Design Engineering’s Wastegate Heat Shield Adds Protection for Turbo Systems

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.

GCH Launches New Factory Fitted Front Camera Solution for ’19 – ’22 Ram Trucks

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

Visit gchauto.com for more.

PowerBass Shipping New BT-200 Portable Bluetooth Speaker

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.

Visit powerbassusa.com for more.

SEMA Offers Exclusive Professional Development Training for Future Leaders

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

New Heise LED Wheel Ring Lights

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).

14″: HE-RGB1-W14

15.5″: HE-RGB1-W155

17″: HE-RGB1-W17

RGBW Wheel 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).

14″: HE-RGBW1-W14

15.5″: HE-RGBW1-W155

17″: HE-RGBW1-W17

RGB Chasing Wheel 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.

14″: HE-CHASE-W14

15.5″: HE-CHASE-W155

17″: HE-CHASE-W17

Metra has a step-by-step installation video above

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.

Visit HeiseLED.com for more.

Nominations Open for 2022 SEMA Hall of Fame

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.

Click here to see the full list of inductees.

In any given year, it’s not unusual for three or four people to earn induction.

Nominations are open until March 18, 2022, and can be submitted here.

Questions can be directed to Chris Standifer, Project Manager-Recognition Programs, at chriss@sema.org, 909-978-6692.

Visit www.sema.org/hof for more.

CE Rep Firm End Result Revives Popular Dealer Event in 2022

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.”

A list of seminars will be issued in the next few weeks. Registration to attend the event for Ohio- West Virginia and west Pennsylvania dealers & distributors can be made online at: http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=cuqf65jab&oeidk=a07eizoojyt67a6a812

Note that lunch and dinner will be included to show attendees.

Stay up to date on news about the show on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/endresultonline/

Team Nutz Showcases In-Vehicle Products and Their Brand in Pittsburgh

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.

Visit teamnutztechnology.com and maxmotive.com for more.

P&E Distributors, Inc. Founding Partner Passes Away

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.

Those desiring memorials may be made to Glaucoma.org, Autismspeaks.org, NationalMSsociety.org or Fightingblindness.org.

Masters Car Stereo Wins SiriusXM Prize on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel Spin 162

SHREVEPORT, LA (01.25.22) – WTF… Win This Friday. Masters Car Stereo won the SiriusXM prize on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel 162 on Friday morning, January 21st.

The 12volt Spin-to-Win Wheel was created to bring an element of fun to the 12volt industry. The weekly 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel has now rolled into year 4.

The 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel rolled for 162nd time on Friday morning January 21st. The Wheel landed on the SiriusXM space and the Masters Car Stereo slip was drawn from the jar. An Instagram post of the winning slip was posted. A video of the wheel spin was also posted.

We reached out to Masters Car Stereo and gave Chris Hansen the good news that a SiriusXM Tuner would be headed their way.

Spinning out a winner each Friday, a lucky 12volt retailer can win a cool prize and top brands receive visibility across the marketplace.

12volt brands with a space on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel include Kicker, NavAtlas, SiriusXM, AIS, PowerBass, CRUX, DS18, SoundStream, JBL, Kenwood, Power Acoustik, JVC and USASpec. 12volt News $100. cash awards have spaces on the 12volt Spin-To-Wheel for a winning 12volt retailer.

Past winners of the 12volt Spin-To-Win include…Stereo & Video Center-Tyler TX, The Outlaw Garage-Franklin TN, Exotic Sounds-West Palm Beach FL, Endless Possibilities-Aurora IL., Go Auto Sound in Union City NJ, Al&Ed’s South Bay CA, No Limitz Car Audio in Upland CA, Neil’s Specialty-Eureka CA, Sturgess Customs-Lexington SC, Audio By Art-San Antonio TX, SMS Car Audio in Marreo LA and Sweet Wheelz in Mississauga Ontario Canada, Cartronics in Biscayne FL, The CarAudio Shop in St Louis MO, Exotic Sounds in West Palm Beach FL, High North Customs in Grand Prairie Alberta Canada and AMS Audio in Bakersfield CA, Team QRT in Abbeyville LA and California Sound in Fontana CA and Jackie Cooper Electronics, Oklahoma City OK, MARS Audio-Orlando FL, All American Audio in Nutley NJ, Proline Car Stereo in Brooklyn NY, Custom Shop Miami, Tunes and Tint in Lakeland FL, Mobile Concepts Inc in Mokena IL, Seismic Auto Sound in Concord CA, Brooklyn Car Audio in Brooklyn NY, Audio Solutions in Florence MS, Enhanced Customs in Largo FL, Rayco Auto Clinic, Audio Design in San Jose CA, Go Bass Mode in Florida, Avenue Sound in Freeport NY, Audio Plus in Riverview FL, Stereo Zone in Whittier CA, In-Phase Car Audio in Omaha NE, AutoLife Group, N&H Electronics, SK Customs, Land & Sea, The Audio One, NC Custom Shop,Tint World Orlando, Ricky Smith’s Audio, VIP Custom Woks, Mobile Audio Concepts, Audio Lad, Sound Sensations, Dave’s Stereo, Stereo Design, Badlands Customs, Custom Audio-Erie PA, Voltz Autosports-Bridgeport CT, Infinity Sound and Security-Kissimmee, Autosport Plus-Canton OH, Stereo City Pros in Carmichael CA, Devine Concepts in Naples FL, The Sound Shop in Indian Trail NC, Extreme Performance Audio in Fresno CA, Audio Depot in Arlington TX, Audio Security in Houston TX, Earmark Car Audio and Marine in Lewisville TX, Audio Jam in Bear DE, Stereo City Ontario, Ontario CA, Audio By Art, San Antonio TX, Code Zero Customs in Tulsa OK, Ken’s Car Tunes in Mobile AL, Soundz Plus in Naperville IL, Markland Designs in Lithonia GA, Electronics Plus in Salinas CA, Xtreme Autosports in Santa Clarita CA, Superior Audio Sounds in San Angelo TX, Model Electronics in Ramsey NJ, Texas Dreamz Customs in Spring TX, Wired Electronics in Linden NJ and Intense Car Audio in OKC, OK, Underground Auto in Sarasota FL, Car Toys Tulsa in Tulsa OK, Real Audio in Erie PA, Go Autosound in Union NJ, DFM Stereo in Ukiah CA, Impact Tint and Audio in Tyler TX, Mobile Sound Systems in Arlington TX, Redline Audio and Performance In Spindale NC, Car Audio Land in San Diego CA, Audio X Custom Car Audio in Florence AL, River Oaks Car Stereo in Houston TX, American Radio Orlando in Sanford FL, Illustrious Customs in Woodbridge VA, Remote Start Pros in Lawrence MA, HiPro Audio in Victoria TX, AudioPlanetNY in Huntington Station NY, Endless Possibilities in Aurora IL, Audio Finesse in Santa Monica, Drive Customs in San Luis Obispo CA, Custom Works, Noblesville IN, AtoZ Detail in West Haven CT, Cars 843 in Charleston SC, CarTunes Atlanta in Atlanta GA, Mobile Concepts in Garwood NJ, Duke’s Car Stereo in Flint MI, Infinity Auto Sound, King Car Audio in Norwalk CT, PopTronics in Baltimore MD, Sanford Sound in Sanford ME, Angelvip2474 in Draper UT, Dynamic Car Audio in Baltimore MD, Hi-Pro Audio in Victoria TX, Car Stereo Max in Houston, Pro Audio Center in Richland MS, Rhodes Off-Roads in Farmington MO, Model Electronics in Ramsey NJ, Class A Sounds in Athens OH. Just Audio Video in North Providence RI, CT_Custom in Philadelphia, Audio Solutions in Florence MS and The Audio Shop RC in Rapid City SD, DG Motorsportz in High Point NC, ST Mobile in Texarkana TX, AR Custom OC in Orange CA, Temecula Mobile Sound in Temecula CA, Unique Auto Sound in Lindenhurst NY, D’s Garage in Corona CA and DS2 Mobile Solutionz in Tomball TX, C G Car Audio in Kissimmee FL, California Audio in West Valley City UT and The Action Audio Store in Wethersfield CT, Eclipse Car Audio in Vancouver WA, Electronics Depot Car Audio in Altamonte Springs FL. Car Audio Garage in Pearland TX, Pinnacle Autosound in Lake City FL, J H Audio in Bowling Green VA, The Car Audio Shop StL in High Ridge MO, Anthonys Car Stereo in North Highlands CA, Flynn Audio in Middleton WI, Living Loud Car Audio in Pelham AL, Trail Star Audio in Minnesota, On The Spot Audio in Pennsauken NJ, Animated Car Audio in Essex MD, West Coast Car Audio in Citrus Heights CA, Modified Auto Sound in East Alton IL, Star Car Audio in Hermiston OR, VapeNAudio in Clovis CA, SoundWorks in Millersville MD Eclipse Car Audio in Vancouver WA, J A Custom Audio in Houston TX Jose Electronics in North Hills CA, Sound Proof Car Stereo in Douglasville GA, Auto Additions in Springfield IL and Elite Car Audio in Hollywood CA. Congratulations to all.

WTF… Where’s the Fun. On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel… on Friday, January 28th.