Race Sport Lighting Launches TRIO-GOLD Series LED Kits with Light Changing Performances

RINGWOOD, IL (11.20.2020) – Race Sport Lighting has launched their TRIO-GOLD Series 3K 5K and 6K Switchback LED conversion MICRO-FITMENT kit that ranges between 2200-4000 LUX of light output! Designed for the ultimate on-road / off-road experience for drivers with the ability to switch between 3K gold fog cutters, 5K pure white OEM, and 6K luxurious crystal white headlight or fog-light kelvin colors.

This versatile switchback performance kit features a 3 kelvin color switching function on the single beam headlight and fog light base models, and 2 kelvin color switching capabilities between 3K and 5K on the (4) dual beam headlight bases available. The LUX output is incredible as well on this product measuring at 2,200LUX on the 6K, and as much as 4,000 LUX max on the 3K gold for a powerful cutter in misty and foggy environments to see the best.

“This is a dealer driven invention that we have been getting a lot of feedback for this year. Dealers have been wanting a 3K gold LED kit that performance the best in nasty weather environments, but still want their 5k and 6K Kelvin options too. This product gives the dealers exactly what they have been asking for in 1 product. It’s going to be an extremely popular series for Race Sport Lighting this year,” commented Steve Jergensen, President, Race Sport Lighting.

Click here for TRI-GOLD series product details.

“I can’t wait to offer this solution to dealers! In the past, we would only offer them HID 3K gold options for this request on the tech lines, and that works well, but some customers simply want the LED 3K Gold. I personally have tested this product in the lab and on the road, and dealers are going to love the performance they are going to be able to offer their customers,” stated Mac Gracia, Installation & Tech Support, Race Sport Lighting.

TRIO-GOLD LED Conversion kits are in stock and shipping now out of our warehouse. We encourage all our distributors and dealers to get these in stock and experience what the excitement is about.

Visit racesportnation.com for more.

New Dash Panel Colors for 1999-2002 GM Trucks and SUVs Now Shipping from Metra Electronics

HOLLY HILL, FL (11.20.2020) – Metra Electronics has added four new color options for the DP-3002 dash panel. The DP-3002 dash panels are designed for 1999-2002 full-sized GM trucks and SUVs, including Chevrolet’s Avalance, Silverado, Suburban, and Tahoe, along with GMC’s Sierra and Yukon*.

This large panel replaces the factory dash panel and provides the space for a modern Double-DIN radio. The climate controls are moved slightly and by using this dash panel and trim plate, no custom fabrication work is required.

The original DP-3002B dash panel was first introduced in matte black, but will now include a textured black, gray, pewter, and shale color option to match the factory appearance. The DP-3002 dash panels are made in the U.S.A. and available now from Metra Electronics in the following options:

DP-3002B: Matte Black
DP-3002TB: Textured Black
DP-3002GY: Gray
DP-3002PWT: Pewter
DP-3002SHL: Shale

Visit metraonline.com for more.

CE GUYS Adds to the Team with Two New Territory Managers

CHICAGO, IL (11.19.2020) – CE GUYS has welcomed Mike Bergquist and Mario Zamudio to the proactive rep firm’s team in the field.

Territory manager Mike Bergquist will cover Michigan, Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky from his home office in Michigan.

CE GUY’s Rep Firm Principal Michael Foundation stated, “As Territory Manager, Mike Bergquist will cover the states Michigan, Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky from his Michigan home office. Bergquist comes to CE GUYS with extensive experience in the bike world, and has a firm understanding of car audio, remote starts and Powersports. Mike is ambitious, excited, and already calling on dealers!”

Foundation related “We are very excited to have solid representation for all of our factories in the area Mike covers.”

Territory Manager Mario Zamudio will cover Illinois and Wisconsin from his home office in the North West Suburbs of Chicago.

Mario Zamudio will cover the states of Illinois and Wisconsin as Territory Manager. Zamudio comes to CE GUYS with 10 years outside sales experience as a representative of a highly respected Chicago distributor. Zamudio has all of the necessary relationships to succeed in this aggressive market, and plans to hit the ground running! Zamudio resides in the North West suburbs of Chicago.

Foundation offered “Mario has a full understanding of car audio, bike audio, Powersports and remote starts.”

Continuing Foundation added “We are extremely excited for the coverage and experience Mike and Mario bring to the CE GUYS territories.”

For the CEGUYS line card go to: ceguys.com

To contact Mike and/or Mario, email: info@ceguys.com

Remembering Linda Ferguson, Female Industry Trailblazer

CARLSBAD, CA (11.19.2020) – Linda Ferguson, 73, of Carlsbad California, passed away on October 23, 2020 after a long illness.

Linda was the co-founder with her husband and industry legend, Doug Ferguson of Western Sales and Marketing located in Newport Beach, California. Western Sales and Marketing was one of the most successful rep firms and distributors in the country carrying lines like Rockford Fosgate, Eclipse, McIntosh, Proton, Monster Cable, Bello, Lynnbrook, NHT, Russound and Dynamat.

Linda Ferguson

Linda started in the consumer electronics business at a time where there were very few women in leadership positions. Linda broke through all those stereotypes and became one of the most successful women in the history of the Consumer Electronics business.

After graduation, she married her high school sweetheart, Doug and they moved to San Diego California in 1966.

After retiring in 2005, Linda spent her time with her beloved daughter, Melissa.

In Lieu of flowers, Linda would like donations sent to St Paul Lutheran Church, 612 Jennings St, Sioux City, Iowa 51101.

Story provided by Rob Wempe.

DS18 Introduces a Marine Headunit That Does It All… the MRX1

MIAMI GARDEN,S FL (11.19.2020) The new DS18 is a marine headunit that can do it all! Compact, powerful, beautiful and will stand up to the rigorous punishment that all marine and off-road headunits go through. This powerful receiver features all the functions an enthusiast needs including Bluetooth, RCA outputs including subwoofer, USB linking and charging while remaining waterproof. The new DS18 MRX1 is the key to enjoying loud music with the highest quality for enjoyment on boat, in the UTV or any vehicle that may see the water frequently.

Check out the features of the new DS18 MRX1 all-in-one marine headunit that does it all.

  • V4.2 Bluetooth pairing functions so enthusiasts can play music directly from their phone or any Bluetooth source.

-It comes with precise sound settings options that lets enthusiasts control the bass, treble, balance, fade, EQ, loudness, and Subwoofer crossover with ease.

DS18 engineers have Included preset EQ options that give enthusiasts a better sound for their selected music preference that include FLAT, POP, ROCK, CLASSICAL and EQ which can be turned off all together.

  • There is an easy to read LCD display with RGB keys so enthusiasts can use the color that’s easiest to read, to set the mood of the day, or color scheme.

-Also provided is CT sync that allows for settings like time be adjusted by over the air radio frequencies.

  • The USB can transfer music along with charging the chosen device at the rate of 2a.
  • The MRX1’s sound output can’t be matched because DS18 made this unit to use 4v preamp outputs so enthusiasts can expect the highest quality sound with the voltage to push it.
  • The MRX1 has 3 outputs to accommodate fully applied systems easily with front, rear, and sub high quality outputs.

-The IP65 waterproof rating will help enthusiasts stay confident while using the headunit in harsh and wet terrain without failure.

  • This radio has an amazing power output. With a 4 ohm load enthusiasts will get 4×15 watts RMS and 2 ohm load will get 4×20 watts RMS which is enough to push most entry level speakers. (Amps will be required to install tower speakers and subs).
  • Enjoy all favorite AM/FM stations with the MRX1’s wideband AM/FM receiver that is also selectable under source controls.

As always with the new MRX1 DS18 proves ‘We Like It Loud!’

Visit ds18.com for more.

BestCarAudio.com Returns to Roots with Introduction of Test Drive Reviews

LEHIGHTON, PA (11.18.2020) – 1sixty8 media, the team behind the consumer-facing BestCarAudio.com website, is proud to announce that they will begin offering their advertising clients hands-on product reviews under the title Test Drive Reviews.

Mitch Schaffer, President of 1sixty media, said, “We’ve reached a point where it’s time to take the information available to consumers to the next level. Thankfully, we have Dave MacKinnon in charge of content for BestCarAudio.com. His extensive experience in developing, testing and reviewing mobile audio products is nearly unmatched in the industry. I’m very excited to be able to offer Test Drive Reviews to our clients and their potential customers.”

Dave MacKinnon at home on the bench in his location in Burlington, Ontario Canada.

Dave MacKinnon, Head Writer for 1sixty8 media and Editor-in-Chief of the BestCarAudio.com website, said, “Testing products in my lab is what got me started as a writer in the mobile enhancement industry just under 20 years ago. I’m excited to get my hands on the latest and hopefully greatest offerings from the industry and share my experiences with our readers. Educating consumers on the features and performance capabilities of the products available to them will help them make a better purchasing decision. While unboxings and videos about features are interesting, they don’t get to the core of what makes one product’s performance different from another. Our Test Drive Reviews will change that.”

Schaffer added, “As the owner of a mobile enhancement store since 1994, support for brick-and-mortar retailers is a fundamental part of how BestCarAudio.com operates. It’s at our core. The vast majority of the 300+ articles currently on the site explain solutions or technologies, then directs readers to find a car audio shop in their area that can provide them with top quality service. My hope is that the new Test Drive Reviews drive business to qualified retailers looking for quality gear.”

The BestCarAudio.com team already has products on the test bench, and the first review should be available on the website (www.bestcaraudio.com) and Facebook page (facebook.com/bestcaraudio) by the end of November 2020.

Manufacturers and distributors can find out more about the marketing opportunities available from the BestCarAudio.com website by contacting Mitch Schaffer at 570-656-6900 or mitch@1sixty8.com.

iBEAM Shipping New ADAS Products and Cameras

HOLLY HILL, FL (11.18.2020) – iBEAM Vehicle Safety Systems by Metra Electronics launched new aftermarket automotive safety products at SEMA360 that provide reliable OE-quality upgrades with easy to install options. Now shipping are two new ADAS products; a universal parking sensor system that requires no drilling, along with a two-way blind spot and lane change alert system that can be installed without removing the bumper. iBEAM is also now shipping a new wide-angle camera, a 1080p dash camera, and third brake light cargo cameras for Chevrolet/GMC and Ford trucks.

Two-Way Rear Blind Spot and Lane Change Alert System
iBEAM’s new rear two-way blind spot detection kit brings high-tech safety without the lengthy installation. The TE-BSM2 is mounted entirely inside the vehicle with one sensor mounted on the rear windshield, providing a clean and easy installation that eliminates the need for bumper removal. Unlike other systems, everything is built into a single sensor for an easy DIY installation, with no additional control modules or parts needed. This system provides both audible and visual alerts for rear blind spot detection within a 65.5ft field. An LED visual-only alert is shown if there is a vehicle in the blind spot and then the visual and audible alert is triggered if the blinker is on and a vehicle is in the blind spot, alerting the driver immediately.

No Drill Two-Sensor Parking System

Without drilling into the bumper, iBEAM’s new two-sensor parking solution, the TE-2PSK, provides enhanced accuracy and easy installation. Its reliable technology uses a higher frequency than current sensors on the market to allow for a more precise 3-foot sensing field with fewer false triggers. The TE-2PSK has everything built into the sensors with no additional control modules or parts needed, resulting in an easy to install kit that doesn’t require drilling into the bumper – simply mount the sensors and run wires. A three-zone setup for audible alerts helps drivers navigate difficult parking situations with ease. Designed for rear plastic bumpers.

Wide Angle Camera

iBEAM’s TE-190 is a 190-degree wide-angle camera that provides more visibility due to its larger field of view. This camera lens is adjustable, it is rated IP69, and has selectable parking lines. The resolution is 600 TV lines, it has a minimum illumination of 0.01 lux and can be mounted in the front, rear, or side of the vehicle.

1080p Dash Camera

The TE-DVR1080 is a new suction-cup mounted dash camera that is powered by a cigarette adapter, allowing for an easy to install solution. It has 1080p resolution at 30 fps and a 150-degree wide-angle lens. The 2-inch LCD screen shows menu options to allow the user to take video, photos, or playback media on the screen, with motion detection and parking mode features available. The G-sensor will lock video recordings if a crash is detected to avoid overwriting video footage in the event of an accident.

Third Brake Light Cargo Camera Frames

Two new third brake light cargo camera frames are now available from iBEAM. The TE-3BLCFD is designed for 2015-2020 Ford F-150, 2019-2020 Ford Ranger, and 2017-2020 Ford Superduty trucks. The TE-3BLCGM is designed for 2014-2020 Chevrolet Silverado and 2014-2020 GMC Sierra trucks. These frames add a blind spot/cargo camera to the third brake light of the vehicle with 480 TV lines resolution, selectable parking lines, and a 136-degree horizontal field of view. Both of these cameras are rated IP69 and improve rear visibility, allowing the driver to keep an eye on their cargo and rear blindspot areas.

All of these new products are now shipping with additional details available at iBEAMusa.com.

New DEI Safety Products Provide Protection for Pit Crew Eyes, Ears & Arms

AVON LAKE, OH (11.18.2020) – Things can happen in an instant in the pits, meaning your pit crew can never be too safe. Keep their eyes, ears and arms protected with safety items from Design Engineering, Inc.

DEI’s Pit Crew Safety Kit includes vision, hearing and arm protection for professional mechanics, pit crew members and do-it-yourselfers. Kits include protective eyewear, ear plugs and Kevlar sleeving, all in one package and at an affordable price.

“Safety is the most important thing, which is why DEI is proud to offer professional-grade safety protection for mechanics, pit crew members and anyone working around vehicles,” says Mike Buca of DEI. “These items allow you to protect yourself at all times while working on any project.”

Kits include:
DEI Safety Glasses – The glasses are black-framed, impact-resistant, wraparound-style protective eyewear that meets ANSI Z87 general-purpose UV requirements. They provide 100% UV protection, are scratch-resistant and are available with clear, smoke or yellow lenses for flawless vision in any environment.

DEI Ear Plugs – The plugs feature triple flanges for a comfortable, one-size-fits-all design. They are re-useable and offer a Noise Reduction Rating (NPR) of 25 decibels, with a breakaway cord included.

DEI Kevlar Safety Sleeves – The sleeves provide superior resistance to cuts, slashes and heat in environments where workers’ arms are exposed. Strong without being bulky, they withstand temperatures up to 900º F, extend past the wrist and include a thumb hole for added protection of the palm area.

In addition to the complete Pit Crew Safety Kit, DEI Safety Glasses (#070513), Ear Plugs (#070530) and Kevlar Safety Sleeves (#070520) are available for individual purchase.
 
Visit www.designengineering.com for more.

KC Trends Hosts KC Exotic Club Members and Their Supercars

OVERLAND PARK, KS (11.16.2020) – KC Trends is a very proactive retailer in Overland Park KS specializing in automotive aftermarket products. KC Trends is Kansas City’s best source for automotive luxury, performance and automotive wheels, parts and accessories since 1993.

On a recent Friday evening the company hosted members of the KC Exotic Club for an evening to showcase their exotic cars, network with peers and enjoy refreshments along with a selection of goodies from a local food truck.

Over 50 KC Exotics Club members attended the event at KC Trends.

KC Trends owner Chad Dearth related “We had over 50 exotic cars that circled the store and filled the parking lot. The least expensive ride at the event was a new 2020 Corvette. Over 120 people spent time in the store checking out our wide assortment of automotive accessories including lighting. We had a raffle and raised over $1,300 for a local charity. Michelin, Toyo and GoMobile Tires were great raffle partners for @shadowbuddies.”

This overhead shot really shows the great turnout for the KC Exotics Club at KC Trends Overland Park, KS event. The drone image from @thechazzcom.

KC Trends is very active on social media with eye-catching image posts. Many of the posts spotlight a recently completed project positioned in front of the store. KC Trends store branding is very visible in the background of many of the posts. Followers definitely see KC Trends is the place in the Kansas City area for automotive upgrades.

Exotic rides from the KC Exotic Club member in the KC Trends parking lot at sunset.

The night of the KC Exotic Club event amazing overhead drone pics @thechazzcom were posted. The overhead images of the exotic cars circling the building were truly amazing Instagram posts.

Concluding, Dearth offered “The KC Exotic Club night was terrific. To see all the vehicles surrounding the store, with their owners and friends in our showroom, was truly great. We plan for this to be an annual event.”

Visit kctrends.com for more.

Maxxsonics USA Saddened by the Passing of Lukas Louw

LIBERTYVILLE, IL (11.17.2020) – “At Maxxsonics USA, we are deeply saddened to announce the sudden loss of a colleague and dear friend of the company, Lukas Louw. Lukas was a design consultant and one of the original engineers who worked with Hifonics founder Helmut Stieglitz. Lukas remained the Hifonics Chief Engineer until his passing. Our heartfelt condolences go out to Lukas’s family.”

On his passing, Alden Stiefel, President of Maxxsonics USA, commented, “Last week Maxxsonics lost a very integral part of its family. Lukas Lowe was not only our Chief Engineer he was a very dear friend of mine and he will be sorely missed. Lukas’s contribution to the mobile audio industry will go unmatched.”

Visit maxxsonics.com for more.