2008 Pioneer Sound Build-off Crowns Sound Sensations Champion

Pioneer Electronics Inc. today announced Sound Sensations as the winner of the prestigious 2008 Pioneer Sound Build-Off competition for having built the best sound quality vehicle, honored at the company’s annual dealer road show held in San Diego, California on Saturday, April 19. More than 20 vehicles from Pioneer’s nationwide Premier dealer base participated in this elite invitation-only event.

Each vehicle, equipped with a highly customized top-of-the-line Premier audio system, was thoroughly evaluated by certified International Auto Sound Challenge Association (IASCA) judges for their realistic sound quality as well as creative installation. After a rigorous day of judging, the 1999 Mercedes CLK by Sound Sensations was declared the champion and awarded a $10,000 check plus a four-foot tall Pioneer Sound Build-Off trophy. The 2008 FJ Cruiser by Cartronics took second place followed by the 2007 Honda Element by The Specialists in third place.

“This Pioneer Sound Build-Off competition illustrates to our dealers the importance of sound quality to our business and consumer as music touches all of us emotionally. They’ll be able to take what they’ve learned from the competition and use this knowledge on the sales floor to deliver that ‘ultimate in-car experience’ for consumers,” said Larry Rougas, vice president of marketing and product planning for the mobile business group of Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. “I want to thank and congratulate all of the Premier dealers who took the time to participate along with special recognition to our top three winners – Sound Sensations, Cartronics and The Specialists.”

Participating retailers used Pioneer’s most advanced audio components designed for producing excellent sound quality. Each vehicle had the following Premier branded products;

• (1) DEH-P800PRS - Single CD player for unprecedented music playback

• (1) PRS-A900 – State-of-the-art 4-channel reference amplifier

• (1) PRS-D1200SPL - Class D mono amplifier intended for generating extreme power

• (1) TS-C720PRS - 6-3/4-inch component speakers produce detailed mid and high frequencies

• (2) TS-W3001D4 - 12-inch Pro Series subwoofers deliver extremely low and accurate bass

Dealers were required to install the supplied components into their choice of demo vehicle within a six-week time period. The vehicles were gathered in San Diego at Pioneer’s Mobile Business Group’s annual Road Show where the IASCA Pro Class criteria were used to judge the vehicles. Three certified judges, Will Adcock, Moe Sabourin and Jason Gay, spent an entire day scrutinizing over each vehicle to come to the conclusion of best overall sound quality and installation and awarding the prestigious first place trophy.

Pioneer’s Mobile Business Group 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 products.

Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. is headquartered in Long Beach, Calif., and its U.S. Web address is www.pioneerelectronics.com. Its parent company, Pioneer Corporation, is a leader in optical disc technology and a preeminent manufacturer of high-performance audio, video and computer equipment for the home, car and business markets. The company focuses on four core business domains including Blu-ray Disc and DVD, display technologies, navigation and Digital Network Entertainment™.