OAKLAND, CA (10.14.2020) – Pandora has introduced the Endless Playlist, where artists can share their favorite songs along with personal messages, then pass the mic to fellow artists to make their picks. Beginning today, listeners can journey through handpicked songs and discover the music loved by Alicia Keys, Maxwell, Snoh Aalegra, The Neighbourhood, Billie Eilish, and Arlo Parks, with more to come in this ever-growing playlist.
How does this dynamic musical journey work? It starts with an artist handpicking a song by another artist that they love, sharing a brief message explaining why the song is important to them, then handing it off to the artist they chose to do the same. The playlist operates as a musical game of tag, and will be updated with new songs and inspirational messages. Here is how the living, growing playlist starts, and listeners can stay tuned to discover who the latest artist will pick next.
Pandora Launches Artist-Made ‘Endless Playlist’ with Alicia Keys, Billie Eilish, and more
Alicia Keys > Maxwell’s “This Woman’s Work”
Maxwell > Snoh Aalegra’s “You”
Snoh Aalegra > The Neighbourhood’s “Sweater Weather”
The Neighborhood > Billie Eilish’s “My Future”
Billie Eilish > Arlo Parks’ “Cola”
“The Endless Playlist is the first of its kind—a living, growing and inspirational playlist filled with great music and heartfelt commentary,” said Bill Crandall, VP of Editorial Content at Pandora. “Now more than ever, we want to create a platform that connects artists and music fans in a unique and personal way. This is just the beginning, the possibilities of where this journey can lead are truly endless.”
“I love this endless game of musical tag,” said Alicia Keys. “Music is the most incredible way to connect! Can’t wait for ya’ll to vibe with us.”
Pandora Premium listeners can tune into the Endless Playlist HERE. Pandora is also giving listeners with ad-supported Pandora and Pandora Plus the ability to unlock access to the playlist by viewing a short video ad via its Premium Access feature.
CHATSWORTH, CA (10.14.2020) – CRUX Interfacing Solutions is continuing to develop in-vehicle connectivity and safety solutions. The new RVCNS-74F is the latest example.
RVCNS-74F is a rear view integration kit that comes with an OEM style aftermarket tailgate handle camera. This is for customers who want to add a tailgate handle camera to select 2013-2016 Nissan Frontier vehicles with a 4.3” screen.
Plug and play wiring for easy installation is a time saver on this CRUX Sightline product.
STILLWATER, OK (10.13.2020) – Reacting on the news of no live SEMA Show 2020, Stillwater Designs has announced that it will conduct its own virtual, private trade event for authorized dealers to stream and watch. And for the first time, consumers world-wide can also view their own virtual show and see what KICKER products and innovations will be hitting stores in early 2021.
The mobile-audio manufacturer is producing KICKER UnMASKED! Live, streaming for three days October 21-23. It will be KICKER’s virtual look at the current state of the brand, a full look at new KICKER products shipping in 2021, and an interactive setup enabling viewers to ask questions and receive answers during and after the event being conducted from global headquarters in Stillwater, Oklahoma.
“We aim to be true to our roots and provide a one-on-one encounter like at our live events, while opening up and providing a new experience for 12-volt enthusiasts and the consumer public,” said Kevin Campbell, KICKER Director of Marketing. “These are audiences that typically never have the opportunity to experience the KICKER brand, people or products during the SEMA Show. It should be a lot of fun.”
Each day’s event will be shown to a specific audience with various topics covered during all productions, including a virtual, “rep-fest” pre-event day on Oct. 20. Then KICKER Sales Representatives and international distributors will conduct business and get a look at what’s new for 2021 on October 21 via live Zoom meetings with KICKER Regional Sales Managers and the KICKER Tech training staff. These productions will be private with only KICKER internal parties attending.
KICKER Authorized Dealers and their respective work staffs will attend a similar training, shown twice on Thursday, Oct. 22, via Zoom webinars by private invitation. While business will be the chief topic, KICKER associates promise an evening of fun, product unveilings, information and the opportunity to ask questions live. Attendees can also win valuable prizes during the show. Thursday’s show times are 9 a.m. CDT (scheduled for Eastern and Central time zones), and 4 p.m. CDT (scheduled for Mountain and Pacific time zones).
Finally, on Friday, Oct. 23, in a first for KICKER, the brand will share these new 2021 products with consumers earlier than ever before. Anyone interested can watch on KICKER’s Facebook account (/kickeraudio) using Facebook Live, and KICKER’s YouTube account (/kickerfanatic) on YouTube Live. Show time will be 5 p.m. CDT, with a question-and-answer session following featuring KICKER President and founder Steve Irby and industry social personalities Dereck Williston (Williston Audio Labs), Dean Beyett and Fernando Lopez (Five Star Car Stereo), Robert “Hifi” Vega, and others. KICKER promises prize giveaways, visits from KICKER-sponsored celebrities and more.
Wednesday, October 21 – UnMASKED! Live meetings, for Sales Representatives (by private Zoom invitation)
Thursday, Oct. 22, 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. CDT – UnMASKED! Live webinars, for Authorized Dealers and store staffs (by private Zoom invitation)
Friday, October 23, 5 p.m. CDT – UnMASKED! Live, for a world-wide audience (on Facebook Live and YouTube Live)
DIAMOND BAR, CA (10.12.2020) – Manufacturing companies are gearing up for SEMA360, where they will showcase new products for the automotive specialty-equipment industry and prepare to meet with resellers from all over the world. Here are details on what some manufacturers have planned:
With many new and unique products in store for the coming year, Curt Group’s New Product Spotlight Page will be the first to reveal the company’s new products, and include photos, videos, key features for each product, custom vehicle builds, as well as downloadable key-feature fliers.
ORACLE Lighting will showcase new lighting products for the ’20 Chevy Camaro and ’19–’20 Chevy Silverado. Both the ’20 Chevy Camaro SS/RS Oracle Colorshift RGB+A Headlight DRL Upgrade and the ’19–’20 Chevy Silverado 1500 Oracle Colorshift RGB+W Headlight DRL Upgrade can make hundreds of different colors and dozens of patterns.
Redline Detection is introducing SpeedSmoke—a diagnostic leak detector designed to address the proliferation of boosted vehicles in the aftermarket. SpeedSmoke can pinpoint faults in naturally aspirated engines as well as pinpoint high pressure turbo, diesel, supercharged, boost leaks, with 100% reliability in just minutes.
Sharpline Converting Inc. will offer special discounted pricing on its latest products to buyers during SEMA360. The company manufactures roll striping, graphics, paint protection film and chemical protection products to every segment of the automotive industry.
Curt Group will showcase its newly introduced New Product Spotlight Page. With many new and unique products in store for the coming year, the New Product Spotlight Page will be the first to reveal CURT’s new products and include photos, videos, key features for each product, custom vehicle builds, as well as downloadable key-feature fliers.
Diode Dynamics will have its new SSC2 2-in. LED Pod, featuring high-output intensity and designed for maximum functionality, with custom-engineered TIR optics shining in highly useful beam patterns. With four standard backlight options, these pods are a powerful light option that can be mounted virtually anywhere on a vehicle, including spots where LED Light Bars are not an option.
Supreme Suspensions is featuring its new 1.6-in. Ratchet Tie-Down Strap Kit. Made from professional-grade, high-tensile polyester with triple-stitched webbing, the Ratchet Tie-Down Strap Kit features a 1,460-lb. Safe Working Load and a 4,400-lb. Max Breaking Strength. Easy-to-use “S” hooks constructed of ASTM equivalent 1045 structural steel help to resist deformation and deflection under heavy loads. They are also stratch-resistant, waterproof and UV-protected.
AEM Performance Electronics will featuring its new VCU300, along with other new EV products, during SEMA360. The VCU300 is used on both the Ford Performance CobraJet1400 (the fastest door-slammer drag EV in the world), and the Huff Motorsports EV Dragter (the first EV dragster to eclipse 200 mph in the quarter-mile).
BlueDevil Products is showcasing its BlueDevil Gasket Sealer and its BlueDevil Radiator Flush. The gasket sealer will repair and seal leaks in blown head gaskets, warped or cracked heads, heater cores and freeze plugs. The radiator flush restores efficiency to vehicles by helping remove grease, rust, grime or any other buildup that occurs during normal vehicle use.
TRAK Machine Tools will feature its new Toolroom Machining Center and demonstrate how easy it is to transition from manual work, such asmachining a prototype or test piece in Toolroom Ops, to full production machining in Production Ops. It’s a full feature three-axis machining center when you need to run low-volume production, and with the flip of a switch will work like its popular TRAK DPM.
Bully Dog and SCT Performance will offer SEMA360 specials and give away $50,000 in tuners as part of its Great Tuner Giveaway. Staff will showcase the SCT Livewire Vision Performance Monitor, and share information about the new vehicle coverage added to the SCT X4 Performance Programmer and the Bully Dog GT.
As a 100% online event created to fill the void of the in-person SEMA Show not taking place in Las Vegas, SEMA360 provides the industry with a trade-only platform that provides manufacturers and resellers an opportunity to connect and focus on new products, vehicles, education and doing business. Learn more by visiting www.sema360.com.
Manufacturers who have special SEMA360 discounts, or who would like to promote their SEMA360 plans and be included on the list above, should email Kelly Clancy at kellyc@sema.org.
SOUTHFIELD, MI (10.13.2020) – The BrandMotion FullVUE Mirror has continued to grow in popularity. The company is continuing to add more functionality to this high-definition, real-time video mirror which will provide an even broader application for customers with longer vehicles. Brandmotion has increased the harness length by 50%, from 20 feet to 30 feet, which will help accommodate larger commercial vehicles.
Similar to the FVMR-1000V2, both the FVMR-8866V2 and FVMR-8876V2 have received a longer harness, moving from 20 feet to 30 feet. Along with the harness change, both kits have received an update to the bracket style. The bracket style changed from the traditional “Guitar” style spare tire mount, to the “Half-Moon” style spare tire mount. This change allows the use of a single bracket to accommodate both the Wrangler JK and Wrangler JL spare tire bolt locations. See the images below to better understand the change.
Brandmotion has seen a lot of success and received positive feedback on the FVMR lineup and looks to continue to make improvements moving forward.
COOS BAY, OR (10.12.2020) – Stereo King was on site at the UTV Takeover on the Dunes for the fourth time. The 2020 UTV Takeover was in Coos Bay OR from October 7th-11th. Reports called for over 2500 UTV’s to be on site with the crowd of powersports enthusiasts to top 10,000.
Anthony, Scotty, Kevin, Aaron and Tristin (L to R) are shown after the booth was set up on Tuesday, October 6th.
Outdoor carpeting was placed on the floor in the booth to protect the products at all from the uneven sandy surface.
Kevin Cornutt, Stereo King GM, related “The PowerSports category is very strong for our company. This year was our fourth year to exhibit at the UTV Takeover. We were very busy and had strong sales. One night was stormy and damaged many exhibitor tents with some booths being flooded. Fortunately we were AOK.”
The Stereo King Jeep and display signage grabbed attention for the booth.
Installations underway.
Stereo King was set up with multiple tents and demo vehicles. During setup on Tuesday October 6th flooring was placed under the tents and display tables setup. Two trailers of products, including Rockford Fosgate, Wet Sounds and Scosche were on site. Each evening products were placed back into the trailers for security.
Through the day the booth was busy each day of the show.
The crew worked into the night to complete installations.
“During the 5-day event run we spent time with well over 1000 people in our booth. We offered onsite installation too and worked under the lights into the night to complete jobs. We worked on nearly 100 vehicles during the event. Many Can Am’s and RZR’s were decked with Rockford Fosgate Stage 5 gear. Several customers got upgrades to their systems from previous years.”
Tristin working late to complete a big installation.
Jumping through flames is an added attraction at the UTV Takeover.
At night the Dunes light up and get LOUD!
During the event 10 Stereo King staff members were on site. For setup the team had 5 members on site with the additional 5 staff members arriving on day one of the show. There were 5 installation techs and 5 working to drive sales.
Kevin, Scotty, Dave, Anthony and JET were in charge of sales. Installation techs onsite were Jon, Aaron, Corey, Jeff and Tristin. Bethany and Payton provided extra assistance. Stereo King crew members spent the nights in RV’s on site and local motels.
Stereo King operation 4 stores in the Portland area and one in Boise, ID.
LONG BEACH, CA (10.12.2020) – JVC Mobile Entertainment was greatly saddened to learn of the recent passing of one of their independent sales representatives, Karl Kawachi- Pro Line Hawaii.
Karl Kawachi
Karl- a long-time rep and pioneer of the Hawaiian 12-volt industry was a cultural icon and true music aficionado. He was born and raised in Hawaii and loved music early on, eventually playing bass guitar in his high school band. He was an early supporter of IASCA and DB Drag in the Hawaiian competition scene. He started Pro Line Hawaii in 1989 in Aiea, Hawaii on the island of Oahu. Prior to that Karl worked as a rep for Now Marketing, beginning in 1983. Among the many lines that Karl represented were JVC, Cerwin Vega, Eclipse, Electra Media, and Rockford Fosgate.
Karl valiantly battled cancer since 2017 until his passing on October 5th, 2020. He is survived by his wife Phyllis and daughters Sarah and Kelly.
“A friend to all and with a smile for everyone, Karl was a wonderful man and a true 12-volt pioneer in the islands,” said Ron Trout, JVC Director of Sales.
CHATSWORTH, CA (10.12.2020) – CRUX Interfacing Solutions is continuing to develop new in-vehicle connectivity solutions.
Click image to enlarge
The new CRUX BTCR-35M offers Bluetooth Handsfree Calling plus 4-Channel Audio Streaming for select a 2004- 2021 Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep & Ram vehicles. The Volkswagen Routan 2009-14 owners can also upgrade their in-vehicle connectivity utilizing the new BTCR-35M.
For drivers who want to retain their factory head unit and upgrade to Bluetooth 5.0, without having to go to the dealership and pay an expensive price tag, the CRUX BTCR-35M is a welcomed solution.
SHREVEPORT LA (10.10.20) WTF…Win This Friday. Hi Pro Audio won the $100. 12volt News Prize on Friday, October 9th.
The 12volt Spin-to-Win Wheel was created to bring an element of fun to the 12volt industry. Eleven months ago we celebrated the first anniversary of the weekly 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel.
On Friday morning, October 9th, the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel rolled for the 97th time and the Wheel landed on the 12volt News space. The Hi Pro Audio slip was drawn from the jar and an Instagram post of the winning slip was posted. We placed a call to the proactive Victoria TX retailer. Staff at Hi Pro Audio that had already seen the good news on the 12volt News Instagram post that was made just shortly after the 10am Wheel spin. Owner Justin Hosek came to the phone and was very happy to win and know a $100. check would be headed their way. Something fun for the crew could happen with the winning $100. check . Spinning out a new winner each Friday, a lucky 12volt retailer can win a cool prize and top brands receive visibility across the marketplace.
12volt brands with a space on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel include Kicker, NavAtlas, SiriusXM, Cadence, PowerBass, CRUX, DS18, SoundStream, AIS, Precision Power, JBL, Power Acoustik, Farenheit and ZZ2. 12volt News $100. cash awards have spaces on the 12volt Spin-To-Wheel for a winning 12volt retailer.
Past winners of the 12volt Spin-To-Win include…Stereo & Video Center-Tyler TX, The Outlaw Garage-Franklin TN, Exotic Sounds-West Palm Beach FL, Endless Possibilities-Aurora IL., Go Auto Sound in Union City NJ, Al&Ed’s South Bay CA, No Limitz Car Audio in Upland CA, Neil’s Specialty-Eureka CA, Sturgess Customs-Lexington SC, Audio By Art-San Antonio TX, SMS Car Audio in Marreo LA and Sweet Wheelz in Mississauga Ontario Canada, Cartronics in Biscayne FL, The CarAudio Shop in St Louis MO, Exotic Sounds in West Palm Beach FL, High North Customs in Grand Prairie Alberta Canada and AMS Audio in Bakersfield CA, Team QRT in Abbeyville LA and California Sound in Fontana CA and Jackie Cooper Electronics, Oklahoma City OK, MARS Audio-Orlando FL, All American Audio in Nutley NJ, Proline Car Stereo in Brooklyn NY, Custom Shop Miami, Tunes and Tint in Lakeland FL, Mobile Concepts Inc in Mokena IL, Seismic Auto Sound in Concord CA, Brooklyn Car Audio in Brooklyn NY, Audio Solutions in Florence MS, Enhanced Customs in Largo FL, Rayco Auto Clinic, Audio Design in San Jose CA, Go Bass Mode in Florida, Avenue Sound in Freeport NY, Audio Plus in Riverview FL, Stereo Zone in Whittier CA, In-Phase Car Audio in Omaha NE, AutoLife Group, N&H Electronics, SK Customs, Land & Sea, The Audio One, NC Custom Shop,Tint World Orlando, Ricky Smith’s Audio, VIP Custom Woks, Mobile Audio Concepts, Audio Lad, Sound Sensations, Dave’s Stereo, Stereo Design, Badlands Customs, Custom Audio-Erie PA, Voltz Autosports-Bridgeport CT, Infinity Sound and Security-Kissimmee, Autosport Plus-Canton OH, Stereo City Pros in Carmichael CA, Devine Concepts in Naples FL, The Sound Shop in Indian Trail NC, Extreme Performance Audio in Fresno CA, Audio Depot in Arlington TX, Audio Security in Houston TX, Earmark Car Audio and Marine in Lewisville TX, Audio Jam in Bear DE, Stereo City Ontario, Ontario CA, Audio By Art, San Antonio TX, Code Zero Customs in Tulsa OK, Ken’s Car Tunes in Mobile AL, Soundz Plus in Naperville IL, Markland Designs in Lithonia GA, Electronics Plus in Salinas CA, Xtreme Autosports in Santa Clarita CA, Superior Audio Sounds in San Angelo TX and Model Electronics in Ramsey NJ, Texas Dreamz Customs in Spring TX, Wired Electronics in Linden NJ and Intense Car Audio in OKC, OK, Underground Auto in Sarasota FL, Car Toys Tulsa in Tulsa OK, Real Audio in Erie PA, Go Autosound in Union NJ, DFM Stereo in Ukiah CA, Impact Tint and Audio in Tyler TX, Mobile Sound Systems in Arlington TX, Redline Audio and Performance In Spindale NC, Car Audio Land in San Diego CA, Audio X Custom Car Audio in Florence AL, River Oaks Car Stereo in Houston TX, American Radio Orlando in Sanford FL, Illustrious Customs in Woodbridge VA and Remote Start Pros in Lawrence MA. Congratulations to all.
WTF… Where’s the Fun. On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel Friday, October 16th.
Want to enter for future spins? It’s easy….when making an Instagram post for your store include the hashtag #12voltspin to make sure your company has a slip in the jar. There are over 2000 #12voltspin posts on Instagram.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (10.09.2020) – Truck Hero, a manufacturer of truck and Jeep accessories, announced it will offer its 2018 SEMA Show truck build, “Ultimate Tailgate,” a custom ’19 Ford F-350 Lariat, at the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction in Scottsdale, Arizona, October 23, with all proceeds from the sale benefiting the Building Homes for Heroes organization.
Truck Hero design engineers created the Ultimate Tailgate truck as a platform to display many of the company’s truck accessories at the 2018 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. The basis for the build is a ’19 Ford F-350 Super Duty dually pickup in Lariat trim, equipped with the 6.7L Power Stroke diesel, producing 450 hp and 935 lb.-ft. of torque.
Truck Hero design engineers created the Ultimate Tailgate truck as a platform to display many of the company’s truck accessories at the 2018 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. The basis for the build is a ’19 Ford F-350 Super Duty dually pickup in Lariat trim, equipped with the 6.7L Power Stroke diesel, producing 450 hp and 935 lb.-ft. of torque.
This build’s tailgating claim-to-fame is found in the bed, where an Extang Solid Fold 2.0 folding bed cover conceals a 65-in. LG OLED 4K TV that is remote controlled and fully articulates on a custom bed slide system, complete with a gaming table, YETI cooler and grill. A pair of UnderCover SwingCases swing out from the bed, via remote control, and supply the sounds through Maxxsonics MB Quart speakers.
The truck was turned over to Washtenaw (Michigan) Community College so the crew enrolled in their Custom Cars & Concepts program could work on the truck’s body and paint. Students shaved the exterior door handles before applying the AkzoNobel Modern Classikk Black Hole Black paint. Sikkens Autoclear was also applied, as well as a slew of custom touches, including billet emblems and copper-plated badges.
The truck rides on an ARFT Speed Shop custom-dropped air suspension with a four-link rear and a full Air Lift Performance 3P air management system. The power is put to the pavement through custom 24-in. Fuel Off-Road Dually Maverick wheels that have been copper-plated and accented with black-painted spokes wrapped in 285/40R245 Dilente Bandit tires.
Building Homes for Heroes is a national nonprofit organization that builds and modifies homes and gifts them, mortgage-free, to veterans and their families.
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