Automotive Aftermarket Legend Mark Fukuda to Keynote MasterTech Expo

TEMPE, AZ (08.13.2021) – Mobile Solutions has announced that Mark Fukuda will present the keynote address for its first annual MasterTech Expo training and learning event, to be held March 6-9, 2022 at the Mesa Convention Center in Mesa, Ariz. In addition, Fukuda will teach a course alongside Tom Miller, decorated fabricator and owner of Musicar in Portland, Ore. The duo will present innovative fabrication techniques as part of the event’s “School of Fab” education curriculum.

Entitled “Keys to Success,” the keynote address will take place March 9 prior to the event’s awards presentation. Fukuda will provide an engaging mix of life and career experience with an insightful roadmap to navigating the industry’s current challenges.

Fukuda has a storied and colorful history in the automotive aftermarket. As a car audio competitor, he holds the record for six consecutive world championships as well as 12 SPL (sound pressure level) records and 11 national championships from various competition organizations. His award-winning 1989 Chevy Astro van has become an icon in competitive circles. Achieving Master-level certification from MECP (Mobile Electronics Certified Professionals) in 1995, Fukuda has won numerous awards including Installer of the Year for Car Stereo Review, USACi (Unites States Autosound Competition International) and other publications.

Mark Fukuda

Fukuda’s continued creative mastery and willingness to share knowledge led to a substantial career path, founding a retail store, installation training facility and home theater building service. He later spent five years with Rockford Corporation before venturing into sales representation and distribution, leading to his current role as president and CEO of Wave Electronics.

Fukuda will be joined at MasterTech Expo by the same vehicle that put him on so many winning stages and magazine covers. The iconic Rockford Fosgate-themed Astro van, which Fukuda is currently modernizing with custom-built modifications, will be on display in front of Rockford Fosgate’s booth.

“Words don’t describe the sheer impact Mark has had on this industry,” said Bryan Schmitt, CEO and founder of MasterTech Expo. “Despite his success, he has always been willing to take guys aside and offer his advice and experience. The personal effect on many professionals in our industry, myself included, has provided us direction, drive and purpose. We are so deeply honored to have him at our inaugural event.”

Automotive aftermarket professionals can register for Mobile Solutions’ MasterTech Expo by visiting mastertechexpo.com/attendee-registration. Tuition for the learning event is $799.00. Hotel accommodations can be made at mastertechexpo.com/host-hotel.

Visit mastertechexpo.com for more.

Kleinn Airhorn Releases JT Remote Starter

TUCSON, AZ (08.13.2021) – Upgrade your Jeep Gladiator JT / Wrangler JL / JLU (without factory keyless remote entry) with a Kleinn Wireless Remote Start designed specifically for your model. Cool down your Jeep in the summer and warm it in the winter before you climb in and drive away. Kit is a Plug-N-Play system with no wiring connections required.

Click here to view the product page

Remote start your Jeep using the included two (2) long range remotes that work up to 2000 feet away. Can be used on Jeep JT, JL and JLU equipped with the factory keyless entry to take advantage of the extended range of the Kleinn remote.

Once installed, programming the remote start unit is required. A programmer interface is included. You will need a Windows computer with USB port to program the remote start module. Check the application chart to find the right remote start for your Jeep.

Visit kleinn.com for more.

SEMA Seeking Young Vehicle Builders for Virtual Regional Qualifiers

DIAMOND BAR, CA (08.12.2021) – SEMA’s support for young, up-and-coming vehicle builders continues, as the Young Guns category of the 2021 SEMA Battle of the Builders competition kicks off with the Eastern U.S. regional qualifier on August 14, 2021.

With three qualifier events in this year’s Young Guns program, the events are divided by regions—Eastern, Midwest and Pacific, taking place August 14, 21, and 28, respectively. Selected participants will be interviewed and judged remotely via video chat.

Top prize for one young vehicle builder (age 27 and under) at each qualifier event is an all-expenses-paid trip for two to the trade-only SEMA Show in Las Vegas, in November. The prize includes transportation of the winner’s vehicle, a designated feature vehicle spot at the Show and entry into the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition.

First introduced into the Battle of the Builders competition in 2017, the Young Guns category provides exposure for rising young builders who may not otherwise be able to qualify for the competition due to certain requirements.

The SEMA Battle of the Builders competition is the automotive industry’s premier vehicle competition, with participants featured at the SEMA Show, online, in magazines and on television.

“We’re seeing great innovation from our young builders”, said Ira Gabriel, SEMA vice president of marketing, PR and communications. “We are beyond excited to welcome our Young Guns back to a live SEMA Show this year.”

The Battle of the Builders competition celebrates the amazing craftsmanship and talents of people who create and build some of the most unique cars in the world. The “Young Guns” classification is exclusive to up-and-coming builders who are under 27 years old and have performed the majority of the work on their vehicles.

For more information about the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition or the SEMA Young Guns program, visit www.semabotb.com or www.semayoungguns.com.

DEI Releases UTV Heat Control Kit for Honda Talon

AVON LAKE, OH (08.12.2021) – Enjoy a cooler, comfortable ride on your next UTV adventure with a new Heat Control & Dirt Deflector Kit (part # 902111) from Design Engineering, Inc.

Now available for Honda Talon 2-seat models and 4-seat models, the kit is made from high quality, long-lasting, durable materials to reduce heat in the center console area while also sealing it from dirt and mud build-up. An Extreme Heat Barrier is included that blocks radiant heat from the engine and exhaust on the passenger seat to keep riders fully protected.

2019 Talon 1000X

“Our Heat Control & Dirt Deflector Kit is made using multiple materials that are best-suited for the job,” said Mike Buca of DEI. “That includes our semi rigid Form-A-Barrier™ to block heat and dirt from the lower section of the tunnel, and our Heat Screen aluminized glass fiber material to block heat on the top”

Talon riders enjoy a more comfortable ride with complete protection, including blocking dirt and mud from building up in the tunnel area. The kit installs easily with detailed instructions, and the materials will not absorb water.

Each kit includes CNC cut pieces:

Form-A-Barrier material used in the tunnel – good to 1,300° F
Radiant Heat Screen material used in the console – good to1,200° F
Radiant Extreme Heat Barrier used behind the passenger seat good to 1,750° F
Hardware & fully detailed installation instructions

For more information about DEI’s Heat Control & Dirt Deflector Kit for Honda Talons and the company’s complete line of powersports products, visit www.designengineering.com

Oracle Lighting Launches New Camaro ColorSHIFT Headlight DRL Upgrade Kit

METAIRIE, LA (08.11.2021) – Oracle Lighting has announced the new ColorSHIFT RGB+W Headlight DRL Upgrade for the 2019-2021 Chevrolet Camaro LS/LT. Oracle Part #1418 is now available with an MSRP of $229.95.

“Get a head-turning style on your 2019-2021 Chevrolet Camaro LS or LT model with a new color-changing DRL accessory from Oracle Lighting,” said Justin “JP” Perret, Oracle Lighting product specialist. “Our new Chevrolet Camaro Oracle ColorSHIFT RGBA kit allows you to upgrade your lights to any color imaginable and includes turn signal functionality so the DRL maintains an amber flasher feature for the turn signal. We spent quite a bit of time making sure that we delivered a product that looks great and is a breeze to install. Simply install this in place of the existing DRL boards and you’re able to change those boring white DRL to any color you choose.”

Use one of Oracle Lighting’s ColorSHIFT controllers with the Chevrolet Camaro kit to choose from a variety of colors, patterns, and themes. Then, simply switch the lights back to white for legal on-road use. Create a custom headlight for Camaro’s by simply replacing the factory DRL circuit board with this ColorSHIFT circuit board.

Additional features and specifications include:

  • Bright output with less power consumption
  • True amber turn signal functionality
  • Control colors, brightness, speed, and functions with controller
  • Customized look with even more personalization with ColorSHIFT technology
  • 1-year warranty

Headlight disassembly is required, and Oracle Lighting recommends professional installation utilizing Oracle’s premium silicone sealant. White and amber are road-legal colors. Other colors are not intended for on-road use, so, please verify all state and local driving laws before use.

“Using the latest lighting technology, our cutting-edge LED kits for cars are a great way to personalize your ride with show-stopping looks and industry-leading performance,” Perret continued. “Stand out from the look-alikes with a Camaro LS/LT custom headlight look from Oracle Lighting.”

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.

New Dash Kit for Hyundai Elantra from Metra Electronics

HOLLY HILL, FL (08.11.2021) – Metra Electronics is now shipping a new dash kit designed to fit 2019-2020 Hyundai Elantra models. The 95-7399B dash kit fits an ISO Double-DIN radio provision and is painted scratch-resistant matte black.

A blankout panel that goes below the aftermarket radio screen is also included with this kit. It is made from the highest quality ABS plastic for an original factory-like fit and finish.

95-7399B Product Specifications
● Fits 2019-2020 Hyundai Elantra
● Designed for an ISO Double-DIN radio
● Blankout panel included
● Painted scratch-resistant matte black

An installation video is available from Metra’s YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/Rf_sgouHNIw and additional installation accessories can be seen at MetraOnline.com.

KICKER Returns to Outlaw Armageddon 7

STILLWATER, USA – KICKER (8/10/2021) and more than 150 of the fastest street cars in the country, including high-profile television stars, are committed to attending the annual Outlaw Armageddon no-prep drag race in Noble, Okla. Thunder Valley Raceway Park plays host to the event August 13 and 14.

KICKER plans to roll in with the completely revamped XRV (Xtreme Recreational Vehicle). The 82-foot big rig houses a full showroom of audio products in addition to the legendary Boom Room, which returns to life following major upgrades. A larger, louder Boom Room features an enclosure now suspended in a custom steel framework, built to withstand the low-toned torture emanating from a massive 40,000-watt power plant of amps. A dozen KICKER Q-Class L7 ® 15-inch subwoofers, in addition to an array of 11-inch compression-driver, KM-Series Tower Speakers, deliver tons of bass – and fun – to countless racing fans.

KICKER-equipped vehicles from Discovery Channel’s ® Street Outlaws’ ® own Ryan Martin (driver of the Fireball Camaro ® ) and a SEMA Show-quality International ® SCOUT ® owned by Shawn Ellington’s (aka “Murder Nova”) 187 Customs (Mustang, Okla.) will be in the KICKER XRV setup area.

More than 12,000 spectators attended the last Outlaw Armageddon, with more anticipated this year. With nearly $45,000 in prizes at stake in six different classes, several members of Discovery Channel’s Street Outlaws and Street Outlaws: New Orleans have committed to attend. Racing celebrities like Big Chief, Daddy Dave, Jeff Lutz, Dominator, Farmtruck and AZN, Deathtrap, Birdman and many more are expected to be on hand, ready to race and sign autographs.

For race details, fans can go online at http://www.outlawarmageddon.com.

General Motors Chair and CEO Mary Barra to Deliver Opening Keynote at CES 2022

Arlington, VA, August 10, 2021 – The Consumer Technology Association (CTA)®  today announced that General Motors (GM) Chair and CEO Mary Barra will deliver the opening keynote at CES® 2022, the world’s most influential technology event. Barra will return to the CES keynote stage, sharing GM’s vision for mass adoption of electric vehicles . She will show how technology and the all-electric era will create opportunities for mobility experiences to serve the planet and the people.  

The automotive sector is tracking for record growth at  CES® 2022, with companies from around the world using CES to launch products, share their vision and conduct face-to-face meetings. More than 180 companies from the transportation and vehicle tech industry have committed to the show, including GM, Daimler AG, Fisker, Turing Auto, Waymo and more.

“CES is the global stage for brands to showcase their commitment to driving change,” said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO, CTA. “Mary Barra disrupted an industry at an inflection point by showing the potential of an all-electric future. GM stock hit an all-time high following the show. We are thrilled for her return at CES 2022 and look forward to hearing the progress GM has made towards an all-electric future and its vision for how this technology will benefit our planet.”

Barra has served as CEO of GM since Jan. 15, 2014 and Chair of the GM Board of Directors since Jan. 4, 2016. Under Barra’s leadership, GM envisions a world with zero crashes, to save lives; zero emissions, so future generations can inherit a healthier planet; and zero congestion, so customers get back a precious commodity – time. She began her career with GM in 1980 as a co-op student at the Pontiac Motor Division and has since held various roles within the company, including executive vice president of Global Product Development, Purchasing & Supply Chain, vice president of Global Human Resources, and vice president of Global Manufacturing Engineering.

Barra joins recently confirmed T-Mobile CEO Mike Sievert as a keynote speaker. The CES keynote schedule will be updated regularly as keynote speakers are announced. Top visionaries and thought leaders will speak and share insights on premiere technologies during CES 2022. Attendees will be able to view the keynotes in Las Vegas and through the digital experience, giving the world a front row seat to experience the future of technology. 

Owned and produced by CTA, CES 2022 will convene the tech industry in-person and digitally, Jan. 5-8, 2022, with Media Days taking place Jan. 3-4, 2022. Global audiences will have access to major brands and startups, as well as the world’s most-influential leaders and industry advocates. For over 50 years, CES has been the global stage for innovation, and CES 2022 will provide an opportunity for companies from around the world, both large and small, to launch products, build brands and form partnerships. Visit  CES.tech for all CES 2022 updates, including registration details, and the media page for all press resources.

Aunex Is On The Road And Expanding The Company’s Dealer Network

CHINO CA (08.09.21) As Aunex is expanding the company’s reach they have been on the road across the U.S. John Franks, Aunex Sales Director, recently completed 3 back-to-back territory trips visiting current and prospective dealers along side Aunex rep firms. During the sales calls Franks introduced and demonstrated the value of the Aunex line to many dealers.

John Franks (R) is pictured with Josh Mojica and his daughter Addison, holding a Musway DSP, at GNC Customs in Goshen IN. Mojica reports the Musway DSP is selling through at retail.

Franks traveled through Ohio, Minnesota, Indiana and Kentucky with trips to the northeast and south east coming soon.

“Spending time with dealers in their stores is very rewarding. They are telling me that Aunex products are being well received by their customers. In addition, the Musway DSP products are providing more options to provide top quality sound production. In all cases they also say that our products provide profit opportunity” Franks related.

Aldo Julson (L), Virtual Marketing Consultants-VCM, is shown during a sales call with Brett Kummer the owner of Mach 1 Car Audio & Security. Mach 1 Car Audio & Security has 3 stores and based in Richfield MN.

Some top notch dealers that have come aboard include Horizon Audio, Barry Electronics, Stereo Advantage, Mobile Installation Services, Custom Wheels or Zanesvillle, Sara’s Custom Car Audio and GNC Customs. Many more have indicated plans to join the Aunex Team in the near future.

With close to 250 independent specialty retailers nationwide and 13 rep firms representing Aunex and Musway the company is definitely headed in the right direction, especially considering the company began shipping less than 18 months ago.

Mobile Installation Services, owned by Jef Moravec, is housed in this attractive location in Brooklyn Park MN and stocks both Aunex and Musway brands.

For more see aunexus.com

Maxar Awarded Contract to Build New Satellite for SiriusXM

WESTMINSTER, Colo.–(8/9/2021)– Maxar Technologies (NYSE:MAXR) (TSX:MAXR) today announced the company will manufacture a new geostationary communications satellite for longtime customer SiriusXM.

The SXM-9 satellite will be based on Maxar’s proven 1300-class platform and built at the company’s manufacturing facility in Palo Alto, California. It is expected that SXM-9 will launch in 2024.

This rendering shows what the Maxar-built SXM-9 will look like once on orbit. Image credit: Maxar.

“Maxar’s 1300-class platform has served as a reliable spacecraft platform for decades, and we’re glad to see SiriusXM will rely on its performance once again,” said Robert Curbeam, Maxar Senior Vice President of Space Capture. “We’re looking forward to continuing our decades-long relationship with SiriusXM.”

Maxar has been building satellites for SiriusXM since 2000which includes the first-generation Sirius satellites launched in 2000 and the second-generation Sirius satellites launched in 2009 and 2013. Most recently, SXM-8 launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida on June 6, 2021, and completed in-orbit testing in July 2021.