Mobile Electronics Retailers Association News

Popular Mechanics: The Computer in Your Car

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 22:21:37 GMT

Wednesday, February 29, 2012 -- A maze of wires and computers is the key to your vehicle's deepest secrets. The Controller Area Network, or CAN, is incredibly complex, but here's what drivers should know about how it keep your car's components connected.

For the full article, visit Popular Mechanics.

King5: In-Car Cameras Help Teens Improve Driving Skills

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 22:20:41 GMT

Wednesday, February 29, 2012 -- UNIVERSITY PLACE, Wash. – Teenage driver Joy McVicker initially thought her parents were joking when they said they were putting a video camera in her car.

“But then once I got in my car, it wasn’t so funny anymore,” she said.

Six months later, McVicker has adjusted to the DriveCam – a black box that hangs right behind her rear-view mirror. One camera inside the box is pointed at the driver’s seat, the other is aimed out the windshield, showing what is happening in front of the car.

The camera’s red light comes on anytime McVicker does something risky, like braking quickly or taking a corner too fast. It then sends her parents a 12-second video, which shows the eight seconds before her risky maneuver and the four seconds after. That brief clip frequently offers up a teachable moment, something McVicker and her parents can watch together and discuss.

For full article, visit King5.

Auto Page Now Shipping C3 Hybrid POP Materials

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 22:19:42 GMT

Wednesday, February 29, 2012 -- Torrance, Calif. -- Auto Page, winner of Best of Innovations Award in 2008 for C3, will be shipping C3 Hybrid on March 5th. The new C3 Hybrid, compatible with Auto Page systems, is also compatible with other brands as well as OEM systems.

To enhance and sharpen the ‘The all brands and OEM compatibility message’ of C3 Hybrid, Auto Page will be offering a host of incentives and P.O.P. materials to include brochures, banners, standees, T-shirts and an updated C3 web site for in-store use.

Brochures & Banners
Auto Page is providing an ample supply of C3 Hybrid 4-color Tri-fold consumer brochures and a new C3 Banner (96” x 24”) will be available.

Standee
The standee is 60”x 30” 4-color floor display that will attract in-store customer awareness and interest in the new C3 Hybrid. The C3 Standee is easily assembled and is a very attractive addition to in-store merchandising.

T-Shirts
C3 Hybrid T-shirts are available in Medium / Large / X-Large and XX-Large.

New Updated Website
Go to the new updated www.c3autopageusa.com website and check out how easy it is to get C3 on your iPhone, Android based smart phone and Blackberry smart phone from the App stores. Also check out the C3 videos showing the operation of C3 on each of three smart phone platforms.

PC World: Mercedes to Integrate Apple's Siri into New Cars

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 22:18:44 GMT

Wednesday, February 29, 2012 --

Mercedes will integrate Apple’s Siri voice-assisted technology into future A-Class models of its cars. This will be done via a special app that will also translate an iPhone’s screen onto the in-car display, so you can listen to music, change radio stations or update your Facebook and Twitter status.

The technology will be available in Mercedes' full range of city cars (starting at $25,000), but first drivers will have to install the company's Drive Kit Plus app on their iPhones. The app allows you to control the phone from the car’s in-dash display and a controller found on the center armrest. Note: It could be a bit like KITT from the 1980s Knight Rider TV series.

For the full article, visit PCWorld

New York Times: U.S. Rule Set for Cameras at Cars’ Rear

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 22:16:39 GMT

Wednesday, February 29, 2012 -- On average, two children die and about 50 are injured every week when someone accidentally backs over them in a vehicle, according to KidsAndCars.org, a nonprofit group that pushed the government to begin tracking such tragedies. And more than two-thirds of the time, a parent or other close relative is behind the wheel.

Now, auto safety regulators have decided to do something about it. Federal regulators plan to announce this week that automakers will be required to put rearview cameras in all passenger vehicles by 2014 to help drivers see what is behind them. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which proposed the mandate in late 2010, is expected to send a final version of the rule to Congress on Wednesday.

For the full article, visit N.Y. Times.

CHP plans 24-hour crackdown on drivers using cellphones

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 18:14:07 GMT

This story is taken from Sacbee / Our Region / Transportation

tbizjak@sacbee.com

Published Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2011

Cellphone talkers and texters, beware. California Highway Patrol officers around Sacramento have special marching orders on Friday and Saturday:

Find you and ticket you.

"If someone is driving distracted, we want officers to issue citations," said CHP spokesman Adrian Quintero.

Also on Friday, plainclothes officers and volunteers with clipboards will be stationed on foot at several major intersections around Sacramento, peering into passing car windows and noting the types of distracted driving they see.

Similar tallies will be taken in the Auburn and Stockton areas. They won't be ticketing. They'll be gathering data to be forwarded to the California Office of Traffic Safety as part of an emerging statewide campaign to understand and combat distracted driving.

Troubled by drivers who continue to talk and text on cellphones despite new laws prohibiting it, safety officials say they hope educational messages and some old-fashioned ticket writing will help change people's driving habits.

CHP officials, who conducted a similar crackdown statewide in April, admit to some frustration. "It is pretty blatant now," Quintero said of drivers ignoring the law. "It is kind of scary as well, having our families out on the road."

It's against the law in California to talk on a handheld cellphone, and to write, send or read text-based communications on a cell- or smartphone or other electronic wireless device while driving. Violators face a $166 fine.

The California law on handheld cellphones, one of the first in the nation, went into effect in 2008. The ban on texting followed in 2009. Since then, the CHP has issued about 500,000 cellphone tickets, but only 12,000 texting tickets. Officials say texting is harder to detect.

Earlier this month, the National Transportation Safety Board called for a nationwide ban on the use of all cellphones, including those that are hands-free, while driving. The author of California's handheld cellphone ban, Sen. Joe Simitian, D-Palo Alto, said he believes a hands-free ban is unlikely to win approval in the Legislature and that he doesn't plan to introduce a bill on the subject.

Law enforcement officials say their concern about distracted driving extends beyond cellphones. They point out that during Friday's crackdown, drivers who are observed eating food or reading a newspaper, for instance, can be cited if that activity affects their ability to safely operate a vehicle.

"The car is supposed to get you from point A to B, not to be used as your bathroom for shaving or putting on makeup. That's ridiculous," Quintero said.

The zero tolerance period will run for 24 hours, from 6 a.m. Friday to 6 a.m. Saturday.

In the coming months, the CHP also plans to focus distracted-driving enforcement on streets around some local high schools.

State officials say they do not have sufficient data to know how many crashes are caused by drivers using cellphones. CHP data indicate inattentive driving contributed to the deaths of 217 people in 2009 and 2010, about 4 percent of roadway fatalities. But safety officials say the number may be much higher. Extrapolations from a federal highway safety analysis suggest as many as 18 percent of traffic deaths could be related to driver inattentiveness or distractions.

Drunken driving still accounts for the highest percentage of California roadway fatalities, at 29 percent. Notably, though, 20 percent of California drivers in a recent survey said they believe cellphone use is the biggest safety problem on the road. Eighteen percent listed texting as the worst risk, 17 percent said speeding and aggressive driving, and 13 percent cited drunken driving.

Officials with the state traffic safety office, which did the survey, said they're pleased drivers recognize cellphone conversations as a serious driving distraction.

"Distracted driving is something we want to curb early, so it doesn't become entrenched," state traffic safety spokesman Chris Cochran said.

Call The Bee's Tony Bizjak, (916) 321-1059.

Read more articles by Tony Bizjak

OnStar ready to flaunt LTE Skype-enabled system on GM rides

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 15:20:07 GMT

By Edgar Alvarez

Last year at CES, OnStar wasn't too shy about teasing its partnership with Verizon that would assist in bringing applications like YouTube, Wikipedia and Skype to your vehicle. At that point, though, it was just an idea. Fast forward to next year's iteration of the Consumer Electronics Show and that's turned into a reality. It's safe to say that Skyping-and-driving wouldn't be the best of ideas, but fortunately the system will keep you from making that mistake by only running when your car is immobile -- so don't make any plans to call your friends to tell them how fast you're going. Your kids, or other backseat passengers, won't be too worried since they'll be able to take full advantage of all the gimmicks; including the aforementioned, video streaming and the usual Angry Birds frolic. The in-car system is set to be shown on Volt and Cadillac models, and OnStar has said that there's more deets to be unveiled -- you'll just have to wait until we head to Vegas to find out.

SlashGear

MotorAuthority

U.S. Transportation Secretary LaHood Ambivalent About NTSB Recommendations

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 01:14:10 GMT

Thursday, December 22, 2011 -- U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood is more focused on bringing awareness to motorists – through Distraction.gov, for instance – then through adopting the all-across-the-board ran as recommended by the National Transportation Safety Board in the wake of a deadly collision in Missouri last year that the agency blamed in part on a driver who was texting while driving.

According to the Wall Street Journal, at a press conference in Washington this week, LaHood simply declined to endorse the NTSB’s proposal. Mr. LaHood's agency has rule-making authority over auto safety, while the NTSB doesn't, the WSJ reported. LaHood has been behind the efforts to reduce driver distraction for a while. Last year, he said a ban on cellphone use on the road could be necessary, but that is no longer the case. Hands-free calling "is not the big problem in America," Mr. LaHood said, per WSJ. "If other people want to work on hands-free, so be it."

Tesla Makes Navigation Optional in Model S Electric Car

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 01:12:57 GMT

Thursday, December 22, 2011 -- As it gets ready to roll out its all new Model S electric car, Tesla is making navigation optional in at least one of its models for the car, which has a base MSRP of $49,900.

The Tech package, costing $3,750, features a 17-inch touch screen but will not have navigation, according to a CNET report. Tesla points out that, as the Model S is a connected car, Google or other browser-based navigation will be available on the 17-inch screen even without this package, but the Tech package brings in a navigation system with maps stored on hard drive.

Other features of the Tech package include an in-dash 16GB hard drive, two USB ports, and a backup camera. You can bump up the stereo system for $950 and add an adaptive air suspension for $1,500.

Tesla Motors recently launched a website that shows the upcoming vehicle line-up, specs and prices, after the $7,500 federal tax credit.

Other features of the Tech package include an in-dash 16GB hard drive, two USB ports, and a backup camera. You can bump up the stereo system for $950 and add an adaptive air suspension for $1,500.

Jawbone Secures $40 Million in Growth Funding From Leading Investors

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 01:11:10 GMT

Thursday, December 22, 2011 -- Jawbone, best known for making top-of-the-line Bluetooth sets, has announced that it has received a combined $40 million in funding from Deutsche Telekom, Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, private investor Yuri Milner, and investors advised by J.P. Morgan Asset Management.

"We are experiencing fantastic growth and the worldwide demand for our mobile lifestyle products and services is unprecedented," said Hosain Rahman, CEO of Jawbone. "This new group of investors – with their world-class expertise in mobile, consumer Internet and technology, and international markets – will help us achieve the next level of expansion."

The new capital brings Jawbone's funding from investors to date close to $210 million, and will allow the company to broaden its end-to-end offerings and its global footprint. Deutsche Telekom, with its presence in over 50 countries worldwide, is Jawbone's key strategic and lead carrier partner for Jawbone's European expansion.

"We're thrilled to be launching our products in Europe with Deutsche Telekom," said Rahman. "Having the support of Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers' Mary Meeker, who has predicted and helped guide some of the biggest technology trends in history; Bing Gordon, who is a master when it comes to engaging software and services; and Yuri Milner, who is a leading international investor with deep knowledge of building successful global companies, further sets us up for success. Working together, we'll keep pushing the boundaries to deliver compelling solutions for the mobile lifestyle, on a global scale."

The new backers join Jawbone's existing investors: Andreessen Horowitz, Khosla Ventures, Sequoia Capital, and investors advised by J.P. Morgan Asset Management.

Collaboration with Siano Means ESCORT Mobile TV On the Way

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 01:10:24 GMT

Thursday, December 22, 2011 -- Escort, Inc. and Siano, the world's leading supplier of mobile broadcast DTV solutions, today announced a collaborative agreement to design and market a product that will deliver mobile TV in automobiles via an Apple iOS accessory.

Manufactured and distributed under the brand name "ESCORT MobileTV," this small-size, custom designed accessory will plug into the car's pre-installed iPad headrest mount, supported by Siano's highly-integrated mobile DTV receiver chip and iOS digital TV middleware.

"Teaming up with Siano has enabled ESCORT to deliver high-quality performance MDTV," said John Larson, President & CEO of ESCORT. "Our successful collaboration with Siano to produce MobileTV has opened up an entire series of patent pending MDTV based products which we will announce in the near future."

"When it comes to first-class automotive accessories, there are few partners who match the level of integrity and commitment we get from ESCORT," said Alon Ironi, CEO of Siano. "Siano's receiver chips and overall systems know-how, coupled with ESCORT's engineers and state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, have resulted in high performance products with a very bright future. Looking at the evolution of the ATSC-M/H market, we believe that such products will be true enablers in this market."

ESCORT MobileTV will be available for demonstrations at CES 2012 in Las Vegas with commercial availability during the first half of 2012.

Study: People More Likely to Lie When Texting

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 01:09:33 GMT

Thursday, December 22, 2011 -- A forthcoming article in a scholarly journal will discuss findings that individuals are more likely to lie over text than in face-to-face communication. The Los Angeles Times reported that the upcoming Journal of Business Ethics’ article also considers video conferencing or audio chat as communication forms in which people are less likely to lie.

The study surveyed 140 students who were grouped into pairs and asked to engage in a role-playing game. One student took on the role of a stockbroker, the other student played a buyer. Researchers told the "stockbroker" that the stock they had to sell would lose 50 percent of its value in one week. They also gave the "stockbroker" a financial incentive to sell as much of the bad stock to the "buyer" as possible.

Researchers found that the stockbrokers were most likely to engage in duplicitous behavior -- either lying about the quality of the stock, or not mentioning how bad it was -- if they conducted the buy/sell conversation via text message. They were most likely to be honest about the quality of the stock if the conversation happened via video, which beat out both face-to-face communication and audio chat. read more

Microsoft Out of International CES After 2012

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 01:11:52 GMT

Wednesday, December 21, 2011 -- The New York Times is reporting that Microsoft has announced that the 2012 International CES will be the firm’s last. The paper calls the decision “a further sign of how once-mighty trade shows can lose their significance as a platform for introducing new products.”

Microsoft’s decision was announced via blog by Frank Shaw, the Seattle-based firm’s corporate vice president of corporate communications. He gave the show’s timing as the rationale, stating that there’s little to no turnaround time for companies after the busy holiday shopping season to regroup for the show. Further, Shaw wrote that Microsoft’s “product news milestones generally don’t align with the show’s January timing,” according to NYT.

The Consumer Electronics Association, which organized the trade show, generally one of the 10 largest in the world, said the change was a mutual decision.

Microsoft has made its announcements and product roll outs at Mobile World Congress and the E3 video game convention.

Viper Releases SmartStart 2.3 Interface to iTunes, Android Market

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 01:07:53 GMT

Tuesday, December 20, 2011 -- The latest update from Viper SmartStart comes in pink for a good reason. Viper's running a discount through next month to bring attention to breast cancer research, and in the process the remote start maker is offering up to $100 off to buyers - and will continue to donate to the cause "on an ongoing basis," said Ken Gammage of Directed Electronics, the parent of the Viper brand.

Yet another SmartSmart interface with a retro look and feel of the classic Viper 2-way responder remote is also being released, he said.

Viper is leading the keyless lifestyle revolution with Viper SmartStart, which has been downloaded to more than one million iPhone, Android and BlackBerry handsets. Viper SmartStart is the first app that allows users to affordably start, lock, unlock, locate and monitor their vehicle – all using their smartphone. The product has garnered worldwide media coverage including an iPhone TV commercial, and won the Best of Innovations Award at the Consumer Electronics Show.

Viper is jump-starting the holiday remote start season with Mail-in Rebates up to $100 plus a “Win a Free SmartStart” sweepstakes with select retailers and online at Directed.com/freeprize.

The new app also features an elegant new user interface with tutorial videos added to the Help menu, improved SmartPark, Motor Club, and Parking Meter Timer and new Viper branding.

Brett Potter Joins Mobile Electronics Magazine

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 01:07:06 GMT

Monday, December 19, 2011 -- The Mobile Electronics magazine, the premier trade publication serving professionals in the mobile electronics industry, announced that Brett Potter will join the team as Senior Accounts representative.

Potter has had an extensive career in publications account management in consumer electronics. He started in 1994 as an account representative for California-based McMullen Argus (later purchased by Primedia), working with advertisers on titles Auto Sound & Security, Car Audio and Audio Video Interiors. In 2000 he joined Bobit Business Media’s Automotive Aftermarket Group where he took on responsibilities for 5 different titles undefined including Mobile Electronics undefined over his nearly a decade. He rejoins Mobile Electronics under its new ownership, working from its publishing offices in Torrance, Calif.

"It’s great to get back into the industry," Potter said. "I recognize the current economic challenges that companies are facing, and how it affects their ability to market their products and services effectively. But that is what’s great about what we do, finding ways to work with clients and advertisers to get their message to retailers through our magazine, Website and newsletters."

Potter will be on hand at the Consumer Electronics Show, January 10-13, to meet current and prospective partners of Mobile Electronics. He can be reached at brettp@me-mag.com or (310)503-4162.

MERA's Response to NTSB’s Hardline Wireless Policy: 'Pocket It or Dock It'

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 01:03:39 GMT

Monday, December 19, 2011 -- North Andover, Mass. - The Mobile Electronics Retailers Association over the weekend issued a response to the National Transportation Safety Board's hardline recommendations made last week, which, if implemented by lawmakers nationally and in Washington, would ban the use of most wireless devices inside cars.

MERA's action was first reported by Dealerscope, citing a statement on MERA's website, republished below.

Concerns over hand-held mobile device use and the driver’s ability to focus on the act of driving, should be addressed through the use of a hands-free solution, such as a docking station in the vehicle, or through the use of hands-free communication technology, like Bluetooth. The ability for communication without hands-on interaction will help discourage distracted driving. Simply: “Pocket or Dock It."

A hand-held mobile device should either be properly docked or out of the drivers site when operating the vehicle. We recommend a “Pocket or Dock It” approach which allows the driver to keep the device active providing important information and communication. The hand-held mobile device should only be accessed using connectivity methods that “dock” the device allowing interaction when driving through the vehicle’s central command area and or via a hands-free Bluetooth type connection. This method will seek to insure the driver is focused on the primary task of driving. MERA is committed to driver safety through the proper use of products and technologies that make driver and passenger safety a priority. While technology can help support safety on the road, it is ultimately the driver’s responsibility to use proper judgment when operating the vehicle.

MERA shares concern about the possible misuse of hand-held mobile devices when driving, but simply banning this technology serves only to limit the benefits, and not resolve the primary issue, driver distraction.

There are many laws under review that seek to target the effects of distracted driving as whole. We feel these are a much better choice than laws that target individual objects. Laws concerning inattentive or careless driving are already in place in many states and municipalities. Proper enforcement of such laws is a more effective way to solve the problem of distracted driving.

For more information contact Chris Cook at (978) 867-6759 or chrisc@merausa.org. www.merausa.org/driversafety

Geo-tag Computer Helps Deputies Find Drugs Tossed During Pursuit

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 01:08:45 GMT

Friday, December 16, 2011 -- L.A. County Sheriff’s Department is apparently starting to see results from its multimillion-dollar investment with Raytheon to integrate the software and technology from Penske, Geo-Spacial Technologies and Panasonic. On a recent pursuit of an alleged meth dealer, sheriff’s deputies deployed their new Mobile Digital Computer System, which enabled them to geo-tag and map the location where evidence was allegedly being thrown from the pursued vehicle.

The $19.9 million investment with Raytheon by L.A. county has swelled to $33 million, with Raytheon's new Public Safety Regional Technology Center is opening in Downey this winter, and a new UCLA Center for Public Safety Network Systems set to create a collaborative research forum that brings together academia, industry and public safety agencies.

In a statement sent out to media and the public on Dec. 15, the arrest of one Mohammed Kadri, 35, in Lancaster is described in vivid, mobile detail. Kadri, a 35-year-old Lancaster resident, was driving a 2010 Scion X-8 around midday on Dec. 9 when he spotted by the deputies, allegedly driving erratically. Deputies went ahead and initiated a traffic stop near 20th Street East and East Avenue J-8 in the city of Lancaster, at which point, according to the deputies’ account, Kadri refused to stop. The deputies started to pursue Kadri, and for six minutes covered nearly five miles of city streets as the deputies chased him using their patrol car’s red lights and siren. During the pursuit, the sheriff’s say they saw Kadri tearing open baggies of what looked like drugs.

The pursuit ended in the area of 15th Street West and Avenue K-8 and Kadri was taken into custody. During a search of his car, deputies found an antique western “show” saddle and additional narcotics. The saddle had been reported stolen during an October burglary of a storage container in Lancaster. The saddle was valued at $10,000 and has been returned to its owner.

Using their new in-car computer to geo-tag and pin-point map, the deputies were able to pinpoint the four exact locations where the evidence had been thrown by simply pushing a button on their computer. Assisting deputies went to those locations where they quickly recovered several baggies containing methamphetamine near a residential community.

“Without geo-tagging, when deputies are engaged in the tough job of a pursuit, they have to explain over the radio to assisting deputies the approximate location where they can find tossed evidence,” said Captain Scott Edson, from the Sheriff’s Communications and Fleet Management Bureau, which implemented the technology. “Often, the description narrows the area to about 1/8 of mile but it might take a search party to find it. Now with geo-tagging, a deputy with the in-car geo-tagged map goes right to the pin-pointed spot. It saves a lot of valuable patrol time, and when looking for drugs or guns, expedites finding objects that could harm a child who may otherwise have found it.”

“This new geo-tag technology is yet another valuable tool we can use in our fight against crime here in Lancaster,” said Lancaster Sheriff’s Station Capt. Bob Jonsen.

Cerwin Vega Parent Company Adds Sales Rep, Dealer Support

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 01:06:06 GMT

Friday, December 16, 2011 -- With new products on schedule for debut at CES, the owner of the Diamond Audio, Cerwin Vega Mobile, Caché, Fierce Car Audio, and IQ Smart Solutions brands is reconfiguring its domestic U.S. sales team into two regional sales positions.

Domestic Investment Group LLC announced the moves Dec. 12 and they include industry veteran Jason Digos, who has been with DIG over the past year conducting sales and product trainings in various territories in addition to assisting with product development will head up the first region, moving over to work with clients in Southeast, Mid-Atlantic and parts of California. Digos brings to the job more than 20 years of experience in the car audio industry from the installation bay to the corporate level, and will be able to provide extensive support to DIG’s customer base.

DIG’s Director of Sales Bob Chanthavongsa will continue to expand DIG’s International markets and will also assume some of the national duties of the domestic U.S. market, while the newest addition to the firm, Justin Miller, will work as the Regional Sales Manager. He brings with him the passion for car audio and many years of 12-volt experience working for a successful specialty retailer in Southern California honing his sales and management skills that furthered him into a factory sales representative position in that territory.

Justin’s most recent position at the factory level was as a factory-direct salesperson responsible for territories in the southwest U.S. His focus will be on the Midwest, Northeast, Southwest, and parts of southern California.

“We are very glad to have Justin on our team. I have previously worked with Justin in the past and I know he will do his very best to support our retail business partners to be successful in the marketplace,” Digos, whose official title is Regional Sales Manager, said.

“I can’t wait to hit the road and meet our current dealers and distributors and present to them the new and exciting products and programs that we will be introducing at CES 2012," Miller said.

RetroSound Announces Compact Powered Sub

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 01:04:46 GMT

Friday, December 16, 2011 -- RetroSound, a manufacturer of sound solutions for classic automobiles, has announced it is now shipping its latest product, the SUB8100 Amplified Subwoofer. The SUB8100 features a single eight-inch driver powered by a built-in 100 watt Class D amplifier with both high-level and low level inputs and adjustable low-pass crossover. The entire package is housed in a compact, rigid die-cast aluminum enclosure measuring just nine inches wide by 13 inches long and only 2.75-inches high.

"The SUB8100 was created for our classic car customers,” says Retro Manufacturing President Steve Harrington, “but we have been pleasantly surprised by the response of our 12 volt customers when they have had a chance to listen to it. It hits so hard and is so small that many of them are using it in modern vehicles as well as classic cars."

The SUB8100 has an adjustable 0-180 degree phase control and a frequency response range of 35-100Hz. Its compact footprint and powerful bass response make the SUB8100 ideal for installation behind the seats in pickup trucks or underneath bench or bucket seats. MSRP is listed as $249.

Dealer or Automotive Restoration inquiries can be directed to Sid Dutcher, Brand Manager, RetroSound at (909) 364-1372 or by email at sid@retrosoundusa.com.

PowerBass Powers Up CES Show Planner, Cover Features Playboy Model

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 01:02:15 GMT

Thursday, December 15, 2011 -- PowerBass USA is going to roll out its products at CES but it also got attendees in mind before they even step foot in Las Vegas. The company is making a show planner available, which is divided into a daily calendar with 30 minute blocks to write down and appointments and booth numbers.

To receive a copy of the planner, contact your local PowerBass representative or email sales@powerbassusa.com with your name and address and one will be mailed to you.

The planner, which has a quick reference guide listing many of the major casinos and taxi cab companies along with telephone numbers, is covered by Miss Jamie Michelle, a model who has appeared in Hot Import Nights, PAS Mag, Playboy TV and on PowerBass’ Facebook page. Jamie will be autographing posters and catalogs in the PowerBass booth #920 in the North Hall on Tuesday and Wednesday of the show.