The Paragon Sales & Marketing Team Spent a Day Touring AudioControl HQ

MOUNTAINLAKE TERRACE, WA (12.08.2021) – Members of the Corona, CA-based Paragon Sales and Marketing team journeyed to AudioControl World HQ on Thursday, December 2nd, to tour the plant and set 2022 marketing plans for the firm’s territory.

Well AudioControl says ‘Made in the USA‘ they mean it!

Matt Palumbo, Mobile Audio Sales Manager, related, “We wanted to show the Paragon team all that we are doing in the marketplace to provide audio solutions moving into the future. Letting them see that first-hand was important. They flew into Seattle Thursday morning, we worked the schedule we had set and then enjoyed a delicious dinner on the waterfront. Friday we went to Tacoma to check out the LeMay Car Museum before dropping the team off at the airport to fly back home.”

This amazing classic is one of over 200 on display at the LeMay Car Museum. Pictured (L to R) Paragon Team members Ed Gonzalez, Aaron Davis, Mike Rios and Wayne Smedile with Matt Palumbo.

The Paragon team members making the trip were Ed Gonzalez, Aaron Davis, Mike Rios and Wayne Smedile.

Rios related to the 12volt Central Studios “It was s great day and a half for us. Seeing the AudioControl facility in person to understand the production process and how everything comes together was terrific. For all of us the one-on-one time with members of the AudioControl staff set the stage for a successful 2022 and beyond. Discussing market specifics in our territory with Matt was terrific.”

Palumbo concluded, “It was a great couple of days and super valuable time for all involved.”

Since 2000, Paragon USA Inc has been representing product manufacturers to sell and market their products to independent retail, regional chain stores and distributor business channels. The firm has served retailers throughout SoCal and Hawaii from the beginning with Southwest states Arizona and New Mexico plus Southern Nevada added in 2018.

Visit paragonsalesreps.com and audiocontrol.com for more.

9th Annual TN Bass Racers Toys For Tots Event

LEBANON, TN (12.07.2021) – TN Bass Racers held their 9th Annual Toys for Tots event on December 4th. As an incentive to retailers and promoters that have hosted dB Drag Racing events during the 2021 season, the dBDRA waives the listing fee for qualifying 1X events that are scheduled during the weeks leading up to Christmas. The entry fee for the competitors must be a new unwrapped toy. 

In addition to the Toys for Tots initiative, all had a fun day throughout the event.

With over 70 entries at the event, this was one of TN Bass Racer’s largest Toys for Tots events. Several Eastern Finals Champions were in attendance as well as a few rookies. Bass Race 129.9 was taken by newcomer Caleb Gregory (Wallstreet Caleb). David McKay (Team Directronix David) took 139.9 and newcomer Chad Smith took down veteran Chris Gregory in 149.9. Psyclone Demo has become the stomping ground for demo’ers who are making the transition from the parking lot to the lanes and they were LOUD with 11 Demo cars competing.

People arrived with trunks full of toys to contribute to the Toys for Tots event.

Team Directronix David backed up his 2021 Eastern Finals championship with a 1st place win and his loudest personal best demo score of 150.8 dB in the No Wall class. His teammate, Justin Dohrmann followed suit, posting his loudest score of 150.7 dB to take 1st place in the Wall class. The loudest dB Drag Racer of the day went to Eastern Finals champ Team Directronix Matt posting a 157.1 dB in Pro Stock Trunk 5K. Freestyle saw some huge numbers including Stoopidloud James Green posting a 158.6 in Super Street 3+ Freestyle. 

Kudos to dB Drag competitors for collecting 10 boxes of toys at this event valued well over $2,500. Thanks to XS Power for sponsoring the event trophies and Team Stoopidloud for sponsoring the 1st annual Ugly Sweater contest.

Visit dbdra.com for more.

Oracle Lighting Wins 2021 YEN Vanguard Award

METAIRE, LA (12.07.2021) – Oracle Lighting has been awarded the 2021 YEN (Young Executives Network) Vanguard Award during the recent 2021 SEMA Show, held in Las Vegas, Nev. The YEN Vanguard Award is presented to an individual, business, organization or sanctioning body that has had a positive effect on the careers of young executives within the automotive industry.

“It is an honor to be recognized by YEN for the Vanguard Award,” said Tiffanie Hartenstein, Oracle Lighting CEO. “Our culture at Oracle Lighting fosters the idea of volunteering within our community and our industry. We encourage our team to join any one of SEMA’s committees, which is an easy way to be a part of the industry.”

Pictured L to R: Danny Talbot, Melissa Parker, Tiffanie Hartenstein, Justin Hartenstein, John Mitchell, and Jeffrey Banyas after Oracle Lighting won the 2021 YEN Vanguard Award during the 2021 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, NV.

Each YEN Vanguard Award candidate has to meet the following criteria: must be a current or past member of SEMA (no age requirement) and must have demonstrated exceptional service, integrity and business ethics. The Vanguard Award is presented to a person, company or sanctioning body that has influenced the professional growth and/or cultivation of talent for young executives through its actions, mentoring, visions and/or contributions for the past, present and future.

Oracle Lighting also won SEMA’s 2021 Manufacturer of the Year award during the 2021 SEMA Show.

During the 2021 SEMA Show, Oracle Lighting displayed new innovative products to the several thousand show attendees. More than a dozen new products were on display in Oracle’s booth and new innovations were also exhibited in SEMA’s New Product Showcase.

In 2021, Oracle Lighting was also ranked as the third fastest growing company in the entire metro New Orleans area, with a three-year growth rate of 56 percent, according to New Orleans CityBusiness magazine.

For more information on Oracle Lighting and its full product line, visit www.oraclelights.com, call (800) 407-5776, or email info@oraclelights.com.

Elettromedia-USA to Show New Products and Host Trainings in Big D

PHOENIX, AZ (12.06.2021) – Elettromedia-USA will be on the show floor and offering dealer trainings at this year’s KnowledgeFest in Dallas. – December 10 – 12, 2021.

“At our Booth on the Show Floor (Booth 601) – we will be featuring the five new products we highlighted at the SEMA Show as well as demonstrating the benefits of Percept and Mobile Phase Correction (when using the bit Tune 3.0 and bit Virtuoso 3.0 together) in a demo car at the booth all show long.”

Click here to view a PDF of products to be featured at KnowledgeFest by Elettromedia-USA

“Dealer Trainings – times and location are listed below. Please note that for the Saturday evening trainings, we will be serving dinner and drinks between the HERTZ training and the AUDISON bit Tune training for dealers attending both trainings.”

Friday, Dec 10 3:00 – 4:00 pm Room D223
AUDISON Line Overview: Ken Ward from Elettromedia will cover the AUDISON line, and present the B-CON wireless streaming receiver.

Saturday, Dec 11, 5:30 – 6:30 pm Room D223
HERTZ New Product Introductions – We will launch the Mille Pro Shallow MPS Subwoofers, plus 3 new Harley products you need to know about for your 2022 business!

Saturday, Dec 11, DINNER & DRINKS 6:30 – 7:00 pm Room D223
EM-USA will provide dinner and drinks for dealers attending the Hertz training and the AUDISON bit Tune training.

Saturday, Dec 11, 7:00 pm Room D223
AUDISON bit Tune 3.0/ bit Virtuoso 3.0 Training: Ken Ward from Elettromedia will demonstrate new bit Tune measurement tools. The best acoustic RTA in the car-audio field, HSM Sweep acoustic spatial averaging, new electrical signal analysis capabilities – plus he will show the benefits of Percept and Mobile Phase Correction when using the bit Tune 3.0 and bit Virtuoso 3.0 together! It’s not like anything you’ve seen before.

Visit elettromedia-usa.com and knowledgefest.org for more.

SoundSkins Offers First Full Line of Sound Deadening Kits for Harley-Davidson Motorcycles

CERRITOS, CA (12.06.2021) – Harley Davidson motorcycle owners now have a simple solution for improving their audio systems and overall riding experience. SoundSkins Global, in collaboration with American Hard Bag, will roll out the market’s first-ever, full lineup of custom-cut sound deadening kits for Harley Davidson touring motorcycles in January 2022.   

SoundSkins Global has teased the release of this lineup since Knowledge Fest in 2019, and since then they released a line of pre-cut kits for ‘14 Street Glide, Electra Glide, Road Glide, and Road King saddlebags in June 2021. The rest of the upcoming lineup includes kits for saddlebags, speaker lids, fairings, and fairing speaker pods of Street Glide, Electra Glide, Road Glide, and Road King models from ’98-’13 and ‘14+.

“These kits are something we saw in the market that was missing,” said Dennis Garcia, Chief Operating Officer of SoundSkins Global. “A few competitors have tried to put something like this in the market, but no one else has the complete lineup that covers the entire bike.”

These kits will cut down on excess vibration and noise to create a smoother riding experience. The sound deadening material will also dramatically lower the resonant characteristics of the saddlebags, fairings, and fairing speaker pods, making them much better speaker enclosures. This results in increased speaker efficiency, allowing the speakers to do exactly what they were designed to do – project sound directly toward the listener.

Both SoundSkins Global and American Hard Bag will offer this lineup on their websites. The kits will be available as bundles and individual sections.

SoundSkins Global and American Hard Bag will display these new kits at Knowledge Fest in Las Vegas on February 18-20, 2022.

For more information about this new lineup, visit https://soundskinsglobal.com/ or contact SoundSkins Global at usa@soundskinsglobal.com.

Blue Tiger Wins CES 2022 Innovation Award for World’s First Solar-Powered Bluetooth Headset

DALLAS, TX (12.03.2021) – Blue Tiger USA has won the CES 2022 Innovation Awards for the Solare headset, the world’s first solar-powered communications headset for hands-free driving. The powerful Solare Headset harvests light from any source – indoor or outdoor for continuous use without the need to recharge a battery. Blue Tiger will be introducing Solare at CES 2022, held in Las Vegas from January 5-8, 2022 at the Cosmopolitan Hotel.

Military Grade — Never Recharge with Solare’s Sustainable Solar Energy Technology

Targeted to the demanding needs of road warriors, such as truckers, professional drivers, commuters, and long distance travelers, the Blue Tiger Solare military-grade Bluetooth headset combines patented solar technology for virtually unlimited use without recharging, with powerful 97% noise cancelation technology and high-quality speaker components — all powered by a flexible solar cell for a seamless driving communications experience. Solare continuously self-charges when exposed to indoor or outdoor sunlight, eliminating the worry about battery life, so drivers always receive and transmit essential communications clearly.

“We are honored to win the CES 2022 Innovation Award for our break-through solar powered innovation. With the Blue Tiger Solare, professional drivers can now travel more safely without worrying about distractions and potential accidents that can be caused by plugging in a headset to charge while driving,” said Chantal Saah, CEO and Co-founder, Blue Tiger USA. “With Solare, drivers connect to important weather alerts, accident and traffic reports, GPS instructions, dispatchers, fellow drivers, friends, and loved ones. And because of Solare’s solar technology, truckers and other drivers never again have to worry about dead batteries or remembering to charge their headsets.”

For more information, see the website at: bluetigerheadsets.com/bluetigersolare and bluetigerheadsets.com.

Self-Driving Vehicles Appeal to Drivers, But They Don’t Know What it Entails

This article was written by Larry Printz for TheDetroitBureau.com

DETROIT, MI (12.03.2021) – As automakers rush to develop self-driving cars, trucks, SUVs and minivans, most consumers have an incorrect perception of the emerging technology. That’s the latest finding of the J.D. Power 2021 Mobility Confidence Index Study released Tuesday.

Driver education is key

When asked to choose one of seven possible descriptions that correctly defines fully automated self-driving vehicles, a mere 37% of respondents chose one of the two correct answers, with one defining Level 4 autonomy, the other Level 5. Fifty-five percent of respondents incorrectly selected descriptions of driver assist technology rather than self-driving technology.

J.D. Power survey reveals that drivers know little about automated vehicles, but are placing increased confidence in them.

What’s worse is that among drivers who profess to have more knowledge of fully automated self-driving vehicles, only 32% could describe it correctly. Among those who knew nothing of the technology, 37% described it correctly.

“This is a ‘Danger, Will Robinson’ moment for the fully automated self-driving vehicle industry,” said Lisa Boor, senior manager of global automotive at J.D. Power. “There is a significant gap between actual and perceived AV knowledge. Right now, consumers don’t know what they don’t know.”

Others agree.

Self-driving cars, like the GM’s Cruise AV, wouldn’t need a steering wheel on the instrument panel.

Acceptance of AVs is rising

But overall confidence in automated automobiles is growing according to J.D. Power, with 42% of those surveyed expressing confidence in fully automated self-driving vehicles. That’s up from 34% a year ago. And 31% had full confidence in fully automated delivery vehicles. But that level of acceptance rises to 47% among those whose vehicles have driver assist technology. When asked, consumers also saw AVs as being a boon to those who can’t drive due to age, illness or injury.

But acceptance will increase only if the safety of AVs is assured. 

Click to continue reading this story on TheDetroitBureau.com

Team Nutz Helps 96.1 KISS Stuff-A-Bus for the Marines’ Toys For Tots

PITTSBURG, PA (12.02.2021) – 96.1 KISS is Pittsburgh’s #1 Hit Music Radio Station and they are making a hit again this year with their annual Stuff-A-Bus campaign to support the Marines Toys For Tots Drive. Pro sports teams, area organizations plus a growing list of local businesses are contributing to the success of this year’s event. Team Nutz is one of the local businesses working to Stuff-A-Bus.

Nina Nuttall holds big toy trucks Team Nutz picked up at Big Lots.

Ed Nuttall related, for Team Nutz, “This is such a worthy initiative. The 96.1 KISS Stuff-A-Bus Christmas campaign has been going on over 20 years and this is actually our first year to participate. This campaign lasts through this week, ending Saturday December 4th. and so far 22 large school buses have been packed with unwrapped toys. The seats and aisles are filled. They are looking to stuff close to 50 buses before the week is out.”

Full shopping carts of toys for the 96.1 KISS Stuff-A-Bus drive for Marines’ Toys For Tots.

All Ways Safe is a safety truck company in a Pittsburg suburb and is a sponsor. Team Nutz completed an amazing installation in this truck and it was on display in the Special Vehicles area at SEMA 2021 and loaded with Memphis Audio gear.

All Ways Save is an event sponsored as over 50 big school buses are expected to be stuffed with Toys For Tots during the 96.1 KISS Stuff-A-Bus drive.

“My wife Nina and I went shopping at Big Lots and Five Below stores last night and completely filled the Team Nutz van with a wide variety of toys. We dropped the load off at Robinson Town Centre and certainly helped to Stuff-A-Bus for the Marines Toys For Tots Drive 2021.”

It is terrific to see 12volt companies, like Team Nutz, participate in local community events.

See more @teamnutzpgh on Instagram

DEI Releases 2022 Full Line Catalog

AVON LAKE, OH (12.02.2021) – Design Engineering Inc. introduces its new 2022 Full Line Catalog, containing complete information on its entire line of innovative heat and sound control solutions for any automotive project. Request your digital or print copy today or stop by DEI’s PRI booth (#301) to pick one up.

From vehicle-specific to universal application solutions, powersports kits to exhaust wraps and heat protective sleevings, DEI thermal and noise control products are the choice for professional builders and DIY mechanics looking to keep their rides cool and comfortable.

The 60-page catalog features nearly 30 new products and more than 80 new part numbers for race and street performance. Featured products include vehicle-specific insulation kits, high quality heat reflective tapes and sprays, headliner insulators, engine and interior heat barriers, sensor covers, and a growing collection of motorcycle and powersports components and side-by-side heat barrier kits.

These new products join DEI’s long list of proven heat and sound control solutions, including its popular exhaust wraps, turbo heat shields, plug boot and wire protectors, extreme heat barriers and wide range of interior components, plus information on the company’s tools and accessories, safety products, and even marketing materials for retailers.

Visit designengineering.com for more.

Metra Electronics to Host New Manufacturer Training Sessions at KnowledgeFest in Dallas, TX

HOLLY HILL, FL (12.01.2021) – Metra Electronics is heading to Dallas, Texas to host new training sessions at KnowledgeFest and showcase their latest aftermarket installation products. At the booth will also be a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD built by Extreme Offroad and Performance and customized from the front to the back with Heise LED lights and more. Metra’s training sessions will cover new products launched at the 2021 SEMA Show. This includes new Axxessintegration products and DSPs, Saddle Tramplighting and audio upgrades that fit Harley-Davidson, aftermarket accessories that fit Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator, and new vehicle lighting solutions from Heise. As a Diamond Ultra sponsor, Metra is proud to support the industry by providing in-depth training sessions for installers at the event, hosted December 10-12. Training sessions include:

“Simplify your Install with Axxess DSPs” on Friday, Dec. 10 at 1:45 PM and Sunday, Dec.12 at 9:30 AM

This training will cover the entire Axxess DSP product line, highlight new vehicle coverage, and showcase the newest app features. Metra will show installers how these solutions can increase sales in the showroom and decrease time in the bay. Attendees will learn how to use and set up Axxess DSPs through the app for complete tuning control and when to use the DSP “Lite” versus “X” solutions. This training will also explain how to use the different types of applications offered within the AXDSP line, including CAN-based systems, new A2B systems, MOST25, and MOST50 vehicle technology.

“New Accessories for Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator” on Friday, Dec. 10 at 3 PM

Installers will learn how to upgrade the look and sound system of the latest Jeep models using Metra’s newest accessories designed for JeepWrangler JL and Gladiator JT. This session will go over installing the new Metra RGB lighting kit with plug-n-play connections and expandable Heise lighting options. It will also showcase Metra’s new Talon Attack replacement grille, amplifier installation kits, and new accessory harnesses that make adding aftermarket lighting even easier for installers.

“New Lighting & Audio Upgrades for Harley-Davidson Motorcycles” on Saturday, Dec. 11 at 4:15 PM

Metra makes it easy to upgrade the audio system in Harley-Davidson motorcycles with Saddle Tramp’s newest products. Learn more about the new DSP kits with a built-in interface that reflashes the OE radio and gives installers full tuning control from the palm of their hand. This session will also introduce the new motorcycle accessories from Metra that will upgrade the music experience and provide easy integration using Metra’s improved radio replacement kits and harnessing.

“New Vehicle Lighting Trends with Heise” on Saturday, Dec. 11 at 5:30 PM

Lighting upgrades are in demand and Metra’s newest products from Heise deliver just what installers need to meet the latest trends in automotive lighting. Learn about the new and improved Heise lightbars and cube lights, projector series LED bulbs, new wheel lights, RGB and RGBW underglow kits, and the popular third brake light designed for the new 2021 Ford Bronco. This training session includes valuable tips for selling and installing these new LED lighting solutions from Heise.

“Advanced Integration Made Easy with Axxess and Metra” on Sunday, Dec. 12 at 10:45 AM

Attendees will learn about the newest solutions from Axxess and Metra that make vehicle integration easy, even with some of the notoriously complex vehicle systems. This training session gives in-depth installation information for Metra’s new AXPIO integration kits for Pioneer receivers, Metra’s latest TurboTouch dash kits, and new Axxess interfaces hitting the market.

Metra’s customers can register for the KnowledgeFest event at no cost using Metra’s VIP code, available by request from their sales representative. Once registered for the event, attendees will also need to register online at KnowledgeFest.org for each training session they will attend. Metra will be at booth #513 from December 10-12 at the Dallas Convention Center in Dallas, Texas.

Visit metraonline.com for more.