CANNONSBURG, PA (01.08.2021) – On Wednesday, January 6th, End Result and WeConekt hosted dealers for digital marketing classes. The morning and evening sessions were presented on ZOOM.
Ed Dalesandro, End Result Principal, stated “I see it as critical for dealers in 2021 to involve themselves in a platform of different digital marketing avenues to keep their businesses relevant to consumers who are more likely to search for products and services on a computer or smartphone rather than time and money on gas. Make sure your store is motivating, but initially, work to get consumers through the door. That was the focus of the two ZOOM digital marketing classes with WeConekt for dealers in the territory.”
This ZOOM screenshot shows The Digital Journey with Risa Schultz, Allison Lopez and Ed Dalesandro (T to B) during the presentation.
Each ZOOM session lasted just over an hour. During that time Allison Lopez and Risa Schultz guided attendees through a detailed strategy to understand the mechanics to set up a digital strategy for 2021.Powerpoint graphics made it easy for attendees to follow and understand the digital marketing journey.
“Working to help dealers in our territory connect with consumers is extremely important in today’s marketplace that is becoming more digital with each passing month. The WeConekt business platform takes dealers through the digital marketing journey to drive awareness and sales in their stores” Dalesandro offered.
Informative WeConekt graphic
Wayne Arlet, Total Image in Robinson PA, attended the evening session and related “The WeConekt presentation was easy to follow. Importantly there was an opportunity to clarify points. Spending time on the ZOOM presentation was time definitely time well spent. A big thank you to Ed Dalesandro for providing dealers in his territory for the opportunity to connect with WeConekt.”
Risa Schultz, WeConekt SRV VP and CoFounder, offered “Working with Ed and End Result has resulted in dealers in his territory implementing a digital strategy that is increasing sales for their respective car stereo and Home AV businesses. We look forward to guiding dealers through their journeys to connect with consumers.”
DETROIT, MI (01.08.2021) – In the automotive world, bigger has typically been equated with better. But where that was once measured in the length of a vehicle, the size of its fins, the output of its engine or the overall mass. These days, it seems, the best way for a manufacturer to say “Mine’s bigger” is to point to the video screen on the instrument panel.
It may prove difficult to top what Mercedes-Benz has in store, however, as it prepares to release its new EQS battery car. Essentially an all-electric alternative to the familiar S-Class flagship, and the anchor of the new EQ sub-brand, it will offer as an option the large, subtly curved “Hyperscreen,” a video display panel extending, the company notes, “almost the entire width of the interior, from the left to the right A-pillar.
The sort of feature once found in fantasy-in-chrome concept vehicles, “With our MBUX Hyperscreen a design vision becomes reality,” said Gorden Wagener, chief design officer for the Daimler Group. “We merge technology with design in a fascinating way that offers the customer unprecedented ease of use. We love the simplicity we created with a new level of MBUX.”
The MBUX Hyperscreen stretches from one A-pillar to the other.
For those who haven’t followed the automotive technology race in recent years, automakers have gone from basic infotainment systems relying on kludgy knobs, buttons and touchpads to increasingly sophisticated interfaces that can operate much like the voice assistants revolutionizing home technology. The MBUX is, in basic function, much like Amazon’s Alexa. Simply say, “Hey, Mercedes,” and then ask it to change a radio station, plot out a route, check traffic or weather or find the answer to a question you and your passengers are debating.
The cloud-based system made its debut just a couple years ago in the latest-generation Mercedes C-Class but is now working its way through the rest of the German marque’s line-up. And, it claims, the version that will power the Hyperscreen will be significantly upgraded using artificial intelligence and “learn-capable software” that not only will take instructions, but also intuit personal needs and make its own suggestions.
It might remind you if you forget to make a call that you normally schedule at a particular time. Or it might suggest you turn on the hot stone massage when it’s cold outside and you’re heading out on a long drive. It also might check your calendar and recommend sending someone a greeting on their birthday.
Meanwhile, the massive screen will provide additional advantages. It can be difficult to provide much information on a 6-, 8, or even 10-inch touchscreen, requiring users to navigate through a series of menus to find what they need, such as changing radio stations, canceling a route or even turning on or off the seat heaters. The Hyperscreen will allow for a “zero-layer” feature where pretty much anything you might want will be within immediate reach, especially with the AI-powered system anticipating what you need.
The Hyperscreen is not only very large, it’s impressively versatile.
“The MBUX Hyperscreen is both the brain and nervous system of the car,” said Sajjad Khan, member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz AG and CTO. “The MBUX Hyperscreen continually gets to know the customer better and delivers a tailored, personalized infotainment and operating offerings without the occupant needing to click or scroll anywhere.”
As with the large display in the current version of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, the Hyperscreen actually blends together multiple screens but does so all but seamlessly, the automaker noted in a release. It uses the latest OLED display technology to deliver extreme levels of brightness and contrast.
The Hyperscreen is organic in appearance, rather than the boxy layout found in most vehicles, meaning it wraps around the center stack and steering wheel and even two of the EV’s turbine-like air vents.
Mercedes is by no means the only automaker betting that consumers want ever bigger screens. Tesla loaded a laptop-sized display in its original Model S and, today, similar screens are used to control virtually all vehicle functions. Ford’s new Mustang Mach-E has its own computer-sized display and, as TheDetroitBureau.com reported earlier this week, spy shots show a near door-to-door display in what may be a new crossover-style remake of the Ford Fusion. The curved display in Cadillac’s new Escalade SUV measures nearly three feet.
NEW YORK, NY (01.08.2021) – SportsGrid and SiriusXM announced today the launch of the SportsGrid Radio Channel debuting on SiriusXM radios and the SiriusXM app on Channel 204. SiriusXM subscribers nationwide will have access to SportsGrid’s real-time sports news, statistics, odds, and lines, along with live expert analysis. The SportsGrid Radio channel will be available to SiriusXM subscribers 24 hours a day 7 days a week on SiriusXM radios (channel 204) in their cars or anywhere with the SiriusXM app.
SportsGrid Radio will feature a team of on-air personalities including Scott Ferrall, Gabe Morency, Ariel Epstein, and Jared Smith along with expert contributors and guest analysts. The channel streams live from the state-of-the-art production facilities located in New York City adjacent to Madison Square Garden and at the Meadowlands inside the FanDuel Sportsbook. SportsGrid’s real-time reporting includes the daily odds, lines, matchups, injury reports, news and more across pro football, basketball, baseball, hockey, college sports, golf, tennis, and soccer.
The all original SportsGrid Radio weekday line-up has 22-hours of live daily programming starting with The Early Line, weekdays from 7-9 AM ET, hosted by Erin Dolan and Kevin Walsh leading into The Morning After, weekdays from 9 AM – 12 Noon ET, hosted by the passionate and authentic Ariel Epstein and Jared Smith. The high energy topic-driven three-hour morning program covers the top sports stories of the day with the daily rundown of the Scores • Stats • Odds • News • Injury Updates • Interviews and more.
SportsGrid’s pre-game programming features Ferrall Coast to Coast, weekdays from 4-6 PM ET, hosted by popular veteran sports radio personality Scott Ferrall, followed by Game Time Decisions, weekdays from 6-7 PM ET, with Gabe Morency and Cam Stewart. Ferrall Coast to Coast previews the upcoming primetime schedule of live games and special events going over breaking news, injuries, odds, and lines. Game Time Decisions reviews last-minute updates, real-time data and intelligence with expert commentary and analysis.
Every night from 7-10 PM ET, In Play Sports Tonight hosted by Blackjack Fletcher defines the sports gaming genre with live coverage and analysis of in-play breaking news, odds, and the line movement across all major sports. In-Play Sports Tonight focuses on the popularity and emergence of in-play gaming identifying actionable game-specific odds and lines opportunities.
NASHVILLE, TN (01.07.2021) – THE SONG – Recorded Live @ TGL Farms nationally syndicated hit TV series is back for another exciting season with music’s most iconic artists performing legendary songs in some of the most scenic locations of America. Founding partner Ally returns to present Season II, as THE SONG welcomes new partners America’s legendary motorcycle brand Harley-Davidson and KICKER to the team. The 15-episode series launched Saturday, January 2 in more than 140 markets reaching 77.7% of U.S. households. The one-hour season opener highlights featured acts including Train, Jason Mraz, Jewel, Richard Marx, Clint Black, Gavin DeGraw and a very special Marley Family Celebration Of “One Love” Featuring Stephen Marley.
“Although challenging, this season’s filming actually presented us with a unique opportunity to take the show to the artists and record them where they were most comfortable – in or near their own homes,” said the show’s creator and Executive Producer Marc Oswald. “We can’t thank the artists enough for taking the time to hang with us and share their stories and incredible performances of these massive hit songs.”
Returning hosts Krista Marie and Damien Horne traveled coast-to-coast to visit legendary artists at truly spectacular and unique locations. Coffee with Jason Mraz at the Mraz Family Farm, sipping wine with Pat Monahan of Train at Concannon Vineyard in Northern California, riding horses with Jewel in the Colorado Rockies, filming Richard Marx as he performed at sunset on the beautiful cliffs of Malibu, an intimate evening with Clint Black at Analog at Hutton Hotel Nashville and jamming with the Marleys at the world famous Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla. Shooting wrapped where it all began, with Gavin DeGraw at TGL Farms located near “Music City” Nashville, Tennessee. In-depth interviews with the artists revealed never-before-heard details behind their hit songs, the inspiration and how they became woven into the fabric of popular culture.
Other exciting additions to Season II are multi-artist themed episodes such as “Grammy Winners,” “Party Anthems,” “Love Songs,” “The Songwriters,” “Acoustic Sessions” and “Rockin’ Country.” These special shows incorporate performances from artists from Season II along with CeeLo Green, Don McLean, All-4-One, Big & Rich, Rome Ramirez, Dirty Heads, Rick Springfield, Lonestar, Travis Tritt, and Gretchen Wilson from Season I.
“To have the kind of national syndication clearance on a new show in only its second season is a testament to the unique content provided by the artists involved and the dedication this amazing team has put into THE SONG,” said Executive Producer Cary Glotzer. “We had wonderful feedback on the debut season, and we’re anxious for the viewers to see this new season.”
The show is produced by Oswald Entertainment Group and Tupelo Honey and directed by renowned film and still-photographer David “Doc” Abbott. Gray Television is managing the syndication, led by Greg Conklin and George Johnson, in over 140 markets predominantly on CBS, ABC, FOX and NBC affiliates including New York, Los Angeles, Boston, Chicago, Philadelphia, Detroit, Dallas, San Francisco, Miami and Seattle. AXS TV acquired all 10 episodes from Season I, which will continue airing through 2022.
“KICKER Performance Audio is honored to be a part of Season II of THE SONG,” said Kevin Campbell, KICKER Director of Global Marketing. “Steve Irby, the founder and CEO of KICKER, is a musician who loves to design loudspeakers, and his passion for music permeates every KICKER product. That’s ‘Livin’ Loud,’ and so is THE SONG!”
For more great moments from both seasons, fans can log on to TheSong.TV to check out full performances as well as exclusive behind-the-scenes content. The site includes details for tuning into the show in specific markets. Music from the show can also be streamed on Spotify, Amazon, Apple Music, Pandora or wherever great music is heard.
A complete episodic breakdown will be available at TheSong.TV.
RINGWOOD, IL (01.07.2021) – Alan Wojtas is already on the road to present the race board lighting line to dealers. He is pictured at CJ Sounds in Katy Texas, Race Sport Lighting catalog in hand, on Wednesday, January 6th… the day after the announcement. Wojtas will cover the states of Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Arkansas.
Alan Wojtas is already on the road to present the race board lighting line to dealers. He is pictured at CJ Sounds in Katy Texas, Race Sport Lighting catalog in hand, on Wednesday, January 6th…the day after the announcement. Wojtas will cover the states of Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Arkansas.
Race Sport Lighting has announced that Alan Wotjas from Alan Wotjas Associates has been named as their Manufacturer Rep Firm for the Southwest territory, which covers Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Arkansas. Alan Wotjas Associates will oversee managing the current Race Sport Lighting business already established in the territory, as well as growing the company’s footprint in the territory with more dealers and increased distribution in the Mobile Electronics Industry. Alan begins introducing the line to his ever-growing dealer base effective immediately in January 2021.
Steve Jergensen, RSL President stated, “We are so excited to have Alan Wotjas join our team in the Southwest Territory! Alan has many years of experience and great relationships with hundreds of accounts in his territory. We like MFG rep firms that only have a few lines, and focus heavily on those lines, and Alan fits that bill perfectly. Race Sport Lighting is excited to get Alan up and running immediately to promote and train the dealers in the territory.”
Alan Wotjas, Principal of Alan Wotjas Associates stated, “Race Sport Lighting is the perfect addition for our firm and the lighting category. We will be focusing this NEW brand with a strategic mix of distributors and direct dealer accounts that will maximize their footprint in the territory. We have always had a very focused mix of lines, so the dealers and the factories get the best efforts from our firm. Dealers need to embrace new categories within the 12volt marketplace and a direct lighting specialist like Race Sport Lighting is the best partner to have on their shelves.”
DIAMOND BAR, CA (01.07.2021) – SEMA is now accepting applications for the 2021 SEMA Memorial Scholarship and Loan Forgiveness Program at www.sema.org/scholarships. Scholarships are available to students pursuing a degree or certification that leads to a career in the automotive industry, and loan forgiveness is available to employees of SEMA-member companies.
Current students and recent graduates who are paying off student loans may now apply for the 2021 SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund, which helps support the future leaders of the automotive aftermarket industry.
“It’s no secret that this past year has had its challenges. Now more than ever, SEMA is available to help support future industry innovators by providing financial assistance to current students and recent graduates who have outstanding student debt,” said SEMA Senior Manager of Professional Development Gary Vigil. “There are thousands of talented, hard-working individuals seeking careers in the automotive aftermarket. The SEMA Scholarship is designed to support this next generation and allow them to focus on their studies and work, rather than be burdened with tuition costs. The Loan Forgiveness program is intended to provide financial assistance to employees of SEMA member companies with outstanding student loans.”
Awards of up to $5,000 are available to qualified individuals. Complete details and the online application are available until March 1, 2021, at www.sema.org/scholarships.
For more information, contact SEMA Project Manager, Member Services Byron Bergmann at 909-378-4859 or byronb@sema.org.
SOLON, OH (01.06.2021) – American Bass USA has partnered with The Wholesale House Inc. (Hicksville, OH / Jacksonville, FL), naming The Wholesale House as the exclusive distributor for American Bass and VFL Audio products.
Mark Yoder-The Wholesale House President, Hillary Carnahan- Marketing Manager and Bob Weatherhead- Executive VP-CFO (R to L) pictured with American Bass products. The setting is in a recently completed 5,000 Sq Ft expansion to the company’s very large warehouse layout in Hicksville, OH.
Bob Ahuja and Mohina Ahuja, owners of American Bass, are excited about the partnership and are looking forward to working with The Wholesale House to expand sales and the product mix for the brand.
Bob Ahuja stated, “We have a longstanding relationship with owner Steve Height and The Wholesale House which is why we chose to work with them. We will still be very involved with the American Bass and VFL Audio lines but will now have the ability to move product with one of the premier 12 Volt distributors in the nation.”
The Wholesale House president Mark Yoder stated, “This is a tremendous opportunity for both American Bass and The Wholesale House to expand the American Bass and VFL Audio lines. They have always been strong brands for us and we look forward to working with Bob & Mohina to make them even bigger players in the market.”
The Wholesale House looks forward to working with all American Bass dealers and ask that you please contact The Wholesale House directly at 800-722-5553 for all your American Bass needs.
METAIRIE, LA (01.06.2021) – Oracle Lighting has announced the promotion of Melissa Parker-Boudreaux to national sales manager. Parker-Boudreaux will be responsible for leading Oracle Lighting’s inside and outside sales teams and managing upper-level distribution accounts.
“We are pleased to welcome Melissa to her new position and look forward to her success in guiding our continued growth as we close out another record-setting year,” said Tiffanie Hartenstein, CEO of Oracle Lighting. “Pairing her dedicated experience with the company and our focus on innovation, we are confident that this positioning will be an integral part of reaching the ambitious goals we have set for our future.”
Melissa Parker-Boudreaux
Parker-Boudreaux recently celebrated 10 years with ORACLE Lighting, during which she rose through administrative and supervisory sales roles.
“Moving into this new position, I see a tremendous opportunity to continue growing key markets and look forward to building higher-quality relationships with current and future customers,” said Parker-Boudreaux. “Supporting our internal team and external representatives, I will focus on driving revenue growth as well as promoting brand awareness and improving the overall customer experience.”
Louisiana-based Oracle Lighting has been designing innovative lighting products and technologies for the automotive/12Volt, powersports, motorcycle, and marine markets since 1999. Oracle’s philosophy is this: in today’s world of fly-by-night vendors, we think it is important to partner with businesses that you can trust to be there for you today, tomorrow, and for years to come.
MIAMI GARDENS, FL (01.06.21) – Versatility at its best, the DS18 EN6SLIM 6.5” weatherproof speaker enclosures can be mounted to any hard surface! The options are virtually unlimited!
Need more speakers in a vehicle? How about multiple speakers for an outside patio or inside home entertainment system? The new EN6SLIM slim speakers with enclosures are small, weatherproof, and can be easily mounted just about anywhere people want some extra sound… or can be easily be used as your main stage of sound.
The EN6SLIM models are available in white or black and both come with RGB lighting to set the mood. The speakers are 4 ohm voice coils and take 25 watts RMS each which will undoubtable produce high fidelity sound for listeners when ever and where ever needed.
SANFORD, ME (01.05.2021) – Monday, January 4th, marked a ‘soft opening’ of the new Sanford Sound store in Sanford, ME. “We had a remarkably good day with people in the store and making sales. We still have a lot to do but all is coming together and we are excited” Owner Jack Bogard related.
After closing on the new property Jack Bogard began to let people know Sanford Sound was coming soon.
The new Sanford Sound location totals 8,000 square feet with a 2 level layout. The ground floor features showroom areas for Car and Home Audio, meeting room, office space plus customer waiting room and break area. The full basement area is set up for a large installation bay area, extensive fabrication shop plus large storage areas. Floors on both levels were steam cleaned and resurfaced.
The showroom is taking shape and the company’s RZR 900, decked with Memphis Audio in spotlighted.
In the showroom area there are raised areas to spotlight demo vehicles. The Sanford Sound RZR 900 is spotlighted and decked with Memphis Audio. “Since acquiring the RZR 900 as a demo vehicle our Powersports sales increased at least three fold. Another favorite is the Classic Sanford Sound Gremlin,” Bogard stated.
Jack Bogard stands beside the company’s Classic Gremlin. Look at the expanse of the showroom.
In a Facebook post Bogard thanked the many people who helped make the new location a reality. “I sincerely want to thank my incredible employees Andrew, Kevin, Matt and Nate. Also the almost endless volunteers that came to help. Duane Caron, Mark Therrien, Steve Vincent, Eric and Sam Cheney,Trevor Brown, Brian and Brandon Carroll, Kelly O’Malley, Scott, Cherry, Bailey and Noah Chretien, Celeste, Denise and Keith Clark, Trina, Terry Moore, Jeremy Desrochers, Randy Hall, Bill Pickering, Chad and Devin Boone from Memphis Audio, Bill French from JL Audio and Colette Beaudoin from Alpine.”
Team members are headed back after a short lunch break.
The showroom floor shines in this night time shot.
Continuing, “A huge thanks to my wife Christine and my kids Ashley and Ryan, Alissa and Trevor. You are forever in my heart. It truly warms my heart having seen everyone working together to hep me build this store. There is still a ways to go but thanks to each one of you we were able to open up on Monday, January 4th.”
A new sign went up in the show.
In the basement installation and storage area there is much remodeling in progress.
Sanford Sound has been ‘The Place’ for Home AV and Car Audio products in Sanford and the surrounding area for over 25 years.
Watch for more as Sanford Sound continues to finish out the company’s new location.
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