DIAMOND BAR, CA (09.12.24) – Attendees at the 2024 SEMA Show have the exclusive opportunity to become electric-vehicle (EV) and EV safety certified through the Show’s comprehensive education program focused on professional and business advancement. The 2024 SEMA Show takes place Nov. 5-8 in Las Vegas, Nev.

Presented by SEMA Education and Legacy EV, the “Electric Vehicles 101” and “High-Voltage Safety Certification Training” education sessions will help attendees boost their knowledge and understanding of EV powertrains and safety. Each of the sessions will be limited to 20 participants to ensure an intimate, hands-on setting where students will gain the skills needed to excel in the evolving and dynamic EV market.

“What makes these courses unique is the hands-on experience students gain by working with EV equipment and wiring right in the classroom during the SEMA Show,” said Mavrick Knoles, Co-founder and President of Legacy EV. “Participants will not only walk away with valuable experience but can also credit the cost of both of these sessions towards a comprehensive Legacy EV Certified Technician course post-SEMA Show.”

Registration is now open for:

• Electric Vehicles 101, Presented by Legacy EV (Wednesday, Nov. 6, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.)
  This course is divided into two sessions — “Understanding EV Anatomy and Electrical Theory” and “Applications with EV Specifications, EV Tooling, HV Safety” — and offers a brand-agnostic and hands-on training opportunity for automotive technicians to gain understanding of EV powertrains. During this class, students will work with real EV powertrains and tooling on Legacy EV training benches. Trainees who complete this course will receive an official EV 101 certification from Legacy EV. The cost for this session is $599.
• High Voltage Safety Certification Training, Presented by Legacy EV (Thursday, Nov. 7, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.)
  New for 2024, this course is geared towards those who work with or sell high-voltage retail and products; service high-voltage components or vehicles; build, manufacture, or assemble high-voltage components or vehicles; and manage high-voltage vehicle technicians. Guests will learn about “Creating an Electrically Safe Work Condition” and “High-Voltage Batteries and Battery Management Systems.” Trainees who complete this course will receive a Legacy EV Level 1 High-Voltage Safety certification, a Legacy EV Level 2 High-Voltage Safety certification, and a digital badge and physical certificate. Two to four hours of online pre-course work is required before this eight-hour in-person session at the SEMA Show. The cost for this session is $1,399.

In 2023, Richard Forstner, Supervisor of Damage Appraisal at Element Fleet Management, participated in the EV 101 course at the SEMA Show.

“My employer manages every vehicle type, including upfitted trucks, which in some cases have aftermarket EV conversions, so taking this course helped strengthen my career as an EV subject matter expert,” said Forstner. “The instruction by Legacy EV was first-rate, and I liked the structure and pace of the course.” Forstner said the course aided him in problem solving some of the challenges that arise from outside vendors as well as analyzing crash damage.

Monica Baeza, Port Senior Equipment Mechanic at Port of Oakland, also took the EV 101 course, noting that the biggest value of the training was the hands-on component. “It has given me the confidence and knowledge to navigate the transition and management of a growing EV fleet. I am more able to engage in the conversations in a knowledgeable way and add value to work that we are doing.”

The Legacy EV sessions are part of a robust 2024 SEMA Show education program designed to help industry professionals enhance their leadership and business development, gain insight into emerging trends, and discover industry best practices from top experts in the aftermarket field.

The SEMA Show is one of the largest trade shows in the world, powered by a passionate and innovative community. The 2024 Show is receiving more industry support than it has seen in years, with 2,400 exhibitors projected to display their latest products and services to thousands of attendees and media.

“The SEMA Show is a global platform to showcase the latest trends, innovations, and future of the automotive aftermarket. Education is a cornerstone of the Show designed to help our members address their most significant challenges,” said Andy Tompkins, SEMA Trade Show Director. “The 2024 program has been created to showcase takeaways and information that attendees can immediately utilize to improve and strengthen their businesses.”

To register for “Electric Vehicle 101, Presented by Legacy EV,” click here.

To register for “High Voltage Certification Training, Presented by Legacy EV,” click here.

To learn more about the 2024 SEMA Show and to register, visit www.semashow.com.

NEW ORLEANS, LA (09.11.24) – ORACLE Lighting, a leader in the automotive lighting industry, is excited to announce the acquisition of Trigger Control Systems. Based near New Orleans, ORACLE Lighting has spent the past 25 years at the forefront of design and technology, consistently pushing the boundaries of innovation. Trigger, known for its cutting-edge wireless control systems for vehicle lighting and accessories, offers 12-volt power distribution systems that seamlessly integrate with and enhance ORACLE’s existing LED products. This acquisition marks a strategic step forward in expanding ORACLE Lighting’s product portfolio and reinforcing its commitment to quality and innovation.

Trigger Control Systems specializes in the engineering and manufacturing of auxiliary controllers, along with vehicle-specific mounting brackets and adapters, allowing drivers to easily manage various vehicle systems, such as auxiliary lighting, via the Trigger mobile app, wired switches, or wireless RF switches. Known for its reliability and user-friendly functionality, Trigger’s product range is compatible with a variety of popular vehicles, from Jeeps, trucks, and SUVs to marine and RV applications. Flagship products like the Trigger 6 Shooter, Trigger 4 Plus, and Trigger ONE Bluetooth Relay have gained widespread acclaim for their versatility and performance. The Trigger 6 Shooter and 4 Plus feature the industry’s first all-wireless switch panel, enabling users to effortlessly control accessories both inside and outside the vehicle.

“Trigger has always been a key innovator in the accessory market, offering intuitive control systems that simplify vehicle modifications and empower users,” said Jeff Beckman, President of Trigger. “With its strong market position and proven track record, I’m confident the brand has tremendous potential for continued growth under its new ownership. ORACLE shares our vision for Trigger’s future and has the resources and expertise to elevate the brand. Their commitment to innovation and expansion makes this partnership a natural fit, and I’m excited to see Trigger thrive as part of their portfolio.”

The Trigger System cuts installation time by removing the need to run wires through the vehicle’s firewall. It also provides wireless control for accessories, dimming, and flashing functions via the free app. The control box also features fused circuits with LED indicators for quick identification of blown fuses.

“What stood out to me the most about the Trigger product is the robust engineering that’s evident from the moment you see and feel it,” said Justin Hartenstein, co-Founder and Director of Product Development for ORACLE Lighting. “When you place a Trigger Controller next to a competitor product, the difference is immediately clear. The heavy-duty metal construction, compared to the competition’s plastic housings, the heavy-gauge power cables that are twice the size of others on the market, and the waterproof output cables truly set it apart.”

“Everything is over-engineered for the most extreme environments,” Hartenstein continued. “Combine that with the innovative wireless magnetic keypad and an easy-to-use app, and it’s by far the best power distribution system we’ve used. We are proud to offer the Trigger product under the ORACLE brand.” This acquisition empowers ORACLE Lighting to explore innovative product combinations and groundbreaking enhancements by integrating Trigger Controllers’ cutting-edge technology and expertise. Leveraging the strengths of both brands, ORACLE Lighting is poised to expand its market presence, push the boundaries of lighting and control systems, and deliver even more advanced solutions to its customers. This partnership underscores ORACLE Lighting’s ongoing commitment to setting new industry standards for quality, performance, and innovation, ensuring that both brands remain at the forefront of the automotive lighting and accessory space.

“We were immediately drawn to Trigger when we began researching the development of our own switch control system,” said Tiffanie Hartenstein, co-Founder and CEO of ORACLE Lighting. “We quickly recognized that Trigger’s products offered exceptional features and quality that set them apart from the competition. Their controllers are the perfect complement to our ORACLE Lighting LED accessories, allowing customers to maximize their functionality. We’re excited to offer our customers this unmatched level of control and convenience.”

To learn more about ORACLE Lighting’s innovative solutions and the newly acquired Trigger Controllers, visit oraclelights.com and triggercontroller.com.

GRAND ISLAND, NE (09.10.24) – Once again Edward’s Audio sponsored an event that drew a large crowd to downtown Grand Island. Several blocks in downtown were blocked off for 12volt and automotive enthusiasts to show off their rides. All who packed the street from curb -to-curb enjoyed their projects. This was a family friendly event and there was a bounce house for the kids, cornhole contest for attendees and food trucks. A USACi, MidWest SPL and BassWars SPL competitions were also part of the day’s activities.

Larry Alverez related, “Once again we had a terrific event. Show cars, classics, bikes and some UTVs lined the street in front of local shops downtown. Our store is on a corner and we were very busy throughout the day. Our JBL branded ‘Milk Truck’, loaded with JBL, was out front and drew a crowd, like a magnet, each time we cranked the volume. Chris Pace with Arrowhead Sales pulled in his JBL trailer for demos and parked right out front of our store this year.”

Pace related “This year’s event was the 11th Annual Rumble On The Island was probably the best ever. We were here at last year’s terrific event and this year was even better. To see so many people excited about the vehicles, enjoying music and getting demos in the JBL trailer was so exciting. Everyone who packed downtown was excited and having fun. We did demos all day, gave away prizes to forlks with the cornhole board tosses plus showed a bicylcle with the JBL handlebar system.”

Continuing “There were booth setups from a number of local companies plus other 12volt companies. I had another retailer from western Nebraska who had ideas about an event in North Platte. and wanted to heck out this event. We was definitely impressed.”

The Edward’s Audio JBL ‘Milk Truck’ is actually a totally remodeled old school milk truck with an amazing paint job, custom cab interior with a custom listening room in the back. The audio system features 24 JBL woofers plus speakers.

Chris Pace concluded, “Once again the Edward’s Audio sponsored event in downtown Grand Island drew a big crowd. It is awesome to see proactive dealers, like Edward’s Audio, connecting with consumers to let them see, feel and hear how quality sound can add enjoyment to their everyday lives.”

Larry Alverez has owned in the business since 2014. With events like the Rumble on The Island Edward’s Audio will continue to drive the mobile electronics business in southeastern Nebraska for many years to come.

Visit jbl.com for more.

ALLISON PARK, PA (09.09.24) – Harry Kroll passed away on September 2nd following a battle with ALS.

Harry Kroll, Senior National Product Trainer at Pioneer for 33 years, will be remembered by all across the 12volt industry for his contributions to the growth of the industry. Harry’s career with Pioneer came to an unexpected conclusion in March of this year as he was diagnosed with ALS… known to many as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Since March of this year, Harry had lived at home with the loving care of his wife Deb and daughter Lexie.

During his career with Pioneer, Harry conducted well over 1000 product training sessions across the US and beyond. During that time tens of thousands of 12volt industry staff members occupied seats during his sessions in conference rooms and convention center halls. Very importantly, Harry’s training sessions went well beyond just the features of a particular Pioneer product. He related how the sales person could present and explain those features to a customer, and very importantly, the advantages of those features as well as the benefit to the consumer. In the Dale Carnegie training days that was the FAB presentation feature/advantage/benefit.

Harry ended every training session with his signature phrase “The beatings will continue until the morale improves.” Since being  diagnosed with ALS, in typical Harry style, he has stated “I’m giving the middle finger to ALS every day when I wake up.”

During the last 6 months Harry was supported by visits and communications with many industry members and friends. In typical Harry fashion he planned his ‘Wake’ that happened on July 27th in Pittsburg PA. A large number of friends made the trip to Pittsburgto see and spend their friend Harry Kroll.

Harry Kroll is survived by his wife of 33 years Deb Schilberg Kroll and daughter Lexi Kroll.