ORCA and Focal to Host ‘Vibe in Vegas’ Event November 2-4

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CAMARILLO, CA (02.20.22) – Orca Design and Manufacturing, working in conjunction with Focal France, will host an event to unveil Focal’s newest car speakers this November. “Vibe in Vegas” will take place at a soon-to-be-announced location, November 2-4 in Las Vegas. The event is open to all mobile electronics retail professionals via RSVP.

“Our relationship with Focal has been seamless since the beginning,” said Orca Sales Director Nalaka Adikari. “We’ve worked together to design, market and distribute some of the world’s best-performing
speakers. We are thrilled to once again present our industry with a new collection of high-end car audio
drivers, along with a wide array of new listening options for personal, home and office enjoyment.”

The three-day event will also feature the complete line of Focal powered by Naim products, which expand the Focal listening experience beyond the vehicle using the latest in wireless, amplification and driver technologies. The collection includes home speakers, amplified media centers, wired and wireless
headphones, and bookshelf audio systems with wireless integration.

Highlighting the headphones collection is the new Focal Bathys wireless headphones with noise cancelling technology. Bathys marries the sound quality of the Stellia and Celestee headphones with weight-saving build innovations and the latest Bluetooth technology. Bathys’ built-in batteries supply 30 hours of listening time, and add five more hours with just 15 minutes of charging,

Special listening rooms and stations will supply immersive listening experiences for attendees. Vehicles
will also be on hand to demonstrate Focal’s new automotive drivers. For convenience, shuttles will ferry
attendees between the location and the Las Vegas Convention center area.

To RSVP for the event, please visit https://focalvibeinvegas.eventbrite.com. For more information on Focal products, please visit focal-america.com.

Builds Featuring DEI Products Will Be Found All Over SEMA

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AVON LAKE, OH (10.20.22) – Design Engineering Inc.’s (DEI) SEMA booth (20213) this year will display a 1987 Buick Grand National. The car will be in a half-built phase in order that the DEI products it features will be easy for attendees to see. The shop doing the work is Dutchboys Hotrods out of Vicksburg, Mich.

The Grand National will have a 427 C.I Mast Motorsports built LS7 featuring a Nelson Racing Engines Mirror Image T4 Twin Turbo set up (72/68) and a number of other custom mods. Those include a number of DEI products built into the car’s interior: Boom Mat Vibration Damping Material; Titanium Gen3 Turbo Blanket; Onyx Gen3 Turbo Blanket; Boom Mat Tape; Under Carpet Lite; D-Mat; Black and Regular Titanium Exhaust Wrap; Stainless Steel Heat Pads; Black Floor and Tunnel Shield; Black Seaming Tape; Titanium and Black Glass Fiber Protect-a-Boots; Black & Regular Titanium Plug Wire Sleeving; Easy Loom Split Wire Sleeving; Fire Sleeve; Sensor Covers; Vapor Block Sleeving and more.

In addition to featuring a custom-build in its own booth, DEI products were also included in a number of other high-end custom builds, including some top-secret vehicles (from Greening Auto Company, KTL Restorations and Hill’s Hot Rods) that will not be unveiled until the show is underway. Here is a list of the vehicles featuring DEI products, their builders and the booths where attendees can find them:

Roadster Shop
1970 Chevelle – BASF Booth #20365
Boom Mat, Floor & Tunnel Shield II, Titanium Wrap, Vapor Block, Reflect-a-Gold
1987 Buick Grand National – Roadster Shop Booth #22889
Boom Mat, Floor & Tunnel Shield II, Titanium Wrap, Vapor Block, Reflect-a-Gold

Dutchboys Hotrods
1987 Buick Grand National – DEI Booth #20213

The Hot Rod Shop
2022 Ford Maverick – MTX Booth #10539
Boom Mat
1971 Ford F100 – Procharger Booth #22525
Boom Mat, Titanium Wrap

Goolsby Customs
Dodge A108 Van – BASF Booth #20365
Boom Mat, Under Carpet Lite, D-Mat, Black Floor and Tunnel Shield II, Titanium Exhaust Wrap
Ford Mustang – Griots Garage #50217
Boom Mat, Under Carpet Lite, D-Mat, Black Floor and Tunnel Shield II, Titanium Exhaust Wrap

Eddies Rod & Custom
1963 Corvette – BASF Booth #20365
Boom Mat, Under Carpet Lite, Floor and Tunnel Shield, Titanium Exhaust Wrap

KTL Restorations
1970 Mercury Cougar – Spanesi #32205
Boom Mat, Titanium Exhaust Wrap, Titanium Sleeving, Floor and Tunnel Shield II
1969 Camaro “Operation Talent” – BASF #V033-TBD, build not started yet

ATC Racing
Audi RS3 TCR – Toyo Tires Booth #24499
Boom Mat Original Finish Headliner Material

Zociety
Datsun 280Z – Speedhut Inc. Booth #20150
Boom Mat, Under Carpet Lite, Black Floor and Tunnel Shield II, Black Seaming Tape, Onyx Turbo Shield, Fire Sleeve, Titanium Exhaust Wrap, Black Protect-a-Boots

Koruworks
Nick Noback’s Formula Drift Spec BMW E46 M3 – Koenig Wheels Booth #44063
Floor and Tunnel Shield II, Heat Sheath, Heat Screen, Fire Sleeve, Cool Tape

Carbuff Network
1979 Jeep Wagoneer – TREMEC Booth #81290
Titanium Wrap, Boom Mat, Floor and Tunnel Shield II, Easy Loom

Revision Rods & Rides
1958 Ford F100 – Mothers Booth #81040
Boom Mat, Floor and Tunnel Shield II, Titanium Wrap

Visit designengineering.com for more.

DOW Technologies Announces Hurricane Ian Relief Donation

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TAMPA, FL (10.19.22) – DOW Technologies has donated a percentage of their sales to the Hurricane Ian relief effort. DOW’s donation, in excess of $25,000, went to the Florida Disaster Fund.

As Hurricane Ian’s destruction had wide ranging impacts on the state of Florida, DOW wanted to provide assistance to those in need. DOW put together a plan to donate a percentage of sales which created an opportunity for its customers around the country to be involved. DOW announced that a percentage of sales from September 30th to October 4th would be donated on the behalf of participating customers. DOW’s customers can be confident that part of each purchase is going towards those impacted by the storm.  

“We recognize that our support for local, independent businesses extends to supporting local communities” stated DOW’s president & ceo, John Yodzis. “Our customers have great impacts on the communities they live in both professionally and personally, and we wanted a way to bring that support from customers across the country to help those affected. We’re very happy to have made the donation on behalf of all of our customers that participated.”

To learn more about DOW Technologies, please visit www.dowtechnologies.com or call 1.800.627.2900.

PowerBass Releases New GM Direct Fit Components

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ONTARIO, CA (10.19.22) – Making any stock factory sound system sound fantastic is now a simple task with our OEM drop in replacement speakers for many Chevy, GMC and Cadillac, trucks and SUV’s.

PowerBass OEM coaxials feature an Injection molded PP cone with a 1” silk dome tweeter, to deliver the music experience you have always wanted from your factory sound system.

The PowerBass OE-GM series 6.5″ coaxial features dual input terminal options made to work perfectly with early or late model Gm vehicles taking the worry out of which model fits your specific vehicle year.

With the PowerBass OE Series there is no need to drill holes, or cut wires thanks to our simple plug and play design that matches the factory bolt locations and plug styles for one of the fastest upgrades ever.

4-ohm System Impedance
Upgraded OEM Replacement Component Systems
OE65C-GM – 60 Watts RMS/120 Watts Max
OE69C-GM – 80 Watts RMS/160 Watts Max
Injection Molded PP Cone
Nylon OEM Speaker Adapter
OE65C-GM Multi – Year Fitment Dual Terminal Design
OE65C-GM Multi – Year Fitment Tweeter Adaptors
Factory Plug and Play Wiring

Visit powerbassusa.com for more.

Metra Electronics Introduces New Speaker Adapter Plates at SEMA

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HOLLY HILL, FL (10.19.22) – Metra Electronics is introducing new speaker adapter plates at the 2022 SEMA Show, November 1st-4th at the Las Vegas Convention Center. These new products expand on the manufacturer’s line of audio system solutions and make it easy to install aftermarket speakers in an assortment of vehicles.

These adapter plates are sold as a pair in most cases and have innovative features such as breakaway tab designs and mounting that mirrors the factory location so that no drilling is required. New adapters launching at the SEMA Show include:

  • Dash-Mount Tweeter Plate – Fits Ford Bronco 2021-Up*
  • Rear Speaker Adapter Plate – Fits Toyota 4Runner 1996-2002
  • Premium Audio System Speaker Adapter Plate – Fits Tesla Model 3 2017-Up* and Model Y 2020-Up*, Porsche 2012-2020*, BMW 2003-2022*, and Range Rover 2013-2021*
  • Standard or Premium Audio System Speaker Adapter Plate – Fits Tesla Model X 2015-2021 and Model S 2012-2022
  • Standard or Premium Audio System Tweeter Adapter Plate – Fits Tesla Model X 2015-2021 and Model S 2012-2021
  • Premium Audio System Subwoofer Enclosure Adapter Plate – Fits Tesla Model 3 2017-Up* and Model Y 2020-Up*
  • Door Speaker Adapter Plate – Fits Mercedes 2014-2020*
  • Standard Audio System Speaker Adapter Plate – Fits Porsche Boxster 2013-2016, Panamera 2010-2016, Cayman 2013-2015, and 911 2012-2014
  • Kick Panel Speaker Adapter Plate – Fits Ford Bronco 2021-Up*

*Visit MetraOnline.com for up-to-date vehicle-specific applications.

These products will be on display at Metra’s main SEMA Show booth #11139 in the North Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center, along with many other new products. They will also be available to view online at MetraOnline.com shortly after the SEMA Show.

SEMA Research: Automotive Specialty-Equipment Businesses Remain Optimistic Despite Supply Chain Issues, Production Shortages

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DIAMOND BAR, CA (10.18.22) – The record-high sales growth over the past two years for the automotive specialty-equipment industry is beginning to level off or subside, according to the newest SEMA market research report. Despite ongoing economic uncertainty, supply-chain issues, and rising costs, companies remain optimistic as sales remain solid and above pre-pandemic levels.

“Businesses experienced record-high growth the past two years,” said Gavin Knapp, SEMA director of market research. “We saw growth that was above the industry’s norm, so it makes sense that we’re returning to more normal levels. It’s great to see that most companies are up from 2019 levels.”

Conducted every six months since 2021, the “SEMA State of the Industry” studies are designed to give companies clarity about the overall market during an uncertain time. The disruption from the pandemic made it difficult for members to understand what the market was going through and nearly impossible to forecast. Based on data from the automotive specialty-equipment industry, the reports give readers a barometer to gauge how they are currently doing and make predictions about what’s to come.

The newest Fall 2022 version finds that 47% of manufacturers, 48% of distributors, and 44% of retailers expect sales to increase in the coming year. Additional findings include:

  • Supply-chain issues continue to be disruptive for the industry. Over 90% of companies say that they are having a moderate or significant impact on operations.
  • Inflation and the supply-chain issues are resulting in higher costs for businesses. More than 90% of companies reported an increase in supplier or production costs; most (around 80%) are compensating for the high costs by increasing their prices. Despite this, consumer demand and revenue remain strong.
  • Ongoing supply-chain issues and high prices are slowing new vehicle sales. Sales are not expected to return to pre-pandemic levels until 2024 or 2025. Sales for 2022 are expected to fall about a million vehicles short of 2021, at 13.9 million total units. The average price of a new vehicle reached $48,301 in August 2022, a record high. The average price of an electric is even higher, at over $66,000.

The complete “State of the Industry—Fall 2022” report is available to download for free at www.sema.org/research, and it will be discussed in depth during the SEMA Show seminar “State of the Specialty-Equipment Industry: Trends and Directions,” on Tuesday, Nov. 1, at 11:00 a.m. in Room N254.

Metra Brings New Dash Kits to SEMA 2022

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HOLLY HILL, FL (10.18.22) – Metra Electronics is launching an assortment of new dash kits at the 2022 SEMA Show. These new products fit a wide range of vehicles, and expand on Metra’s TurboTactile, TurboTouch, and TouchTronix lines. Additionally, Metra has designed several new dash kits designed specifically for select Pioneer Modular Solutions receivers. Metra’s new products include vehicle-specific dash and stereo solutions designed to fit the following vehicles*:

  • Infinity G37 2008-2013
  • RAM 1500/2500/3500 & Chassis CAB 3500/4500/5500 2013-2018, Classic 1500 2019-2022
  • Dodge Durango 2014-2020
  • Ford Explorer 2011-2015, Edge 2011-2014, F-150 2015-2017, Mustang 2015-Up, Transit Connect 2021-Up,and Escape 2020-Up
  • Hyundai Elantra 2020-Up
  • KIA Sportage 2020-2021
  • Mazda Miata 1994-1997
  • Nissan Sentra 2000-2006
  • Toyota Camry 2021-Up and 4Runner 2010-Up
  • Honda Pilot 2016-2022, Ridgeline 2017-2022 and Passport 2019-2022

Visit MetraOnline.com for up-to-date vehicle specific information.

Metra’s TurboTactile kits feature easy-to-use rotary knobs with LCD status displays for temperature and fan speed. Additional factory-style hard buttons have laser-etched graphics to adjust the factory single-zone climate control systems. The buttons control features that are normally lost after removing the factory radio. Metra’s built-in patented interface technology retains climate control, safety, and steering wheel control features. The vehicle’s hazard button and passenger airbag indicator are also integrated into the kit. These kits are painted to match the factory finish and include installation parts for both Single-DIN and Double-DIN aftermarket radio installations.

TurboTouch kits feature built-in touchscreens paired with hard buttons and integrated electronics to retain most of the features normally lost when replacing the factory radio. The color touchscreen shows climate and personalization settings, adding a high-tech look and feel to the dashboard. The

backlit hard buttons can be customized with 250 different color options. These dash kits fit either a Single-DIN or Double-DIN radio and make stereo installation easier. Included wiring harnesses and interfaces ensure factory backup cameras will work on the new screens, and retain the use of steering wheel controls.

Metra’s TouchTronix kits are designed with a combination of Metra’s interfacing technology to retain the factory climate control features and sleek laser-etched hard buttons. The fan speed and mode are shown on a custom-fitted, painted, and laser etched plastic kit with PCB-driven LED lighting. An Axxess AXSWC is included to retain the factory steering wheel controls as well as the parts to retain the factory backup camera if equipped. These TouchTronix kits provide an upgraded look while maintaining the vehicle’s intended factory style.

Other new products include kits that combine elements from the TurboTactile and TurboTouch kits to create a hybrid product with the best of both worlds, and new options from Metra’s AXPIO line designed specifically for select Pioneer receivers. AXPIO solutions kits include an interface, vehicle-specific harnessing, a dash kit, and more. Vehicle information and settings controlled on the factory screen are retained, displayed, and controlled on the Pioneer touchscreen. The built-in integration technology from Axxess also retains safety chimes through an offboard speaker, retains audio controls on the steering wheel, retains R.A.P. (Retained Accessory Power), and provides accessory power (12-volt-10-amp) and NAV output for parking brake, reverse, and speed sense.

All of these new dash kits are available now and will be on display at Metra’s main SEMA Show booth #11139 in the North Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center November 1st-4th, along with other new products.

Visit MetraOnline.com for more.

Oracle Lighting Grows; Adds Grant LeJeune to Operations Team

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METAIRIE, LA (10.18.22) – Oracle Lighting is proud to announce it has added Grant LeJeune to its Operations team.

“As Oracle Lighting continues to advance, we decided to add new talent in the form of an Operations Coordinator to assist in managing our growth and expansion,” said Sandy Crespo-Mossi, Oracle Lighting Director of Operations. “Grant has the education and work experience to be a successful and integral part of helping Oracle Lighting’s marketing, sales, and warehouse teams with their operational needs as we continue to develop and grow as a company.”

Grant LeJeune

LeJeune has a B.S. degree in business administration, management, and marketing from Spring Hill College.

“I am thrilled to be a part of the Oracle Lighting team during these exciting times,” said LeJeune. “With the recent growth in the market sector and shortages still being experienced from the COVID-19 pandemic, I must ensure everything operates as smoothly as possible. At Oracle Lighting, I get to work in the thriving automotive industry, a dream of mine since I was a kid. I am excited to be working at one of the industry’s most groundbreaking automotive companies, which happens to be in my hometown of New Orleans.”

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.

For more information on Oracle Lighting and its full product line, please visit www.oraclelights.com, call (800) 407-5776, or email info@oraclelights.com.

KICKER Marine Audio Went Overboard at Lake Havasu

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LAKE HAVASU CITY, AZ (10.17.22) – KICKER Marine Audio headed to Lake Havasu City, AZ and joined its local dealer and fans for the Lake Havasu Formula 1 Classic Outboard Championships October 14-17, which featured two days of high-horsepower racing excitement in three classes: Formula 1, Tri Hull and Formula Lite division. The race was sanctioned by the American Powerboat Association (APBA) and draws international powerboat racing stars.

KICKER Marine Audio was the presenting sponsor for the October 14 Friday Night Pit Party Meet & Greet from 4-8 pm at the Nautical Beachfront Resort. Fans got to mingle with the drivers and crews in the cold pit area to learn more about the racers and their equipment. Great music was broadcast through the KICKER Marine Audio system while fans enjoyed a vintage boat display, food, beverages and vendors. This special event was free and open to the public.

When fans arrived they had a chance to experience a wide variety of KICKER products including car, powersports, motorcycle, life style and marine.

The Classic Outboard Championships have become a Lake Havasu tradition, drawing competitors from every corner of the globe for high stakes cash and prizes. Racing action began on Saturday October 15 with testing and qualifying races in all three divisions, followed by the Championship Grand Finale on Sunday, October 16. The races started at 11 AM MST and were live streamed on the F1 Powerboat Championship Facebook and YouTube channels. Race headquarters at the Nautical Beachfront Resort, 1000 McCulloch Boulevard N, overlooking Thompson Bay offered FREE front and center racecourse viewing on the beach front. The exclusive Mercury Racing Rooster Tail VIP Experience on the resort’s lakeside terrace offered another exclusive tier of fan excitement.

When racing got underway fans sitting on top of the KICKER BoomToon had ringside seats.

KICKER Marine Audio also co-sponsored the Formula 1 Race Ride Experience, an opportunity for select, lucky fans who entered the Facebook or Instagram contest to get the thrill of riding in a specially built 2-seat Formula 1 boat that was used as the series pace boat for the races. The company was also a sponsor of the Kids on the Colorado River Program – Racing Edition Educational Pod place at Thunderbolt Middle School on Monday, October 17, before the Championship awards dinner.

KICKER Marine Audio, and its local dealers Elite Audio, and vendors have long been active in Lake Havasu through the performance boating Annual Desert Storm Poker Run and rally. The Classic Outboard Championships event, promoted by the Formula 1 Powerboat Championship Series, gave KICKER Marine Audio and music fans the opportunity to mix high-octane sound with high-speed racing action.

Fans could sign up on Instagram and Facebook hit the lake in this specially built 2-seat Formula 1 boat that was also the pace boat for the races.

Dan Murphy of MurfCo. Inc. KICKER Marine Audio’s long-time Manufacturers Rep Group that coordinates distributor and dealer representation in the southwest region, teamed up with Lake Havasu’s custom installers Elite Audio’s Jeff Cuvelier at the event. Murphy and partner Frank Zepeda’s “Boom Toon,” a “vintage” 30-foot Starlight 1986 riverboat that was transformed into a runabout double decker party barge complete with a slide and party poles, was at the docks. The Boom Toon will join Jeff’s Rinker Flotilla Deckboat, both featuring top-of-the-line KICKER Marine Audio speakers, subwoofers, amps and more, emphasizing the company’s tagline, “Livin’ Loud!“ Murphy was joined at the booth by Liam Carney and Lorin Morrell who were available for questions. MurfCo and local dealers have long-time KICKER audio affiliations including friendships with KICKER founder Steve Irby, who was a pioneer in the 12-Volt, mobile audio world.

The specially built 2-seat Formula 1 boat making a big wake.

“KICKER Marine Audio enjoys bringing our high-performance sound to those who love high-performance boating,” stated Jeremy Bale, KICKER brand manager. “Many racers, their fans and powerboaters already know KICKER from its decades as a mobile audio leader and probably use our components in their tow vehicles, ATVs and motorcycles. We have long-time dealers, distributors and installers in the Lake Havasu area so the races are a great opportunity for us to see old friends and make new ones.”

The Elite Audio boat was available for fans to check out…in the KICKER booth during set up on Friday.

All KICKER Marine Audio’s can enclosures are tough, UV-treated and come in black and white to complement a boat’s color scheme, complete with LED lights and accessories. Horn-Loaded Tower Systems, speakers, subwoofers, amps and media centers are only part of the line, so when you are ready to “KICK” up your sound system, rely on KICKER Marine Audio to deliver the finest quality acoustics and marine-grade components. www.kicker.com/marine-audio.

For Additional Information on the Lake Havasu Classic Outboard Championships visit f1powerboatchampionship.com or the f1powerboat championship Facebook page. Online VIP Tickets, RV Spots – seeboldsports.com/shop

A big 12volt Central Studio’s THANK YOU to Lorin Morrell for input and images covering the KICKER Marine Audio event at Lake Havasu.

Nakamichi to Introduce Three New CarPlay Receivers and HD Back Up Camera at SEMA

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MIAMI,FL (10.17.22) – Nakamichi will use the global stage of SEMA to launch three new wireless CarPlay / Android Auto receivers. Based off the same UI platform, these new 2023 models will also be compatible with the company’s new HD (Hi Def) back up camera.

Nakamichi is branding this the “Wireless Evolution” and the new receiver models employ the company’s new Susumo (advanced and improved) platform providing faster response and more intuitive menus for an improve user experience. Initially the lineup will include two double DIN 6.8-inch models available in a DVD and mechless version plus a mechless single DIN 10.1-inch floating screen receiver.

Incorporated in this new platform is the ability to integrate a 720p HD back-up camera offering enhanced detail in light and dark conditions. The NC-A100 comes with 20ft of video cable and a universal mounting bracket.

Pricing and availability will be announced during the SEMA Show.

Be sure to stop by SEMA booth #11517 (North Hall) so you can check out first hand Nakamichi’s “Wireless Evolution’” and get the details on the new Car Play receivers and HD back up camera.

Visit nakamichi-usa.com for more.