ONTARIO, CA (01.28.22) – What better way to enjoy your favorite tunes when not in your car than with PowerBass’ new BT-50 Portable Bluetooth Speaker. This portable speaker has built-in 1200 man Li-ion battery for hours of play while at the beach, camping, at home, or even at a party. Recharge the unit with the supplied USB charge cord and let the music play!
The new BT-50 portable Bluetooth speaker features FM radio, SD card, is true wireless stereo and waterproof design IPX7.
Packed with great features such as bluetooth, FM radio, SD card, and hands-free calling, the BT-50 also comes equipped with TWS pairing for True Wireless Stereo playback. Connect 2 separate BT-50 Sound Cubes together for an immersive stereo sound experience or share your tunes with a friend while out on a hike. The adventures never have to end with your PowerBass Sound Cube!
The BT-50 PowerBass Sound Cube is bluetooth-ready and will pair with most bluetooth devices such as iPhone, iPod, android and more. It provides a hands-free microphone so you can also take calls while enjoying tunes.
Do you want to listen to your favorite local radio station or catch the big game while relaxing at the pool? The BT-50 has a built-in FM radio tuner! If you are hosting a party with a playlist, this device has you covered as well. Simply slide your SD card into the BT-50 and let your playlist roll!
AVON LAKE, OH (01.28.22) – Reduce under-hood temperatures and the chance of getting burned while working on a hot engine with the new Wastegate Heat Shield (#10142) from Design Engineering, Inc.
Great addition to a DEI Turbo Heat Shield for total turbo system protection, the Wastegate Heat Shield features high-tech composite materials with superior thermal insulating properties to help turbos run as efficiently as possible.
“We incorporated all of our experience building the absolute best Turbo Shield on the market, and applied it to building the best Wastegate Heat Shield,” says Mike Buca of DEI. “Offering a precise fit over the wastegate/BOV, it is without a doubt the strongest, most heat-resistant shield available.” Ideal fit for TurboSmart 40mm – 45mm wastegates – CompGate & HyperGate.
Thermal protection starts with a Titanium LR Technology™ outer layer encasing multiple stainless steel and silica inner layers. Stainless mesh and thread ensure durability even on the hottest engines, while stainless wire and true riveted tie-downs allow for a secure, simple installation.
The DEI Wastegate Heat Shield is lightweight for high-performance applications, controlling extreme heat for improved turbo system efficiency and function.
For more information about the Wastegate Heat Shield and DEI’s complete line of performance heat and sound control products, visit www.DesignEngineering.com.
CORONA, CA (01.27.22) – “Keeping the avenue of innovation open, GCH is pleased to announce we are now shipping our newest application…. a PLUG and PLAY interface, factory fitted and matched front grille exo-skeleton WITH fitted 360 degree adjustable camera AND 3 additional inputs!” Greg Delgado, GCH Owner, related.
Greg Delgado, totally committed GCH Owner, with the new RAM Camera Solution and business on his forehead.
Continuing, Delgado offered, “This new product is designed for the UAV 8.4 and UAX12.1 radios. This system installs quickly and safely for clients looking to increase their safety field around this massive and attractive truck,”
Call GCH Automotive for further details: Greg Delgado 951-847-5673
ONTARIO, CA (01.27.22) – What better way to enjoy your favorite tunes when you are not in your car than with PowerBass’ new BT-200 Portable Bluetooth Speaker. This portable speaker has dual built-in 1500 man Li-ion batteries for hours of play while at the beach, camping, at home, or even at a party. Recharge the unit with the supplied dual USB-A to USB-C charge cord and let the music play!
“This new BT-200 is pretty darn cool and sounds great,” stated David Holland, Shiflet and Dickson GM, pictured in the Gastonia NC showroom.
The PowerBass BT-200 SPLIT takes TWS True Wireless Stereo to a new level when you remove the rubber bumper protector and SPLIT your BT-200 into two speakers! Place them across the room or on each side of your pool or anywhere within 30 feet to completely surround yourself and your friends with this new modular stereo sound.
The BT-200 splits into two pieces for stereo and features passive radiators for enhanced bass.
The BT-200 PowerBass SPLIT is bluetooth-ready and will pair with most bluetooth devices such as iPhone, iPod, android, and more.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (01.27.22) – A new Professional Development Program launched by the SEMA Future Leaders Network (FLN, formerly Young Executives Network, YEN) is helping aspiring leaders in the automotive aftermarket reach greater levels of success. Sponsored by FLN in partnership with Dale Carnegie, the two-day, in-person program focuses on improving individual and business performance and is available exclusively to FLN members at a significant discount.
“The SEMA Future Leaders Network is committed to helping aspiring leaders advance in the industry,” said FLN Chair Nick Caloroso. “Partnering with a world-class organization such as Dale Carnegie is just one example of what we are doing to invest in the membership. I’ve been fortunate to have been able to participate in the Dale Carnegie Training, and I’m excited that other FLN members will have access to the program as well.”
While Caloroso’s employer, Driven Lighting Group, supported his participation in the Dale Carnegie Training, most aspiring leaders in the industry do not have such opportunities. To make the training attainable for all employees, including junior level executives and those from small businesses, FLN is subsidizing 50 percent of the cost of the training, plus offering free hotel and meals for two days, two nights to a limited number of members.
“It’s important to invest in training, and the Dale Carnegie Program is among the best that is available,” said Brian Reese, current CEO of T Sportline and Caloroso’s employer at Driven Lighting Group at the time of the training. “Nick has always been a terrific leader and team member, but the Dale Carnegie program has given him greater skills and knowledge to become an even better leader. He’s learned strategies and tactics that many seasoned professionals have yet to learn.”
The program, which will take place in March 2022 in Diamond Bar, California, will teach participants to:
Communicate professionally and confidently in business situations
Engage others by building rapport, asking pertinent questions, and listening
Build relationships and deal effectively with people in a multitude of scenarios
Gain cooperation and influence people, including direct reports, laterally and upward
Use emotional controls to sustain success
The program is available at half of Dale Carnegie’s regular fee and includes complimentary meals and hotel accommodations for two nights. (Cost for the program is $1,600 direct from Dale Carnegie.) Participants will also need to arrange their own travel to the event.
The program is limited to 25 FLN members, but any SEMA member company employee aged 40 and under can apply for FLN membership at no cost. Individuals interested in learning more can visit pages.message.sema.org/FLN-Profession-Development/ or contact Denise Waddingham, FLN Director, at deniselw@sema.org
HOLLY HILL, FL (01.26.22) – Heise LED Lighting Systems by Metra Electronics is now shipping three new sets of LED wheel lights, available in 14-inch, 15.5-inch, and 17-inch sizes, for RGB, RGBW, and RGB chasing light options. These wheel rings have sturdy metal frames that are constructed from anodized aluminum and lined on two sides with IP68 rated LEDs to produce a brighter glow. The light ring sets include stainless steel hardware, harnesses, and have water-resistant connectors for a long-lasting installation. The lights mount to the OE disc brake shield and have thread locking adhesive included for a worry-free install.
RGB Wheel Lights
Heise’s RGB wheel lights show a single color at a time, with 16 million different options to choose from using the Metra RGB app. These lights require the RGB-CB1 controller, which is sold separately and allows it to work with other Heise RGB lights on the same control box (see the website for compatible lights).
Heise’s RGBW lights have all of the same features as their RGB lights, plus the ability to choose a pure white LED light. These lights require the RGBW-CB1 controller, which is sold separately and allows it to work with other Heise RGBW lights on the same control box (see the website for compatible lights).
For drivers who want to show multiple colors at the same time, Heise’s RGB chasing lights offer more than 170 pre-programmed modes for patterns with 16 million different RGB colors. 12volt triggers are available for the turn signal and brake. It includes the RGB controller with two wireless control options; an included remote control or using a free app for a smartphone or tablet. This light set’s controller is not compatible with other Heise RGB lights.
Heise has a detailed installation video at https://youtu.be/A5PelNFUcQw with step-by-step instructions online. Installers should measure and confirm the proper wheel size using the instructions. Vehicles that have a wheel base over 144 inches will need extension cables. (Visit HeiseLED.com for details). A special training session covering these new products will also be hosted at KnowledgeFest at the South Point Convention Center from February 18th to 20th.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (01.26.22) – Nominations for the 2022 SEMA Hall of Fame class are open at www.sema.org/hof
Induction to the Hall of Fame is the most prestigious award presented to an individual by the association and honors the pioneers who have contributed to the growth of the automotive aftermarket over a long period of time.
March 18 is the deadline to submit nominations for the 2022 SEMA Hall of Fame, which honors the pioneers who have contributed to the growth of the automotive aftermarket.
“Our industry is fueled by nothing short of passionate and hard-working individuals. The SEMA Hall of Fame honors those whom without, our industry would not be what it is today,” said Nathan Ridnouer, SEMA VP of Councils and Membership. “Our industry’s input in the selection process is an invaluable asset to the association in identifying deserving hall of fame inductees.”
Since its inception in 1969, 165 individuals have been inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame.
PITTSBURGH, PA (01.26.22) – Consumer Electronics rep firm End Result, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has confirmed the dates for its popular consumer electronics dealer and manufacturer showcase. Marking its 18th event, The End Result Show will take place on Friday, March 18 at the Bridgewater Conference Center, 10561 Sawmill Parkway, Powell, OH—a location that is easily accessible for dealers located in Ohio, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania.
Click above to hear End Result Show details from Ed Dalesandro.
The one-day event, designed to motivate and educate retail sales teams is entitled, A Time for Transformation to Revive, Survive, and Thrive which is “absolutely needed to successfully move forward in 2022,” stated Ed Dalesandro, Principal of End Result and organizer of the show. Home audio, video, and aftermarket automotive retailers are invited to attend to see and hear new products from exhibiting manufacturers, attend educational seminars that cover all the bases from technical sessions to advice on how to create attention-grabbing in-store displays, to effectively using social media to your advantage. After a full day of activities, all are invited to a special networking social event.
Dalesandro continued, “These are crucial times for brick and mortar independent dealers that are trying to adapt to survive and thrive again. As a rep in the consumer electronics industry, I feel it’s my job to provide dealers with the tools they need to be successful and compete in this moving target of a world. It will take ‘out of the box’ thinking to maintain customer flow and this could be a boom for all of us but it must be carefully orchestrated and well-thought-out.”
PITTSBURGH, PA (01.25.22) – Team Nutz, a very proactive 12volt retailer in the Pittsburg area, returned to the MAX Motive World of Wheels again this year at the David Lawerence Convention Center in downtown Pittsburgh Friday – Sunday, January 21st-23rd.
End Result’s Rusty North and Ed Dalesandro flank Tom Mays (2nd L) and Ed Nuttall in the Team Nutz booth at the David Lawrence Convention Center.
Team Nutz had a 70’ x 80’ booth that was filled with demo vehicles, tents, show car displays, live installations and importantly consumers. End Result, with Ed Dalesandro and Rusty North, was onsite with the Team Nutz staff of 20 who worked the show. The End Result rep firm brands Hertz, Audison, Memphis Audio, Race Sport Lighting and Nakamichi were installed in several demo vehicles and experienced by thousands of attendees. In all over a dozen customized vehicles were spotlighted in the Team Nutz in addition to free-standing product displays.
High school students loaded up with Team Nutz swag on Friday morning… over 800 were at the event.
Ed Nuttall, for Team Nutz, stated, “The attendance was reported to approach 20,000 and members of the crowd were really interested automotive consumers. We had literally over 10,000 customized swag items including pens, stickers, tote bags, screw drivers and lanyards to hand out to attendees. We gave out over 1500 tote bags. We also had a Txt to Win promo to win a lift kit plus a custom QR Code in play that we will use in additional ways to connect after the event with attendees that were in our booth.”
Watch the video above of the Team Nutz Booth at the World of Wheels with Ed Nuttall and Ed Dalesandro.
Continuing, Nuttall offered “Friday was high school day and we had 800 students at the show. Many picked up Team Nutz tote bags they will be carrying in the halls at school. This year we created more interactive display experiences for attendees in our booth. From start to finish we wrapped a security company van, with attention grabbing custom graphics. To show the quality of our Auto Magic car care products we polished several vehicles and made them shine with Graphene coat. Also, we completed a Katzkin leather seat job for a Ford Mustang. The All Ways Safe International truck that debuted at SEMA 2021 and loaded with Memphis Audio, lights and custom interior got attendees very interested and asking questions.
“Demonstrations like that at a show definitely plants seeds for future business. Ed Nuttall and Nina, along with the Team Nutz crew, orchestrated a great event,” Rusty North commented.
Team Nutz owner Ed Nuttall (L) and Rusty North with a motorcycle model that Team Nutz built from parts and is on a TV stand to show consumer different bike installation options in the store.
“All at Team Nutz certainly put a lot into pulling off this event. We worked over 3 days to set up and tear down took 3 hours. We put our company and products in front a very large number of people. Literally thousands went home with some swag with our name on it too. This week after the event we will begin to follow the QR Code activity as well. We look forward to more big events at the David Lawrence Convention Center,” Nuttall concluded.
538This custom installed Nakamichi DSP was introduced at the show and drove the sound in a stock Ford Focus to a whole new level.
Utilizing the 12voltSTP Tool, with images supplied from End Result and friends, the 12volt Central Studios is delivering this fresh news to members of the 12volt industry.
NASHVILLE, TN (01.25.22) – J. D. Eatherly, age 92 of Nashville, TN passed away peacefully in his favorite chair with his wife and grandson Josh by his side on Saturday January 22, 2022. He was Born and raised in Clarksville, TN and was the son of the late Jesse William and Douglas Serenia Chester Eatherly. He was preceded in death by his son, Steve Eatherly and step-daughter, Pam White.
When J.D. left the Marine Corps in the 40’s he went to Detroit and started working for a Rayco Auto Service franchise installing seat covers and vinyl tops. Shortly after that they opened a Rayco franchise store in East Nashville TN in the early 50’s and he transferred from Detroit to Nashville to be closer to home. In the late 50’s they opened a second Rayco Franchise downtown Nashville. It was there that in the early 1960s J. D. saw the need for a speed shop in Nashville, TN and started his own business known as Rayco Racing Division.
As the company started to grow, it later became Tennessee Speed Sport in 1962. The business continued to grow and in 1967 he incorporated P&E Distributors, dba Tennessee Speed Sport. All through the 1970’s and into the 1980’s the wholesale division of the company flourished and still continues today. He was an avid NASCAR fan. J. D. was also a very successful Real Estate Developer in his retirement and he was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran.
Survivors include his wife, Daisy Duke Eatherly of Nashville, TN; children, Sandy Cantrell (Gary) of Bell Buckle, TN, Donnie Eatherly (Donna) of Hendersonville, TN, Sue Ann Jennings (Al) of Lebanon, TN; step-children, Barry Burnette, Vickie Corbitt, Rhonda Burnette (LeAnne Searcy) and Martene Beasley all of Nashville, TN; daughter-in-law, Darcy Eatherly; step son-in-law, Barry White; many grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be Thursday January 27, 2022 at 3 PM from the Chapel of Taylor Funeral Home with Bro. Steve Baggett officiating. Place of rest will be in Dickson County Memorial Gardens. Visitation with the family will be Wednesday January 26th from 2 to 8 PM and on Thursday from 12 PM until time of service.