The Progressive Group is aiming to expand its annual distributor show beyond the Michigan area to the other 7 Midwest states it covers as a 12 volt distributor and rep firm through its R&D Distributing division.
The $20 million Progressive Group is combining its show this year into one location in Warren, MI and is offering retailers who attend from out of town, free lodging and gas cards.
Car Audio represents about 65 to 70 percent of the company’s annual sales.
R&D has managed to keep its car electronics business steady by branching into side markets such as window tinting, and all accessories from glue to carpet for the car, said Progressive’s president Dave Russell.
Recently, the company added HID lighting and…..automotive air horns–the type used on boats. These have become popular in Michigan at local retailers such as Mickey Shorr, ABC Warehouse and Duke’s Car Stereo, said Russell.
New lines for R&D that will be highlighted at the show include Dual’s Axxera head units for specialist retailers, the Bass Inferno line from DB Link, Rockford’s Renegade series, HID replacement lights and the Kleinn automotive air horns.
The show usually attracts about 150 dealers who can expect “huge discounts” on remote starters as well as a big plate of award winning BBQ from a master griller out of Kalamazoo, MI.
R&D’s show will be held on August 18 from 9 am to 11 pm in Warren, MI. Click here for information.
In addition to Michigan, R&D covers Wisconsin, Illionois, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, West Virginia and Pennsylvania.
Source: CEoutlook
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