Industry

ORCA to Sponsor School of Fab Web Series Through 2021

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CAMARILLO, CA (09.28.2021) – Orca Design and Manufacturing announced announced a partnership with School of Fab, the new online collaboration featuring Mark from YouTube channel Car Audio Fabrication, and Bryan Schmitt, owner of Tempe, Ariz.,-based Mobile Solutions. Orca will be the exclusive sponsor of the show’s remaining episodes for 2021, showcasing its GLADEN brand of speakers and amplifiers.

School of Fab is the creation of Mark and Bryan Schmitt, arising from the series of fabrication courses of the same name that will be featured at the upcoming MasterTech Expo, scheduled March 6-9, 2022 at the Mesa Convention Center in Mesa, Ariz. The show covers new tools, time-saving installation and fabrication techniques, and live build demonstrations from the Mobile Solutions tech center. It airs the first Thursday of each month on the School of Fab Facebook page.

Each of the upcoming episodes will highlight a selection of German-engineered Gladen car audio speakers and amplifiers. The full-featured Gladen amplifier line has a solution for every automotive audio enthusiast, with single, dual or four-channel options and power-saving Class D models, as well as highly accurate Class A/B architecture. The specialty amplifiers share prominence with separates, coaxials, subwoofers and vehicle-specific speaker options spread over five distinct lines.

“The Gladen brand has a proud history,” said Nalaka Adikari, ORCA sales director. “It was the brainchild of Henning Gladen, an audio visionary who unfortunately passed away almost five years ago. His unique designs are the bedrock of the company’s precision-engineered products, built by a small but dedicated team in Germany. We are honored to represent Gladen here in the United States and look forward to featuring the brand as part of School of Fab.”

For more information on School of Fab, visit facebook.com/schooloffab. To find out more about Gladen products, visit gladenaudio-america.com.

Remembering Steven Bach

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CHINO, CA (09.27.2021) – Aunex is sad to announce the passing of our company President Steven Bach who passed away suddenly on Thursday, September 2nd 2021.

Steven’s passion for the industry started in the late eighties when he was first bit by the Car Audio bug back in high school. “If you wanted to get noticed back then, having a loud system was one of the best ways to achieve that. Back then it was audio first and then rims, tint, lowering and exhaust.”

Steven always dreamed of having his own car audio brand where he could create a product line and company with his own vision of how things should be. Steven’s career goes back over 25 years with time spent at Massive, Crossfire, and most recently as Vice President of Powerbass before starting his own company Aunex two years ago.

Steven was a visionary and force of nature in the 12v industry. He had a unique skill set. He could do it all. The car audio industry now has a huge hole in it and so many of us will struggle to fill the void of this amazing man with that crazy laugh of his.

In his absence, we believe that he would want us to carry on, eat some good food and go sell some great audio, and to honor him that’s exactly what we are going to do.

Rest in Peace Steven.

Metra PowerSports Ships New Power Distribution Kits for UTVs

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HOLLY HILL, FL (09.27.2021) – Metra Electronics is now shipping a new dual battery kit and battery busbar kit from its Metra PowerSports product line. These kits help installers adding a second battery on a UTV to manage the power distribution of additional equipment, lighting, or audio accessories, without draining the primary starting battery. These two new products complement Metra’s popular AGM powersports batteries from its Shuriken brand.

The MPS-DUALBTKIT is a dual battery kit compatible with multiple types of off-road vehicles, used to add a second battery to a UTV or ATV. Its 80-amp smart battery isolator will automatically charge the battery to protect it from being drained. It includes a dual battery voltage meter, LED indicator, and Carling-style knockout for the dashboard. To complete the installation, 2 feet of red and black 6 AWG power wire with 5/16-inch ring terminals are included, along with zip-ties, accessory wires, and mounting hardware. The powersports AGM battery is sold separately but also available through Metra’s Shuriken line.

MPS-DUALBTKIT Product Specifications

  • Complete kit for installing a second powersports battery
  • Compatible with multiple types of off-road vehicles
  • Smart battery isolator charges automatically to protect the battery
  • Includes:
    • 80-amp smart battery isolator
    • Dual battery voltage meter, LED indicator, Carling-style knockout
    • 24″ red and black 6 AWG power wire with 5/16″ ring terminals
    • Universal battery strap
    • Zip-ties, accessory wires, and mounting hardware

For power distribution, the MPS-BUSBARKIT is a 4-post mountable battery busbar kit designed for UTVs or ATVs. Power and ground wiring are included with protective sleeving, specialized zip-ties, terminal covers, a 200-amp 6 AWG inline circuit breaker, and 9 feet of red and black 6 AWG oxygen-free tinned copper wire. This system is used to distribute power to aftermarket equipment, lighting, or audio accessories from the battery, and is designed for the demands of harsh environments.

MPS-BUSBARKIT Product Specifications:

  • Power distribution busbar for UTVs or ATVs
  • 4-stud mountable busbar
  • Oxygen-free tinned copper power wire
  • Includes:
    • 200-amp 6 AWG inline circuit breaker
    • 9’ red and black 6 AWG UL1426 power and ground wiring
    • Protective wire sleeving, positive terminal cover, and specialized zip-ties

Visit MetraPowerSports.com and watch the product video overview at https://youtu.be/noHuc39eNCo to learn more.

Design Engineering Releases VW Beetle Firewall Insulation Kit

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AVON LAKE, OH (09.23.2021) – Don’t let heat Bug you! Keep your VW Beetle nice and cool with a customized Firewall Heat Protection Kit from Design Engineering, Inc.

Custom cut for a direct fit, the three-piece kit is made from DEI’s Black Floor and Tunnel material and replaces the Beetle’s heavy, fragile factory tar boards. The kit installs easily for superior heat and sound protection.

“Don’t let excess temperatures keep you from enjoying your Bug in all weather conditions,” says Mike Buca of DEI. “Our VW Beetle Firewall Insulation Kit (#10046) reduces thermal intrusion from the engine compartment and lowers excessive noise levels for total driver and passenger comfort.”

The precision CNC-cut pieces feature high-temperature black polymer and a resin powder-coated textured aluminum skin with glass fiber matting for complete protection. They fit easily in place of the factory tar boards with a self-adhesive backing.

The kit works well with DEI’s pre-cut VW Beetle Floor Insulation Kit (# 51420)that reduces road noise for a quiet ride usually found only in big cars. Featuring DEI’s premium D-Mat™ insulation paired with Boom Mat sound-damping material, the kits are CNC-cut for a perfect fit and ease of installation.

For more information about the VW Beetle Firewall Insulation Kit, the VW Beetle Floor Insulation Kit and DEI’s complete line of performance heat and sound control products, visit www.DesignEngineering.com.

The 12Volt News… Delivering Fresh Positive Industry News Each Business Day

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SHREVEPORT, LA (09.24.2021) – In today’s world, it’s hard to find positive news anywhere in the world. The 12volt News, and the 12volt Central Studios, work to deliver positive industry news each business day.

Click the 6 images below to view these 12VoltBite videos on Instagram.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CULZ6CqP3EC/
https://www.instagram.com/p/CULZ6CqP3EC/

With the advent of social media Facebook and Instagram platforms became key vehicles for information and news delivery. People need still, and look forward to, receiving news. That is also true for the business realm that includes the 12volt Industry. On Instagram and Facebook @12volt news has over 10,000 followers on each platform and those followers are dedicated members of the 12volt industry.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CULK5L9J1Gq/
https://www.instagram.com/p/CUIflA0FuFA/

Today, a vast percentage of people spend hours and hours on their mobile devices each day. Studies reveal the average smartphone usage today approaches 7 hours. To deliver fresh industry news to members of the mobile electronics industry the 12volt Central Studios makes multiple posts on Instagram and Facebook each business day. The 12volt STP Tool was created in 2020 for members of the 12volt industry so send their news to the 12volt Central Studios. Snap and Txt an image to 318 465 0844. Presto, your positive news could be delivered to members of the 12volt industry.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CUGr-cGsQQS/
https://www.instagram.com/p/CUF9YAmltsw/

The 12volt Central Studios 6 Pack is delivered over the day each business day. Snap and Txt an image to 318-465-0844 and your company’s products and activities could be delivered in the 6 Pack.

Check out the 12VoltNews 6-Pack as The 12volt Central Studios works to make 6 social media posts each business day delivering fresh positive news the 12volt industry.

View these posts and more at instagram.com/12voltnews

Oracle Lighting Features New Rear Bumper LED Reverse Lights for Jeep Gladiator JT & JL at 2021 SEMA Expo

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METAIRIE, LA (09.23.2021) – Oracle Lighting will feature its new Rear Bumper LED Reverse Lights for Jeep Gladiator JT (p/n 5878-504) during the 2021 SEMA Show, held in Las Vegas, Nev. from Nov. 2-5 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, booth #C20547. Now shipping, these new reverse lights have an MSRP of $149.95 and are also available for Jeep Wrangler JL.

Unsatisfied with the visibility of your Jeep Gladiator reverse lighting when backing up at night? Then replace the factory bumper reflectors with high-output replacement auxiliary LED reverse lights from Oracle Lighting. This reverse light design seamlessly integrates into the bumper reflector area to provide more than 1,500 additional lumens when backing up in a Jeep Gladiator.

“We noticed a consensus of Gladiator owners who had the same problem…complaints of low visibility when backing up at night,” said Justin Hartenstein, Oracle Lighting director of development. “Many tried to supplement with auxiliary lights and light bars which just did not fit, had limited ground clearance, and just looked out-of-place. We immediately saw an opportunity to use our expertise to provide a functional integrated solution.”

Designed for function and durability, these lights feature an aluminum housing with PMMA lens while also maintaining the rear reflector function with a scaled-down version integrated into the housing.

These compact lights pack a big punch with a total of 30 high-powered LEDs to add additional lighting to improve your Jeep Gladiator reverse visibility. They come ready to install out of the box, ensuring that you will have rear visibility in your Jeep Gladiator when it matters. Installation uses factory mounting hardware, and these lights tie into the rear light wiring with the included T-taps or with the optional Plug-and-Play adapter (p/n 5881-504) for even easier installation.

Additional features and specifications include:
• Connects to existing reverse light power source without error code
• Integrated rear reflector for OE appearance and function
• Total of 30 high-powered LEDs with 3,000 raw Lumen output
• Aluminum housing with black powder coat finish
• Optic-focused beam pattern for an extended field of view

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.

Remembering Carl Sprague

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OCEANSIDE, CA (09.23.2021) – “It is with heavy heart and deep sadness that we at Custom Autosound Mfg. regretfully announce the passing of our founder Carl Sprague at age of 92. In 1976, his passion for classic cars and music led to his creation of the first company to specialize in creating replacement radios for the vintage vehicle enthusiast.”

“He will be remembered as an innovator in the restoration and car audio industries, a very generous employer and snappy dresser. Carl’s vision and example continue to inspire his family, friends and dedicated employees. With that, we toast, raise a glass and say “thank you” for the many years.”

P&E Distributors Appoints Don Dolan as V.P. of Sales

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NASHVILLE, TN (09.22.2021) – P&E Distributors Inc. has announced Don Dolan as their new V.P. of Sales.

As V.P. of Sales, Dolan will be responsible for managing overall sales functions in all areas of sales including wholesale B2B, retail B2C marketplace platforms as well as their Tennessee Speed Sport retail store.

Josh Eatherly Executive Vice President Said, “We are excited that Don has joined our team to help lead us in achieving our company’s strategic growth and marketing plans. He brings a wealth of sales knowledge and professionalism to our team.”

Before joining P&E, Don has spent his career in Sales and marketing, most recently with Driver Industrial and The Covert Track Group where he was responsible for developing and implementing all sales and marketing in domestic and international channels. 

Don holds a BS in Business Administration from The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina and was a former United States Army Field Artillery Officer.

P&E Distributors Inc./Tennessee Speed Sport has been a family-owned distributor and retailer of aftermarket performance, Truck, Jeep, 4WD, and Mobile Electronics since the early 1960s.  

Today P&E continues to serve its customers and vendors with the same values of its founder JD Eatherly using the methods and technologies of today.

With over 140,000 sq. ft of stocking merchandise and a sales team with over 250 years of combined experience, P&E is continuing a long tradition of leading customer service and logistics.

Visit www.pedistributors.com for more.

Broadway Distributor to Handle Silencer Remote Start and Security Products

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HOUSTON, TX (09.22.2021) – Broadway has been appointed to distribute Silencer Remote Start and Security products in the Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Arkansas territory. Armando Parra, Magnadyne National Sales Manager, traveled from the company’s West Coast HQ to finalize the Broadway partnership. David Toliver, Synergy Marketing the territory representative, was on hand and will work with Parra in the Houston marketplace with dealer sales calls for 2 days.

Broadway Distributor’s Andy Pariona is flanked by Silencer’s Armando Parra (L) and David Toliver with Synergy Marketing in the company’s Houston Showroom.

Parra stated, “Broadway has an excellent reputation for serving dealers in the territory. The remote start season is right around the corner so the timing is definitely right. The Silencer Remote Start and Security categories cover all the bases and we have a deep supply of inventory to support Broadway’s sales efforts.”

“We have been representing Magnadyne, Carbine and Silencer in the territory since June of this year. We have grown the dealer base in that time and see the partnership with Broadway as a vehicle to accelerate the awareness of the Silencer brand across the territory. I am on the road in the in the territory and think dealers will definitely see the strong benefit of having Silencer inventory in Broadway’s Houston warehouse for pretty much next day UPS across the 4 states,” Toliver stated.

Rockford Fosgate Introduces All-In-One Audio Solution for Select Polaris Ranger 2018 – 2022 Vehicles

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TEMPE, AZ (09.21.2021) – Rockford Fosgate has announced the RNGR18-STG1 audio system, their latest audio innovation for Polaris Ranger vehicles is available soon at a MSRP of $619.99.

This new all-in-one audio solution is purpose built for the off-road environment featuring a single enclosure that houses a pair of 5.25-inch speakers and a Bluetooth ready source unit. The audio components are pre-installed so that this kit can be quickly installed in place of the factory center cup holder and connected using the included plug-and-play harness.

Jake Braaten, VP of Business and Product Development at Rockford stated, “Ranger owners will love that this kit delivers the Rockford Fosgate sound they expect, with easy installation, quick Bluetooth pairing, and right out of the box performance, so everything just works.”

The 5.25-inch speakers are rated to handle 50 watts of power and feature a full-range coaxial design, for solid mid bass response and crisp high-end output. The PMX-1 source unit includes a 2.3-inch wet bonded dot matrix display, so it’s built rugged and it’s also easy to read in any light, day, or night. With Bluetooth connectivity, to quickly get your playlist loaded as well as an AM/FM/WB tuner you have all the music and information at your fingertips. Plus, all components of the system are Element Ready so that they perform regardless of water, dirt, mud, or UV rays.

Those who want to experience the new Stage 1 system should visit the Sand Sport Super Show being held this weekend in Costa Mesa, California where Rockford will debut this new all-in-one audio solution.

For more information on Sand Sport Super Show visit their event site.
Visit rockfordfosgate.com for more.