SiriusXM Delivers New Apple Music Benefit For Subscribers

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NEW YORK, Dec. 27, 2021 — SiriusXM announced today a new benefit to deliver even more value to listeners with a special offer for Apple Music.

New and existing subscribers to SiriusXM’s Platinum VIP plan can activate 12 months of Apple Music for free with their SiriusXM subscription. Apple Music provides consumers access to a catalog of over 90 million songs and 30,000 playlists ad-free, online or off. With Apple Music, Platinum VIP subscribers can also access spatial audio to hear sound all around, time-synced lyrics, music videos, and exclusive artist-hosted shows on the Apple Music 1, Apple Music Country and Apple Music Hits global livestreams across their favorite devices.

Platinum VIP is SiriusXM’s newest and most comprehensive subscription tier, and includes access to SiriusXM in up to two vehicles and up to two SXM App logins. Platinum VIP subscribers also get other benefits including access to a selection of more than 5000 official live concert video and audio recordings via nugs.net and the ability to activate a subscription to the discovery+ streaming service. To see Offer Details and for more information on SiriusXM’s Platinum VIP subscription visit: https://www.siriusxm.com/offers/platinum-vip. Additionally, early next year, SiriusXM expects to launch a separate special offer for up to six months of Apple Music free with the purchase of a qualifying SiriusXM subscription plan.

“Apple Music is a premium subscription music streaming service that offers our listeners a vast library of songs, playlists, music videos, global livestreams and more across every genre, and our Platinum VIP subscribers will find it an excellent complementary audio offering to SiriusXM’s unparalleled lineup of curated and hosted music channels, live sports and talk programming,” said Richard Beatty, SiriusXM’s Chief Subscription Revenue Officer. 

Platinum VIP level subscriptions include all of the content SiriusXM offers listeners – more than 300 channels. These include Howard Stern’s two exclusive channels, live games and events from every major professional sport as well as hundreds of college games, an unparalleled selection of ad-free music channels covering every genre, plus entertainment, news, comedy and more.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to All Across the 12Volt Industry

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SHREVEPORT, LA (12.24.2021) – We truly wish all across the 12volt industry a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays Season.

2021, that continues to be driven by the COVID-19 Pandemic, certainly has been such a very strange year on so many fronts. Many retailers posted record sales while vendor companies within the 12volt industry continue to be severely impacted by the product delays.

The tremendous spike in online holiday sales no doubt has impacted recent traffic in brick and mortar storefronts. As 2022 dawns, there will still be considerable uncertainty on many fronts. Even CES 2022 will no doubt be impacted by new COVID-19 variant spikes.

Travel restrictions by many companies added to the difficulties that impacted overall day-to-day business across the 12volt industry.

The above narrative is a harsh reality that each business is facing.

From the 12volt Central Studios, we encourage all to evaluate their situation and play to their strengths. Build on your company’s strengths and highlight the positives in your every day activities.

We look forward to continuing to showcase positives from companies across the 12volt industry in 2022.

ZZ-2 Connects with 12volt Dealers

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12VOLT CENTRAL STUDIOS (12.24.2021) – ZZ-2 was on the event floor at KnowledgeFest in Big D showcasing the company’s latest products December 10th-12th.

Rich DeSclafani, company VP, stated, “Showing off our C-Play and Android Auto line of products to retailers at KnowledgeFest in Dallas was an opportunity to continue our momentum in the marketplace.”

Rich DeSclafani pictured in the ZZ-2 booth in Big D.

While on the event floor DeSclafani took the opportunity to create a short video covering the company’s latest products. By posting the video on social media the company extended the ROI on their presence on the event floor.

Concluding, DeSclafani related, “We had amazing feedback about our products and support from dealers. We have been working hard to bring the best product to the market and the positive feedback validated our hard work.”

Visit zz-2.com for more.

SiriusXM Spreads the Holiday Cheer with an Extensive Line-Up of Holiday Music Channels

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NEW YORK, NY (11.09.2021) – SiriusXM has announced its extensive holiday music lineup featuring 19 ad-free channels including two new channels, Holiday Instrumentals and Noël Incontournable, as well as the much-anticipated Holly and Holiday Traditions channels. The festive music channels are kicking off the holiday season and are available on the SXM App now, Your Home For The Holidays.

SiriusXM’s holiday music channels, its biggest lineup ever, will spread the holiday cheer, offering listeners a variety of traditional holiday songs, classic Christmas carols, contemporary holiday tunes, seasonal soul music, holiday pop songs, country Christmas classics, Hanukkah music, and classical Christmas favorites.

SiriusXM will again launch a collection of holiday music online channels, including 70s/80s Christmas, Jolly Christmas, Rockin’ Xmas, Holiday Chill-Out and Jazz Holidays.

SiriusXM is available to subscribers in their car and on their phone and connected devices at home with the SXM App. Streaming access is included for most subscribers. Go to www.siriusxm.com/ways-to-listen to learn more.

For more information visit: www.siriusxm.com/holiday-music 

SiriusXM’s holiday channel lineup features:

Holly (available on the SXM App and via satellite on channel 105) 
Contemporary holiday hits featuring songs by Mariah Carey, Michael Bublé, Kelly Clarkson, Pentatonix, Norah Jones, John Legend, Train, Lady A, Ariana Grande and more. 
Available on the SXM App and via satellite on channel 105 now through Sunday, December 26

Holiday Traditions (available on the SXM App and via satellite on channel 71)
Traditional holiday recordings from the ’40s through the ’60s by artists such as Bing Crosby, Andy Williams, Ray Conniff and Nat King Cole.
Available on the SXM App and via satellite on channel 71 now through Sunday, December 26

Hallmark Channel Radio (available on the SXM App and via satellite on channel 104)
Hallmark Channel Radio is back for the holidays, featuring timeless Christmas music and carols that celebrate the joy of the season. Hear the songs you love brought to you by beloved Hallmark stars like Candace Cameron Bure, Lacey Chabert, Jonathan Bennett, and more, who will share their favorite holiday songs and traditions. The channel will also take listeners behind the scenes of their all-new Countdown to Christmas movies. Hallmark Channel Radio is the perfect destination to embrace the wonder of the season with loved ones.
Available on the SXM App now through Sunday, December 26
Monday, November 23 – Sunday, December 26 via satellite on channel 104

Holiday Soul (available on the SXM App and via satellite on channel 49)
Classic soul and Motown holiday music from the 60’s and 70’s, along with R&B holiday music from the 80’s, 90’s and today, including Aretha Franklin, The Temptations, Lou Rawls, Smokey Robinson, The Jackson 5, The Supremes, John Legend, Boyz II Men, Mariah Carey, Toni Braxton and many more.
Available on the SXM App now through Sunday, December 26
Tuesday, December 7 – Sunday, December 26 via satellite on channel 49

Country Christmas (available on the SXM App and via satellite on channel 58)
Spanning the generations of country Christmas music, including Garth Brooks, Carrie Underwood and George Strait. 
Available on the SXM App now through Sunday, December 26
Tuesday, December 7 – Sunday, December 26 via satellite on channel 58

Christmas Spirit (available on the SXM App and via satellite on channel 63)
Christmas music and holiday favorites exclusively from contemporary Christian artists including Amy Grant, Chris Tomlin, MercyMe, Lauren Daigle, for KING & COUNTRY, Michael W. Smith Matthew West, Francesca Battistelli and more.
Available on the SXM App now through Sunday, December 26
Tuesday, December 7 – Sunday, December 26 via satellite on channel 63

Holiday Pops (available on the SXM App and via satellite on channel 76)
Classical Christmas carols and holiday favorites performed by some of the greatest classical artists of all-time, including Mormon Tabernacle Choir, Luciano Pavarotti, New York Philharmonic, King’s College Choir, Boston Pops and Thomas Hampson.
Available on the SXM App now through Sunday, December 26
Friday, December 24 – Saturday, December 25 via satellite on channel 76

Acoustic Christmas (available on the SXM App and via satellite on channel 6)
The tree may be lit, but SiriusXM wants to help you unplug this Christmas with nothing but acoustic holiday tunes. Hear new and classic holiday songs from well-known singer songwriters and bands like Jack Johnson, Sia, George Ezra, Train, Norah Jones, Maroon 5, Jason Mraz, The Lumineers and many more.
Available on the SXM App now through Sunday, December 26
Friday, December 24 – Saturday, December 25 via satellite on channel 6

Mannheim Steamroller Channel (available on the SXM App)
Mannheim Steamroller takes holiday classics in a refreshing new direction with their signature blend of symphonic, new age and rock music. Explore more than three decades of their majestic sounds of the season with Mannheim Steamroller founder Chip Davis.
Available on the SXM App now through Sunday, December 26

Navidad (available on the SXM App)
Latin holiday music and traditional sounds, including Ricky Martin, Gloria Estefan, José Feliciano, Tito El Bambino, Marco Antonio Solís and Fania All-Stars.
Available on the SXM App now through Thursday, January 6

Radio Hanukkah (available on the SXM App)
Extensive collection of Hanukkah-themed music, including contemporary, traditional and children’s selections as well as daily reflections and prayers related to the holiday.
Available on the SXM App Tuesday, November 23 through Monday, December 6  

Jolly Christmas (available on the SXM App)
Upbeat, energetic holiday hits from The Chipmunks and Gene Autry to Mariah Carey and Jose Feliciano. Feel-good, singing along with the songs you know, bringing smiles to the season! Always a holiday hit…on Jolly Christmas.
Available on the SXM App now through Sunday, December 26 

Holiday Instrumentals (available on the SXM App)
An all new holiday music channel featuring holiday favorites, but the vocals are replaced with instruments. String, piano, orchestra versions and more of your favorite holiday hits. Feel free to sing along with holiday hits instrumental style.
Available via streaming on the SXM App now through Sunday, December 26

Noël Incontournable (available on the SXM App)
An all new holiday music channel featuring Francophone Christmas classics and contemporary holiday hits from the ’60s to today with music from Ginette Reno, Bruno Pelletier and Laurence Nerbonne.
Available year-round on the SXM App.

Jazz Holidays (available on the SXM App)
Fire up the chestnuts and be prepared to bop along under the mistletoe with Christmas favorites from classic legends and contemporary jazz stars alike. Featuring songs from Ella Fitzgerald, David Benoit, Wynton Marsalis, Kenny G, Dianne Reeves, Dave Koz, and Vince Guaraldi.
Available on the SXM App now through Sunday, December 26

70s/80s Holidays (available on the SXM App)
Sing-a-long to the biggest and most familiar Christmas and holiday songs from the ’70s and ’80s. Featuring songs from The Carpenters, Elton John, Paul McCartney, Madonna, Bruce Springsteen, Bryan Adams, Hall & Oates, The Jackson 5 and more.  
Available on the SXM App now through Sunday, December 26

Rockin’ Xmas (available on the SXM App)
SiriusXM’s Rockin’ Xmas Channel features classic Christmas songs that rock including hits, from AC/DC, Paul McCartney, Bon Jovi, U2, Tom Petty, REO Speedwagon, Bruce Springsteen, Pearl Jam, Eagles and more.  Plus hear songs that might make you laugh from Cheech & Chong, Adam Sandler and others. 
Available on the SXM App now through Sunday, December 26

Holiday Chill-Out (available on the SXM App)
SiriusXM brings you a 24/7 Holiday Chill-Out channel featuring downtempo & deep house versions of classic holiday music.
Available on the SXM App now through Sunday, December 26

New Year’s Nation (available on the SXM App and via satellite on channel 105)
New Year’s Nation is custom curated to serve as your ultimate New Year’s celebration playlist powering your party with the best pop, rhythm, dance and hip-hop hits from across the nation to ring in 2022. Featuring songs from Dua Lipa, Justin Bieber, Olivia Rodrigo, Lil Nas X, Ariana Grande, The Weeknd, Ed Sheeran, Doja Cat, Jonas Brothers and more.
Available on the SXM App and via satellite on channel 105 on Monday, December 27 through Monday, January 3

Visit siriusxm.com for more.

DS18 Hosted a Very Successful 4th Annual Loud for Tots Event

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MIAMI GARDENS, FL (12.23.2021) – Loud for Tots was the place to be on Sunday December 19th, from noon until 6PM, at the DS18 HQ in Miami Gardens FL. The 4th Annual Loud for Tots event was designed as a community minded event to gather toys for children in need during the Christmas Season.

The sun popped out for this image of the Loud for Tots event in the large DS18 parking lot.

The weather on Sunday was not 100% cooperative during the day with intermittent rain showers that began shortly after 8AM when DS18 Team Members began to set up all the tents and place demo vehicles around the large DS18 HQ parking lot.

Some of the 40 DS18 tents are shown this image.

Rob Ferro, Mr DS18, contributed “We set up 40 tents in the lot. We had a several DS18 demo vehicles plus a number of people attending the event had show cars and personal cars with systems. During the event we certainly got the message across that at DS18 We Like It Loud.”

Ladies say ‘We Like It Loud’ too!

At the end of the event the count of attendees was north of 200 with over 10 huge boxes filled with unwrapped toys. During the event members of the crowd enjoyed over 200 free hot dog off the grill. Raffles grabbed attention during the event and toys were traded for raffle tickets.

Amazing vehicles were spotted around the event…all let the world know “We Like It Loud!”

Continuing Ferro noted “Last year there was quite a presence of local police as some in the local area objected to the sound from the event. This year was different even though we played it loud. Officers came by to show their support for the DS18 Loud for Tots event.”

As the event wrapped Sunday evening Rob Ferro snapped this selfie with (L to R) Rob, Tego, Henry and Gus in the background.

Chuck Kenney, new onboard with DS18 related “I think this was a terrific event. There were a lot of people in the parking lot who came together and brought toys for a great cause. The DS18 Loud for Tots was a special event for sure.”

Following the event DS18 staff members made plans to deliver the toys to diverse foundations and charities. One of the organizations top on the list was for children with Autism.

Concluding Ferro stated “Putting smiles on the faces of many children is always so very rewarding for all of us at DS18.”

Visit DS18.com for more.

Memphis Brings the Heat to the Under Seat Bass System Game with a New Nanoboxx and Selectable Impedance Shallow Subs

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MEMPHIS, TN (12.23.2021) – Memphis Audio has been working diligently on creating solution-based items that help dealers succeed. A new addition to the Memphis lineup is the Nanoboxx (NANO110P) 10” under seat bass package. This compact all-in-one solution measures in at an exceptionally small 13.9” x 9.8” x 3.3” and is designed to be mounted virtually anywhere in a vehicle.

The Nanoboxx features an oversized passive radiator which significantly enhances the bass output of the single 10” powered subwoofer. The internal amplifier is a powerful but efficient class D amplifier which stays cool in environments with less-than-optimal air circulation. Memphis added an ultra-cool RGB LED down firing light to the unit which adds to the ambiance of any vehicle. “We had a great sounding under seat solution before that people loved and we wanted to build off of that success. Our aim was to control the cost and provide an even better solution. We achieved both. The performance of this new under seat bass solution is better than its predecessor and the cost actually dropped a bit,” said Nick LoMonaco, president of Memphis Audio.

If you have a little more room to work with, Memphis Audio’s all new Power Reference Shallow subwoofers are the perfect solution. Available in a 10” and 12” with a mounting depth of roughly 3” and a power handling 350/700W of power, Power Reference slim subwoofers are built for big bass in a tight space. These subwoofers look similar to their predecessors but are actually an entirely redesigned woofer. The new design sees the addition of Memphis FLEXTM Selectable Impedance Technology allowing you to effortlessly switch the impedance between 2Ω and 4Ω. The basket was also upgraded to a heavy duty stamped design which is built to last. The engineers at Memphis also improved the sensitivity and low-end response of the woofers making them a formidable addition to the Memphis line.

The Memphis NANO110P will be available in January 2022. The Power Reference Slim Subwoofers are in stock now and shipping.

Visit www.memphiscaraudio.com for more.

Design Engineering Formed Sensor Covers Protect Equipment from Heat, Moisture, and Dirt

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AVON LAKE, OH (12.23.2021) – Protect vulnerable sensors, plugs and wire connectors on your off-road, race or street machine with new Formed Sensor Covers from Design Engineering, Inc.

Extremely lightweight and easy to install, the covers fully encase automotive sensors, acting as a thermal barrier to prevent failures.

“Formed Sensor Covers are a great way to protect sensors, plugs and wire connectors from heat, moisture and dirt,” says Mike Buca of DEI. “They are made from an aluminized insulation that acts as a thermal barrier.”

Featuring a split-top design that makes installation a breeze, the silver covers are offered in 25mm (#10753) and 32mm (#10754) sizes to fit a variety of sensors, wire connectors and plugs. Additionally, DEI offers the 25mm and 32mm sizes sold in one kit (#10759) that can be nested together to fully cover sensors near engine manifolds, turbos and other heat sources.

The covers are constructed with an insulating inner layer and heat-reflective outer layer.

For more information about Formed Sensor Covers and DEI’s complete line of performance heat and sound control products, visit www.DesignEngineering.com.

KICKER Mourns the Unexpected Passing of Vice President Rob Limbaugh

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STILLWATER, OK (12.22.2021) – KICKER is deeply saddened to announce the unexpected passing of colleague Rob Limbaugh.  Limbaugh departed this life Friday while at home.  An 18-year KICKER employee and longtime industry veteran, Limbaugh first served as National Sales Director at Stillwater Designs, ultimately ascending to Director of Business Development and Vice President.

“He was an amazing visionary for the big picture,” said KICKER President and co-founder Steve Irby.  “We will certainly miss his contributions, his viewpoints, and his insightful plans.”

While under Limbaugh’s watch, KICKER expanded the Marine and Powersports lines of products, formed the Home and Portables division, and relocated 200 employees into the company’s new world headquarters in Stillwater, Okla. He was instrumental in keeping KICKER relevant into the 21st century, playing an essential part of moving KICKER products into big-box retail and developing KICKER’s current UMAP (Unilateral Minimum Advertised Pricing) policy so dealers could grow their revenue.

He also got the KICKER brand involved in his auto passion, One Lap of America, for several years, and he co-drove a BMW during the 2018 road-course race.

Limbaugh started his audio career in 1975 at Pacific Stereo in Fresno, Calif.  His passion for audio led him to be vice president at Linear Power for six years. After that he led Polk Audio’s car-audio division for more than a decade before joining KICKER’s sales team.

“Rob was always extremely sharp,” said KICKER Director of Global Supply Chain Greg Lew. “He loved going to soundoffs. He loved loud audio.  He was witty, trustworthy, and a great friend – somebody you could chat with and challenge.”

Behind his famously dry wit and wry smile, Limbaugh was known to be a deep thinker and consistent voice among KICKER leadership.

“He had an amazing mind for seeing the overall plan,” recalled KICKER General Manager Jay Ralston. “He was an integral part of every major decision and had a gift for considering all the angles.”

“He was always presenting a bigger picture solution and played that role very well,” Irby said. “It’s important to have a diversity of opinions in a company to make balanced decisions, and we could always count on Rob.  He will definitely be missed.”

Visit kicker.com for more.

HKI USA Debuts Its Line of Vehicle Enhancement Products from TURY at KnowledgeFest Dallas

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DANIA BEACH, FL (12.22.2021) – Tury, a tier one OEM partner with Nissan, Toyota, Fiat, Jeep, Hyundai and many others, specializes in high tech vehicle add-ons. Tury engineers, manufactures, and offers a complete line up of interfaces from Factory Key Fob window, sunroof and side mirrors automation to a throttle response kit designed to eliminate the gas pedal delay found in many drive by wire vehicles. Tury is also developing trailer connection harness specifically catered to the US market, and many other unique items that will be announced over the next several months.

“We are very excited to bring TURY to the US. After over a year of studying and preparing TURY for the US market we can say we are finally ready to start our long journey on becoming one of the top vendors in this segment.” says Diogo Iannaccone, CEO of HKI USA.

“HKI USA is the perfect partner for TURY in the US with their great team. We are looking forward to our expansion into the US market.” says Daniel Turi, CEO of TURY.

Contact your HKI USA OE Rep or call us at (844) 590-2233 to hear more about becoming a dealer. For more information about TURY visit www.tury.com.br/international

Heise is Now Shipping Its Next Generation of LED Lighting Solutions

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HOLLY HILL, FL (12.22.2021) – Heise LED Lighting Systems by Metra Electronicsis now shipping its next generation of Blackout Series lightbars, driving and cube lights, featuring refined frames, cleaner lines, and upgraded optics. The optics have changed from a direct placement to an indirect placement, allowing more control of the location and pattern of the beam. This allows the lights to be tailored to the vehicle, its entire lighting system, and for the driver’s lighting coverage needs. Heise is also shipping its new heavy-duty Edgeless Series of work and driving lights that combine form and function for a sleek appearance that doesn’t compromise performance. Just in time for winter, a heated work LED light has also joined Heise’s new product lineup, and adding to the existing Infinite Series line of RGB backlit lights is a new 5-inch flush mount cube. These new lights were introduced at the 2021 SEMA Show and are now shipping.

Blackout Series Lightbars

A new and improved design and upgraded optics make the latest generation of Heise’s Blackout Series a versatile lighting solution. Function meets style with refined frames and cleaner lines for a sleek yet minimalistic look. The hybrid 90-degree flood and 8-degree spot beam pattern combination delivers intense spotlights in the center flanked by widebeam lights on each side. Available as a dual-row lightbar in 8, 14, 20, 22, 32, 42, and 50-inch lengths, or as a single-row slimline lightbar in 9.5, 20.5, 31.5, 39.5, and 50.5-inch lengths.

Blackout Series Driving Lights and Cubes (Standard and Flush Mount)

Heise’s Blackout Series driving lights and high output cube LED lights are small but powerful for better coverage at night. These lights also have the next-generation improved Blackout Series design with upgraded optics for more control of the location and pattern of the beam. Two IP67 rated options for driving lights feature an intense 15-degree spot beam pattern and 6 LEDs, available in a standard or flush mount option. The IP67 rated cube lights are available in various spot or flood beam patterns, sold as a set, and include the HE-DLWH1 dual light wiring harness for installation. Flush mount options are also available and sold individually without a harness.

Edgeless Series Work and Driving Lights

The new Edgeless Series features lights with a clean, edgeless frame with no screws on the front face for a sleek appearance that doesn’t compromise performance. This new series features four new spot beam pattern lights in 7 or 9-inch round options, the HE-EL3 and HE-EL4, a 4-inch driving light option, the HE-EL2, and a 5-inch work light, the HE-WL5. The new Edgeless Series also features a rectangular work area light with a flood beam pattern, the HE-WLAF.

Heated Work Light

Designed for winter, the heated feature in Heise’s new HE-WL4H light helps to melt the frost and prevent snow from covering the light and reducing visibility. This heavy-duty work flood light is designed for off-road, rugged, and dark night conditions to illuminate the path for a better drive. This 4.3-inch light is sold individually and has a 75-degree flood beam pattern with 9600 raw lumens.

Infinite Series Flush Mount RGB Cube Light

Heise’s popular RGB backlit LED lights, the Infinite Series, now has a flush mount cube light option for the perfect fit inside the bumper. Light colors can be changed with the swipe of a finger, with pure white light and 16 million selectable colors as a backlight, controlled by a smartphone app. The HE-FMICL2 cube light requires Metra’s RGB-CB1 controller, which is sold separately and required for RGB operation. This light is compatible with the entire Heise Infinite Series and can be synced with other Heise or Metra RGB lights that use the same RGB-CB1 controller.

Click for product details in this PDF

All of Heise’s new lights are now shipping and more information and specifications can be seen at HeiseLED.com. Heise LED lights are sold for off-road use only. These products should not be used on public roads.