CAMARILLO, CA (04.21.23) – ORCA Design and Manufacturing announced it will hold a training and certification event on the upcoming Gladen GA-BARNIE (Binaural Audio Record Non Interferece Elaborate) sound measurement system, June 1-4, at Mobile Solutions in Tempe, Ariz. The in-depth workshop will be held in conjunction with Mobile Solutions’ MasterTech training module. Participants will be selected by Orca and receive complimentary tuition, meals and hotel accommodation.
The GA-BARNIE debuted at KnowledgeFest Las Vegas and MasterTech Expo earlier this year. The unique system consists of a faux head with built-in microphones at the ear locations. The head is placed in the vehicle to emulate how drivers and passengers receive sound, enabling the technician to precisely tune frequencies and align the timing at which sounds reach the listener. The GA-BARNIE connects to, and works with, DSP-equipped Gladen / Mosconi amplifiers.
“We are very excited about the introduction of the BARNIE system,” said Nalaka Adikari, national sales director of Orca. “This training and first-of-its-kind certification will ensure our technicians fully understand the power and benefits of BARNIE combined with Gladen Mosconi DSP. Our objective is to empower retailers to create accurate and unique sound experiences for their clients.”
The GA-BARNIE will be available to Orca retailers this quarter.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (04.21.23) – The vehicular market segment that industry-watchers refer to as the “powersports” market is, in a way, easier to label than it is to define. What, after all, is the connective tissue that joins such disparate market segments as ATVs and side-by-sides, motorcycles and dirt bikes, snowmobiles and personal watercraft–especially considering that very few of these vehicles are ever used in a “sporting,” i.e., competitive venue?
Whatever it is, one thing is certain: the powersports market is growing. The U.S. market experienced an unprecedented surge in demand in the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, and combined with low levels of inventory, the market enjoyed record profitability at the dealership level. Likewise, the global powersports market grew by a record-setting 10% in global unit sales in the year 2020, according to a 2022 study from Stratview Research. And while sales have cooled gradually since then, more growth is the outlook going forward.
Polaris RANGER SP 570 NorthStar Edition
How much? The global powersports market, currently valued at $37 billion, is forecast to reach a valuation of $69 billion by 2032, with a 6% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) during the period, according to a 2023 survey published by Allied Global Insights. This expected surge is ascribed to several factors, including the increased popularity of larger side-by-side UTVs in the North American market; the lingering impacts of COVID-19 and its stimulative effect on backcountry travel; increased allocations from government entities for military use; increased consumer demand in South America and the Middle East; and increased demand for electrification, particularly in the European market.
In any event, the powersports market presents considerable growth opportunities for companies that currently serve this sector, as well as for others that can innovate new technological advancements for these vehicles and bring them successfully to market.
For this article. we consulted several industry experts for their assessments of the powersports market. What follows has been edited for clarity and length. This article was written by Douglas McColloch for sema.org
SPRINGFIELD, MA (4.20.23) – On Wednesday, April 12th, Cicada Audio set up on the event floor at the MassMutual Center in Springfield with dozens of other 12volt brands.
The Cicada Audio tent set up on the GoFast ME23 event floor.
Marty Deane, Cicada Audio Director of Sales, related, “We had recently partnered with GoFast Solutions so the timing was super to get Cicada Audio rolling in the territory. Under the tent in our booth we showcased a great Harley build from InFocus Mobile Audio. Owner Justin O’Neil and Harley owner Andy LaBranche brought the Harley from Windham NH which is about 100 miles away.
Attendees gathered around for a demo of Andy LaBranche’s Cicada Audio loaded Harley from InFocus Mobile Audio.
In the booth the Harley drew attendees from across the event floor when the volume was cranked. The modified Harley was on an old frame and motor with 2014 and up electronics. For the GoFast a Cicada Audio was added to the system.
“Andy’s Harley was definitely rockin’ with clarity as a 4-speaker system driven by Cicada Audio amplifiers,” Justin from InFocus Mobile Audio stated.
“The GoFast ME23 was definitely a good event for Cicada Audio. Our area rep Art Rickless was in the house and we were able to deliver information about our brand to attendees and definitely provided demos through the day,” Deane added.
Marty Deane Cicada Audio Director of Sales
Rickless, A.I.R. Associates, commented, “There was definitely the feeling of energy in the MassMutual center as industry members connected with vendors plus their fellow dealers and friends. We have several dealers in the territory turning out bikes loaded with Cicada Audio and our riding season up here is just around the corner.”
METAIRIE, LA (04.20.23) – Oracle Lighting is proud to announce it will exhibit during Jeep Beach 2023, held in Daytona Beach, Fla. from April 23-30 as part of the event’s 20th anniversary celebration.
“Jeep Beach is the ideal event to showcase Oracle Lighting’s Jeep-specific lighting solutions,” explained Melissa Parker-Boudreaux, Oracle Lighting National Sales Manager. “As an American company that designs our products with pride in Louisiana, Jeep is an iconic brand and Jeep owners are hard-core enthusiasts that only want the best aftermarket products for their rides. So, partnering with Jeep Beach is a great match and we can’t wait to get to Florida for this year’s event.”
According to event organizers, Jeep Beach is one of the largest Jeep-exclusive events in the world, attracting more than 225,000 people and 25,000 Jeeps to Daytona Beach, Fla. in 2022. All 50 states and 34 countries were represented last year.
During Jeep Beach 2023, Oracle Lighting will feature a number of its new and acclaimed Jeep-specific lighting solutions, including the Jeep Oculus Headlight, Jeep Flush Tail Lights, Integrated Light Bar, Side Track, Skid Plate, and more.
Oracle will also be offering on-site sales and swag (free with purchase).
Louisiana-based Oracle Lighting has been designing innovative lighting products and technologies for the automotive aftermarket 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.
CHESHIRE, UK (04.17.23) – CTK UK distributed by In Car Products Limited welcomes Mike Keenan as Head of UK Sales.
Mike brings an extensive background in the automotive industry working with premium brands within the sector over a 15 year period. Throughout this period Mike has worked within both the UK and European countries working with distributors using his skills as an effective communicator, manager and strategic planner to provide company results.
“Being within the industry for such a long time and developing not only a skill set but as a person, the opportunity to work with In Car Products Limited and head CTK within the UK and Ireland was one not to be missed knowing from my experience is one of the market leading manufactures within Europe for sound deadening and thermal insulation products” said Mike Keenan.
“We are thrilled that Mike has joined the In Car Products team” said Daniel Molyneux, Finance and Operations Director. “Mikes industry experience and talents will ensure we drive and continue to grow the CTK sound deadening and thermal insulation across the United Kingdom and Ireland.”
Mike will oversee the distribution across the whole of the UK and Ireland.
MIRAMAR, FL (04.19.23) – JL Audio, the leader in premium, high-performance marine audio systems, announced the launch of its MediaMaster® Remote app on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Designed to work with the latest JL Audio MediaMaster marine audio source units and network controllers, including the MM105, MM105-HR and MMR-40, the MediaMaster Remote app connects via Bluetooth Low Energy technology and offers comprehensive control of all system features and settings.
“These apps represent an exciting control upgrade for the vast number of vessels that feature the latest MediaMaster audio source units as standard or optional equipment,” said Stephen Leigh, Sr. Vice President, Electronic Engineering, JL Audio. “The wireless control functionality and display of music data offered by the apps is comprehensive, far exceeding the features found on typical wired controllers and key fob-style remote controls.”
The MediaMaster Remote app from JL Audio furthers the brand’s mission of providing the absolute best sounding and feature-rich audio solutions for boating, powersports and RV customers. JL Audio’s MediaMaster Remote app features a clean, intuitive user interface that mirrors the UI layout and menu structure of its MM105 source unit, MMR-40 network controller, and the JL Audio control apps for popular multi-function display (MFD) systems.
Main control functions of MediaMaster Remote mobile app include: · Power ON/OFF · Source navigation and selection · Stored presets · All volume level controls (master & individual zones) · All subwoofer level controls (master & individual zones) · All tone & balance controls (master & individual zones) · Source specific settings ·
The JL Audio MediaMaster Remote iOS and Android apps are available immediately for free on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. App functionality requires no additional hardware but requires the latest source unit software (version 1.0.1325) to be installed, which can be downloaded here: jlaudio.com/MediaMaster-Support
POMPANO BEACH, FL (04.19.23) – RDV Automotive Technology the go to company for Wireless CarPlay integration is proud to announce an exclusive partnership with Mighty Mount, one of the industry leaders in universal mounts. RDV will serve as the exclusive 12 Volt US distributor for Mighty Mount products.
Rich DeSclafani displays 2 of the Mighty Mount line of products in the RDV HQ in Pampano Beach, FL.
Rich De Sclafani the owner of RDV Automotive Technology said about the new partnership, “I am extremely excited to distribute the Mighty Mount line of products. We will be stocking the full line of Fast Charging wireless chargers, car and motorcycle phone mounts and chargers. The Mighty Mount products are super high quality, offer a 1 year warranty and provide another opportunity for retailers to add onto an existing sale with a price protected line of cell phone mounts and charging accessories. They are a great company to work with and align with our business values and strategy of protecting retailers. We will have full inventory within a few weeks and will display together at KnowledgeFest in Orlando.”
The Mighty Mount line also includes products for motorcycles and Powersports.
Jay Rahman the owner of Mighty Mount said about the new partnership, “I am very pleased to be partnered with Rich and RDV Automotive Technology. The 12Volt industry represents our biggest opportunity to expand our brand and become the go to solution in 12Volt for mounts. As we broaden our strategy to produce quality car specific mounts, the 12Volt industry is important to develop. Our new Tesla Mounts is an example of a hot product line that we hope will play well in this sector.”
AVON LAKE, OH (04.19.23) – Design Engineering Inc.’s (DEI) AN-sized Heat Shroud™ Sleeves for 20, 16 and 12 AN sizes are an ideal way to reduce heat strain and abrasions on lines, hoses and wires, damage that could result in failure of all three of these components.
Sized perfectly for AN sizes and featuring an easy wraparound install, DEI’s Heat Shroud ™ Sleeves are constructed from a high-temperature rated, glass-fiber fabric with an insulating inner layer and a heat-reflective outer surface.
The added convenience of a hook and loop closure design along the edge makes installation easy. There’s no need to remove one end of the hose, just wrap Heat Shroud™ Sleeve around the hose and close the hook and loop edge. It’s that simple.
In addition, the AN-sized Heat Shroud™ Sleeves are lightweight for high-performance applications. They are also pliable, so they can be used on tight bends, and there’s no need to disconnect lines to install them. It also prevents fluids from potential vapor lock. The Heat Shroud protects against oil, dirt, road grime and is fireproof.
Heat Shroud ™ Sleeves are available in 3-feet and 10-feet lengths for 12, 16 and 20 AN sizes and offer the versatility of fitting diameters from 0.5 – 2.5 inches.
Highlights include:
· No need to remove wires and hoses
· Convenient hook & loop closure design
· Available in sizes ranging 0.5 – 2.5 inches in diameter
· Reflects 90% of radiant heat
· Easily trim to length
To learn more about AN-sized Heat Shroud™ Sleeves and DEI’s complete line of heat and sound control products, visit www.designengineering.com.
STILLWATER, OK (04.18.23) – KICKER Marine Audio brings premium sound to two large powerboating events on Lake Havasu, Arizona–Desert Storm April 19-23 and Super Cat Fest West, April 26-29. The two events take place on back-to-back weekends of boating action to bring performance boat enthusiasts to Lake Havasu City, a boating Mecca for the country’s West Coast.
KICKER Marine Audio again joins the new owners of Desert Storm for this 25th Anniversary event. KICKER is especially visible as presenting sponsor for the annual Street Party on Thursday, April 20. Jim Russell, an event producer for 30 years, co-owned the event with its founder, Jim Nichols, Sr., who several years ago, sold it to his daughter-in-law and son, Christina and Jim Nichols, Jr. After several years under their operation, Russell and Lake Havasu realtor and community leader Steve Tichnor wanted to ensure that the event stayed in Havasu, so they invested in buying it back.
Says Russell, “Thanks to the wonderful long-term sponsorship of KICKER Marine Audio, joining with new title sponsor, Anderson Powersports, we were able to acquire the event and make minor changes, making sure it stays in Lake Havasu. We are boating enthusiasts and this event has a place in the hearts of everyone in Havasu—it deserves to stay here and grow!”
KICKER Marine Audio has traditionally brought its XRV (Xtreme Recreational Vehicle), a travel edition of its famous headquarters’ “Wall of Boom” to Havasu’s Main Street for the “Eye of the Storm” Street Party. KICKER’s Real Marine sound equipment will also be seen on many of the millions of dollars of state-of-the art performance boats that will be displayed from 1-9 PM, including boats like the DCB owned by Rod Voegele of California-based Gatorwraps, also located in Lake Havasu, and the Rinker Flotilla owned by Jeff Cuvelier of Elite Audio of Havasu. Both boaters and businessmen are big KICKER Marine Audio fans as Gatorwraps adds the visuals to many KICKER-equipped customer boats, while Cuvelier has installed KMA products for years.
“Jeff provides an excellent example of what KICKER can bring to the party,” says Jeremy Bale, KICKER Marine Audio brand manager, “His own Rinker boat and his customers can attest to the top-sound quality of KICKER and its excellent performance in the marine environment. We are pleased to add our continued support to this anniversary event.”
Eliminator’s new Speedster with KICKER Marine Audio and Jeff Cuvelier’s Rinker loaded with KICKER gear!
Jake Fraleigh of Eliminator Boats is also planning to bring a new Ferrari Red 27 Speedster with twin Mercury 400 engines loaded with KICKER sound equipment to the event. Fraleigh calls the open-bow boat “a perfect example of the company’s dedication to lifestyle, functionality and performance—both with speed and sound.”
The event is moving this year to Havasu State Park where the white sandy beaches of “Windsor 4” will serve as VIP headquarters. On Friday, April 21, the Parade of Power will travel from Thompson Bay to the Bridgewater Channel, passing under the London Bridge. Then, a Poker Run where Russell says “the waters will boil” with over 100 participants, led by the area’s First Responders and a KICKER Boat, will round out the day and end with a party for all participants.
On Saturday, April 22, the Sugrue’s Shoot Out event will run from 9 AM- 4 PM from the Site Six Launch Ramp. The ¾-mile closed course Shoot Out is being organized by Russ Wallach of RPM Racing Enterprises and promises to be an exciting event with the best fan viewing from the park’s surrounding bluffs. The King and Queen of the Desert top speed title awards will be presented at the party that evening with record breaking speeds expected.
Preceding the performance events on Wednesday, April 19 is the annual Kruisin’ for a Kause as volunteer powerboaters with big engines and big hearts take area residents with special needs on boat rides, culminating in a BBQ lunch with karaoke entertainment at Lake Havasu State Park.
The next weekend, Super Cat Fest West takes the annual Lake of the Ozarks event to Lake Havasu, thanks to event producer Alvin Heathman, joined by sponsor River Dave of River Dave’s Place. This boaters’ event boasts Title Sponsors KICKER Marine Audio, Eliminator Boats, Franko’s DLA-M44, Gatorwraps and Dixxon Flannel, the latter which will show its Dixxon Eliminator 28’ Fundeck, and new Eliminator 27’ Speedster. Other sponsors include Elite Sound; Ilmor Marine who will unveil a new power package; Horizon Motorsports, a local boat dealer sponsoring the Saturday night party; Hamilton Marine Finance; Detail Specialties; and Barrett Custom Marine. Private sponsors will also bring notable boats, like DCB and Mauricio & Angie Vivanco with their DLA-M44 DCB, Kenny Gonzales and his well-known 48 MTI, “Wave Adios” and many other high-performance cats.
Heathman says they are looking to get the town “more involved” as the event draws boats from across the country to explore Lake Havasu, which he sees as a similar boat culture to Lake of the Ozarks, “just with different scenery and smaller—but more concentrated. Lake Havasu is amazing in its own way—there is always something performance going on here—it’s a giant playground and I think it is the perfect setting,” he adds.
Since Heathman found logistics a bit more challenging in Havasu, he engaged a new development, Havasu Riviera Marina, to host the event. The marina has a new dock, boat ramp, well over 100 boat slips and can accommodate the many visiting boats and trailers for a three-day street party with food trucks, vendors and entertainment. “It will be like an offshore racers’ village,” says Heathman. He also plans a two-day fun run on land or water where people can explore on their own, visiting local businesses and bringing back receipts to turn in for poker hands. “It will be more casual—come and go as you please,” he says. The Friday and Saturday night parties include the popular Boom Bandits Entertainment group, along with awards, hot rods and boats—including the KICKER-outfitted “Boom Toon.”
The Saturday fun run and evening party will feature an auction for $5,000 in KICKER Marine Audio sound equipment for Super Cat Fest for Kids. The event benefits the “forgotten kids” of Lake Havasu and will give money directly to local schools for lunch programs that some underprivileged kids’ families cannot afford.
PITTSBURGH, PA (04.18.23) – Staff members at Team Nutz are now dressed as a team on the showroom floor and offsite events.
Team Nutz team members at the entrance of the Pittsburgh store. Mike Gosnik, Ben Bjerke, Blake Paul, Thomas May and Ryan (L to R).
Ed Nuttall, Team Nutz owner, related “Team Nutz members suggested the idea of a team look. We connected with Cintas and got onboard with their uniform program. Customers in our store can easily identify Team Nutz employees. Also, at our offsite consumers events, attendees will see our staff outfitted in Team Nutz apparel. This will increase the visibility visibility for the Team Nutz brand.”
Team Nutz members set the enter the bay door.
Team Nutz uniforms ready for delivery at a Cintas facility.
Recent consumer events at the David Lawrence Convention Center in downtown Pittsburgh have topped 30,000 in attendance. Team Nutz customers with the firms’ associated automotive businesses also see the new Team Nutz look.
The Cintas program includes pickup of uniforms, laundry and return to the Team Nutz HQ.
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