Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. announced its first annual Premier Reference Series (PRS) Demo Vehicle Build-off for top Premier retailers in the country as a challenge to create the ultimate sound quality demonstration vehicle. Premier dealers selected to participate in the contest will be provided with a complete Premier branded audio system to be installed in their own demo vehicle, which will be judged for installation and sound quality. Dealers will vie for prizes and the title of Pioneer Premier Reference Series Demo Vehicle Build-Off Champion, beginning in February with judging on April 16 at the company’s Mobile Electronics Road Show in Tucson, Arizona.
“Our goal is to highlight the incredible sound quality of our Premier product, create enthusiasm and competition amongst our dealers and hopefully pump up creativity among the sales staff and installers to build cars that offer great quality audio,” said Larry Rougas, vice president of marketing and product planning for mobile entertainment at Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc.
Seventeen Premier branded dealers in the United States were chosen to take part in the competition including Newport Autosound, Lotts Auto Stereo, Competition Soundworks, Cartronics, Audio Video Concepts, Sound Waves Inc, Sound Sensation, ABT Electronics, Horizon Audio, Faust Inc, Sixth Ave, Sounds of TriState, Discount Auto, CJ Sounds, Brothers Sounds Electronics, Car Concepts and Music Systems.
Each retailer is provided the same audio system to install in their demo vehicle, including a DEH-P880PRS headunit, PRS-D4100F 4-channel amplifier, two PRS-D1100M mono amplifiers, a pair of TS-C720PRS 6-1/2” component speakers and two TS-W3001D4 12-inch subwoofers. Competitors must install all components provided by Pioneer with no other manufacturer’s audio products added to the system.
For consistency, fairness and safety, the PRS Demo Vehicle Build-off will utilize International Auto Sound Challenge Association (IASCA) ruling in both installation and audio judging using the Ultimate Pro Class competition standards. At the final stage, the retailers will present their vehicles to three certified IASCA judges. Will Adcock, Moe Sabourin and Harry Kimura will critique and score each audio system on its installation safety, creativity and audio quality and performance.
A special award ceremony will be held the night of judging where the top five vehicles will be honored, and one will claim the title of 2007 Pioneer Premier Reference Series Demo Vehicle Build-Off Champion. Other participants and winners will receive prizes and trophies.
Pioneer’s Mobile Entertainment Division is known for offering the kind of in-car products that make driving more enjoyable by offering high quality audio and video, advanced connectivity and ease-of-use. Its focus is on the development of new digital technologies including audio video, navigation and satellite radio, while maintaining its strong heritage in products for car audio enthusiasts and sound competitors. The company markets its products under the Pioneer and Premier brand names. When purchased from an authorized dealer, consumers receive a limited warranty for one year with Pioneer products and two years for Premier electronic products.
