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Highlights from the 2022 SEMA Show

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Did you feel the energy? A juggernaut hit Las Vegas this past November 1–4 when the annual SEMA Show roared back into the city’s convention center. And it was clear the specialty-automotive industry was ready for business.

Reflecting a rapidly changing aftermarket, the Show greatly revamped its education, networking and event programs. There were also new exhibitions, features, vehicle displays, and plenty of interactive thrills seen, felt and shared throughout the 1-million sq. ft. trade event—not to mention thousands of new products for attendees to discover. Plus, there was an exciting announcement of new things to come, with SEMA undertaking a citywide expansion of the Show, beginning November 2023.

Chip Foose takes a photo with fans.

“SEMA wishes extend a huge thanks to our 2022 Show exhibitors, attendees, sponsors and partners for making the event such an outstanding success,” said SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola. “Across the board, participation far exceeded expectations, and the industry’s support and energy were everywhere to be seen. This Show will be remembered as among the best our association has ever produced, and demonstrates again why the SEMA Show remains the world’s number-one automotive trade event.”

After its successful return as a live event in 2021, the 2022 Show proved beyond a doubt that the specialty automotive industry is revved up and leaving the pandemic behind. Nearly 3,000 exhibitors and approximately 130,000 attendees flooded the 2022 Show halls, representing 30% growth over 2021.

The 2022 SEMA Show officially opens.

“Trade events like the SEMA Show are meant to both highlight and energize industry trends and innovation, and throughout the Show it was evident that SEMA-member companies are ready to seize the future,” said SEMA Vice President of Events Tom Gattuso. “It’s no exaggeration to say the 2022 Show was a historic milestone. From the moment you arrived at the Las Vegas Convention Center, you could feel the energy and momentum.”

“The 2022 event was very forward-focused,” added Gattuso. “We increased the size and scope of our SEMA Electrified section and added the new SEMA ADAS Showcase to demonstrate recalibration of modified vehicles for compliance with advanced driver-assistance systems, and attendee interest in both was notably high.”

SEMA Show Overland Experience.

“Also, there were more equipment manufacturers and electric-vehicle [EV] conversion companies for attendees to connect with as well as live demonstrations of products and procedures. We additionally expanded our educational seminars addressing vehicle electrification and other emerging technologies, and the many new opportunities they’re providing our industry businesses.”

Other key features included the popular SEMA Overland Experience, the Chip Foose Experience, and an eBay Motors Experience featuring the Hoonigan Burnyard, drift ride-alongs and a stunning collection of unique vehicles. An expanded OPTIMA Village played host to Ultimate Street Car Invitational events, numerous demos and celebrity appearances, and lots of tire smoke.

Moreover, the Show exuded industry diversity in every sense of the word. There were bed-dancing mini trucks, truck drifting, and lowrider hopping, courtesy TIS Off-Road and urban-car-scene veteran Myles Kovacs. Donk vehicles stood proudly alongside the traditional performance and street racers, trucks and off-road vehicles, hot rods and classic show cars. The Motorcycle Industry Council “Ride With Us” activation feature even taught new enthusiasts how to ride.

Special Keynote appearance by Emmitt Smith.

Meanwhile, the Show’s “Still I Race” exhibition paid tribute to African American Racing Association legends, and a SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) Ford Bronco Wildtrak showcased the growing contributions of female builders. Headline celebrities further appealed to a broad range of interests. They included keynote appearances by football great and now NASCAR team owner Emmitt Smith, NHRA champion Anton Brown, and Kevin Hart’s Muscle Car Crew, among others.

2022 SEMA Show Cruise.

The annual Monday-night Exhibitor Appreciation Party featuring the SEMA Awards, the Tuesday-morning Kickoff Breakfast, and the Thursday-evening Industry Awards Banquet all saw updated formats. Likewise, rules changes to the SEMA Battle of the Builders and Launch Pad competitions broadened their appeal, and the Show’s Friday Experience for qualified consumer attendees was expanded. Open to the public, the annual SEMA Cruise and SEMA Ignited after-party further amped public enthusiasm for car culture.

Ringbrothers

Ultimately, words can’t capture the scope and excitement of the 2022 SEMA Show. But you can get a feel for it all in these photos. And make your plans now: SEMA Week 2023 promises an even greater impact starting this November.

Visit semashow.com for more.

Written by Mike Imlay for sema.org.

Alpine Now Shipping High-Resolution Alpine Status Speakers for Factory Applications

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AUBURN HILLS, MI (12.13.22) – Alps Alpine North America, Inc. (“Alpine”) has released new Alpine Status speakers: the HDZ-653S 6.5” OEM-Fit 3-Way Component Speaker Set, HDZ-65CS 6.5” OEM-Fit 2-Way Component Speaker Set, and HDZ-65 6.5” OEM-Fit Coaxial Speaker Set.

Exceptional Build Quality
Drawing inspiration from the Ultra High-Resolution AlpineF#1Status system, the Alpine Status speakers feature a unified carbon composite cone construction throughout the speaker components for a unified timbre identity. Alpine Proprietary Double Gathered Edge Surround technology gives the speakers ultra-low distortion and linear diaphragm movement that reproduces music true to the artist’s original intentions.

Custom developed for Hi-Res Audio Playback, the speakers have an ultra-wide bandwidth of 55Hz – 40kHz, which is perfectly suited for accurate reproduction of even the highest quality of studio recordings. Each speaker component is designed to cover a wider range of the playback spectrum, providing a wider range of adjustability.

Flexible Installation Options
The HDZ-653S, HDZ-65CS, and HDZ-65 are factory-fit speaker models that are intentionally designed to fit into most factory speaker openings without custom work. The HDZ-653S includes a 6.5” mid-bass driver, a 3.5” midrange driver, and a 1” slim-fit, high-range driver. The HDZ-65CS includes a 6.5” mid-bass driver and a 1” slim-fit, high-range driver. The HDZ-65 includes a 6.5” mid-bass driver and 1” coaxial tweeter.

When used as a complete system, Alpine Status achieves the highest in-class audio performance only second to the Ultra High-Resolution AlpineF#1Status.

The HDZ-653S, HDZ-65CS, and HDZ-65 are the latest components to release from the Alpine Status line and are now available at Alpine Authorized retailers and Preferred Online Stores. Installation options can be found on the Alpine-USA website through the store locator. 

Visit alpine-usa.com for more.

RPM Capped the NorCal 3-City Wet Sounds Training Swing at Wake Audio

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RANCHO CORDVA, CA (12.12.22) – During the week of December 5th Reliable Products Marketing team members Scott Baughman and Brent Fujii were one the road in NorCal with Wet Sounds National Trainer Carl Campbell. The product training sessions were held in Livermore at Cattlemens on Tuesday, in Fresno at Dave & Busters on Wednesday and capped at the Wake Audio facility in Rancho Cordova on Thursday December 8th.

Scott, Carl and Brent arrived at Dave & Buster’s in Fresno (bottom image) and Livermore (top image).

“Each of our trainings for Wet Sounds dealers hit the mark. At each of the stops dealers were excited to attend factory training in the field and all engaged with Carl Campbell as he was spot on with his presentations. The Cattlemens and Dave & Busters locations were good locations for trainings but the Wake Audio facility knocked it out of the park” Baughman related.

Carl Campbell conducting the training at Dave & Buster’s in Fresno.
Wet Sounds raffle winners in Fresno.

Wake Audio is geared for marine audio with a 5000 sq ft facility in Rancho Cordova. At the time of the Wet Sounds training, which was set up in the installation bay, there were 7 boats, a CanAm and Lambo arranged in the area. Wet Sounds Marine and Powersports displays from the showroom were moved and set up in the training area.

The Wet Sounds training underway in Rancho Cordova.
This image shows the Wave Audio bay rearranged for the training.

“It was terrific to hold the last of the Wet Sounds trainings in the Wake Audio facility. Over 40 people attended with a couple of dealers driving from 2 and 3 hours away. Alex Aldma and his partner virtually insisted we hold the session in their facility. They arranged the shop and placed tables and chairs with room for the make your taco area for dealers. Wake Audio is a very top Wet Sounds dealer and they load 25’ and larger Malibu boats from top to bottom with Wet Sounds Marine.”

Wake Audio system light up the night on the lake too!
This Wake Audio Instagram posts shows their followers big possibilities.

Alex Aldma commented “Marine audio is what we do at Wake Audio since we opened in 2015. Consumers in the area know we are the place for high-end marine audio. When a customer has a $280,000 boat they really want, and certainly deserve, the very best in marine audio and Wet Sounds is our go to brand. Having the Wet Sounds training in our shop was special.”

Concluding, Baughman stated “It was a long but very productive week In total as Carl was able to train over 100 staff members from Wet Sounds dealers at the 3 stops. Each of the attendees were there to learn the latest from Wet Sounds and Carl delivered as each training went very well. We thank all who attended and contributed to the successful 3-City Wet Sounds training swing.”

Visit norcalrpm.com and wetsounds.com for more.

Kenwood Motorsports Camera Onboard with ‘High on the Hog’ Helicopter

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LAWTON, OK (12.09.22) – High On The Hog is a company based in Lawton OK that offers helicopter hog hunting in southwest Oklahoma. Owner Travis Craig is a retired US Army helicopter combat pilot who offers hunters the opportunity to hunt wild hogs from his MD600N 7 passenger helicopter.

The High On The Hog helicopter takes off on the test flight with the new Kenwood Motorsports system.

Craig related “Feral hogs live in the wild and plague farmers, wildlife and the environment. I saw a way for hunters to go after these wild hogs and launched the High On The Hog company. Most hunts in my helicopter last just a couple hours so I was thinking of ways my clients could extend their rides with videos. In talking with a friend in retail he told me about the Kenwood Motorsports camera and gave me the contact to Marcus Vasconcellos who just happens to live and office right in Lawton. We discussed the concept and set a plan to do it.”

The Kenwood STZ-RF200WD installed in the cabin.
Marcos Vasconcellos during a camera test from the cockpit.

“As far as I know this was the first installation of a Kenwood STZ-RF200WD on a helicopter or aviation. I do a lot of riding on my bike and capture the experiences with the Kenwood camera. I immediately saw how hog hunters could extent their experience flying low over southwest Oklahoma and taking out a wild hog” Marcus, a Kenwood Specialist, related.

These hunters will be able to relive their High On The Hog experience.

Continuing, Marcus added “The actual installation was completed on Friday December 2nd. The installation went very smoothly as there was not the customization required in a vehicle interior. The control unit was mounted in the cabin and we placed one camera to capture images on the ground and the other to show passengers in the cabin. The helicopter runs on 24volts so we used an adaptor to get to 12volts for the Kenwood STZ-RF200WD. Travis has related that after just a few flights all is working as we had planned.”

The High On The Hog helicopter has participated in high school aviation classes.

“Once the trip from a hunt is complete I can supply digital files to my clients. I think many will show fellow hunters and friends. With the holiday season here we planning flights to see, and record, outdoor Christmas lights in cities and towns around Lawton. A big thank you Kenwood for the great camera system and to Marcus for working on this High On The Hog project” Craig concluded.

Visit kenwood.com/usa for more.

Reliable Product Marketing and Wet Sounds Are on the Road in NorCal

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STOCKTON, CA (12.08.22) – During the week of December 5th RPM and Wet Sounds are on the road with a 3-stop training swing in Northern Cal. Carl Campbell, Wet Sounds National Trainer, along with the RPM Team members Scott Baughman and Brent Fujii scheduled 3 dealer product trainings… set for Livermore, Fresno and Rancho Cordova.

Scott Baughman (R) and Brent Fujii from RPM flank Wet Sounds’ Carl Campbell before the Tuesday night training in Livermore CA.

The trainings are designed for the entire shop covering both sales and technical information. Attendees will see first hand the new Wet Sounds REV HD product, Zero Speakers and the Stealth Series Sound Bars.

The first training session was Tuesday night at the Cattlemens in Livermore CA. Cattlemens is a venue that offers dining and private meeting space that was ideal for the Wet Sounds training. Over 25 were seated as Campbell covered the Wet Sounds lineup with a selection of products displayed on a table for dealers to check out firsthand.

 Carl Campbell conducting the Wet Sounds training for over 25 seated at Cattlemens.

RPM Principal Scott Baughman related “Dealers in our territory see Wet Sounds as their go to line for top quality marine sales. At Cattlemens the new REV HD10’ and 12” Tower speakers drew a lot of interest along with the new ZERO 6” and 8” coaxial speakers.”

Campbell related “In our training sessions we cover products but also marine system design and best practices plus provide an opportunity to answer technical questions for attendees. Some free stuff will also be available.”

A selection of Wet Sounds products were on display for a hands-on experience.

The Wednesday, December 7th was on the schedule at Dave and Busters in Fresno. The Thursday December 8th training, at Wake Audio in Rancho Cordova, will provide attendees with an opportunity to experience LIVE demos of some custom high-end marine installations.

The sessions are set 6 pm til 9 pm. Trainings to start a 6:30 with dinner about 7pm.

During travel between the training stops the team makes dealer visits along the route where possible.

Visit norcalrpm.com for more.

Couple Donates Classic Auto Collection to Northwood University

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MIDLAND, MI (12.07.22) – A Mount Pleasant couple is donating more than $2 million worth of classic automobiles to support Northwood University and The Northwood Idea.

Michael and Dianne Morey have pledged 35 vehicles from their automotive collection in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan.

“We are incredibly grateful to Michael and Dianne for this extraordinary gift, which will be used to enhance our Midland campus, create scholarship opportunities, and build the university’s endowment for future students,” stated Northwood President Kent MacDonald.

A portion of the Morey Collection.

MacDonald noted the Morey’s family story is one of success from hard work — which is the epitome of what Northwood strives to instill in its students, and what its alumni exhibit daily in their respective fields.

The Morey’s story dates back to 1983, when they believed they could build a wood chipper better than anyone else. Mike left his job, invested in a small workshop, and with six employees and a small operating budget, built the Model 100 Brush Bandit, a 12-inch capacity disc-style chipper.

In 1987, based on the success of the Brush Bandit, Bandit Industries was created, and Dianne actively joined the company.

Bandit designed and launched the world’s first self-propelled track whole tree chipper in 1990 and continues to lead this industry segment. Bandit operates a network of more than 180 dealer locations worldwide.

Michael Morey is pictured with a portion of the Morey Collection.

In 2018, the Morey’s announced they would sell 100% of the company to their 462 employees in an employee stock ownership plan. This came after the company entertained two offers to sell from private firms.

“We realized neither was a good fit for Bandit, so we made the decision to sell to our trusted employees,” Dianne Morey told the Morning Sun in 2018.

The company now has 725 employees.

“The Morey’s are stellar examples of how ingenuity, persistence and dedication pave the way for success in a free-market society,” stated Justin Marshall, chief development and engagement officer for Northwood University.

The Morey family will transfer the vehicle titles to Northwood University prior to the close of this calendar year. By June 30, 2023, Northwood University will liquidate The Morey Collection with Mecum Auctions in a no-reserve auction.

The preference is for The Morey Collection to be auctioned at Mecum’s Kissimmee Auction on Jan. 6.

“The cars have been a large part of our lives, and each tells a story,” the Moreys said in a statement. “It’s time for these cars to write a new chapter, and support young men and women who want to work hard, build something of their own, and positively influence the communities they call home. Northwood University is a special place, filled with wonderful students, and we are thrilled to support their mission.”

Not all the cars will be auctioned off, as Northwood University will retain a 1958 Chevrolet Corvette to display on campus.

“We are very pleased to showcase this classic Corvette on campus as a reminder of the Morey’s generosity and American innovation, while using the vehicle throughout the year to support our mission to develop future leaders of global economic and social progress,” Marshall stated.

Northwood University will utilize up to $1,000,000 of the cash proceeds to enhance the campus experience and build upon recent campus improvements dedicated earlier this year in May.

The remaining proceeds will be used to build a scholarship and endowment fund supporting Northwood University’s free-enterprise mission.

Click here for details about the Jan. 6 auction.

Audio House Hosted The Company’s Famous Black Friday Sale

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NAPA, CA (12.06.22) – Following a 2 year pause, due to COVID-19 and product shortages, the Audio House hosted the company’s FAMOUS Black Friday Sale on Friday, November 25th.

Jag Rattu, Audio House owner, related “It was fantastic to be back again with our Black Friday Sale that we have been doing for over 10 years. We did have almost 20 people waiting outside for the doors to open at 7 AM. We promoted the event on social media with a Black Friday VIP Pass, offered free giveaways and had a raffle with a $2,500 system as the grand prize. In addition to the social media promotion we distributed 1500 fliers in the area along with a email blast to our list.”

This post was part of the company’s strong social media outreach.

Manufacturer brands featured during the event included Alpine, Hertz, Focal, Kenwood, Stinger, MEDA, Pioneer, Rockford Fosgate and SolarGard. Alpine rep for NorCal Pete Bobsin was on hand and provided line demos of the Alpine Experience pickup for attendees.

The parking lot was full and the Alpine Experience pickup was ready for demos.
Vanessa was very busy making sure all of the Black Friday specials were set to go.

“We have been in business here since 2006 and it was so good to have a very busy Black Friday event. We didn’t have as many waiting at the door but still had a very strong event. Pete did a great job with the Alpine demo and our staff of 11 was very busy through the day and I stayed past 8 PM to take care of the last customer. The winner of the $2,500 raffle prize has a Nissan 350Z and we have ordered everything and have a January date to do the installation. We are already planning for Black Friday 2023” Rattu concluded.

See @audio_house on social media and audiohousenapa.com.

Lafayette Custom Automotive Hosted Customer Appreciation Showcase

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LAYAYETTE, LA (12.05.22) – Lafayette Custom Automotive was the place to be on Friday December 2nd as the company hosted a Customer Appreciation Showcase event. The event, which kicked off the holiday sales season, featured vehicles in the parking lot for live demos with factory representatives. Refreshments and food were enjoyed by those in the crowd along with 25% specials for the day.

Alpine Experience pickup with the Alpine Bass shower were set up out front.

Lafayette Custom Automotive serves the area with a wide variety of automotive products and services. Owner Martin Branch and Shane Douet, along with the crew, welcomed Jimmy Chauffe and Kevin Knox with their demo vehicles. Chauffe is the area Alpine Specialist and Knox is a member of the Marketing Pros rep firm. Chauffe demoed the Alpine Experience pickup along with a trailer with showroom. Kevin Knox demoed Focal and Mosconi products. The Lafayette Custom Automotive pontoon was loaded with KICKER marine products and Livin’Loud for demos.

“Our Customer Appreciation Showcase turned out very well. We could tell all appreciated the opportunity to hear extraordinary systems in the Alpine pickup and a customer’s car that featured Focal and Mosconi gear. Our customers also mentioned it was terrific to speaks with Jimmy Chauffe with Alpine and learn more about Focal and Mosconi from Kevin Knox. Our customer also liked others experiencing the system in his ride. Raffle prizes from Alpine and Kicker, along with some delicious Canes Chicken, plus discount specials put a smile on faces too” Shane Douet related.

In front of the KICKER display (R to L) Kevin Knox, Martin Branch, Jimmy Chauffe and Shane Douet.

Chauffe related “The event started off busy and traffic slowed la bit later. With the demos and time spent with customers the LCA crew wrote some nice tickets. The 25% discount offered encouraged attendees to put products on layaway too. With the activity and visibility from the day business will certainly continue through the holiday sales season and beyond.”

The Lafayette Custom Automotive pontoon was ready to be Livin’Loud with KICKER on a warm sunny December day.
With a pause in the action the crew by the Alpine display (L to R) Shane Douet, Jimmy Chauffe, Martin Branch and Kevin Knox.

LCA has beeen providing quality work in the Lafayette area for over 40 years and the team is committed to providing the best possible experience for their customers.

A big 12volt News thank you to Jimmy Chauffe for utilizing the 12voltSTP Tool to send event images.

Visit lcauto.com for more.

CMA EXPO Dealer Training & Networking Event Set for Toronto in 2023

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TORONTO, CANADA (12.02.22) – Slated for Friday March 24th to Sunday March 26th, 2023 at the Toronto Congress Centre, the inaugural CMA EXPO will offer an opportunity for Canadian dealers and their staff to improve every aspect of their business. Featuring the top distributors representing over 100+ of the leading mobile electronics brands, with 64 training sessions and over 30,000x ft2 of exhibit space, the 2023 CMA EXPO Training & Networking Event will be the must-attend event next spring.

“CMA EXPO 2023 represents a collaborative effort from the leading Canadian mobile electronics distributors to reconnect with dealers focussing on training, product knowledge and networking. The event will be a celebration of the best the Canadian mobile audio community has to offer showcasing the top 12-volt trainers in the industry.” states Frank Spezzano, President, CMA Networks.

The 2023 CMA EXPO will represent all aspects of the mobile electronics industry including car audio, specialty audio, remote starters, telematics, ADAS and lighting systems. Attendees can look forward to special skills-based seminars covering fabrication, sales and marketing and DSP sessions will round out the stacked weekend schedule. To enhance the overall experience, expect to see the latest product demonstrations, new product unveilings and demo-vehicles.

“This event represents an extension of our CMA Networks online platform that has kept the industry connected with the ever-changing landscape that is 12-volt electronics. As the host of CMA, I’m excited for the opportunity to deliver our unique brand of training and info-tainment in person at the Toronto Congress Centre.” states Ben Woo, Content Director & Host, CMA Networks. 

For all the details regarding dealer registration, hotel bookings, training schedules and exhibiting brands, visit the official event website found at CMAEXPO.ca

For additional information on the CMA EXPO, please contact:

info@cmanetworks.com | Toll Free: 1.833.326.2482

Oracle Lighting Gains Four Awards During 2022 SEMA Show

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METAIRIE, LA (12.01.22) – Oracle Lighting walked away from the 2022 SEMA Show with four more awards to add to its impressive showcase. The 2022 SEMA Show was held in Las Vegas, Nevada. from Nov. 1-4 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

“ORACLE Lighting is proud to have been awarded the SDC Data Excellence Award, Runner-Up for Best New Off-Road/4-Wheel-Drive Product 2023 for the Integrated Bronco Windshield Roof LED Light Bar, a Global Media Award for the Jeep JL/JT Skid Plate with Integrated LED Emitters, and a Global Media Award for the Jeep JK Flush Mount LED Tail Lights,” said Justin Hartenstein, Oracle Lighting director of development. “We had a great show with terrific traffic in our booth whereas we featured many of our award-winning products. We are thankful for all those who supported us with these awards!”

L to R: Justin Hartenstein, Oracle Lighting Director of Development, and Danny Talbot, Oracle Lighting Sales Representative, during the 2022 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, NV

Hartenstein added, “Our Bronco LED Light Bar System was a huge project for us over the past year and to have this product named as a finalist for the Off-Road Product of the Year was a real honor. We appreciate the judges recognizing this design innovative approach we have applied to the off-road industry. The category of Off Road and 4-Wheel Drive is always a super competitive category, and we are really happy to be a finalist among some of the best in the industry. The award in recognition of innovative design achievement in a newly developed product for the off-road or 4 wheel drive vehicles will hang proudly on display in our headquarters.”

Since 2004, the SEMA Global Media Awards Program has been a staple of the SEMA Show – the premier automotive accessories trade event in the world. It involves journalists from throughout the world coming to the SEMA Show, with the purpose of identifying and discovering what new products are likely to succeed in their home countries. The participating media represent some of the industry’s top magazines and the editors are amongst the most respected in the world. Their opinions are highly regarded. Given the knowledge and expertise about the automotive markets in their countries, there is a high probability that the products they identified truly will resonate with consumers in their respective markets.

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.