry-leading support to get answers to questions and demonstrations of product throughout the show.

Sony Car Audio Training Schedule

“Our team continues to support KnowledgeFest as it gives us the opportunity to interact with our core audience, the specialty retailers. There is no better way to show new products, get hands-on training, and spend time with our supporting retailers,” said Anthony Tozzi, Distribution Sales Manager.

Sony’s National Trainer Kris Bulla will show a brand-new product, demonstrate the XM-GS6DSP 5/6 Channel Amplifier and the XS-GS1631C Three-Way Component speakers, using the Sony | Music Center app to adjust the sound and stream music directly to the amplifier live via Bluetooth and explain the benefits of becoming a Sony retailer.

Register for Sony Car Audio Training at www.knowledgefest.org

Due to existing ownership changes and a subsequent sale within Sony’s Pacific Northwest car audio territory (Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana); the Sony 12V team will announce a distributor territory realignment effective August 1st. 

Sony 12V is excited and fortunate to extend territory responsibility for the Pacific Northwest to a preexisting and trusted partner in AM Merchandising out of Oakland. AM Merchandising, in partnership with Falcon Sales and Marketing has a warehouse facility in Washougal, Wash and an already well establish sales team serving the specialty independent dealer base in that area.  

March 12, 2019 -- Sony, in its long tenure as a contributor to the Mobile Electronics Association (MEA) and of KnowledgeFest events, has announced training events at the upcoming KnowledgeFest - Indianapolis event. Sony’s support through its Diamond ULTRA Sponsorship of the event, specialist retailer-focused training, and prominent booth space are designed to expose retailers to new products, offer tips on increasing their profit, and answer technical questions.

“Our sponsorship and support of KnowledgeFest events goes hand-in-hand with our commitment to the specialist retailer in this industry. This environment grows the knowledge and skill-level of the retailers that attend, and gives us a chance to interact with them one-on-one,” said Anthony Tozzi, Distribution Sales Manager.

Sony will be showing examples of the XAV-AX7000 High Power CarPlay and Android Auto deck that they showed at CES in its 2018 Subaru Impreza on the show floor. Retailers will be able to sit and listen to it power its XS-GS1631C three-way components, XS-GS1621 coaxial speakers, and two XS-GSW101 subwoofers, with no external amplifiers in the booth.

National Trainer Kris Bulla will lead three training sessions focused on subjects that retailers will be able to use immediately upon returning to their stores.

Sony training sessions for KnowledgeFest - Indianapolis are:

• 3/15 - How to maximize your profit with Sony Car Audio Products

3:00 PM - 4:00 PM, Marriott Ballroom 2, Second Floor

• 3/16 - Sony High-Power Head Units – How to Sell and Install Them Properly

4:45 PM - 5:45 PM, Meeting Room 121

• 3/17 - Sony GS Speakers and Amplifiers – How to Make More Profit

9:00 AM - 10:00 AM, Meeting Room 120

Sony won Vendor of the Year in 2018 at the MEA Industry Awards and took the Top Vendor: Autosound & Video award as well. These awards, voted on by the industry, are the result of the hard work of the Sony support team through its valued Distribution Partners, and the excellent retailers they service.

For questions, please contact Anthony Tozzi at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Kris Bulla at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

February 14, 2019 -- Sony, a longtime supporter, and contributor to the Mobile Electronics Association (MEA) and of KnowledgeFest events has announced training events at the upcoming KnowledgeFest - Long Beach event. Sony continues its support through a Diamond ULTRA Sponsorship, retailer-focused training, and a prominent booth space where several team members can show retailers new products, offer tips on increasing their profit and answer technical questions.

“Our sponsorship of and team commitment to these events is important to us. We always value getting in front of our retailers to train them, and we love showing them new ways to grow their profit,” said Anthony Tozzi, Distribution Sales Manager.

Sony will be showing examples of the XAV-AX7000 High Power CarPlay and Android Auto deck that they showed at CES. Retailers will be able to sit and listen to it power its XS-GS1631C three-way components, XS-GS1621 coaxial speakers, and two XS-GSW101 subwoofers, with no external amplifiers, in its demo 2018 Subaru Impreza show vehicle in the booth.

National Trainer Kris Bulla will lead four training sessions focused on critical subjects that retailers will be able to use immediately in their stores.

Sony training sessions for KnowledgeFest - Long Beach are:

2/23 - How to maximize your profit with Sony Car Audio Products

12:30 PM - 1:30 PM, Seaside 3A

2/23 - Sony High-Power Head Units – How to Sell and Install Them Properly

1:45 PM - 2:45 PM, Seaside 3A

2/24 - Sony GS Speakers and Amplifiers – How to Make More Profit

4:45 PM - 5:45 PM, Seaside 3A

2/25 - How to maximize your profit with Sony Car Audio Products

9:00 AM - 10:00 AM, Seaside 3A

Sony won Vendor of the Year in 2018 at the MEA Industry Awards and took the Top Vendor: Autosound & Video award as well. These awards, voted on by the industry, are the result of the hard work of the Sony support team through its valued Distribution Partners, and the excellent retailers they service.

For questions, please contact Anthony Tozzi at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Kris Bulla at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

LAS VEGAS, Nev. -- Jan. 7, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- (CES, Booth #5011) -- Sony Electronics Inc. today announced the XAV-AX7000 Car AV Receiver, featuring the latest in smartphone connectivity and high-power sound. Smartphone connectivity makes it easy and convenient to control your music on the go while the 100W built-in, class-D amplifier will breathe new life and emotion into every track. The XAV-AX7000 receiver features a 6.95-inch bezel-less, flush surface display with an anti-glare capacitive touchscreen that matches modern car interiors, and its sleek aluminum key terminal has a dedicated voice button and sealed structure.

"You don't need to purchase a brand new car to enjoy the latest voice-activated search and navigation functions, bezel-less touchscreen interface, and streaming music in your automobile," said Mike Fasulo, president and chief operating officer of Sony Electronics North America. "The XAV-AX7000 Car AV Receiver is designed to expand consumers' choices for accessing content. It combines smartphone connectivity with unique Sony audio enhancements such as EXTRA BASS, making it easy for users to access and enjoy their favorite music on a premium in-car audio platform."

XAV-AX7000 Key Features

Smartphone Connectivity

Apple CarPlay i – Apple CarPlay seamlessly integrates your iPhone with the car audio's display and controls; now you can make phone calls, access your music, send and receive messages, get directions optimized for traffic and more while you stay focused on the road; CarPlay supports third-party navigation apps, so you have even more choices to get where you'd like to go; learn more at www.apple.com/ios/carplay

Android Auto™ ii – The Google Assistant is integrated into Android Auto, which extends the Android platform into the car in a way that is purpose-built for driving; with a simple and intuitive interface and powerful new voice capabilities, the platform helps minimize distractions for safer driving; it automatically brings useful information organized into simple cards that appear when needed; learn more at www.android.com/auto

Bluetooth® iii – Through Bluetooth, hands-free calling and wireless audio streaming are available between your mobile device and the receiver with a touchscreen phone book; learn more at www.bluetooth.com/markets/automotive

Sound

100W x4 (Max.) / 45W x4 (RMS) High Power Built-in Class-D Amplifier – if you play a conventional head unit too loudly, the sound clips off the signal peaks and sends distortion to the speakers; with the XAV-AX7000's massive 100W x 4 built-in amplifier, the sound remains clean and powerful even when you turn up the volume

Subwoofer Direct Connection – connect a subwoofer to either side of the rear channel speaker output without the need for an external amplifier; when using this function, sound settings for the subwoofer are available via the MENU display

2-ohm Speaker/Subwoofer Loadiv – allows customers to utilize multiple speakers per channel, including connecting a dual voice coil subwoofer to the rear channel

EXTRA BASS™ (formerly MEGA BASS) – feel earth-rumbling, deep bass from EXTRA BASS™; it overcomes engine noise and reproduces clear punchy sound at virtually any volume level; the two-mode boost steps allow you to get delicate and heavy boost settings to your liking

Improved Sound Optimization – the digital signal processor enables drivers to make adjustments while creating a sound field ideal for the inside of the vehicle; the Dynamic Stage Organizer (DSO) creates a more ambient sound as if there were speakers on the dashboard, while the 10-band equalizer (EQ10) has 10 presets for easy and effective frequency adjustment for various listening environments

FLAC Audio File Compatiblev – Free Lossless Audio Codec (FLAC) is an audio format similar to MP3 but is lossless, meaning audio signals are compressed without any loss in quality; the XAV-AX7000 can play back FLAC files, allowing up to 24-bit depth sampling frequency at 96 kHz (down-converted to 48 kHz for playback)

High Voltage Pre-out (5V) – the XAV-AX7000 has a high voltage pre-out delivering a 5-volt signal as opposed to the usual 2-volt signal, which results in clearer sound with less distortion when the head unit is connected to external power amplifier

Display/Chassis

6.95-inch Bezel-less Flush Surface Display – anti-glare capacitive touchscreen with an astonishingly flat, bezel-less and beautiful display that elegantly matches with your car interior

Sleek Aluminum Key Terminal with dedicated Voice Button and Sealed Structure – the ergonomically designed key terminal gives instant access to source selections and sound adjustments while minimizing distractions when you are behind the wheel

Space Saving Installation with Single DIN Rear Chassis – the rear chassis is designed with single-DIN dimensions that provide enough room to store a connected cable harness or steering wheel control box

Extensibility and Usability

Dual USB Portsvi – thanks to the dual USB ports, you can hook up another device to play your music library while connecting a smartphone for Apple CarPlay or Android Auto

3-pre out for future expandability – the 3-pre out connectivity allows you to build a full acoustic system including a subwoofer, a mono amplifier and 4-channel amplifier for even louder and more powerful sound reproduction

Rear View Camera Ready with Adjustable Parking Guide Lines – you can see the image of a connected rear view camera*[vii] when you shift the vehicle's transmission lever to the R (Reverse) position or tap the Rear Camera icon in the home screen

Quick Wake Up Design – XAV-AX7000's quick wake up design boasts approximately 2.5 times the speed for activation compared to XAV-AX100viii; it is ready to hit the road soon after ignition is turned on

Pricing and Availability

The XAV-AX7000 Car AV Receiver will be available in North America starting in summer 2019 with pricing to be announced at a later date.

Sony is exhibiting the XAV-AX7000 and other car audio products in its dedicated CES car audio exhibit, located in the LVCC North Hall, Booth #5011. For additional information on Sony's car audio systems, please visit www.sony.com/caraudio

Also on display in the LVCC North Hall, Booth #5011:

MEX-N5300BT

The Bluetooth-compatible MEX-N5300BT car CD receiver offers users EXTRA BASS quality playback and provides users the basics on-the-go. This 4x55W powered Bluetooth CD single-DIN receiver is equipped with enhanced smartphone connectivity that will conveniently assist users to access the Bluetooth dual phone connection and Sony Music Center app to control audio. The MEX-N5300BT also includes front AUX connection and AOA2.0-compatible USB terminal, configurable steering remote input, and illumi-highlighted design to capture and sync with the driver's style, car interior and sound. The MEX-N5300BT comes ready for SiriusXM Radio and is compatible with Pandora through users' iPhone or Android device. The MEX-N5300BT car CD receiver has a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $119.99.

MEX-M72BT

The Bluetooth-compatible MEX-M72BT car CD receiver offers users EXTRABASS quality playback to enjoy great sound on-the-go. The Marine special treatment equips the system with a positive multi-color LCD display and UV resistant detachable panel, anti-rust, conformal coating for circuit board and FM/AM step change. Similar to the MEX-N5300BT, the MEX-M72BT offers AUX and AOA2.0 compatible USB connection, Sony Music Center app compatibility, and is SiriusXM Radio ready and Pandora compatible with iPhone or Android devices. The MEX-M72BT car CD receiver has a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $159.99.

Stay connected with Sony's announcements and activities at CES and many other events throughout the year by downloading the Sony Events app, available through the Apple App Store and Google Play Store by searching for "Sony Events."  To follow the online conversation via Twitter, use #SONYCES, and visit www.sony.com/electronics/ces for lots more Sony CES information.

Sony Electronics is a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America and an affiliate of Sony Corporation (Japan), one of the most comprehensive entertainment companies in the world, with a portfolio that encompasses electronics, music, motion pictures, mobile, gaming, robotics, and financial services. Headquartered in San Diego, California, Sony Electronics is a leader in electronics for the consumer and professional markets. Operations include research and development, engineering, sales, marketing, distribution and customer service. Sony Electronics creates products that innovate and inspire generations, such as the award-winning Alpha Interchangeable Lens Cameras and revolutionary high-resolution audio products. Sony is also a leading manufacturer of end-to-end solutions from 4K professional broadcast and A/V equipment to industry leading 4K Ultra HD TVs. Visit www.sony.com/news for more information.

i Apple, iPad, iPhone, iPod, and iPod touch are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Apple CarPlay is a trademark of Apple Inc.
ii Android Auto™ is compatible with Android phones running Android 5.0 (Lollipop) or later. Android Auto™ may not be available on all devices and is not available in all countries or regions. Android, Android Auto, Google Play and other marks are trademarks of Google Inc.
iii When Android Auto™ is active, Bluetooth® is occupied with Android smartphone and not available for external connection with other wireless devices.
iv Keep total impedance higher than 2 ohms and select "2-ohm" mode in the setting menu when wiring speakers/subwoofer(s) parallel or utilizing a subwoofer with 2-ohm impedance.
v Via USB terminal only. Decodable property with USB 1: up to 96 kHz /24-bit. USB 2: 48 kHz / 24-bit
vi Comparison with Android Auto that utilizes Bluetooth to play back music in smartphone.
vii Camera is not included.
viii Time measured approximately until safety caution is displayed.

Source: Sony Electronics

10-31-2016 -- Sony has added 12-volt Industry veteran Kris Bulla, in the role of National Product Trainer, to the Actionlink Sony Car Audio team, in an effort to further improve their retailer support and to increase its ability to produce more dynamic retailer trainings nationwide. With soon-to-be-released Car Play / Android Auto head units, and upcoming product that will require new sales techniques and support, Bulla’s addition will improve the information that retailers have access to and their ability to properly communicate and sell it to the consumer at a critical time.

Bulla has held many different positions in his 20-year career, and the experience he gained while serving as a technician, store manager, account manager, rep and trainer helps him train effectively to nearly any audience. His technical and installation background and MECP Master Technician Certification is important in assisting with technical inquiries about the Sony product, which he will spearhead with Ryan Kuhlmann, Sony’s Car Audio Support Manager for Sony’s Specialty dealer distributors.

“I have long been a Sony fan, and getting the opportunity to train their retailers on the correct use and salesmanship of this excellent product line is an opportunity I could not pass up.”, stated Bulla. “Sony 12V is moving in the right direction by listening to qualified specialty dealers, expanding their technical capabilities, and focusing on the long-term stability of the specialty dealer within the aftermarket industry.”

“The addition of Kris to our team not only expands our capability to quickly assist our distributors and retailers with technical information and product training, but also gives us a dedicated training team that can now proactively increase the Sony knowledgebase across the country.” added Anthony Tozzi, the Distribution Sales Manager, who leads the Actionlink team.

In addition, Sony is launching a new technical support hotline for specialty retailers and their authorized distributors. Bulla and Kuhlmann will lead that team and will be the main advisors on that line. Retailers can call 855-SONY-12V (855-766-9128) for fast technical help and guidance on installing, setting up, updating, and diagnosing Sony Car Audio products, beginning Monday, November 7h, 2016.

Sony Car Audio and its 12V team will be at the SEMA Show in the North Hall at Booth #12039 highlighting the mid-November launch of their new XAV-AX100 Car Play / Android Auto head unit for $499.99 MAP. Kris Bulla can be reached directly at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 615-557-7716, and Anthony Tozzi can be reached at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 201-400-7833.