Industry

2021 SEMA Show Mobile App Now Available for Download

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DIAMOND BAR, CA (10.05.2021) – The official 2021 SEMA Show mobile app is now available for download from the Apple App Store, Google Play Store or via the QR code below.

A great tool to maximize your time at the Show, the official SEMA Show app contains detailed exhibitor information, interactive floorplans and up-to-date event and education information—all from the convenience of your mobile device. This year, the SEMA Show app will feature a scanning function that will allow attendees to quickly capture product and exhibitor information from feature vehicles on display throughout the Show as well as the ability to scan and save products from the New Products Showcase. The app puts the entire SEMA Show in your pocket.

2021 SEMA Show mobile app features include:

Scan the QR to download the app
  • Interactivity: Users can receive detailed information about feature vehicles displayed throughout the Las Vegas Convention Center. By simply scanning a vehicle’s QR code, located on a feature vehicle sticker attached to the vehicle during check-in, the app will display the vehicle’s year, make and model; information on the exhibitor displaying the vehicle; and a list of products used on the vehicle. The app also allows users to access a list of exhibitors from 2019 and any saved product information.
  • Turn-By-Turn Directions: Find the quickest route from one place to another without the need of a GPS or data service. Simply enter an exhibitor name or room nearest to you and where you want to go, and the app will provide directions.
  • My Schedule: Create a schedule to keep track of the events you wish to attend.
  • New Products Showcase: View all of the products entered into the New Products Showcase, complete with detailed information and photos, exactly where within the Showcase the product is displayed, and directions to the exhibitor’s booth on the Show floor.
  • Product Scanner: Use your smartphone as a scanner at the New Products Showcase to create a list and map of the scanned products.
  • Maps: View floorplans of all SEMA Show halls and how/where they connect to make passage from hall to hall as easy as possible.
    Exhibitors: Look up all 2021 SEMA Show exhibitors by name, Show section or product category.
  • Events, Celebrity Appearances and Speakers: See lists of all the events, seminars, conferences, celebrity appearances and speakers, including day, time and location.
  • Social Media: Keep up with the feeds of the official SEMA Show social media accounts, including Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
  • Ground Transportation: Find the best way to arrive at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Obtain information on the Las Vegas Monorail, rideshare and hotel shuttles, including pickup locations.
  • SEMA eNews: Stay up to date with the latest news before, during and after the Show.

For more information about the 2021 SEMA Show, taking place November 2–5, in Las Vegas, visit www.semashow.com.

Trent Partners & Associates New Hire Announcement

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ROCKVILLE CENTRE, NY (10.04.2021) – See the following announcement from Matt Gonzales of Trent Partners & Associates:

“I would like to formally announce that Trent Partners & Associates has come to an agreement with Ralph Luce to become our newest account executive in the New York market. Ralph comes to Trent Partners & Associates with an extensive work history at the retail level with both sales & installation.”

Ralph Luce

“Having personally worked with Ralph in the past on special projects and at shows I am extremely confident that Ralph will not only succeed in the manufacturer rep sector but become a rising star. His knowledge of the retail business in the mobile electronic category along with the local marine / powersport business will quickly become an asset to Trent Partners and its vendors.”

Trent Partners represents Kicker, VOXX including Directed, JVC Mobile, Orca brands (Focal & Mosconi), AudioControl Diamond/Cerwin Vega and DD Audio.

Ralph will be working the New York market with myself growing / servicing accounts in Brooklyn, Queens & Long Island. The first day in the field will be on October 4th… so please join me in welcoming Ralph to the Trent Partner family!

Visit trentpartners.com for more.

HKI USA Adds Another Member to Its Growing Team

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DANIA BEACH, FL (10.04.2021) – HKI USA, the US importer for SounDigital Amplifiers, Ground Zero Car Audio, Four Connect Wiring Products, and the new HKI Mini DSP, is proud to announce another member to its growing family.

As 2021 starts to wind down, HKI is expanding upon its staff of Territory Managers, once again, with the addition of the new kid on the block, Daniel Mount. Dan will be taking the reins for Northern Illinois, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and the Dakotas allowing HKI to expand its presence in this territory, and focus on representing their extensive line of car audio and powersports products.

Daniel Mount

“We fell Dan is going to be an amazing addition to our team,” stated Jacob Brown, Director of Operations for HKI-USA. “Due to his knowledge and love for our products and his experience and reputation in the territory as both a rep and retail owner, we are excited to see him work with our team of managers and partnered rep firms to continue to build and support our network of retailers.”

“I’m excited to grow the territory with HKI, and meet all the existing dealers in the territory,” explained Mount. “But, to be honest, I am excited to work for a great company, and even more excited to be working with an amazing group of people.”

For more information about our brand(s) and our growing family, visit hki-usa.com or e-mail info@hki-usa.com

Metra Electronics to Host Six Manufacturer Training Sessions at KnowledgeFest in Indianapolis

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HOLLY HILL, FL (10.01.2021) – Metra Electronics is heading to Indianapolis, Indiana, to host six training sessions at KnowledgeFest and showcase their latest aftermarket installation products. At the booth will also be a 2020 Jeep Gladiator Sport S built by Vincent Murray of Team Nutz. The Kevlar coated Jeep is customized from the front to the back with Metra’s Heise LED RGB lights and accessories, RGB underglow kit, Metra PowerSports whip lights, and more.

Metra’s training sessions will outline new integration products, lighting and audio upgrades for Harley-Davidson, aftermarket accessories for Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator, and new products for upgrading vehicle safety systems. Installer Institute will also host a session to show shops how to connect with trained, certified graduates through their online career portal and explain the future of mobile electronics education. As a Diamond Ultra sponsor, Metra is proud to support the industry by providing in-depth training sessions for installers. Training sessions include:

“Simplify your Install with Axxess DSPs” on Friday, October 8 at 1:30 PM

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/Gladiator from Metra” on Friday, October 8 at 2:45 PM

Metra has focused an entire product line on the growing market of Jeep owners who want to customize their rides to be louder and reflect their own personal style. This session will help them learn about the new speaker adapter plates, backup camera options, complete integration solutions, and LED lighting solutions designed to fit Jeep Wrangler JL and Gladiator models. Attendees will hear valuable tips for selling and installing these new products that will give them additional opportunities to sell a full range of upgrades to loyal Jeep customers.

“New Lighting and Audio Upgrades for Harley-Davidson Motorcycles” on Saturday, October 9 at 4:45 PM

How can shops cut down installation time on audio and lighting upgrades? Metra’s Saddle Tramp brand is here to help with even more new products launching this season. Attendees will be the first to learn about new Axxess DSPs that fit Harley-Davidson with a built-in re-flashing feature and Saddle Tramp’s newest replacement inner fairing. Attendees will learn how to offer upgrades to make their customer’s motorcycles louder and more stylish, without the need for labor-intensive custom fabrication and wiring.

“Upgrading Vehicle Safety Systems with iBEAM” on Saturday, October 9 at 6:00 PM

As more consumers upgrade their vehicles, safety and convenience features should not be left out of the selling strategy. Attendees will learn about the aftermarket safety features they should be selling and how to install iBEAM’s newest products. This session will go over the hot-button selling points and features that consumers are asking for plus installation tips to give installers a better understanding of what is involved in an upgrade.

“The Future of Mobile Electronics Education with Installer Institute” on Sunday, October 10 at 9:30 AM

There are some things best learned with hands-on training. Mobile electronics education is one of them. Attendees of this session will learn how Installer Institute has adapted its curriculum to include courses designed to give students practical training for car audio installations plus additional skills for home theater integration, marine audio, upholstery, security, remote start installation, window tinting and more. For shops looking for trained, MECP and MESA certified installers, this session will show them how to connect with ii graduates through the online career portal and also explain what they can expect an ii graduate to have learned.

“Advanced Integration Made Easy with Axxess and Metra” on Sunday, October 10 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-JL1 integration kit for Jeep Wrangler, 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 #302 from October 8th-10th at the Indianapolis Convention Center in Indianapolis, Indiana. Additional information about the show, produced by the Mobile Electronics Association (MEA), is available at KnowledgeFest.org.

Oracle Lighting Launches New Flush Mount LED Tail Lights for Jeep Gladiator JT; Featured During 2021 SEMA Expo

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METAIRIE, LA (10.01.2021) – Oracle Lighting has announced the launch of the new patent pending Flush Mount LED Tail Lights for Jeep Gladiator JT (p/n 5882-504). Featured during the 2021 SEMA Show, held in Las Vegas, Nev. from Nov. 2-5 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, booth #C20547, the new flush mount tail lights are now available for pre-order and are scheduled to ship in October. With an MSRP of $399.95, they are also available for Jeep Wrangler JL.

“Designed to fit flush with the truck bed of the Jeep Gladiator, our new JT Flush Tail Lights offer improved features and OEM factory styling,” explained Justin Hartenstein, Oracle Lighting director of development. “This innovative design has a sleek tail light for Jeep Gladiators that wraps tightly around the truck.”

Protruding out significantly less than the factory tail lights, this low-profile design avoids damage while trail riding. Because of the nearly flush wrap-around design, the lighting can be visible from any rear angle, making it a unique solution for the Jeep Gladiator.

“These lights provide improved LED lighting features including high-powered reverse lights and signature perimeter lighting,” Hartenstein continued. “In addition to standard features, the plug-and-play design features an enhanced reverse function and caters to the Jeep’s optional cross-traffic sensor. The reverse light features 12 high-powered LEDs for optimal rear illumination. The cross-traffic sensor can be swapped directly over from the factory assembly and easily installs into the Oracle Lighting tail lights for Jeep Gladiator.”

Gain sleek styling that compliments the original body lines and tons of innovative features. With the superior quality and durability that Oracle Lighting is known for, these tail lights are the perfect upgrade for your Jeep Gladiator.

Louisiana-based Oracle Lighting has been designing innovative lighting products and technologies for the automotive/12Volt, powersports, motorcycle, and marine markets since 1999. Oracle’s philosophy is this: in today’s world of fly-by-night vendors, we think it is important to partner with businesses that you can trust to be there for you today, tomorrow, and for years to come.

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

Sony Exhibiting and Training at KnowledgeFest in Indianapolis

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The Sony Car Audio team will be exhibiting and training at KnowledgeFest from October 8-10 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis.

The team will have their new 2021 Toyota CH-R Sony mobile ES demo car in booth #402, giving live demos. Products will be displayed in their new mobile ES display and retailers will have the ability to interact with team members to learn about mobile ES products and how Sony supports the independent specialist retailer.

“We’re excited about getting in front of our retailers at an event like this, as it gives us the ability to really show off the products and provide great education about our line and support,” said Kris Bulla, Sony National Product Trainer. “Our team is ready to get back to a normal pace of in-person activity and events.”

Sony will be hosting four trainings at the event:

  • Friday – 2:45 PM – 3:45 PM – Sony mobile ES Training
  • Saturday – 4:45 PM – 5:45 PM – Sony New Products and Retailer Support
  • Saturday – 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM – Sony mobile ES Training
  • Sunday – 10:45 AM – 11:45 AM – Sony mobile ES Training

For questions about training, events, or products, retailers can reach the Sony team via the Sony Tech Line at 855-SONY-12V.

Visit sony.com/lr/electronics/car-marine for more.

JL Audio Unveils Premium Audio System for New Sea-Doo Switch Pontoons

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MIRAMAR FL (09.30.2021) – JL Audio, in collaboration with BRP, has developed a premium audio upgrade for the all-new Sea-Doo Switch pontoon boats.

Engineered and fine-tuned by JL Audio, this powerful marine-grade audio solution is optimized to deliver rich, powerful sound when blasting through the water at full speed, without compromising the
modularityof the pontoon. JL Audio designed their audio solution to seamlessly integrate into the
movable corner tables that tie into the Sea-Doo Switch modular deck with LinQ quick-attach tiles. It
features four cup holders and four USB ports for charging all your devices.

“Our engineering team members are experts at working with boat builders to create balanced marine
audio systems that deliver the perfect sound stage in an open-air environment. By working closely with
BRP we created a system that delivers ideal performance for a pontoon without compromising the
innovative modular floor plan of the Sea-Doo Switch,” said Ora Freeman, Director OEM Sales, North
America, JL Audio. “Packing a powerful JL Audio sound system, accent lighting and USB ports into the
same space already occupied by side tables adds more functionality and enjoyment when on the water
without taking up any extra space.”

The solution packs four 6.5-inch JL Audio M3 coaxial speakers powered by a JL Audio 280-watt 4-
channel MX amplifier, and an enclosed 10-inch JL Audio TW3 subwoofer powered by a JL Audio 500-
watt mono MX amplifier. The Premium Audio System for the Sea-Doo Switch was fine-tuned to deliver
maximum open-air performance complete with rich, hard-hitting bass. Adding further cool factor to
the Sea-Doo Switch, the JL Audio M3 coaxial speakers housed within the system feature RGB
illumination that ties into the pontoon’s app-based RGB controller.

Click here to visit the product page.

As with all JL Audio marine audio systems, the Premium Audio System for the Sea-Doo Switch was
constructed of durable, high-quality materials that resist corrosion and can endure years of exposure to harsh marine elements. For full details on the JL Audio Premium Audio System for the Sea-Doo
Switch, visit Sea-Doo.com.

For more information about JL Audio, visit www.jlaudio.com..

The 2021 IBEX Show Is Underway in Tampa

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TAMPA, FL (09.29.2021) – The 2021 IBEX Show is making waves at the Tampa Convention Center and runs from September 28-30, Tuesday through Thursday respectively. Over 700 companies are exhibiting at this years 30th Anniversary event. For companies that build, design, service, sell boats or make marine related products this is a must attend marine industry event.

On the first day of IBEX 2021 we received on site info from KICKER Marine, Hertz Marine and Race Sport Lighting Marine.

Lorin Morrell is dockside with KICKER personality and fishing legend Scott Martin. Dockside, Martin’s 42’ Freeman is Livin’Loud with KICKER Marine products and drawing a steady stream of attendees to check out the system and get ideas for their boats or retail store displays.

Rob Wempe had the Hertz Marine booth ready at the opening bell Tuesday morning inside the convention center.

Rob Wempe has a great location inside for the Hertz Marine booth where he is showcasing the company’s latest custom OEM Marine speakers. No question that Hertz Marine products offer ‘Power for the Waves’ with multimedia and amplifier products along with marine speakers. Many of the Hertz Marine products will also be on display in the elettromedia USA booth at SEMA 2021.

Ignacio Ayala lit up the convention center when the Race Sport Lighting Marine display was set to show attendees the company’s wide line of marine products.

Ignacio Ayala set up the Race Sport Lighting Marine booth inside and spent show hours letting attendees know all the many options that Race Sport Lighting Marine offers. LED’s for safety on night runs along with cosmetic cockpit and underwater exterior lighting.

It’s super to see companies attending these in-person trade events whenever possible as we all battle the continuing Covid-19 Pandemic.

Visit www.ibexshow.com for more.

SiriusXM Names Three New Senior Executives to its Cross-Brand Marketing Organization

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NEW YORK, NY (09.29.2021) – SiriusXM Chief Marketing Officer Denise Karkos has named three new senior marketing executives as SiriusXM continues its growth as the leading in-vehicle audio entertainment service, expands its digital and streaming focus, and launches new national brand advertising that reaches larger audiences.

Reporting to Karkos and supporting the company’s SiriusXM and Pandora brands, the following new hires come to SiriusXM with deep backgrounds and experience supporting major media, streaming and consulting organizations:

Jasmin Chanana, Senior Vice President, Digital and Customer Experience
Anne Milan Alo, Executive Creative Director
Kimberly Wilson, Senior Vice President, Brand and Advertising

“We are very excited to add these accomplished leaders from top companies to our marketing team as we expand SiriusXM’s leadership position in audio,” said Denise Karkos, SiriusXM’s Chief Marketing Officer. “Their collective experience across major consumer and business-to-business brands will help accelerate our brand and business growth. The diversity of this set of leaders at my table is imperative in our pursuit to build SiriusXM to new heights.”

Chanana joins SiriusXM from EY, formerly known as Ernst & Young, where he was a Managing Director in their Digital Practice, leading the New York office. Prior to that, Chanana held various senior roles at SapientRazorfish, Frontier Communications, and Citi. Chanana is responsible for enhancing the digital and customer experience transformation with a focus on ways to deliver marketing organization efficiencies and a superior customer experience.

Milan Alo joins SiriusXM from Netflix, where she was the streaming services Head of Creative Studio, Title Promotions, leading a multi-disciplinary creative team responsible for fully executing the creative campaign for The Queen’s Gambit. Milan Alo has also led creative global campaigns for celebrated brands including Nordstrom, Pantone, Sephora, Disney, McDonalds, LEGO and Volvo. Milan Alo brings an undeniable passion for creative and will oversee SiriusXM’s marketing operations, creative services, and video marketing and production teams and is responsible for bringing the SXM brand vision to life.

Wilson joins SiriusXM after a 16-year tenure at The Walt Disney Company where she served as Vice President, Multiplatform Marketing and held several distribution marketing leadership positions. Wilson previously worked for iHeart Radio and BET Networks. She brings extensive experience driving customer acquisition, engagement and retention across a variety of entertainment brands and is a champion in building diversity, equity and inclusion strategies. Wilson will lead SiriusXM’s brand marketing and advertising, digital content and audience engagement teams.

Visit siriusxm.com for more.

Wall Street’s Finest and MECA Partner for Blue Devils Fundraiser

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LEBANON, TN (09.28.2021) – The Saturday fundraiser, September 25th raised $300.00 for the Lebanon High School Bowling Team. The fundraiser events for the Blue Devils Bowling team have taken place for the last 4years. All of the funds raised are used to fund all bowling practice sessions and other expenses as the team captures titles across the state. If fact the Bowling Team has won more State Championships than any other Blue Devil sport.

Members of the winning teams competing at the Blue Devils fund raiser in the Lebanon High School parking lot with their trophies.

Chris Gregory, who heads the Wall Street’s Finest Team stated, “At every MECA event we do at the High School we have a genre specific 4 way battle compromised of the winners of the 3 Official MECA classes and a beginners only class that has been dubbed the Broke Class. The genre for this event was Male/Female Duets. Jeremy Scoggin, a long time supporter of our events battled a Modified, Extreme, and Broke Class build to take home the custom award. Jeremy is previous champion as he won the 1st 4 way battle we ever had on the series.”

Eric and Melissa Halfacre with their trophies.

Street +
Jeremy Scoggin (Stoopidloud)
Caleb Gregory (WSF / XS Power)
Donald Winstead

Modified
Eric Halfacre (Stoopidloud)
Dave Alessio (SPS)
Ray Robinson
Omar Acre (Stoopidloud)

Extreme
TJ Ivey (SPS)
Leanna Scoggin (Stoopidloud)

A selection of trophies awarded at the Blue Devils Fund Raiser. Chris Gregory created the cool very memorable trophies.

Steve Stern, MECA Commish related, “Working with teams like Wall Street’s Finest is a terrific way for the MECA organization to give back to our club member teams and support their interests.”

Concluding, Gregory offered, “We would like to thank Commissioner Steve Stern and MECA for their generosity in allowing us to host these fundraisers using the format. MECA has always been onboard to step up and help out the community when needed.”

Visit mecacaraudio.com for more.