Industry

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

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Holly Hill, Fla. – August 5, 2021 – Metra Electronics® is heading to Dallas, Texas to host six 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 Metra’s Heise LED 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, August 27 at 1:45 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, August 27 at 3 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, August 28 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, August 28 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, August 29 at 9:15 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, August 29 at 10:30 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 #615 from August 27th-29th at the Dallas Convention Center in Dallas, Texas. Additional information about the show, produced by the Mobile Electronics Association (MEA), is available at KnowledgeFest.org.

Amna Shahzadi Newest Member of Eleven Engineering R&D Design Team

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EDMONTON, Alberta, Canada, Aug. 6, 2021 – Eleven Engineering, Inc. (www.elevenengineering.com), a market leader in semiconductor products for wireless audio for home theater, multi-room, portable, professional, 12 Volt (car, truck, motorcycle, power sports, marine) and gaming applications, is proud to announce that Amna Shahzadi is now the newest member of the company’s growing Research & Development Design Team.

“It’s an exciting time at Eleven Engineering as worldwide demand of our SKAA technologies and product offerings continues to grow,” said Rex Whitehead, Eleven Engineering executive vice president, sales & marketing. “We are headquartered in a technology hub, and so we are fortunate to have access to a number of young and driven electrical engineers here in Edmonton. Amna is one such professional and we are excited to have her join our team.”

Shahzadi has a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Alberta.

“Eleven Engineering has a number of impressive products on the market and I am excited to be working towards making SKAA a wireless audio standard,” said Shahzadi. “I have only been here a short time but I see that the design team is composed of highly dedicated engineers and I look forward to working with them.”

SKAA wireless lets the integrator easily create a dedicated multi-room home audio superhighway with a long range up to 150 feet with a robust, interference-free low-latency signal eliminating lip-sync issues with TV and gaming. SKAA-enabled products can stream music between them, up to four sets simultaneously – one transmitter to four devices. In environments laden with heavy Wi-Fi and Bluetooth traffic, SKAA navigates through these hostile environments with best-in-class reliability. SKAA also allows for uninterrupted audio signals that are delivered with the highest sound quality to all speakers without the latency that is inherent in other wireless solutions.

SKAA is available as a built-in technology not requiring an external transmitter in purpose-designed partner products. SKAA transmitters work with iOS & Android mobile devices, Mac & Windows computers, televisions, and just about any product with a line output or a headphone jack.

Eleven Engineering breaks down the Seven Deadly Sins of WiFi Audio on its YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tw2iSCuT0x8). For more on SKAA and the Seven Deadly Sins of WiFi Audio, please subscribe to https://www.youtube.com/user/SKAAwireless and visit SKAA.com.

Infinity Kappa Perfect Series Expands Portfolio to Include Premium Speakers for Harley Davidson Motorcycles

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STAMFORD, CT (08.05.2021) – HARMAN has announced an addition to its Infinity Kappa Perfect Series with premium speakers for Harley Davidson touring series motorcycles.

Engineered with a IPX5 waterproof rating, the Infinity Kappa Perfect 600x and 900x speakers deliver the ultimate listening experience for two-wheel vehicles made to last for miles and miles. Constructed with Patented Plus One Basalt Fiber Woofer Cones and Edge-driven Polyphenylene Sulfide-Dome Tweeters, this system was designed to provide great music performance and legendary bass for every curve in the road.

The removable tweeter design offers coaxial and component system installation options based on riders’ listening preferences, while the grills included provide protection and unmatched fitment with a touch of elegance.

“The new additions to the Kappa Perfect line showcase Infinity’s latest technology, performance, design and dedication to the aftermarket space including two-wheel vehicles. Combining our legendary sound and industrial design, the Kappa Perfect 600x and 900x speakers are engineered to elevate the audio listening experience for riders,” said Shawn Spedding, Director of Sales, Mobile Audio Aftermarket at HARMAN.

Extended Features and Benefits:
• Basalt Fiber Woofer with Plus One Technology for Deeper and Bigger Bass: Lightweight Basalt fiber combined with Harman’s Patented Plus One technology, which not only bring the sound accuracy, but also increase the loudness.
• 1″ Edge-driven Polyphenylene Sulfide-Dome Tweeter to Reproduce Perfect Sound: Engineered for motorcycle applications, the 1″ Sulfide-Dome in an Edge-driven design is used for perfect sound.
• Removable Tweeter Design offer the Coaxial and Component System Installation Options: The Kappa Perfect coaxial model’s tweeter is smart removable design, which will offer riders the component upgrade based their listening preference by using the included tweeter installation kits.
• IPX5 for the Speaker Front, Weather Resistance for Speaker Back Side: The speakers are specially designed with IPX5 materials for the front side and weather resistance for the back, which provides the freedom to use both in car and motorcycle.
• Neodymium Magnet for Light Weight: Neodymium magnets provide higher efficiency power in small size while reducing its weight, making them ideal for motorcycle applications.

Technical Specifications and Pricing:

Kappa Perfect 600X – Premium 6-1/2″ (165mm) Two-way Speakers for Motorcycle
Power Handling: 80Wrms, 240W peak
Sensitivity (@ 2.83V): 95dB
Frequency Response: 60Hz – 20kHz
Impedance: 3.0 ohms
Gross weight: 2.9 kg
Pricing: $549
Available: August 2021

Kappa Perfect 900X – Premium 6″ x 9″ (168mm x 240mm) Two-way Speakers for Motorcycle
Power Handling: 100Wrms, 300W peak
Sensitivity (@ 2.83V): 95dB
Frequency Response: 50Hz – 20kHz
Impedance: 3.0 ohms
Gross weight: 4.14kg
Pricing: $599
Available: August 2021

In each box, users will find the following:
600X – 2 Speakers, 2 in-line crossovers, 2 tweeter kits, 2 grills for StreetGlide, RoadGlide and Tour Pak Models, Mounting supplies.

900X – 2 Speakers, 2 in-line crossovers, 2 tweeter kits, Left and right cut-out template, 2 Spacers, 2 grills for 2014 – up Harley Davidson saddle bags and mounting supplies.

Visit www.infinityspeakers.com for more.

PowerBass’ New GM Direct Fit Coaxial’s in Stock Now

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ONTARIO, CA (08.05.2021) – Making any stock factory sound system sound fantastic is now a simple task with our OEM drop in replacement speakers for many Nissan and Infinity cars, trucks and SUV’s.

PowerBass OEM coaxials feature an Injection molded PP cone with a 1” silk dome tweeter, to deliver the music experience you have always wanted from your factory sound system.

The PowerBass OE-GM series 6.5″ coaxial features dual input terminal options made to work perfectly with early or late model Gm vehicles taking the worry out of which model fits your specific vehicle year.

With the PowerBass OE Series there is no need to drill holes, or cut wires thanks to our simple plug and play design that matches the factory bolt locations and plug styles for one of the fastest upgrades ever.

Upgraded OEM Replacement Co-Axial Speakers
OE652-GM – 60 Watts RMS/120 Watts Max
OE692-GM – 80 Watts RMS/160 Watts Max
Injection Molded PP Cone
Nylon OEM Speaker Adapter
1” Silk Dome Tweeter
OE652-GM – 20 oz. Magnet
OE692-GM – 35 oz. Magnet
Factory Plug and Play Wiring
OE652-GM dual input plugs
4-ohm System Impedance

Visit powerbassusa.com for more

KICKER Celebrates Employee Service in Awards Ceremony

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STILLWATER, OK (08.04.2021) – KICKER celebrated the anniversaries of 55 employees on Tuesday, culminating with recognition of KICKER department heads Kim Wright and Lance Noble, both of whom are starting their fourth decade with the company.

Steve Irby

“I’m really honored,” said KICKER founder Steve Irby. “It’s rewarding to me to know somebody wants to stay here, and great to see people that are team players. I really value that.” KICKER has been celebrating work anniversaries since the early 1980s.

Held during a company-wide meeting, Irby presented the awards to each honoree. A pin with the KICKER logo was awarded for one year of service, a watch was given for three years and a ring for five years. Awards were also given to employees with 10-to-30-year anniversaries this year.

Visit kicker.com for more.

HKI USA Introduces New EVOX2 Line of Amplifiers

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DANIA BEACH,FL (08.04.2021) – As technology changes, markets grow, and people make requests, HKI USA is proud to announce SounDigital’s new EVOX2 series of monoblock amplifiers.

Taking advantage of the patented designs that allowed us to make the EVOX Multichannel amps so small and the theories behind what makes the EVOPS so robust, our world as we know it has changed. We have combined these amplifier families to release a new series of full range mono amplifiers to help solve the need for massive power, small footprints, and great sound quality.

The all new 1600.1 and 3000.1 EVOX2 amplifiers, now available for pre-order, have been a long time in the making while the technology used in them has finally caught up to the demand of our retailers and their clients.

These amplifiers are just the beginning of this new series that will combine the small size and efficiency that we expect from the EVOX line of amplifiers, while offering solutions for the full range power requirements of many high output installations.

The amazing control these amplifiers have are perfect for the traditional application of mono amplifiers pulling subwoofer duty, while their design lends a hand to making sure it is one of the best sounding amplifiers in its category.

Visit hki-usa.com and soundigitalusa.com for more.

CE GUYS Headed to the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally 2021

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CHICAGO, IL (08.03.2021) – CE GUYS is heading to Sturgis SD and The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally 2021. The company’s booth is once again set up at the Ride N Rest Campground between Buffalo Chip and Full Throttle Saloon.

The CE GUYS rig is loaded and set for the 900+ mile journey from Chicagoland to Sturgis, SD.

“We increased our booth to a 10′ x 60′ this year and increased our install staff to six very talented bike audio installers. The onsite team includes Gus Rigas, Daniel Mount, Rene Enriquez, Nick Bishop, Mario Romero and myself. We anticipate doing 150 bikes this year,” Michael Foundation, CE GUYS Principle, stated.

The GE GUYS SounDigital bike was one of the first items in the trailer.

Continuing, “We will be fully stocked with SounDigital EVOX, EVOPS amps of every size plus Ground Zero speakers, 8″ and 10” mid drivers, and 10” subs. Also Nagy Rings, Diamond Audio, and Metra/Saddle Tramp lids plus lowers and accessories.”

Michael Foundation (L) and Gus Rigas pictured at the CE GUYS HQ before heading to Sturgis.

This year CE GUYS is excited to partner up with the very talented Bike Audio Specialists, Throttle Out Audio! The owner of Throttle Out is Gus Rigas who has been working rallies with the CE GUYS team for two years now. “Having Gus and his team as partners has taken our rally business to the next level in what we can do, and how many bikes we can turn out” Foundation concluded.

The CE GUYS Team, that will be in Sturgis Tuesday August 3rd thru Sunday August 15th, says “Come see us in Sturgis!”

Visit ceguys.com for more.

SEMA Hot Rod Industry Alliance Select Committee Participated in SEMA Leadership Meetings

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LAS VEGAS, NV (08.03.2021) – The SEMA Hot Rod Industry Alliance Select Committee participated in the recent SEMA Leadership Meetings in Las Vegas. SEMA Board of Directors and Councils and SEMA staff discussed the critical initiatives the SEMA Board is focused on for our industry. SEMA will be publishing these initiatives in the very near future.

Now the SEMA HRIA select committee is heading to Louisville this week for the NSRA Street Rod Nationals hosting education days for the Hot Rod industry.

Left to Right – Kris Bluntzer-Empire Garage, Joe Kubiak-Wilwood, Tim McCarthy-Chair Elect HUSHMAT/ZyCoat, Danny Agosta-Chair Steele Rubber, Jeff Major- IPC Bed Wood, David Page-Edelbrock Group, Amy Fitzgerald-Cool Hand Customs.

Visit sema.org for more.

Steve Stern Announces Major MECA News

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GOODLETTSVILLE, TN (08.02.2021) – “With rumors flying, I’d like to announce the sale of MECA, Inc to the Ballinger family, Bud, Shannon, and Salena, from Louisville, KY. We have a buy-out agreement in place that will take effect November 1, 2021. This includes the entire properties of MECA, Inc., including Sound Quality League, Sound Pressure League, Show & Shine, Ride the Light, MECA Kids, and all intellectual properties, i.e. trademarks, logos, Rule Books, etc.”

“I will complete the 2021 season and carry out all my responsibilities throughout both SPL and SQL Finals, and then turn over the business to the Ballingers.”

Salena, Bud and Shannon Ballinger (L to R) pictured at a previous MECA event.

“The excitement and vitality they will bring to our MECA club, contests and trade association will be important assets for our events and our industry. They have competed and judged as a family for many years, with State Championships and World Championships to their credit. Knowing the ropes as competitors, judges, and event directors gives them a unique and experienced insight into what MECA does and what MECA can do, with their vision and guidance.”

“For 23 years, since 1999, MECA has endeavored to be a family friendly, fun, and worthwhile organization for our varied members and the mobile electronics industry. Bud, Shannon, and Salena know the mission statements and goals MECA stands for and are dedicated to keeping the spirit and purposes of MECA strong, relevant and consistent with our founding principles.”

MECA Commish Steve Stern in the MECA office.

“I’d like to thank those who have supported my efforts to develop and maintain a meaningful organization. There are so many people who have contributed through-out the years and made MECA a viable business and organization. My appreciation and respect for these MECA friends are boundless. We have shared many memorable moments together, in the lanes and in our lives. MECA is about people, music, the gear and our vehicles. That’s not going to change.”

“Please welcome and support the Ballingers as they take on the responsibilites of MECA for you and the organization. We are very fortunate that they have embraced the excellence and longivity of our club and contests.”

More info and details to be announced as they unfold. Hope to see you at either the SPL or SQL Finals.

Visit mecacaraudio.com for more.

Words from MECA Commish Steve Stern.

SEMA Solidifies Detroit Presence; Selects Benjamin Kaminsky as Detroit Operations Manager

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DIAMOND BAR, CA (08.02.2021) – SEMA has announced the hiring of Benjamin Kaminsky as the new Detroit operations manager. Earlier this year, SEMA announced the purchase of a 45,000-sq.-ft. building in Detroit to be used as a second SEMA Garage. Kaminsky will be responsible for the overall management of SEMA Garage Detroit services and facilities to assist members with new product development and integration.

“Benjamin Kaminsky will be a great addition to our SEMA Garage team,” said Mike Spagnola, vice president of OEM & product development programs. “He comes to SEMA with over 20 years of experience in the automotive and automotive aftermarket industry as an engineering and project manager having worked at both automakers and tier-one suppliers.”

Benjamin Kaminsky

Kaminsky will work closely with domestic and import OEMs, along with tier-level suppliers and testing facilities to ensure flow of information essential to the industry’s accurate development of new and innovative products. They will also collaborate to develop opportunities that will benefit SEMA-member manufacturers. Kaminsky’s experience will allow him to cultivate these relationships. Prior to joining SEMA, Kaminsky worked at General Motors as a senior design and release engineer. He oversaw the design, development, validation and release of Chevrolet Performance air intakes, exhausts and components for use in performance applications. He also worked closely with GM emissions compliance and legal groups to ensure engineering hardware development and release processes consistently delivered products that met and exceeded regulatory requirements.

Prior to GM, Kaminsky worked at Bosch Motorsport in a variety of roles, from senior technical engineer to hardware development manager. He managed a department of engineers to develop hardware components for the professional racing industry.

“With his experience and solid OEM and tier supplier relationships, Ben will help the SEMA Garage Detroit best serve our manufacturer members,” shared Spagnola.

The SEMA Garage Detroit will offer manufacturers access to advanced product-development tools and equipment, a state-of-the-art emissions testing lab, an ADAS research and development center and expert technicians who will help bring products to market at the SEMA Garage Detroit. The Detroit facility will give aftermarket parts manufacturers access to sophisticated resources that are typically accessible only to large-scale manufacturers. In addition to exclusive OEM measuring sessions, scanning services, advanced tools and equipment, a CARB-recognized emissions lab and a modern training center, the Detroit facility will include expanded services and offer new SEMA benefits through the ADAS Research and Development Center.

“Being part of SEMA Garage provides me the opportunity to combine my engineering background, project management skills and relationships to make a difference in the automotive and automotive aftermarket industry,” said Benjamin Kaminksy. “I look forward to working with SEMA manufacturer members and continuing my relationships with OEMs and tier suppliers.”

The SEMA Garage Detroit facility is scheduled to be open for members in early 2022. For more information, visit www.semagarage.com.

This article was written by Della Domingo for sema.org