MERRITT ISLAND, FL (05.16.23) – AccuAir Suspension, maker of next generation air suspension control products, has launched a first-of-its-kind, dynamic lift kit for the Jeep Wrangler JKU models.
The full bolt-on kit enables an additional 3-inches of lift for Jeep Wrangler JKU. The system includes JRi shocks and an AccuAir e-Level Plus control system, which can be controlled via a hardwired Touchpad+ or by Bluetooth through the ePlus app. It supplements kits currently offered for the Jeep Gladiator and Jeep Wrangler JL models.
The new kit features low-speed adjustability for “Crawl Control” on the trail, enabling on-the-fly height adjustments under 25 mph while also making it possible for drivers to lower the vehicle to stock for ease of cabin access or cargo loading.
“This cutting-edge suspension system offers unparalleled adjustability and conveniences to Wrangler and Gladiator owners,” said Mark Turner, president, AccuAir. “Under 25 miles-per-hour, the system enables drivers to adjust upward to crawl over obstacles, or down for easy access for people and pets, or even independently adjust each corner for leveling while overlanding. It’s a complete game-changer for the off-road community.”
The new kit provides “Tow Control” to eliminate sagging when towing. Easy hitch connecting is achieved through pressing a button to lower the rear, backing up to connect the hitch, then pressing a button to return to a level ride height.
The Made-in-the-USA system includes:
An underbody mounted 3-gallon air tank for regulated onboard air for inflating tires and tools – saving valuable cargo space in the cab.
A fully bolt-on system with new lower control arms, sway bar links, and front track bar for increased strength and FMVSS 126 compliant handling.
The full bolt-on kit only requires drilling a few holes for mounting, with zero cutting or welding, uncommon in the truck space, which consists mostly of static kits.
LIBERTYVILLE, IL/KIAMA, NSW AUSTRALIA (05.16.23) – Maxxsonics and MB Quart have expanded their international relationship with Connected Audio Visual (CAV) to Australia and New Zealand. Connected Audio Visual is now the exclusive distributor for MB Quart products specializing and selling the entire product lines of Powersports, Marine, and Mobile offerings.
This brand-new international relationship with Connected Audio Visual (CAV) catapults MB Quart to new heights overseas. Opening another outlet for others to hear and feel Music. Defined. products throughout Australia and New Zealand regions will gain more notice to the MB Quart brand and Maxxsonics (as a company), business and support to MB Quart product lines, and more followers of Music.
Connected Audio Visual is located in this Kiama NSW Australia HQ
Beata Wasilewski, Director of Customer Support, said, “I am so excited that Matt Psaras from Connected Audio Visual reached out to become a Distributor for MB Quart. Working with Matt has been a blast and the relationship that we are building will lead both companies to a great partnership and friendship!”
Alden Stiefel, President of Maxxsonics, mentioned, “This is an incredible opportunity for Maxxsonics and MB Quart to branch out to the Australia and New Zealand regions. I’m very excited to see the partnership grow and flourish throughout the rest of the year and beyond. This is a great opportunity for both sides of this international relationship!”
Pallets of MB Quart products from Maxxsonics HQ in Illinois in the CAV warehouse.
Connected Audio Visual (CAV) has two distinct divisions that include (1) Retail division Specialties in Integrated Technology Solutions and Complete Automation Solutions for the world’s smartest buildings and smart homes (including centralized smart lighting, heating/cooling, distributed audio and video, cinema, security, surveillance, and more), and (2) the Wholesale division that chooses to partner with manufacturers that are leaders in their chosen field and all brands have a unique synergy within the Mobile market.
The CAV crew stocked the warehouse shelves with the MB Quart products. Matt Psaras, Jason Aboozaid, Jarrod Carter and Dylan Roach (L to R).
Matt Psaras from Connected Audio Visual (CAV), commented, “Connected Audio Visual started over five years ago with a goal to offer customers great products with above and beyond service support. Thanks to a reputation that has been built up with over 40 years of knowledge and experience, the CAV team is renowned for offering superior support and service as the exclusive Australian and New Zealand distributor for IROAD Dash Cameras, INNOVV Powersport Cameras and is now exclusive for Maxxsonics starting with MB Quart. This new international relationship with Maxxsonics brings a fantastic opportunity for us. I am looking forward to working with MB Quart and their innovative line of audio products.”
For a complete breakdown of the entire line of MB Quart products selling throughout Australia and New Zealand regions, head over to the newly launched MB Quart Australia and New Zealand web page at https://www.mbquartau.com.au/.
NEW YORK, NY (05.16.23) – SiriusXM and Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) has announced a multi-year extension and expansion of their services agreement. Under the agreement, MBUSA is expected to make the installation of SiriusXM a standard feature on Mercedes-Benz models available in the United States, starting with model year 2024 vehicles. Additionally, SiriusXM with 360L – SiriusXM’s most advanced audio entertainment experience – is anticipated to make its Mercedes-Benz debut in future models.
“Mercedes-Benz has always offered their customers an exceptional luxury experience that combines performance, technology and elegance. We’ve worked together for more than 20 years and we’re thrilled to not only extend our relationship, but also expand the availability of SiriusXM to more Mercedes-Benz owners by making it a standard installed feature across their entire lineup in the U.S.,” said Gail Berger, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Automotive Partnerships, SiriusXM. “Additionally, as we introduce SiriusXM with 360L to the Mercedes-Benz lineup, owners will be able to experience the benefits that our latest generation audio entertainment platform delivers.”
SiriusXM with 360L combines satellite and streaming content delivery into a single, cohesive in-vehicle entertainment experience, which provides drivers and their passengers with more choice and a more personalized listening experience.
SiriusXM with 360L delivers more SiriusXM channels, plus thousands of hours of recorded on demand content and podcasts. The platform offers personalized “For You” recommendations and the ability to access related content, allowing listeners to discover more of the programming they love. A Live Sports category makes it easier to find broadcasts of games and other sporting events.
The Mercedes-Benz SiriusXM with 360L experience will also include SiriusXM’s Pandora Stations feature. Drivers can create their own ad-free music stations based on the artist they are listening to, then give songs a thumbs up or thumbs down within the SiriusXM service to create personalized channels that play more of what they want.
Mercedes-Benz customers purchasing or leasing SiriusXM-equipped vehicles in the United States will continue to receive a six-month trial subscription to the SiriusXM Platinum Plan. The SiriusXM Platinum Plan delivers SiriusXM’s full lineup of varied content, plus access to SiriusXM outside the vehicles on the SXM App and on connected devices and speakers in the home.
SiriusXM’s music channels are expertly curated, ad-free, and deliver an exceptionally wide array of audio choices for listeners. Covering every genre across many decades, channels feature popular tracks and deep cuts from popular artists, as well as introduce listeners to new and emerging musicians and bands. Artist-branded channels from Hall of Fame and iconic talent feature original content that can’t be heard anywhere else. SiriusXM’s concept-based channels, such as Road Trip Radio and Yacht Rock Radio, or its many activity and mood-based channels, are designed to deliver a personalized music experience that fits the moment.
SiriusXM offers the most extensive lineup of professional and college sports in audio; news from around the country and the world from many sources and political perspectives; the scoop on the latest from the world of entertainment; hours of stand-up by the funniest comics; and more.
For more information on all the programming that SiriusXM offers, and all the ways subscribers can listen, visit www.SiriusXM.com.
BATTLE GROUND, WA (05.15.23) – BOSS Audio, a leading manufacturer of high-quality audio and video products, today announced the hiring of the Crossover Marketing Group, a full-service Manufacturer’s Representative to lead the company’s business objectives in the Pacific Northwest Territory.
BOSS Audio is committed to amplifying its sales growth and improving its position in the highly competitive automotive aftermarket. The company is looking forward to adopting a new approach in building on its recent growth and success.
“We’re thrilled to partner with Crossover Marketing as we look to take our brand to new heights in the Pacific Northwest,” said Doug Kern, VP of Sales at Boss Audio. “We feel that they will quickly take a leadership role in the territory thanks to their broad experience in the 12V industry.”
“We are really excited to have Boss Audio onboard as a foundational partner, and we’re grateful for their trust in our new Rep Firm.” said Rob Sutton of Crossover Marketing. “BOSS Audio is a dynamic and innovative brand, and we’re poised and ready to help them take their business to the next level.”
LAS VEGAS, NV (05.15.23) – HARMAN International Industries, the premier connected technologies company for automotive, consumer and enterprise markets, launched its newest lineup of JBL Rallybars for powersports and marine applications. The three new models – the JBL Rallybar XL, JBL Rallybar and Rallybar S feature JBL’s signature sound combined with superior technology and an even more compact design, making them the premier choice for any off-road vehicle or boat.
The new JBL Rallybar XL expands on the original UB4100, now with the addition of a 300w amplifier. The three models support Hi-Res audio and offer 1” tweeters, and an array of 3” mid-range drivers and large 3” by 7.3” racetrack passive radiators to deliver the bass. The Rallybar XL features 10 speakers and 4 radiators. The Rallybar supports a 150w amplifier with 6 speakers and 2 passive radiators.
All three models are equipped with a HARMAN tuned DSP, USB play, aux-in and out and Bluetooth, with the ability to sync to an unlimited number of Rallybars. Both the Rallybar XL and Rallybar feature 7-way customizable party lighting along with a map light function for in vehicle use. The innovative design is rugged enough for any adventure, featuring an IP66 design so it’s easy to spray them down after a long day in the mud.
When it comes to ease of install, the Rallybar family sets itself apart from the competition. The unique mounting bracket swivels 360 degrees and mounts in a multitude of locations across the top and back of the Rallybar. This flexible design, along with the variable clamp solutions, make it fast and easy to mount to any rollbar or wakeboard tower no matter the angle or diameter.
“The Rallybar family drafts on the success of the JBL UB4100, but now we have even more bass, more sound pressure levels, Hi-Res Audio and party lighting with flexibility of installation,” said Jeffery Fay, VP & GM Global Aftermarket, and Special Markets OEM at HARMAN. “With this new lineup, JBL has shown it’s possible to be best in class for looks, audio performance and durability.
LAS VEGAS, NV (05.12.23) – HARMAN International Industries, the premier connected technologies company for automotive, consumer and enterprise markets, launched its newest lineup of JBL Marine Amplifiers and CLUB Marine Speakers for the Marine market. There are four new models of amplifiers including the JBL MA600, JBL MA1000, JBL MA754 and JBL MA5055. The four new models of CLUB Marine speakers are the JBL MARSPKCB62, JBL MARSPKCB82, JBL MARSUBCB102 and the JBL MARSUBCB122. All feature JBL’s 75 plus years of sound heritage and cutting-edge design at affordable prices for any boat.
The new JBL Marine amplifiers are offered in four configurations, a 4-channel by 75 watt Class H, a 5-channel mixed class AB and class-D, and 2 mono subwoofer amps. The PC boards are conformally coated with balanced RCA inputs for noise free audio. The variable crossovers allow for simple system tuning and easy system building with the new CLUB Marine speaker family. The cosmetics are sure to turn heads with a frosty white gloss paint and a silver trim ring finish for a seamless look.
The new CLUB Marine Speakers are also offered in four different sizes, a 6” and 8” full-range speaker and a 10” and 12” subwoofer. All new models come with two removable grills in gloss white and satin gray. The speakers feature silk dome tweeters for smooth highs, polypropylene cones for snappy bass, improve voicing and imaging in an open-air setting of a boat. The IPX5 ratings and UV testing ensure they can handle spray, salt and fog and look brand new years from now. The Elegant soft spoke design is set off against the LED multi color party lighting.
The CLUB Marine subs are best in class when playing low bass in the cavity of the boat. The subs play down to 20 Hertz thanks to a massive magnet and cast abs basket. With 300 watt RMS 10” and 400-watt RMS 12”, it is easy to build a sub system with the new JBL Marine amplifiers.
“JBL designed this new family of marine amps and speakers to not only look and sound amazing but drop into factory holes to easily upfit any boat or pontoon,” said Jeffery Fay, VP & GM Global Aftermarket, and Special Markets OEM at HARMAN. “We’re excited to offer these new products at affordable pricing to our customers.”
Availability and Pricing: The new JBL Marine Amplifiers family will be available in Q1 of 2023 with options ranging from $349.95 – $499.95. The new JBL CLUB Marine speakers are available now with options ranging from $249.95 – $299.95.
METAIRIE, LA (05.12.23) – Oracle Lighting is proud to announce the launch of its new Integrated Roof Mounted Light Bar System for 2018-2023 Jeep Wrangler JL and 2020-2023 Gladiator (p/n 5917-023). Scheduled to ship in June 2023, the new light bar system has an anticipated MSRP of $995.95.
“If you are in the market for a high-mount LED light bar and want to retain an almost factory look, the new Oracle Lighting Integrated LED Light Bar is for you,” explained Justin Hartenstein, Oracle Lighting director of development. “While other market offerings look obviously aftermarket or like an afterthought, our Patent-Pending design with its molded cowling integrates seamlessly into the factory roof line. This product further adds to the rugged and practical style of your Jeep while eliminating the common whistling issue of other light bars.”
The new Integrated Roof Mounted Light Bar System utilizes 30 individual 8W LED emitters, creating a total of 18,000 raw lumens and a projection distance of nearly 2,000 feet.
“Along with blending in with the factory design, the unique cowl design provides a quieter and more aerodynamic installation compared with traditional LED light bar set-ups,” Hartenstein continued. “The polycarbonate housing is designed to match the styling of the factory hard top but can be installed of soft top Jeeps, as well. It even retains all functionality when you want to go topless.”
The system features selectable amber or white clearance lights, and you can choose to connect these lights to an aux switch, parking lights, DRL, or simply have them disconnected if you prefer not to use the additional clearance light feature.
The system matches the factory black hard top out-of-the-box but can also be painted to color match. Oracle Lighting recommends using a professional painter to properly prep, prime, and color match paint the housing.
“This new light bar system design utilizes reflector-facing LED technology, elevating it above basic and more common bars,” Hartenstein concluded. “This reflector system is designed to provide optimized LED light output from the individual LED emitters and project to a distance of more than 600 meters.”
Louisiana-based Oracle Lighting has been designing innovative lighting products and technologies for the automotive aftermarket since 1999. Oracle’s philosophy is this: in today’s world of fly-by-night vendors, we think it is important to partner with businesses that you can trust to be there for you today, tomorrow, and for years to come.
STILLWATER, OK (05.11.23) – The perfect marriage of power and performance, KICKER has announced its first-ever PTRTP Powered Down-Firing Loaded Enclosures, available in a 10- and 12-inch model and now shipping. All enclosures come with a built-in, power-matched amplifier and convenient remote volume control. The enclosures are available for purchase at Authorized KICKER Dealers in-store and online. Soon to be introduced to the world on the KICKER UnMASKED! Live show, PTRTP Powered Down-Firing Loaded Enclosures will retail at $449.99 and $499.99. PTRTP Enclosures are also available at www.kicker.com.
Loaded into each enclosure is an active, KICKER CompRT shallow-mount subwoofer, equipped with Forced Air Cooling to enhance the woofer’s efficiency and durability. A bumped top plate allows for full voice-coil clearance and excursion in a shallow-mount woofer, while the large-diameter, progressive-roll spider ensures increased linearity, better overall sound quality and outstanding bass reproduction.
Next to the active woofer is a reFLEX passive radiator, providing a significant bass upgrade without increasing overall depth of the already thin enclosure. The down-firing design allows the enclosure to fit in tight spaces, yet still deliver peak performance. Standing only about six inches high, the PTRTP is built to fit anywhere – from behind the seat of a pickup to the back of a hatchback. The rugged enclosure design has the added benefit of allowing items to be stacked on top of it, if mounted in a trunk or cargo area. The enclosures are carpeted and custom embroidered with the KICKER logo.
Featuring up to 500 watts of power and a best-in-class input sensitivity, PTRTP built-in amplifiers accept input voltages ranging from as little as 125 millivolts to as much as 40 volts, ensuring its compatibility with virtually any factory or aftermarket radio or source without the additional expense of a line-out converter.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (05.11.23) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a proposal last month for strict new federal multipollutant emissions standards for
light- and medium-duty vehicles. The proposal would decisively tilt the U.S. car and truck market toward electric vehicles (EVs) over the next decade. The new standards would initiate for the ’27 model year and gradually increase through the ’32 model year.
If the EPA drafts standards are implemented by 2032 as proposed, the agency anticipates that two-thirds of all new-car sales in the United States would be EVs. This large-scale shift would significantly disrupt automotive industry supply chains and potentially eliminate large numbers of jobs in vehicle manufacturing, parts production and repair shops. Ford alone estimates a 30% labor reduction in its transition to EVs.
Likewise, much of the automotive specialty-equipment market–the parts and modifications you make to your vehicle once it leaves the car lot–is built around the internal combustion engine. The $51 billion aftermarket industry supports more than one million jobs in U.S. automotive manufacturing. The automotive specialty-equipment market has also led the way in alternative fuel innovations such as hydrogen, replacing older engine technologies with newer, cleaner versions, and even conversions of older internal combustion engine-based cars to new electric, hydrogen and other alternative fuels. Yet none of that is considered part of the broader plan to reduce greenhouse gases and criteria pollutants from automobiles.
Small businesses would be the most vulnerable to the disruptions caused by a seismic shift to battery-electric vehicles. According to the most recent Census Bureau tally of the almost 1,200 auto engine and transmission parts suppliers in the United States, more than 60% had 20 or fewer employees. These companies often make specialized components, operate on tight margins and rely on long-term contracts. They employ American workers with technical skills and create the often politically celebrated blue-collar jobs.
Large automakers are losing billions a year in their EV programs, despite the massive financial infusion of taxpayer dollars they are receiving from the government and subsidies to purchase EVs. If they are struggling, how are small businesses expected to survive?
Clean air and the reduction of greenhouse gases are goals everyone can acknowledge. That said, when governments arbitrarily pick technology winners and losers, the marketplace is deprived of choices and the public suffers. Instead of forcing this transition, the EPA should put in place incentives to support a diversified zero-emissions approach that takes advantage of breakthrough technologies across the spectrum.
Hydrogen, for example, is already being used as a power source in buildings, cars, trucks, forklifts, ships and trains. Hydrogen-powered cars have greater range and faster refueling times compared to EVs and reduce the need for limited-supply materials used in EV battery packs. And clean hydrogen generation is already feasible: The National Renewable Energy Laboratory website identifies five different methods to produce hydrogen economically from sustainable resources.
Other renewable fuels–including synthetic eFuels that allow legacy vehicles to operate in a carbon-neutral manner–should also be part of the equation. Where are the government-backed financial incentives for these alternate technologies?
The market is rightly skeptical of new EV technology, and right now, it simply does not have the infrastructure ready to support EVs. Yet by using multipollutant emissions regulations to force-feed EVs to the market, the government is effectively putting all its eggs into one technology basket.
The Biden administration should realize that the market’s hesitation to adopt EV technology in the first place proves that putting the government’s thumb on the scale is not an effective means of persuasion. But instead of adjusting course to let the market forge the transition, the administration is effectively doubling down on a flailing policy.
Meanwhile, a dozen states have recently introduced or passed legislation or resolutions affirming support for the internal combustion engine and for the government to remain technology-neutral in the debate to reduce automotive emissions. In Virginia, for example, it was only the state’s slim Democratic Senate majority that stymied Governor Glenn Youngkin’s campaign platform issue to repeal Virginia’s internal combustion engine ban.
The EPA’s emissions proposal is misguided and counterproductive. Instead of trying to force a clean energy transition, the Biden administration should support the work of innovators and protect the small-business owners and those they employ by letting the market and innovation drive solutions to the environmental challenges we all seek to solve.
RINGWOOD, IL (05.10.23) – Race Sport Lighting released their New AKIT18 18-piece Ambient Vehicle Lighting Kit in Q1 and are now in full non-stop production in Q2. This unique and niche new interior ambient product is the perfect solution for a full lighting show on the interior of any vehicle. The 18pc retail kit comes with a momentary push button extension, multiple flexible acrylic light tubes for the doors and dash, door handle lights, door pocket lights and multiple Bluetooth door controllers for each door to keep in sync and reduce wiring. With Bluetooth controls, this amazing kit can do virtually hundreds of colors and chasing patterns on all 4 doors.
The kit has already been shipped out to hundreds of dealers recently and is in stock in dozens of distributors around the country. The product is attractively retail packaged and tells the story to the consumer for an easy retail sale. Dealers can make great money off not only the sale of the product, but the labor is great profit too! Professional installation is definitely recommended on this product and allow dealers to bill out several hours of labor to be estimated.
“The AKIT18 has been no surprise to have risen to the top of our nationwide seller rankings. It is an amazing ambient light kit that is priced right with good margins and tons of labor potential for thousands of our dealers nationwide. I have heard reports of dealers offering this kit to consumers at $1,000+ installed to get that European ambient light kit look flaunted on high end luxury cars. Now any vehicle can have this look with our AKIT18.” says Steven Jergensen, President of Race Sport Lighting.
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