NEW YORK, NY (07.27.2021) –  SiriusXM has announced its newest and most comprehensive subscription tier – the Platinum VIP package.  Platinum VIP provides subscribers with the full spectrum of SiriusXM content in up to two cars, with a SXM App login for each, as well as special perks, including opportunities to experience SiriusXM events with artists, athletes and stars, including VIP-only exclusives, and VIP Customer Service with priority call handling.

The Platinum VIP package also includes access to an extensive library of live concert video and audio recordings through nugs.net, the leading music platform for live concert streams, offering music fans VIP access to their favorite concerts anytime, anywhere.  SiriusXM Platinum VIP subscribers will be able to log in to nugs.net using their SXM App credentials to instantly access more than 5,000 official, soundboard-quality live concert recordings and 250 full video-on-demand concerts handpicked from nugs.net‘s extensive streaming catalog, with new shows added every few months.  Listeners can discover exclusive recordings and create custom playlists featuring artists with 24/7 SiriusXM channels including Bruce Springsteen, Phish, Pearl Jam and Dave Matthews, as well as hundreds of other fan favorites like Metallica, Wilco and many, many more – available via the nugs.net mobile app on iOS or Android devices or on a Mac or PC using a browser at nugs.net here. 

Platinum VIP subscribers get all of the content SiriusXM offers in both vehicles and on the SXM App – more than 300 channels.  These include Howard Stern’s two exclusive channels, live games and events from every major professional sport as well as hundreds of college games, an unparalleled selection of ad-free music channels covering every genre, plus entertainment, news, comedy and more.  Platinum VIP is priced at $34.99/month.  For more info on all that it offers, go to siriusxm.com/platinumvip.

“Platinum VIP is a terrific addition to our subscription choices and provides real value for those subscribers who love SiriusXM, want it in multiple vehicles, and want all of the premium programming that we offer,” said Richard Beatty, SiriusXM’s Chief Subscription Revenue Officer.  “Not only are they getting the value of two subscriptions, they get added perks like special access to great SiriusXM events, concerts, in-studio shows and more.  With the bundled-in access to thousands of great live performances via nugs.net, music lovers are getting a premium experience, and Platinum VIP will continue to evolve as SiriusXM’s premium offering with more perks and content being added in the coming months.”

Coinciding with the launch of Platinum VIP, several other SiriusXM subscription plans have been recently renamed, making it easier for subscribers to understand their choices. 

The renamed SiriusXM in-vehicle satellite radio subscriptions, which all include access to the SXM App, are:

• Platinum (formerly “All Access”)
• Music & Entertainment (formerly “Select”)
• Music Showcase (formerly “Mostly Music”)
• Choose & Save (formerly “Choice”)

The renamed SiriusXM digital (no car required) subscriptions are:

• Streaming Platinum (formerly “Premier Streaming”)
• Streaming Music & Entertainment (formerly “Essential Streaming”)

The programming lineups in these subscription tiers remain unchanged.  More info on what they offer can be found at SiriusXM.com/Subscriptions.

With the rebrand of its subscription plans, SiriusXM is also improving the SXM App experience for potential new subscribers with new preview and in-app purchasing functionality, which is rolling out this month.  A new user can open up the SXM App and “Try It Out” with a three-hour preview that will enable them to experience the spectrum of SiriusXM content.  This includes one-of-a-kind programming like Howard Stern’s channels, Drake’s Sound 42, Dave Matthews’ Friday Night Concert Series, the popular Highway Music Row Happy Hour with Buzz Brainard, Kevin Hart’s comedy channel, a favorite team’s hometown play-by-play broadcast and much more.  Listeners get access to this preview instantly, with no credit card required.

New subscribers will then be able to choose to sign up for SiriusXM’s Streaming Platinum or Streaming Music & Entertainment packages, and get their first month free, without leaving the App experience. 

“We’re very excited to launch our new preview and in-app purchasing functionality in the SXM App,” said Beatty.  “Our ‘Listen Free’ events have always been a great introduction to our service for new listeners who want to try us out.  Now you can try us out anytime and get access to so much great content with our new SXM App preview.  And signing up for one of our streaming subscriptions is now easier than ever with in-app purchasing.”

LINCOLN, NE (07.26.2021) – With product shortages the story of 2021, Robidoux Distributing in Lincoln, NE. is taking no chances and stocking up early on Remote Starts.

Owner Jamie Robidoux is excited to announce its addition of the new SILENCER series of remote starts and security from Magnadyne.

“I’m stoked to partner with such a legacy company like Magnadyne, ” says Robidoux, “This new SILENCER series is going to be something that all of our dealer base will recognize except with an updated smaller module and the kits have premium sensors onboard. Our rep Jeff (Boody) Budin was getting a ton of positive feedback from our dealer base who all wanted another remote start option, so I’m taking no chances and loading up now. We got a new dealer order entry portal slated to launch soon so we’re gonna be ready for a busy fall and winter”

Magnadyne’s Armando Parra sounded equally excited when asked about the new partnership with Robidoux. “I’m honored to be given the opportunity to partner with Robidoux Distributing in growing our New Silencer product line. All of us at Team Magnadyne are excited and committed to adding value to Robidoux’s ever growing client base. The month of August, sets off Remote Start Season Programs, and both Robidoux and Magnadyne are committed to keeping stock in service of key retailers and expeditors in the MINKS states! Armando Parra – Magnadyne Corp.

NAPERVILLE, IL (07.23.2021) – IMR Inc., the industry’s leading full-service automotive market research firm, has released its latest insights on how battery and hybrid electric vehicle service is impacting independent repair shops.

Between May 3 and June 30, 2021, IMR Inc. interviewed 1,000 independent repair shops in the U.S. to gain insight on their service of battery and hybrid electric vehicles and investment in specific tools, equipment and training for technicians to work on these newer vehicle technologies.

Click here to view the report

Three out of every 100 vehicles (3.1%) serviced at an average independent repair shop are BEVs while HEVs account for 6.2% of the vehicles serviced. Shops located in the West (7.7%) have nearly double the percentage of business from HEVs over shops located in the Midwest (4.2%). Of shops that service BEVs/HEVs, 69.9% do not specifically market or advertise that t

• Of independent repair shops that service hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and battery electric vehicles (BEVs), over 85% have seen an increase in service demand for these vehicle types
• 27.5% of shops that service BEVs/HEVs have invested in specialized tools/equipment, 30.5% have invested in additional technician training
• 55.1% of shops believe it will take longer than 10 years for BEVs/HEVs to impact their business

Of independent repair shops that service BEVs and HEVs, 89.4% have seen an increase in the number of BEVs coming in for service while 87.4% have seen an increase in HEVs coming in for service. However, amongst all independent repair shops, only 27.5% of shops have invested in tools and equipment to specifically service BEVs/HEVs while 30.5% of shops said they had invested in additional/specialized training for technicians, focused on electric or hybrid vehicles. Overall, larger shops (8+ bays) made more investments in tools, equipment and training (48.9%) than their smaller competitors (26.4%).

With the increasing market penetration of BEVs/HEVs and rapidly evolving technologies, independent repair shops who service these vehicles recognize the importance of keeping up with current information. 46.7% of shops reported that their primary supplier provides updates on the latest industry trends regarding BEVs/HEVs, while 53.3% of shops said theirs does not.

While 67% of independent repair shops indicate that a portion of their business comes from servicing BEVs, more than 55% of shops surveyed believe it will take over 10 years for BEVs/HEVs to impact their business. 13.4% of shops believe that these vehicle types will never impact their business.

For more information on IMR Inc., visit automotiveresearch.com. To schedule a research-related interview with IMR Inc. president, contact the company. The most recent Insights from IMR Inc. can be found here.

LEHIGHTON, PA (07.22.2021) – 1sixty8 media Inc. has announced its intent to develop and grow a network of representatives in the United States. As the premier provider of digital marketing and business services to the mobile enhancement industry, 1sixty8 media is responsible for creating and managing websites that provide a high ROI for their clients. They are also the exclusive reseller of the Mitchell1 ProDemand software to the mobile enhancement industry. Qualified retailers are able to subscribe to ProDemand at a discounted rate through 1sixty8 media.

When asked what prompted this decision, Mitch Schaffer, president of 1sixty8 media, said, “The first step was to cultivate the team, and I could not be more proud of the team I’ve assembled. The next step was to develop products and services that make money for our clients. Finally, we needed to fine-tune our processes for ease and efficiency and build the infrastructure needed for scalability. With all of that in place, we are ready to level up our client base and believe that engaging a rep force is the perfect way to do it.” Schaffer went on to say that 1sixty8 media recently added two dedicated servers to handle the increased demand.

“We are looking to leverage the existing relationships that 12V reps have to provide hot leads for our team to engage with and close,” Schaffer continued. “We are not looking for active sales.”

Schaffer said that in addition to an attractive initial commission, 1sixty8 media will pay out a quarterly residual on ongoing revenues generated from referred clients. 

“This is a win for everyone,” Schaffer said. “For 10 minutes of work, the rep can earn a commission and ongoing residuals, we gain a client, and the retailer acquires a website or other services that provide a high ROI.”

Reps would be required to take part in a 30-minute Zoom meeting with 1sixty8 media to learn about the company and its services. They would be expected to take five to 10 minutes on each sales call to talk about these services. If a retailer shows interest, a simple email introducing the retailer to 1sixty8 media is all that is required.

“This is a great opportunity for a representative to make a good commission up front and an ongoing residual income for very little work,” Schaffer said..

Interested reps should reach out to Mitchell Schaffer at mitch@1sixty8.com or 570-656-6900 to learn more.

DIAMOND BAR, CA (07.22.2021) – SEMA leadership, volunteers and industry icons are set to gather in Las Vegas for the 2021 SEMA Installation Gala on Friday, July 30. To underscore the significance of SEMA’s return to in-person events, the evening gala will take place in the new West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC), the same venue where thousands of industry professionals will congregate for the 2021 SEMA Show in November.

“SEMA has a deep history and connection with the city of Las Vegas,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. “We could not be more excited about celebrating the industry in Las Vegas and christening the West Hall with such a noteworthy event.”

The SEMA Installation Gala is a long-established tradition where individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the industry are honored and celebrated. Since 1976, the SEMA Installation Gala has served as the formal gathering where new SEMA Hall of Fame inductees are introduced, the incoming Board of Directors are recognized, and outgoing Directors are thanked. SEMA council, network and industry leaders are also recognized during the event.

The move marks the first time in its 45-year history that the gala has been held outside the Southern California area where SEMA is headquartered. In fact, the gala of about 400 individuals will represent several “firsts.” It will be among the first events held in the LVCC West Hall since construction of the 1.4-million-sq.-ft. facility was completed in January. Plus, it will become SEMA’s first mass gathering to take place in more than a year.

“I look forward to the SEMA Installation Gala each year—even more so this year than any other year, since it will be a reunion for our industry’s friends and family,” Kersting said. “The SEMA Installation Gala is important to the association, the members and the industry, and it’s about much more than just introducing new Hall of Fame members or recognizing our Board of Directors. The event is about community, family and celebrating with people who share a common passion and love for the industry.”

“This year’s gala is especially meaningful,” agreed SEMA Senior Director of Special Events Jamie Eriksen. “The themes of industry, community and family will be front and center. After a year of being apart, we’re inviting the industry to come together. The highlight is on people, their volunteerism and their industry contributions. We want to recognize their achievements and hopefully inspire others to become more involved with the association and make a difference for our industry.”

A Symbolic Move

Eriksen added that gala organizers couldn’t have asked for a better venue than the LVCC West Hall.

“We’ve been given the opportunity to showcase this amazing new addition to the LVCC, and we’re excited to introduce our industry to it,” she said. “Secondly, it’s symbolic of the fact that Las Vegas is ready for business, open and able to accommodate, meetings and events, so we’re also excited to be working with them to produce our first ‘post-pandemic’ event in this new space. The city and convention center have been important partners for more than 40 years, and we look forward to showing our support as they reopen for business.”

Because the gala is taking place as the nation reemerges from the COVID-19 pandemic, Eriksen said that SEMA’s event team will remain conscious of the environment. The goal is to create a welcoming atmosphere where the industry can safely celebrate.

“Health and safety have always been priorities for SEMA, and we take them seriously in every event we do,” Eriksen said. “With the pandemic, there’s a heightened sensitivity to those issues. SEMA will continue to work with local health and safety agencies to ensure that the event reflects current health standards in Las Vegas.”

The Race Is On!

Being a night of camaraderie, the gala wouldn’t be the same without the annual SEMA Cares Pinewood Drags fundraiser in which participants can sponsor a Pinewood race car or challenge industry colleagues in head-to-head competition. A signature event combining charitable giving, community, automotive passion and youthful spirit, the Pinewood Drags will return as a fun way to contribute to SEMA Cares, the association’s charitable arm.

SEMA Cares helps to significantly improve the lives of many in need through donations to the Austin Hatcher Foundation for pediatric cancer, Childhelp for the prevention and treatment of child abuse, and Victory Junction camp for children with serious medical conditions.

Sponsorships for a race car in the Build-It-For-Me category are just $95. Of course, the peak of the Pinewood Drags competition is the annual Industry Cup Challenge, where boasting rights run high. This year, the racing will take place in the West Hall lobby, with entry in the Industry Cup Challenge competition set at $1,000 per company.

“The children that SEMA Cares supports truly need our help,” said Kathryn Reinhardt, SEMA Cares chairperson. “With the return of the Pinewood Drags to the SEMA Installation Gala, I hope that this year we can raise more money than ever.”

“Absolutely no donation is too small,” added Lindsay Bianco, SEMA senior manager of membership projects. “Last year was certainly difficult, and fundraising was not top-of-mind for many people, so it will be good to rally together again in support of the children’s charities we serve.”

Las Vegas has been steadily moving toward a full reopening and has adopted the latest best practices for large gatherings. The 2021 Installation Gala planners are working closely with state and local partners to ensure a safe and healthy evening of networking and celebration.

Las Vegas has been steadily moving toward a full reopening and has adopted the latest best practices for large gatherings. The 2021 Installation Gala planners are working closely with state and local partners to ensure a safe and healthy evening of networking and celebration.

High Anticipation

Eriksen agreed that there is a growing sense of anticipation for this year’s gala and all the activities surrounding it. Additionally, she sees the evening as a harbinger of the enthusiasm that’s already building for the return of a live SEMA Show in November. According to Eriksen, each event in its own way reflects the passion and interpersonal connections at the heart of the industry.

“For me, the SEMA Installation Gala is especially important this year,” she said. “We’ve always seen it as our mid-year gathering before gearing up for the SEMA Show in the fall. With the COVID-19 situation this past year, I think the members of our industry are craving the opportunity to reconnect with each other more than ever, and this event in particular is like a family gathering for the industry. It’s a little more relaxed than, say, November during the Show. A lot of meaningful connections and conversations can happen, and I think people are really looking forward to that.”

Tickets to the 2021 SEMA Installation Gala, which are available to all SEMA members, can be purchased by visiting www.sema.org/gala. (Please note that, although the gala is open to the entire association, seating is limited.)

If you’d like to sponsor a SEMA Cares Pinewood Drags race car or challenge a colleague, please make your donation today. Visit www.sema.org/semacares for more information.