DETROIT, MI (01.14.22) – New data released Wednesday by Kelley Blue Book shows that the average new-vehicle transaction price rose to $47,077 in December 2021, a new record.
That’s a 1.7% increase — $808 — from November, and a 14% increase — or $5,742 — from December 2020. The high prices stem from continued strong demand, low vehicle inventories and dealers charging at or above the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) for certain vehicles.
Luxury vehicle sales driving higher prices The types of vehicles sold also played a role in raising the average price: 18.4% of last month’s sales came from luxury cars, higher than the 16.9% share they held in June, or the 15.5% share they held in December 2016.
Dealers are charging at or above sticker price for most new cars.
“December typically is the best month for luxury vehicle sales, and 2021 followed that trend in a big way,” said Kayla Reynolds, analyst for Cox Automotive. “The result was another record in overall average transaction prices, completely driven in December by the increase in luxury vehicle sales.”
Luxury car buyers paid an average of $64,864, more than $1,300 above sticker price. A year ago, these buyers were paying more than $3,000 under MSRP.
Other vehicles prices rising as well
Yet it wasn’t just luxury buyers who were paying more. Non-luxury vehicles cost an average of $43,072, down from the record high set in November 2021, but still more than $900 above sticker price, a trend that has been consistent during the past six months.
Tesla’s average transaction prices rose more than any other brand from November to December 2021
The higher cost is being driven by the shrinking number of sedan sales, which tend to be more affordable than SUVs or trucks. Whereas the average price of a sedan in December 2021 was $42,460; SUVs averaged $46,075; vans $46,908; and trucks $55,049.
Some pricing anomalies arise
The price of all vehicles rose year-over-year, but some prices fell from November to December, with entry-level luxury cars and high-performance cars seeing a 1.7% price decline, and sports car prices falling 1.9%. But electric vehicle prices rose 13.9% from November to December, luxury midsize crossover SUV prices increased 3.3% and luxury subcompact SUV prices increasing 2.5%.
Consumers paid an average of $55,049 for their new truck in December 2021.
Among brands, Mitsubishi’s prices rose the most year over year, increasing 33.1% from December 2020 to December 2021. Other brands seeing sharp increases include Cadillac at 25%, Infiniti at 20.5%, Chevrolet at 19.6%, Acura at 19.2% and Jeep at 17.9%.
Month to month, Tesla’s average transaction price rose 16.9%, more than any other brand followed by Cadillac at 11.8%. Other brands saw far smaller price increases, mostly in the low single digits. And some brands’ average transaction price decreased, such as Mazda, down 3.7%; Rivian, down 3.6%; and Jeep down 2.6%.
NEW YORK, NY (01.14.22) – SiriusXM Holdings Inc. has announced that its subsidiary, Sirius XM Radio Inc., has acquired Cloud Cover Media, Inc. Cloud Cover Media offers Cloud Cover Music, a music for business service, and employs business management, music programming, licensing, and software development teams. Cloud Cover Music’s easy-to-use solutions and robust tech platform allow businesses to deliver music, with customized audio messaging if desired, to create the desired atmosphere for their prospects, customers, and clients.
Cloud Cover Music’s combination of an intuitive online platform and experienced large enterprise account team offers organizations of any size in any industry a robust selection of ad-free music for their business with full control over what their customers and employees will hear. Cloud Cover Music’s self-service solutions and dedicated staff offer a wide range of features and options that can be tailored for each business’ needs. Cloud Cover Music provides the soundtrack for a wide variety of commercial locations across the United States and Canada.
Cloud Cover Music joins SiriusXM Music for Business and Pandora for Business in SiriusXM’s commercial music portfolio. Together these services provide comprehensive and complementary offerings for businesses of all sizes.
The Cloud Cover Music team will continue to be led by Vice President and General Manager Mark Lehman.
“We are thrilled to become part of the SiriusXM family,” stated Lehman. “As one of the fastest growing music for business services, we’re proud of the track record that Cloud Cover Music has achieved with our tens of thousands of customers. We’re excited to have the brand recognition and strength of SiriusXM and Pandora behind us as we continue to focus on delivering the best music and messaging products for businesses.”
“Cloud Cover Music has built an advanced tech platform with a host of features that are very attractive to businesses who want an easy-to-install solution, want to be fully covered on licensing, and also want to be able to create a tailored soundtrack for their business,” said Joe Verbrugge, Executive Vice President, SiriusXM. “SiriusXM and Pandora have always offered a unique blend of great content and great technology. The addition of Cloud Cover Music to our commercial music portfolio is expected to help propel us forward and contribute to the growth of our business.”
SiriusXM was represented by Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP as counsel. Alkali Partners served as exclusive financial advisor to Cloud Cover Media, and David Wohlberg and Ekong Udoekwere represented the company as counsel.
DETROIT, MI (01.14.22) – Unmet demand for new vehicles due to unavailability forced many new vehicle buyers gobble up late model used vehicles in 2021, setting a new sales record at 40.9 million vehicles.
The total marks a 10% jump compared to 2020 results. According to Cox Automotive, more than half of those — 22.2 million — were sold by used car dealers. The strong sales came despite used car prices rising.
Used car sales set a new record of 40.9 million vehicles in 2021.
Used vehicles are expected to break a record, with the average monthly payment for used vehicles climbing to $520, an increase from $500 in the third quarter of 2021 and $437 in the fourth quarter of 2020, according to Edmunds.com.
That payment came over a slightly longer term compared to Q3 2021 — 70 months v. 69.6 months — but the payment jumped, and the amount financed rose by nearly $1,300: from $28,634 to $29,913.
LAS VEGAS, NV (01.13.22) – SiriusXM highlighted new products in the VOXX Electronics Central Hall booth at CES 2022. Paul Trueman, Sr. Director, Retail Sales worked the booth throughout CES 2022 that was shortened to 3 Days.
The VOXX Electronics booth in the Central Hall showcased the 12volt brands under the corporate umbrella.
“I was very excited about the new SiriusXM introductions. Here is why I’m excited about the RoadyBT and Road Dog BT. From an installation side there are three features that makes the process a much better experience. First the chipset and connections have been relocated to the CLP which leaves one cable to the display instead of three, this alone makes for a much cleaner installation. The Second feature is the new magnetic mounting solution which allows for more options when installing, including the ability to sell other well know magnetic mounts. The Third is in the BT name, this unit has the option to connect to the customers radio the usual ways (FM and Aux), but now has Bluetooth which again makes for a much cleaner installation.”
Paul Trueman in the SiriusXM portion of the VOXX booth during setup.
The new SiriusXM Roady BT mounted in the display on the show floor.
In the VOXX Electronics booth the new SiriusXM units were spotlighted in freestanding displays.
Continuing Trueman offered “We will also be launching a version called “Road Dog BT” for the retail truck channel. The Road Dog BT includes an antenna mount designed to work with most truck mirrors…more details to come on that.
The new SiriusXM Road Dog BT was spotlighted in a freestanding display.
Concluding “Also the launch of our updated consumer rebate. We are continuing the 3 months free of our best package with purchase of any new aftermarket radio. However we have added the option of selecting one year of our best package for only $99 (which can be paid monthly). For customer purchasing the SXV300V1 they can still take advantage of the $70 rebate which when combined with the subscription offer makes it a “No Brainer” to recommend SXM on the sales floor.”
HOLLY HILL, FL (01.13.22) – Saddle Tramp by Metra Electronics has new radio installation kits, digital signal processors, smart brake light flashers, a new and improved handlebar audio control retention interface, accessory harnesses, and an amp wiring kit, in stock now and shipping. All of these new products are designed to fit select Harley-Davidson motorcycle models for easy installation, giving owners better options for audio system upgrades and customizations. These new products were first shown at the 2021 SEMA Show and will also be on display at the AIMExpo in the Las Vegas Convention Center from January 19th to 21st.
Radio Installation Kits Saddle Tramp’s new radio installation kits include an interface with a water-resistant enclosure, wiring harness, and an antenna adapter to make replacing the factory radio easy. The interface retains the use of the factory handlebar audio controls and other features, depending on the kit. The BC-HDR-K1 is for an ISO Double-DIN radio that has an “L” shaped chassis design with the chassis at the top, and the BC-HDR-K3 is for a Single-DIN radio. Both kits are designed to fit non-amplified 2014-up* Harley-Davidson Street Glide, Electra Glide, Ultra, Limited, and 2015-up* Road Glide models. Saddle Tramp’s new Police Edition kits are designed to fit 2014-up* Harley-Davidson Electra Glide FLHTP models with the police package. The BC-HDR-K4 is for an ISO Single-DIN radio and the BC-HDR-K2 is for an “L” shaped Double-DIN or modular radio with the chassis mounted at the top. Both of the kits designed for Single-DIN radios include an LCD screen to display the oil pressure and EITMS status.
Digital Signal Processors with Built-in Interface Saddle Tramp’s new patented DSPs are designed for easy integration with aftermarket or factory systems for an enhanced sound system with full tuning control. The BC-DSPL-HD1 fits 1998-2013 Harley-Davidson FLH and FLT motorcycles with plug-n-play harnessing. The BC-DSPL-HD2 fits 2014-up* Harley-Davidson Street Glide, Electra Glide, Ultra, Limited, and 2015-up* Road Glide models. The BC-DSPL-HD2’s key benefit is its advanced integration technology reflashes a non-amplified radio for a flat response curve, without the need for external equipment. This reduces the cost, saves time, and allows installers to provide better service with complete control over the upgrade. Both DSPs provide six channels of output and a fifteen-band graphic EQ per channel with a selectable slope. Installers can adjust and control the sound system specifically for the acoustics of the motorcycle and the driver’s personal audio preferences. All tuning is done wirelessly via a smart app for tablets or phones and can be password-protected once set up.
BC-DSPL-HD1 and BC-DSPL-HD2 Product Specifications ● 6 channels of output from the DSP ● 15-band graphic EQ per channel with a selectable slope (12, 24, 36, or 48db per octave) ● Built-in selectable crossover per channel (high, low & band) to achieve the perfect sound ● Independent equalization for front, rear, and subwoofer ● Time delay circuit per channel (front and rear channels can be delayed independently up to 10ms) ● Tuning setup and wireless control via a smart device application (tablet or mobile phone) ● Read, write, and store configurations for future recall ● Optional password protection feature for tuning control via the mobile app ● Small footprint for easy installation behind the fairing ● Pre-wired harness for easy amplifier installation ● Retains balance and fade control ● Built-in clipping detection and limiting circuits ● Bass knob included ● Water-resistant case & connections ● Micro-B USB updatable ● U.S. Patent 9,875,078
BC-DSPL-HD2 Features: ● Integration technology to reflash the factory radio ● Creates a flat response curve without the need for external equipment
Smart Brake Light Flashers Saddle Tramp has three new smart brake light flashers for drivers looking for better visibility by adding a strobing or flashing brake light effect. A rotary switch on the control box has selectable options for ten different patterns, such as a slow flash and then solid light, or constant strobe. This plug-n-play flasher is easy to install and is designed specifically for the original factory rear brake lights, and is not compatible with rear bullet-style brake/turn signal lights. The BC-HDSSF1 fits 2014-up* Harley-Davidson Street Glide, Road Glide, and Road King Touring models, the BC-HDSSF2 fits 1996-2013 Electra Glide, Ultra Classic/Limited, Road King/Classic, and Road Glide Standard/Ultra/Custom Touring models, and the BC-HDSSF3 fits 2010-2013 Street Glide and Road Glide Touring models. BC-HDSSF1/2/3 Product Specifications ● Add a flashing or strobe light effect to brake lights ● 84 watts/7-amp selectable strobe light ● 10 selectable patterns for LED lights ● Works with original factory LED or incandescent rear brake lights ● Plug-n-play installation
Handlebar Audio Control Retention Interface Saddle Tramp’s new and improved BC-HDSWC-WR interface retains the use of the factory handlebar audio controls when replacing the radio. It is designed to fit 1998-2013 Harley-Davidson FLH and FLT models with a fairing, without the factory amplifier, and with two speaker systems. It uses patented Auto-Detect technology that configures itself for the specific motorcycle application and connected aftermarket radio. It now includes a water-resistant case and comes with a plug-n-play harness for easy installation. This interface also provides wires for speakers, constant power, switched power and ground.
Accessory Harnesses Saddle Tramp continues to make wiring aftermarket audio systems even easier with plug-n-play connections designed to fit Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Their latest accessories include the BC-9711 rear speaker retention harness for 1998-2013 Harley-Davidson FLH and FLT models, complete with pre-terminated Molex™ terminals and oxygen-free copper wiring. The BC-9717 is a plug-n-play rear speaker bypass harness used for splitting the inputs and outputs when installing aftermarket amplifiers in 2014-up* Harley-Davidson Ultra Limited models. For adding aftermarket 12volt accessories to a power source, the BC-9719 is a battery accessory Y harness with OE connectors designed to fit 2004-2013 Harley-Davidson Touring FLH/FLT models and 2014-up* Touring and Trike models with Stage II Boom!™ Audio packages.
Amp Wiring Kit Saddle Tramp’s new BC-9703 is an amplifier wiring kit designed to fit 2014-up* Harley-Davidson FLH and FLT models. It is used for installing single or dual amplifiers in the front fairing with a quick disconnect for each amplifier. It is constructed with oxygen-free copper for the best possible conductivity and audio performance and includes 8-gauge 5.5-foot power and ground wires, a 60-amp mini ANL fuse and holder, an ignition T-harness for amplifier turn-on, and an over mold split to two 10-gauge power and ground wires.
All of these new motorcycle products are in stock now, with additional details and wiring diagrams available at MetraOnline.com. AIMExpo attendees can see them in person at booth 2005 from January 19th to 21st at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Metra Electronics will also be participating in the Parts Unlimited and Drag Specialties Spring NVP Expo from January 29th to 30th at the Kentucky International Convention Center to showcase their latest Saddle Tramp products. A special training session covering these new products will also be hosted at KnowledgeFest at the South Point Hotel & Casino Convention Center in Las Vegas from February 18th to 20th.
*See MetraOnline.com for up-to-date, vehicle specific information.
CHATSWORTH, CA (01.13.22) – The CRUX SWRGM-49R & SWRGM-49S are Radio Replacement interfaces for select General Motors vehicles 2019 – Up that are equipped with a 56 pin connector for the head unit.
It facilitates the integration of an after-market radio to retain factory features in GM IOR IOS, IOT, or IOU bus vehicles. This enhanced interface is also pre-programmed for the retention of steering wheel controls and the factory back up camera if equipped.
Key Features: – Retains chime functions. – Pre-programmed to retain factory Steering Wheel Controls – RAP (Retained Accessory Power). – Provides illumination, parking brake, reverse, and speed sense outputs. – Made for non-amplified vehicles or vehicles that will have their amps bypassed
Note:
– Does not retain Bose amplifier. – Does not retain OnStar.
TEMPE, AZ (01.12.22) – Mobile Solutions announced it is going beyond its planned exhibit floor space at the Mesa Convention Center to accommodate increasing interest in its first annual MasterTech Expo, scheduled March 6-9 in Mesa, Ariz. An adjacent outdoor expanse will essentially double the exhibit area, providing attendees access to more vendors and new product experiences.
The outdoor portion of the venue makes room for more than 25 additional demo vehicles as well as large-scale product showcases and demonstration areas. The space will be closed to the public and engage attendees with new hands-on, visual and audible experiences in a spacious, uncrowded environment.
The outdoor expansion adds to an overall exhibit floor with several high-value attractions. Twenty-four well-spaced vendor booths will feature special demonstrations of product applications. The stage will spotlight the Rockford Fosgate-sponsored MasterTech Expo Build-Off and its accompanying awards presentation with featured speakers, plus a technical drawing session with celebrity vehicle designer Dave Kindig. And the in-hall dining space will cater a complimentary buffet for attendees daily.
“When we first envisioned MasterTech Expo, our priority was always to create the highest possible value for attendees,” said Bryan Schmitt, president of Mobile Solutions. “Our attendance numbers show that our message has resonated with the industry. And equally important, the need to expand our exhibit space shows our message has resonated with automotive aftermarket brands as well. We look forward to welcoming attendees this March to our first of many shows.”
For more information, or to register for MasterTech Expo, visit mastertechexpo.com.
AUBURN HILLS, MI (01.12.22) – Alpine Electronics of America, Inc. introduces two new Dual 8” Alpine Halo Preloaded Truck Subwoofer Enclosures with ProLink. The enclosures come preloaded with Alpine’s 8” S-Series (S-DB8V-TRK) and R2-Series (R2-DB8V-TRK) subwoofers and feature an adjustable linking design.
“The compact and flexible design of our new Truck Enclosures give us a competitive edge when it comes to adding enhanced bass performance to the unique environment of the truck,” said Mike Anderson, Vice President and General Manager, Brand Business Unit, Alpine Electronics of America, Inc.
Designed for Trucks From towing to travel, customers rely on their trucks to get them to their destination. Now they can have an equally reliable subwoofer enclosure that will enhance the driving experience without compromising valuable cabin space.
The Truck Subwoofer Enclosures were intentionally designed for the space underneath the backseat. Two 8” subwoofers are preloaded into a compact enclosure for under-the-seat installation and linked with a ProLink™ bracket that can adjust from 50”-40” to fit most full-size truck applications as well as select Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Gladiator applications. Height-adjustable “feet” accommodate uneven truck floors for a secure install.
Centered on the enclosures is an integrated amplifier mount tray that’s optimized for Alpine’s mono power amplifiers. This convenient design ensures that the entire system can be installed underneath the seat.
High-Performance Subwoofers Each enclosure comes preloaded with high-performance subwoofers that are tuned for the unique cabin environment of the truck and add deep, accurate bass to the sound system. The ported enclosures house 8” S-Series (S-DB8V-TRK) or R2-Series (R2-DB8V-TRK) subwoofers that provide options in both power and price. The 600W RMS S-DB8V-TRK was designed for optimum performance at an approachable price while the 750W RMS R2-DB8V-TRK features deeper, more authoritative bass that can be played at higher volumes.
The enclosures were designed with dual voice coil drivers, wired in parallel for a 2Ω load to take the guesswork out of choosing an amplifier that’s compatible in power rating.
Groundbreaking Alpine Halo Design The new Truck Subwoofer Enclosures join the Alpine Halo Family with a premium, unmistakable design. The enclosure pulls design cues from the Alpine Halo Display with unique, curved edges outlined by a silver trim and a front link bracket cover with an Alpine logo badge. The enclosures are built with sturdy, 5/8” MDF construction covered in a premium black carpet that will provide a premium look in the truck.
The R2-DB8V-TRK and S-DB8V-TRK will ship in January 2022 at a MAP of $799.95 and $699.95 respectively and will be available at Alpine Authorized retailers and at Preferred Online Stores. Installation options can be found on the Alpine-USA website through the store locator.
Product information is based upon current information at the time of press but cannot be guaranteed. All designs, features, specifications, and delivery dates are subject to change without notice.
AVON LAKE, OH (01.12.22) – Help prevent burns and block uncomfortable cabin heat from hot exhaust pipes with new Titanium Knitted Sleeves from Design Engineering, Inc.
Designed to fit 4″ OD tube sizes, the sleeves have a max temperature rating of 1,800°F and a continuous rating of 1,382°F. They are available in 12″ (#10038) and 24″ (#10040) lengths and can be cut to fit.
“Prevent burns and block uncomfortable heat with these new Titanium Knitted Sleeves,” says Mike Buca of DEI. “Designed to protect components from heat damage, they are perfect for larger exhaust pipes, as they can expand up to 1.5 times their normal diameter to install over flanges and sensor threads.”
Featuring a thick basalt material, the lightweight sleeves can easily be trimmed to size and rolled at the ends. Kits include locking ties and tool to secure the sleeves to the pipes.
For more information about Titanium Knitted Sleeves and DEI’s complete line of performance heat and sound control products, visit www.DesignEngineering.com.
LOVELAND, CO (01.11.22) – The KICKER AMA ArenaCross 6-City Series, with 10 races, kicked off January 7th and 8th at the Budweiser Events Center in Loveland, CO.
The Budweiser Events Center in Loveland, CO was the site of the January 7th and 8th KICKER AMA ArenaCross.
“It was cold with snow outside but inside the action on the track was red hot both nights and the attendees were Livin’ Loud. We had a display area in the lobby area and virtually everyone who entered the Budweiser Events Center had to pass by the KICKER setup. We had a selection of KICKER products for all to see. For at least 90 minutes on Friday and 2 hours on Saturday we were talking to members of the crowd about KICKER. Colorado is truck country so the new KICKER L7T under seat drew a lot of attention as did the OE Direct fit speakers. Powersports in strong in the Rockies so the KICKER PowerBar grabbed attention too,” Lorin Morrell-Maddog-Media, who orchestrates the KICKER AMA ArenaCross Series events, related.
KICKER product setup in the lobby before the event began.
Track prep early Friday.
The Budweiser Events Center was built as a hockey arena that holds about 7000 people. For the ArenaCross event the stands were pushed back a bit to set up the fairly short, but well designed track, for riders. For Saturday night’s event the stands were nearly full. Over 300 riders were on hand both days to take practice runs plus amateur and pro riders on the track for dozens of heats through the evening from 6 until well after 10PM.
Riders on the track raced for the top spot on the podium.
The event center was built for hockey and it was a quick trip around the track for riders.
Matt Macias, Colorado staff member of Santa Fe Distributing in the Rockies, was on hand Saturday night to work the booth along with Lorin Morrell. “Lorin does such a great job getting everything set up to showcase KICKER at the AMA ArenaCross events. So many attendees are interested in the KICKER products that will fit their rides,” he stated. Macias resides in Aurora CO about an hour from Loveland. Santa Fe Distributing in a key KICKER Distributor of longstanding based in Lenexa KS.
Lorin Morrell gives a big thumbs up with the winner of the T-Shirt toss with his KICKER BullFrog Prize.
Matt Macias (R), Santa Fe Distributing, was on site for the Saturday day event and is pictured with Lorin Morrell and more KICKER Bullfrog prize winners.
In addition to the action on the track T-shirt are fired into the crowd during race breaks and track maintenance periods. An air cannon fires wrapped KICKER T’s into the crowd. A special T has a certificate wrapped inside for a KICKER BullFrog to be picked up at the KICKER display in the lobby. Crowd member also participate in flag-waving sessions for a chance to win a KICKER BullFrog.
The 2022 KICKER ArenaCross Series will be Livin’Loud.
Concluding Morrell added, “The KICKER AMA ArenaCross got off to a great start in Loveland and the next stop is Amarillo TX on Saturday, January 15th. We look for a great turnout there as well. The KICKER AMA ArenaCross is Livin’ Loud in 2022.”
12VoltNews.com 