Industry

PGA TOUR and SiriusXM Agree to Multi-Year Extension

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PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FL (01.21.22) – The PGA TOUR and SiriusXM announced today that they have reached a multi-year extension to their broadcasting agreement, which will continue to deliver extensive tournament coverage on the SiriusXM PGA TOUR Radio channel for subscribers nationwide through 2024.

SiriusXM PGA TOUR Radio listeners enjoy live coverage of every round of 38 PGA TOUR events throughout the season – including THE PLAYERS Championship, the FedExCup Playoffs, the biennial Presidents Cup and many others – with hole-by-hole commentary and expert analysis.  Listeners can tune in live this week to The American Express on January 20-23.

SiriusXM subscribers across North America can listen to the SiriusXM PGA TOUR Radio channel on SiriusXM radios in their cars (channel 92) as well as at home or on the go with the SXM App.  For more information, visit www.SiriusXM.com/SiriusXMPGATOURRadio.

“We are very pleased to extend our relationship with the PGA TOUR.  Our extensive schedule of in-depth tournament broadcasts will continue to ensure golf fans can follow the best players in the world as they compete all season long,” said Scott Greenstein, SiriusXM’s President and Chief Content Officer.  “With live event broadcasts every week, and a daily original programming lineup that features some of the most entertaining voices in the game, the best golf coverage in audio entertainment, bar none, continues to be on SiriusXM.”

“We are excited to continue our relationship with SiriusXM who provides a significant avenue for the TOUR to reach fans across the country,” said Rick Anderson, PGA TOUR’s Chief Media Officer. “Since 2005, SiriusXM has delivered crucial play-by-play and colorful commentary of the best golf in the world to fans that are driving in their cars, at home or on the go.”

SiriusXM PGA TOUR Radio features a variety of broadcasters working on comprehensive play-by-play coverage for PGA TOUR events, including former TOUR winners Mark Carnevale, Mark McCumber, Dennis Paulson, John Rollins and Mark Wilson.

SiriusXM also produces and airs original golf programming daily throughout the year on the channel, featuring the best golf talk, news, analysis and instruction available on radio and streaming platforms.  Several new shows have been added to the schedule this year:

  • The Players Show – Listeners will hear a long form conversation with some of the biggest names on the PGA TOUR each week. (Wednesdays at 8 pm ET)
     
  • All Square – Chantel McCabe looks at the headline stories around the world of golf. (Wednesdays at 6 pm ET)
     
  • The Scorecard – This two-hour pregame show, hosted by David Marr III and former PGA TOUR pro Mark Lye, airs leading into the Saturday and Sunday rounds of every PGA TOUR event broadcast.
     
  • The Wrap – Airing immediately following each round of every PGA TOUR event, listeners will hear a recap of the tournament, highlights and interviews.
     
  • Feherty and Maginnes – Previously announced in December, the new weekly show hosted by two of the most entertaining voices in golf – former PGA TOUR pros and longtime broadcasters David Feherty and John Maginnes – launched in its weekly timeslot (Mondays at 7 pm ET) on January 3rd.

SiriusXM also offers, through separate agreements, live coverage of the Masters Tournament, U.S. Open, The Open Championship, PGA Championship and Ryder Cup.

The channel also features many other shows hosted by prominent voices from the game, including World Golf Hall of Fame member Fred Couples; current and former PGA TOUR pros Jason Kokrak, Colt Knost, Carl Paulson and Dennis Paulson; distinguished instructors Michael Breed, Jim McLean, David Armitage, and Jeff Warne; and many more.

Visit pgatour.com and siriusxm.com for more.

SEMA Applauds Public-Private Effort to Save the Bonneville Salt Flats

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DIAMOND BAR, CA (01.20.22) – The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) welcomes the installation of a new water well and weather and hydrologic equipment used for measuring salt growth conditions as part of its broader Restore Bonneville program. Federal and state funds were released last year to install the monitoring equipment and help increase the volume of salt pumped onto the Bonneville Salt Flats this year to a total of up to 500,000 tons.

As part of the Restore Bonneville program, SEMA and the racing community joined forces with the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Utah Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Utah Geological Survey (UGS), and Intrepid Potash Inc. in the collaborative restoration effort. Originally in the 1960s, the racing venue was over 13 miles in length, but the course is now eight miles or less. According to a study by the BLM, the Salt Flats have also shrunk in size from 96,000 acres to about 30,000 acres.

Land speed racers at the starting line. A new water well and weather and hydrologic equipment have been installed as part of the Restore Bonneville program to help increase the volume of salt pumped onto the Bonneville Salt Flats.

Located in northwestern Utah, the Bonneville Salt Flats are composed of densely packed salt remnants of an ancient lakebed formed over thousands of years. They serve as a unique stage set for movies, commercials, marathons, and rocket club launches, and possess rare physical qualities that make it the perfect venue for land speed racing, such as providing a cool surface that doesn’t overheat tires. Since 1914, hundreds of land speed records have been set and broken in a variety of automotive and motorcycle classes. Speed Week, the marquee event at Bonneville, began in 1949, with scores of racers and thousands of spectators descending on Bonneville in the quest for records.

Bonneville serves another important role as a crucial natural resource for potash used primarily in fertilizers. To obtain potash, salt brine is collected in large solar evaporation ponds, from which potash is separated out and processed. The remaining salt is stored and may then be returned to the Salt Flats as salt brine.

Beginning in the 1960s, the BLM issued leases to the north of Interstate 80, where motorsports racing and other recreational activities take place, allowing salt brine to be collected in open ditches for commercial potash processing. The mine operator began pumping the processed salt back onto Bonneville in 1997 as a result of a pilot project SEMA advocated to create. The Restore Bonneville program will help address salt losses that occurred before 1997, when the potash project was operated by previous companies.

The BLM and DNR signed a Memorandum of Understanding in April 2020 to jointly pursue restoration efforts. The program, which SEMA calls Restore Bonneville, will be managed by DNR, in conjunction with the BLM, and operated by Intrepid Potash. The endeavor is strongly supported by SEMA and the Save the Salt Coalition, a collection of companies, organizations, individuals, and land speed racing teams.

In working with Intrepid Potash, the volume of salt laid down on Bonneville will be increased by updating and improving the efficiency of the current pumping infrastructure and water conservation efforts, which includes rebuilding water wells, covering ditches, and installing new pipes and pumps. Great efforts to use water more efficiently will help achieve the goal to increase the volume of salt returned to the salt flats. It will likely take several years to upgrade the infrastructure and gradually increase pumping volumes.

The summer 2021 installation of the new water well and equipment to measure water evaporation rates and collect scientific data represented a tangible start to the ambitious restoration effort. The program will seek to identify the best ways to take advantage of the salt laydown and study the effects on the salt crust and underlying brine aquifer. For example, the program will consider ways to contain the salt within the large pumping area. If current research proves beneficial, efforts may be extended into the future upon funding availability.

Stakeholders are now identifying projects to be pursued in 2022 and beyond to continue increasing the volume of salt being pumped. While the bulk of the program funding will come from federal and state appropriations, both industry and the land speed racing community will voluntarily help pay the costs. Financial contributions from the racing community are gratefully accepted at www.savethesalt.org, a 501(c)(3) organization.

More Companies Are Putting Their New Products and Positives Activities in The 12volt News Show

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12VOLT CENTRAL STUDIOS (01.20.22) – Following the recent CES 2022 and SEMA Show 2021 it was more apparent than ever the need for companies to let the members of the 12volt industry know about their new products. With the current uncertainty in the air the in-person event dilemma continues. In past years, 12volt News has worked with nearly three dozen distributors to bring attention to their Spring Shows. The Spring of 2022 sees very little news about distributor shows.

Also, the process that a company utilizes to showcase their efforts to create interest for their brand and products across the marketplace has been disrupted. Many factory sales staffs have not traveled in nearly 2 years. The travel activity of rep firms has also been curtailed.

All companies across the 12volt industry have positive messages they need to deliver about their products and activities to 12volt retailers… that includes manufacturers, reps and distributors. The 12volt News Show is the vehicle to make that happen.

With just a smartphone companies can be featured in The 12volt News Show. Snap and Txt an image to 318 465 0844. Presto, your company could be showcased in The 12volt News Show. That’s the 12voltSTP Tool in action. Information may also be sent via email to mike@12voltnews.com.

With The 12volt News Show there is no booth, freight, travel, hotel, miscellaneous expenses or associated hassles. 12voltvoltnews.com programs, that include visibility in the 12volt Central Studios and the 12voltBeat newsletter, are available to deliver company messages to members of the 12volt industry.

All industries across the business spectrum through the years have benefitted from the in-person experience. For the past 2 years the COVID-19 Pandemic has disrupted activities around the world. 12volt industry disruptions have certainly not been immune to the impact of COVID-19.

Many members of the 12volt industry have already seen the value of The 12voltSTP Tool. With a smartphone it is so easy to showcase a company’s positive activities in the 12volt News. Snap and txt an image to 318 465 0844. Presto…your company could be in the 12volt News.

FOR YOUR BADGE #the12voltnewsshow

On a personal note… This writer began attending CES in Chicago in the early 1970’s. As an award winning Sony distributor principal we hosted distributor shows throughout that 4-state territory… even purchasing a Sony Motorhome as a rolling showroom. With dB SpeakerWorks had booths at MERA plus CES in Vegas. All of those in-person events were terrific. Today, those in-person events are not happening with the same impact.

Let’s put your company in The 12volt News Show. Just Snap and Txt an image, with a few words to 318-465-0844. Presto… Your company could be in The 12volt News Show!

Evolution Sales Set to Distribute DS18 in the Pacific Northwest

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MONROE, WA (01.19.22) – The initial DS18 order arrived at the Evolution Sales warehouse on Friday, January 14th.

“We set up our first DS18 dealer, Raineer Audio, on Sunday January 16th. We had been speaking with Logan Craver about bringing in the line. When we let him know it had arrived he wanted to come from Lakewood on Sunday, pick out models and take it with him. That happened and we are off to a great start as an authorized distributor with DS18,” Darin Plemel related.

A pallet of DS18 ready to go on the rack in the Evolution warehouse.

Evolution opened as a distributor just over 2 years ago. Plemel’s 12volt history includes 12 years with a rep/distributor in the Pacific Northwest. Darin’s son Devin also works with Evolution as the family serves their growing dealer base across Washington and Oregon. Aunex plus brands Heise, Axxess, iBeam and Shuriken under the Metra umbrella complete the Evolution linecard.

A smiling Logan Craver picking up his order for Raineer Audio-Lakewood WA on Sunday at the Evolution facility in Monroe WA. Note his co-pilot in the SUV.

Chuck Kenney, DS18 Sales Manager, offered, “Evolution Sales was strongly recommended to me by a dealer in the area and that got the ball rolling. We look forward to working with Darin and Evolution Sales to grow the DS18 brand in the Pacific Northwest.”

 Scott Scheffler-Platinum Car Audio in Puyallup WA, picking up this weeks supply of DS18 from the Evolution Sales office in Monroe WA on Tuesday afternoon., January 18th.

“Since opening one of our main objectives has been to stay in touch with activities the marketplace. The DS18 product lineup fills a need in the market. Some sound-off enthusiasts were sourcing DS18 products from outside the area. Now DS18 will be available from dealers in the Pacific Northwest,” Darin Plemel stated.

Evolution Sales is located at 146th Street SE Suite141, Monroe WA 98272

For info, please email darin@evolution-sales.com

Earthquake Sound Releases EQ-4000BT v2 4-Band Parametric Equalizer

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HAYWARD, CA (01.19.22) – Take complete control of your mobile audio system with the new Earthquake Sound EQ-4000BT v2 4-band parametric equalizer. With essential features that any mobile audio enthusiast would enjoy, Earthquake went one step further in offering the ability to stream your favorite tunes and playlists from your smartphone or other Bluetooth-enabled devices.

Four input source options are available giving users maximum flexibility for a better listening experience. Subwoofer level and crossover frequency controls are also at the front panel making it easier for users to tailor low frequencies to their listening preferences.

Whether used for personal or commercial audio systems, the new EQ-4000BT v2 will give you the ability to get the most out of your audio system and contour the sound to suit your musical taste.

Click here to visit the EQ-4000BT product page.

Ford Patent Drawings Suggest a Multifunction Tailgate is Coming

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This article was written by Michael Strong for TheDetroitBureau.com

DETROIT, MI (01.18.22) – The push to draw new pickup buyers forces automakers to do some creative things, including the recent push to add functionality to the tailgate.

General Motors and Ram both have tailgates that provide a myriad of functions easing access or improving hauling capability of their full-size pickups. Ford’s been happy to retain its simple tailgate that offers a step with a handle and that’s about it. 

2021 Ford F-150 Tremor

However, according to the FordAuthority.com, things may be changing.

The automaker’s filed for patents on some designs for a multifunction tailgate and they be showing up sooner rather than later, the web outlet reported.

What’s coming?

The drawings show a tailgate with three vertical sections with the center section featuring a side hinge allowing it to open like a door rather than a truck tailgate, similar to the Ram’s multifunction tailgate. Ford takes it a bit further though as it’s a power tailgate, which likely uses the key fob to control it and perhaps the infotainment section or even an app.

Ford submitted patent drawings for a new multifunction tailgate with three sections

Additionally, the existing step that’s been part of Ford’s tailgate for so long is revised as well. The drawings show a new version of the step that essentially flips down from the rear bumper. This allows for easier access while the tailgate is closed.

However, the drawings also show the existing step and handle are still incorporated into the tailgate itself so owners will have a way to gain better access to the bed regardless of the door is closed or open.

Click to read the full article at TheDetroitBureau.com

Intel Answering Call for More American-Made Semiconductors

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Gelsinger previously told journalists his goal to make the company a cornerstone for any national semiconductor strategy.

This article was written by Michael Strong for TheDetroitBureau.com

DETROIT, MI (01.18.22) – The shortage of semiconductors continues to limit production of new vehicles across North America and other parts of the globe. 

However, news reports across the State of Ohio suggest one of the world’s major chip makers, Intel Corp., is preparing to announce plans for a new chip fabrication plant near Columbus, Ohio in the middle of the so-called U.S. “Rust Belt.”  

Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger is looking to position the company as the top supplier of chips to U.S. companies.

New investment headed for Ohio 

The location just outside of Columbus would put the new plant within easy reach of vehicle assembly plants in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky down into Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi. 

General Motors, Ford, Stellantis, Subaru, Honda, Toyota, Nissan, Volkswagen, Kia, Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz and Mazda all operate plants in area, stretching from the Midwest into the Southeast. 

Intel, according to the new reports from Ohio, is looking to invest $20 billion in the new plant, which could employ upwards of 3,000 people in what could be the largest economic development project in the state’s history. 

An Ohio plant would be situated close to a variety of auto facilities, including GM’s site in Spring Hill, Tennessee where the new Cadillac Lyriq EV will be produced.

New investment sparked by automotive innovation 

Automation and globalization have had a major impact on jobs in the region during the past four decades but investments in electric vehicles, batteries and electronics are drawing new investment into the area. 

GM and the South Korean firm LG Energy are nearly finished building a new battery plant in Lordstown, Ohioand have broken ground on a second in Spring Hill, Tennessee. GM also is expected to announce plans for a third battery plant near Lansing, Michigan. 

Ford has announced plans for new battery plants in Kentucky and Tennessee. It also plans to build a new assembly plant to build battery-electric trucks outside of Memphis.  

However, IHS Markit noted in a recent report production by the North American auto industry is still limited by the shortage of chips. Both the packaging and fabrication of semiconductors, with some exceptions, is done largely in Southeast Asia, China, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan. 

Click to read the full article at TheDetroitBureau.com

SEMA Battle of the Builders TV Special Premieres January 23

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DIAMOND BAR, CA (01.17.22) – Featuring 2021 SEMA Battle of the Builders Champion Robert Matranga with his 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air, the History Channel will premiere the Battle of the Builders special on Sunday, January 23, 2022, at 9:00 a.m. (PT/ET). The one-hour special has aired on television since 2015, giving viewers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the SEMA Show, up-close footage of the vehicles, and exclusive interviews with builders as they share their personal stories and journey to the SEMA Show. For many of the builders, SEMA Battle of the Builders is their chance to prove that they are among the elite.

The History Channel will give viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the SEMA Show with the one-hour Battle of the Builders TV special on Sunday, January 23.

“As a trade-only event, the SEMA Show is where every car enthusiast dreams of attending,” said Tom Gattuso, SEMA Vice President, Events. “SEMA Ignited, the official SEMA Show after-party, has made it possible for consumers to participate in the excitement. The Battle of the Builders TV special also gives viewers who have never experienced the SEMA Show an opportunity to see what happens behind closed doors, while those who attended the Show get to relive the experience.”

Along with Matranga, the TV special will feature dozens of builders in the automotive industry, as well as hosts Adrienne Janic and Tanner Foust, and judges Cam Miller, Jeremiah Proffitt, Kyle Kuhnhausen, and R.J. de Vera. For more details about SEMA Battle of the Builders and the TV special airing Sunday, January 23, 2022, at 9:00 AM. (PT/ET) on the History Channel, visit www.semashow.com/botb.

More Companies Are Putting Their New Products and Positives Activities in The 12volt News Show

Posted on by in Industry.

12VOLT CENTRAL STUDIOS (01.17.22) – Following the recent CES 2022 and SEMA Show 2021 it was more apparent than ever the need for companies to let the members of the 12volt industry know about their new products. With the current uncertainty in the air the in-person event dilemma continues. In past years 12volt News has worked with nearly three dozen distributors to bring attention to their Spring Shows. The Spring of 2022 sees very news about distributor shows.

Also, the process that a company utilizes to showcase their efforts to create interest for their brand and products across the marketplace has been disrupted. Many factory sales staffs have not traveled in nearly 2 years. The travel activity of rep firms has also been curtailed.

All companies across the 12volt industry have positive messages they need to deliver about their products and activities to 12volt retailers… that includes manufacturers, reps and distributors. The 12volt News Show is the vehicle to make that happen.

With just a smartphone companies can be featured in The 12volt News Show. Snap and Txt an image to 318 465 0844. Presto, your company could be showcased in The 12volt News Show. That’s the 12voltSTP Tool in action. Information may also be sent via email to mike@12voltnews.com.

With The 12volt News Show there is no booth, freight, travel, hotel, miscellaneous expenses or associated hassles. 12voltvoltnews.com programs, that include visibility in the 12volt Central Studios and the 12voltBeat newsletter, are available to deliver company messages to members of the 12volt industry.

All industries across the business spectrum through the years have benefitted from the in-person experience. For the past 2 years the COVID-19 Pandemic has disrupted activities around the world. 12volt industry disruptions have certainly not been immune to the impact of COVID-19.

Many members of the 12volt industry have already seen the value of The 12voltSTP Tool. With a smartphone it is so easy to showcase a company’s positive activities in the 12volt News. Snap and txt an image to 318 465 0844. Presto…your company could be in the 12volt News.

FOR YOUR BADGE #the12voltnewsshow

On a personal note… This writer began attending CES in Chicago in the early 1970’s. As an award winning Sony distributor principal we hosted distributor shows throughout that 4-state territory… even purchasing a Sony Motorhome as a rolling showroom. With dB SpeakerWorks had booths at MERA plus CES in Vegas. All of those in-person events were terrific. Today, those in-person events are not happening with the same impact.

Let’s put your company in The 12volt News Show. Just Snap and Txt an image, with a few words to 318-465-0844. Presto… Your company could be in The 12volt News Show!

SiriusXM Acquires Cloud Cover Media, Inc.

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NEW YORK, NY (01.14.22) – SiriusXM Holdings Inc. has announced that its subsidiary, Sirius XM Radio Inc., has acquired Cloud Cover Media, Inc. Cloud Cover Media offers Cloud Cover Music, a music for business service, and employs business management, music programming, licensing, and software development teams. Cloud Cover Music’s easy-to-use solutions and robust tech platform allow businesses to deliver music, with customized audio messaging if desired, to create the desired atmosphere for their prospects, customers, and clients.

Cloud Cover Music’s combination of an intuitive online platform and experienced large enterprise account team offers organizations of any size in any industry a robust selection of ad-free music for their business with full control over what their customers and employees will hear. Cloud Cover Music’s self-service solutions and dedicated staff offer a wide range of features and options that can be tailored for each business’ needs. Cloud Cover Music provides the soundtrack for a wide variety of commercial locations across the United States and Canada.

Cloud Cover Music joins SiriusXM Music for Business and Pandora for Business in SiriusXM’s commercial music portfolio. Together these services provide comprehensive and complementary offerings for businesses of all sizes.

The Cloud Cover Music team will continue to be led by Vice President and General Manager Mark Lehman.

“We are thrilled to become part of the SiriusXM family,” stated Lehman. “As one of the fastest growing music for business services, we’re proud of the track record that Cloud Cover Music has achieved with our tens of thousands of customers. We’re excited to have the brand recognition and strength of SiriusXM and Pandora behind us as we continue to focus on delivering the best music and messaging products for businesses.”

“Cloud Cover Music has built an advanced tech platform with a host of features that are very attractive to businesses who want an easy-to-install solution, want to be fully covered on licensing, and also want to be able to create a tailored soundtrack for their business,” said Joe Verbrugge, Executive Vice President, SiriusXM. “SiriusXM and Pandora have always offered a unique blend of great content and great technology. The addition of Cloud Cover Music to our commercial music portfolio is expected to help propel us forward and contribute to the growth of our business.”

SiriusXM was represented by Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP as counsel. Alkali Partners served as exclusive financial advisor to Cloud Cover Media, and David Wohlberg and Ekong Udoekwere represented the company as counsel.

Visit cloudcovermusic.com and siriusxm.com for more.