Welcome to
The Alpine Touch ,
hosted by On-Board Engineering & Sales Inc.
Our mission is to share with you a behind the scenes look at how Alpine Electronics of America introduced the Alpine brand to the Car Audio Market in 1979. We’re calling it:
“The Alpine Touch – First Fifteen years”.
David Black, Alpine Aftermarket EVP, was one of six USA individuals who crafted the marketing and brand Introduction messaging that established the Alpine Brand in the USA. Alpine became one of the most enthusiastically embraced brands in all of consumer electronics. So what created The Alpine Touch?
For those of you who grew up with Alpine and Lamborghini, this will be an enjoyable look into the nostalgia of those days. Back in the those days, almost every Alpine customer during the early years not only purchased Alpine source units, but they also found a way to score one of four very special stunning Alpine/Lamborghini co-branded posters.
Those iconic posters have now been restored using the latest graphic technologies and printed on collectible quality art paper. We have been surprised by the interest and demand for this collectible set – so we are making it available to Alpine/Lamborghini enthusiasts in a limited edition Fine Art collector set. Each will be numbered and signed by the key staff from that period.
This Collector Set comes with a Certification of Authenticity – so you know it’s a legit reproduction of the original. It’s a big deal. Alpine (now called Alps-Alpine) and Lamborghini SpA have given permission to On-Board Engineering and Sales to do the research, source the originals and make this all happen.
These Alpine/Lamborghini Images will jog your memories and refresh those feelings from “the good old days“! This was – and is – a special story, and only getting better with age. In fact, Dave and Alpine’s VP of Technology have joined forces again for one last “roll the dice” project together. They will co-host a Documentary to air in the 4th quarter of 2024. The Alpine Touch website will host it, so enthusiasts, fans, history buffs and collectors may share the story for years to come.
Thanks in advance for tuning in… your support means the world to us. It did back then – and it does now. It was always about you – the customer. Your support and loyalty for the Alpine brand is what The Alpine Touch was built on.
Who Is Behind
The Alpine Touch?
David Black
2002 – Currently COO of On-Board Engineering & Sales Inc.. (OBES). Dave is part of the US team that crafted the introduction of Alpine Electronics of America between 1979 – 1994. He served as Alpine Electronics of America Board Member, and Aftermarket Division EVP. At OBES he developed the first complete 12V digital OEM-based Marine Entertainment system for OEM Marine, OEM Heavy Duty Truck, OEM Off-Road and OEM Spa platforms. Products included IP66 rated Radio and Streaming platforms, Wireless Remotes, Power Amplifiers and Loudspeaker systems. Thanks to his background with Alpine and Lamborghini, Dave was able to work with Alps-Alpine and Lamborghini SpA management teams and received full permission to use original Alpine and Lamborghini marketing images for “The Alpine Touch” DocuCast and related Legacy poster incentive. OBES is the exclusive entity with permission to use Alpine and Lamborghini marketing components from the first 15 years USA introduction period. David and OBES is producing the Alpine Touch DocuCast and the Alpine/Lamborghini Poster Incentive.
Rich Coe
Retired… key member of the early Alpine Electronics Engineering Team. He was the first person to engineer and install a 12” subwoofer in a 1977 VW BUG. He helped develop Alpine aftermarket products which included Source Units, Amplifiers, Processors and Speaker Systems during 1980-1992 and assisted the 12V trade groups to address driver distraction specifications, and IDB regulatory specs. He developed the Global Alpine Technology & Education (GATE) and worked globally to upgrade Alpine’s international affiliates to adopt new protocols of mobile electronics installation standards in the emerging digital world. And he worked with Clarion Corp of America on developing the Auto PC, the first HD based in-dash car entertainment system.
Tom Kelley
(Shotgun Tom Kelley) from Hollywood Ca., has been an outstanding radio personality for 50+ years: Star of Fame inductee, supporter of Muscular Dystrophy Association. He assisted Alpine Electronics with promoting corporate events, promotions and consumer media from 1985-1994 and worked with Alpine’s Car Audio Nationals initiative to improve appreciation and awareness of the capabilities of high-end car audio systems and vehicle safety through car security systems. Tom followed Dave to Clarion and McIntosh Labs, with celebrity endorsements for new product & technology intros and marketing plans.
Tim Stahl
A very talented Photo/Videographer for 35+ years in San Diego, Tim worked with Alpine Electronics from 1986 to 1994 as Alpine’s official videographer and Alpine historian. Tim also is directly involved with “The Alpine Touch” development team which is a DocuCast of Alpine Electronics of America Inc., early stages, and helping restore the legacy of the iconic Alpine/Lamborghini marketing images.
Rich Frank
COO Frank Marketing. 40 years performing Public Relations functions for companies doing business in the Consumer Electronics business category. Worked for Alpine Electronics of America, McIntosh Labs, and several high profile brands in the smart home, home theater and 12V industry segments. Rich was integral to the publicity efforts of the Alpine brand, for example directly invloved promoting the Car Audio Nationals initiatve that took the Apine brand to an ever-larger audience.