Industry

Oracle Lighting Announces New LED Tail Lights for Jeep Comanche

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METAIRIE, LA (01.19.23) – Oracle Lighting is proud to announce the launch of its new LED tail lights for Jeep Comanche (MJ). Scheduled to ship in mid 2023, the new taillights fit the 1986-1992 Jeep Comanche MJ models and feature an OEM appearance with modern refinements while still honoring its classic styling.

“Oracle Lighting has created LED tail light upgrades for many Jeep models and is now bringing that design expertise, innovation, and quality to the often overlooked MJ platform,” explained Justin Hartenstein, Oracle Lighting director of development. “Modern refinements include LED Stop/ Turn/ Parking lights which provide an updated appearance and provide better visibility than the original halogen lights.”

Another major refinement for these tail lights is a high powered LED Reverse Light integrated into the design. This module features six high powered LEDs designed to provide 1,000+ total lumens for ample reversing visibility. These LEDs are focused with mixed-beam reflector optics to provide both peripheral and distance light visibility for the driver when backing up at night. 

Another option that Oracle Lighting will offer is Standard (p/n: 5909-003) or Tinted Lenses (p/n: 5909-020). The standard lens option will have a more original OE-style appearance while the tinted option will have a more aggressive blacked-out styling. These options give consumers more ability to choose a traditional classic appearance or a more aggressive modern smoked lens.

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.

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.

KENWOOD Promotes John Lucas to Vice President of Sales

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LONG BEACH, CA (01.18.23) – KENWOOD USA, manufacturer of premier entertainment and information solutions for the automotive, marine, and motorsports aftermarket, announced that John Lucas has been named Vice President of Sales for the Car Electronics division, a promotion from Director of National Accounts.

Lucas will be tasked with implementing sales programs and initiatives that further support its dealers, along with managing and supporting the company’s regional sales managers and independent sales representatives.  

John Lucas, Vice President of Sales

“I’m thrilled to be able to work with such an established network of true sales professionals,” said Lucas. “The opportunity to grow the KENWOOD brand from this new direction is beyond exciting to me, and I’m ready to give it my all.” 

Lucas’s background consists of over a 30-year tenure in the consumer electronics industry, of which the last 18 have been at KENWOOD. Before KENWOOD, he worked as a merchant for several retailers including Best Buy and Audio King.

“John has done an amazing job at servicing and developing relationships with our national account vendors during his time with us,” said Dave Hoag, Executive Vice President, JVCKENWOOD’s Automotive Sector. “His retail background coupled with his current vendor account experience and company knowledge sets him up for a smooth transition into this role, of which we are excited to embark upon with him.”  

Visit www.kenwood.com/usa/car for more.

John Driscoll Promoted to Southeastern Regional Manager of Mobile and Powersports at Maxxsonics

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LIBERTYVILLE, IL (01.18.23) – Effective Monday, January 16th, 2023, John Driscoll will be promoted from Regional Sales Manager to Southeastern Regional Manager of Mobile and Powersports at Maxxsonics. John’s main focus will be on planning territory development, traveling the territory to build new business opportunities, and developing new distribution partners to better service the southeastern region.

On his new position, John Driscoll of Maxxsonics said, “I am excited to be working with our team of industry veterans in the Southeast region of the US. The Maxxsonics family of brands offers a comprehensive variety of 12 volt products for the Automotive, Marine and Powersports markets with solid growth opportunities in all channels of distribution.”

Planning to maximize new Mobile and Powersports opportunities – newly promoted John
Driscoll looks to bring Maxxsonics new business.

John has been a car audio hobbyist since 1986 and started participating in-car audio events in 1987, going on to IASCA Finals in 1990, 1991, and 1992. John grew to Sales, in the consumer electronics industry, with Quality Auto Sound in 1991 and graduated from the University of Colorado Boulder in 1993 with a Bachelor of Business Administration (Marketing) degree.

Being one of the first in the nation to be certified as “MECP Installer First Class,” John worked for several CE retailers, including Audio Express, Circuit City, and Ultimate Electronics. In 1997, he started with Current Marketing as a manufacturer’s rep for car and home electronics and continued until 2009, when he became a National Sales Manager for Cerwin-Vega Mobile. In 2012, John entered the Powersports industry with the Arthur Fulmer Companies (Memphis Car Audio and Fulmer Helmets). In 2020 John joined Maxxsonics and is looking to extend his outreach of product knowledge and industry experience with his promotion from Regional Sales Manager to Southeastern Regional Manager of Mobile and Powersports.

On John’s new position, Sam Dattalo, Vice President of Sales, commented, “I am thrilled to have John take on these new responsibilities, and I am excited to see the growth and opportunities he brings to Maxxsonics. From traveling the territory to grow business to continue building new and current relationships for the stability of Maxxsonics – John Driscoll looks to catapult Maxxsonics into 2023 and beyond with his expertise and industry knowledge. I am confident with these new responsibilities and roles that he will continue finding abundant success and company growth.”

John brings over 30 years of experience in the consumer electronics and Powersports industries, making this promotion a perfect fit and mold into 2023. Maxxsonics is excited to see what growth and opportunities John will bring to the company as he looks to expand the Maxxsonics family of audio brands and share more of his impressive assortment and industry knowledge of products in the future.

Visit https://maxxsonics.com for more.

ARC Audio Dealer Open House Only 1 Week Away

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MODESTO, CA (01.17.23) – ARC Audio’s open house event will take place this Saturday and Sunday January 21 and 22 FROM 10 AM – 4 PM. The open house will take place at ARC Audio Arc Audio – 4719 Greenleaf Ct, Modesto, CA 95356.

Scott Baughman, Reliable Product Marketing Principal, related “This is shaping up to be a great event for ARC Audio dealers in the area. It’s been a few years since we hosted an area open house at the ARC HQ. Dealers will see new products, catch up and do fun things like an amp toss plus enjoy special tacos. It will also be good to see the sunshine in California.”

Weather: The forecast as of today shows Saturday and Sunday to be sunny and dry!

Food:

Made to order tacos will be available for lunch around noon

Snacks and drinks will be offered throughout the day

Parking:

The plan is to use the ARC Audio parking lot to display cars, product and other things. This means that parking will be in the adjacent parking lot or on the street.

Saturday will have plenty of parking, Sunday however a church across the street will hold service and they will be sharing resources. Try to get there early.

Deals:

Chris, Brian, Brad and Lisa are pulling out all the stops and will have some amazing close out deals so bring a big car or truck to take full advantage. Shipping will be available (But not included).

Trainings:

There will be several rotating trainings. times will be loosely based on when people show up. But they promise you will get every opportunity to learn about any and all things ARC Audio. Just ask!

They are planning to do a DSP training, All Pass Filter Demonstration and a MPAK install overview and maybe more!

Click here to RSVP

Demos:

There will be several cars to listen to including Brian’s multi world award winning Caddy! and his simply ridiculous BlackBird powered Chevy pick up.

Day of Contact:

The office phones will probably not be answered on the weekend. Please call your local rep if you need help finding the event.

Family Friendly:

Although there will not be specific things to keep kids entertained, ARC was built on “Family” and yours is welcome. There is a TON of shopping and a Dave and Busters very close if they get bored while you are getting your learn on!

Visit arcaudio.com for more.

MUSWAY Distributor Global Audio Marketing to Offer Trainings at KnowledgeFest

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MURRIETTA, CA (01.17.23) – Join Chris Bennett and Joseph Norton as they debut new MUSWAY products and discuss the features and benefits the product offering has for their Authorized Dealer Partners. Chris Bennett starts the class with an introduction to business with Global Audio Marketing. Showcasing the benefits for MUSWAY retail partners that include profitability, programs, and support. Joseph Norton
will be doing hands-on training and demonstrating the attributes and audio quality found in all products throughout the MUSWAY product assortment.

Join these sessions as Global audio Marketing debuts the uncompromising quality and sound reproduction from MUSWAY Products and remember “Music is the Way”.


MUSWAY training times during Las Vegas KnowledgeFest will be:
Friday February 3rd 1:45pm in room Versailles 4.
Saturday February 4th 5:30pm in room Versailles 4.

Global Audio Marketing, the US distributor for MUSWAY car audio productions, is proud to announce MUSWAY training sessions at KnowledgeFest, Las Vegas.

To learn more about MUSWAY, please visit www.muswayusa.com or email Chris Bennett directly at chris@globalaudiomarketing.com.

Aron Demers to Keynote State of the Industry at MasterTech Expo

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TEMPE, AZ (01.16.23) – The second annual MasterTech Expo will welcome Aron Demers to the stage for the State of the Industry interview and discussion, hosted by MasterTech Expo Founder Bryan Schmitt. Demers is a 32-year participant of the automotive electronics industry and serves as Vice President, Automotive Aftermarket Business for VOXX International. The interview and discussion will take place during the final day of MasterTech Expo, held Mach 5-8, 2023 at the Mesa Convention Center in Mesa, Ariz.

This year, the State of the Industry gathering will focus on future challenges of the automotive electronics industry and the impact of OEM innovations and collaborations on aftermarket products and system access. Of particular note is the topic of subscription-based, in-vehicle amenities.

“I am honored to be asked to share my knowledge and insight to speak at the 2023 MasterTech Expo,” said Demers. “The OEM and aftermarket have been tied together since the first consumer bought tires from a retailer that was not the car dealership. Since being involved in the Mobile Electronics industry for the last 32 years, I have seen the aftermarket consistently pivot to address new opportunities and deliver consumers enhanced in-car experiences. And today, with profits and technologies driving both the OEM and aftermarket, we need more than ever to be nimble enough to capitalize on every opportunity possible.”

“We are thrilled that Aron accepted our invitation to empower our guests with his knowledge and experience,” added Schmitt. “It is our hope that attendees will leave with a broader insight of the larger automotive community, and renewed enthusiasm to meet the challenges ahead.”

To attend the MasterTech Expo, sign up at mastertechexpo.com.

25th Anniversary dB Drag Championship Rings Have Arrived

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AUSTIN, TX (01.16.22) – Congrats to the 25th Anniversary dB Drag Racing World Finals Champions and big THANKS to Incriminator Audio for sponsoring the rings. Please post your ring pic and tag dB Drag Racing!

25th Anniversary World Finals Champions

dB Drag Racing
Street Stock 1K – Team Directronix Poptart
Pro Stock 2K – Team Last Minute
Pro Stock 5K – Team Soundcheck Kenneth
Pro Stock Trunk 5K – Team Directronix Matt
Pro Stock Wall 5K – Team Mach 1
Pro Stock NL – Team Crossfire Eric
Super Street NW – Team Directronix Dan
Super Street 1-2 – Team Soundcheck Butthurt Exp
Super Street 3-4 – Gorman Cassidy
Super Street 5+ – Beau Boren
Super Street X – Team Crossfire Donteay
Extreme NL – Team Soundcheck

Bass Race
120.0 dB to 129.9 dB – Audiodreamland Chris
130.0 dB to 139.9 dB – Team Directronix David
140.0 dB to 149.9 dB – Team Directronix Matt
150.0 dB to 159.9 dB – Team Fx Jimbo

Psychlone Demo
Demo No Wall – Julius Mack Johnson III
Demo Wall – Team DC Lucas
Demo Extreme – DD Tank

Top Dog – Team Fx Jimbo

Freestyle
Freestyle Street Stock 1K – John Bennett
Freestyle Pro Stock NL – Team Crossfire Eric
Freestyle Pro Stock 5k – Chad Flopbox Bleeke
Freestyle Super Street NL – Team Fx Jimbo

Visit dbdragracing.com for more.

The 12Volt Spin-To-Win Wheel Rolling in Year 5

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SHREVEPORT, LA (01.13.23) – WTF…Where’s The Fun! Definitely…..the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel rolling in Year 5. Created to bring an element of fun to the 12volt industry receiving a prize puts a smile on winner’s faces.

Audio Excellence was the winner of the 12volt Spin-To-Win 209 which was a Maximum Power 4 Gauge Amp Kit. The prize was shipped from Shiflet & Dickson in Gastonia NC and Sam Baker is set to receive the in Orlando.

Car Audio One in Chula Vista CA was the winner of the 12volt Spin-To-Win 208. The JBL Marine Tower Speaker system, with a $850 MSRP, The prize was received by Andy Kahla’s team and they are excited to put the prize in a big upcoming marine installation.

The Maximum Power 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel 209 prize packed to ship to Audio Excellence.

12volt Spin-To-Win winners are selected from posts made by industry members with the hashtag #12voltspin. So, when making your company’s posts to Instagram remember to include #12voltspin to make sure your store has a slip in the jar.

Companies with a space on the 12volt Spin-To-Win wheel include Kicker, NavAtlas, SiriusXM, PowerBass, CRUX, JBL, RDV, Kenwood, JVC Mobile, Nakamichi and Maximum Power. There are 12volt News $100. cash prizes on the Spin-To-Win wheel too.

The JBL Marine Tower speaker system prize was shipped by FedEx and has been received by Car Audio One in Chula Vista, CA.

We look forward to pulling your store’s slip from the jar on an upcoming Friday as we spin the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel.

Always more at 12voltnews.com

SEMA Future Trends Report Gives Industry Outlook for 2023 and Beyond

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DIAMOND BAR, CA (01.13.23) – The automotive aftermarket is evolving—from vehicle trends to shifts in consumer spending to new vehicle technology. As the automotive specialty-equipment market enters 2023, companies need to be informed on what to expect in the new year and beyond to make the best decisions for their business.  

Set to be released on January 26, the new “2023 SEMA Future Trends Report” will give members thorough insight into where the industry is heading. SEMA members are invited to download the report at www.sema.org/research when it becomes available, and to register now for the SEMA Future Trends: Outlook for 2023 and Beyond webinar, February 2 at 11:00 a.m. (PST).  

By attending the webinar, members will gain insight from Gavin Knapp, SEMA director of market research, and Kyle Cheng, SEMA market research manager, as they cover key findings from the report in detail, including:   

  • SEMA’s updated market size projection and industry forecast. 
  • New data on new- and used-car trends (sales, prices, projections). 
  • An updated forecast on the growth of EVs and ADAS/autonomous technology.
  • The status of the ongoing supply-chain disruptions, its impact on the industry and where it’s going.
  • Outlook and forecasts for the overall economy—including metrics on economic growth, consumer spending, inflation and consumer confidence. 

Don’t miss out—register for the webinar now.

KICKER Marine Audio Goes XL for Performance

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STILLWATER, OK (01.12.23) – Kicker Marine Audio introduces a new series of marine loudspeakers designed for use in the most demanding marine audio installations where ultimate power and performance are required. The new KMXL horn-loaded coaxial loudspeakers incorporate several unique features that set them apart from traditional marine speakers, while building upon KICKER’s Real Marine design ethics and standards.

The KMXL series builds upon the success of KICKER Marine Audio’s KMTC and KMFC horn-loaded tower speakers, widely recognized in the marine industry as the new standard in HLCD tower speaker design. The KMXL series brings much of this same technology to smaller 6.5-inch, 6×9, and 8-inch loudspeakers that can be installed in traditional coaxial speaker mounting locations.

A proprietary high-frequency horn design gives the KMXL series sonic performance provides incredibly smooth and easy listening, even at extremely high volumes. This proprietary geometry in the KMXL horn prevents acoustic resonances and standing waves, providing fatigue-free, long-term enjoyment. Super-efficient, lightweight midrange cone assemblies and advanced built-in crossover networks round out the KMXL designs for unrivaled sound performance.

The KMXL speakers UV treated grilles come in both charcoal and white and like All KICKER Marine Audio products, the KICKER KMXL series’ cones, baskets and grills, are UV and salt fog tested and certified to withstand the marine environment. Speaker hardware is forged from rustproof 316L stainless steel for years of enjoyable use. Neodymium magnets in the motor assembly provide tremendous power, while being extremely light weight.

The KMXL speakers, like most of the KICKER Marine Audio speaker lines, incorporate RGB LED lighting. Add up to 20 colors and 19 lighting modes by adding the small and lightweight KMLC lighting remote ($49.99).

The KMXL speakers come in 3 sizes:  KMXL65 (6.5”) KMXL8 (8”) and the KMXL69 (6×9”) and can handle between 300 watts (KMXL65 and KMXL69) and 500 watts (KMXL8).

When upgrading a boat’s sound system—or installing a new one—look to the KICKER Marine Audio brand for dependability, durability and the best customer service in the industry. For more information visit http://www.kicker.com/marine-audio. 

$649.99-869.99 UMAP