Industry

SEMA Show Excitement Grows as May Registration Approaches

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DIAMOND BAR, CA (04.09.2021) – With registration for the 2021 SEMA Show less than 30 days away, specialty-equipment businesses are eager to reconnect in person at the world’s leading celebration of innovation, ingenuity, and passion for automobiles.

Not only are companies ready to get down to business, Las Vegas is primed for the return of what will be one of the most exciting Shows in the event’s 50-plus year history. Positive news has been reported from activities throughout Las Vegas, such as the return of on-stage shows with in-person fans, casino-floor occupancy limits at up to 50%, and the Vegas Golden Knights hosting thousands of fans at T-Mobile Arena on game nights.

Earlier this year, the Las Vegas Convention Center completed construction of a brand new 1.4-million square-foot hall, as well as a high-speed underground transportation system that will make navigating the SEMA Show easier than ever. Recently, MGM Resorts also reaffirmed its commitment to help businesses get back to in-person interactions by announcing details of a comprehensive plan to host groups at its facility.

In addition to Las Vegas businesses showing signs of recovery, analysts see Las Vegas returning faster and stronger than expected, according to the latest report from the Las Vegas Review Journal.

Specialty-equipment companies have persevered through the past year, with some thriving beyond expectations. To support that dedication and passion to succeed, the Show will help close the distance between the people who push the industry forward that have been separated by necessity. Show management has held several onsite meetings with partners throughout the city over the past few months and continues to prepare for an extraordinary event.

“We’re starting to see meetings return to Las Vegas, and excitement is building as the events industry is getting back to business,” said SEMA Vice President of Events Tom Gattuso. “The anticipation from the people we talk to in Las Vegas who can’t wait for the Show’s return is phenomenal, and we can’t wait to see it all come together in November.”

The 2021 SEMA Show is about seven months away, and Show management continues to work closely with the convention center authorities and the state of Nevada as trends continue to move in a positive direction.

Key SEMA Show Dates

  • The Exhibitor Services Manual (ESM) will be live in May. The ESM contains all of the forms and applications required to prepare for the Show: feature vehicles, new products, booth vehicles, celebrity appearances, etc.
  • Deadline to submit Exhibit Space Rental Application and deposit is May 7.
  • SEMA Show Space Selection: June 7, 2021-June 23, 2021.

Reserve booth space for the 2021 SEMA Show at www.SEMAshow.com/exhibitor.

For complete information about the 2021 SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com.

Written by Jason Catull for sema.org

SEMA: New Research Looks at Shifting U.S. Vehicle Landscape and Hottest Models for the Aftermarket

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DIAMOND BAR, CA (04.08.2021) – Just about any vehicle on the road can be modified with aftermarket parts. However, with more than 281 million vehicles currently on the road in the United States, knowing where the greatest opportunities for customization are can be challenging. In the new “SEMA Vehicle Landscape Report,” the SEMA Market Research team looks at changes in the vehicle landscape, where the greatest opportunities are for the aftermarket industry and trends that may impact businesses.

What does the current vehicle landscape look like? What are the latest trends? Where is the opportunity for the specialty-equipment industry moving forward? The SEMA report answers these questions and more. Readers will find:

  • An overview of the current vehicles on the road in the United States today.
  • New light-vehicle sales and powertrain projections.
  • The hottest models for the specialty-equipment industry.
  • The latest vehicle trends, including electrification and advanced vehicle technology.

Download the new 2021 SEMA Vehicle Landscape Report today at www.sema.org/research and register here for the upcoming webinar “Vehicle Landscape: Which Cars and Trucks are Hot?,” as the SEMA Market Research team provides an in-depth overview of the report and answers questions.

Written by Kyle Cheng for sema.org

CTA Tech Week to Bring Together Innovators and Policymakers to Address Future of Tech Policy

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ARLINGTON, VA (04.08.2021) - The Consumer Technology Association (CTA) will convene top government officials, technology leaders, entrepreneurs and policy experts to explore the relationship between innovation and public policies, while addressing major issues impacting U.S. competitiveness during CTA’s Tech Week, a digital event on April 14 and 15.

At CTA’s Tech Week, which consists of Innovation Policy Summit and Lobby Day, top innovators and policymakers will tackle top tech issues, including digital health, broadband access, self-driving vehicles, online speech, cybersecurity, trade and more. New this year, CTA will host Clubhouse chats on topics including digital health, Section 230 and autonomous transportation. CTA will also announce this year’s Digital Patriots, recognizing elected officials who champion policies and practices vital to innovation in consumer technology.

“We are excited to bring innovators and government officials together to discuss the future of U.S. tech policy,” said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO, CTA. “CTA and its members work closely with lawmakers to ensure streamlined policies and regulations that foster innovation. Over the last year especially, we have seen America’s technology companies step up to provide solutions for remote work, online education, telemedicine and more. America’s economic competitiveness and status as a global tech leader depend on smart pro-innovation policies.”

CTA Tech Week events include:

  • What Does the Future Hold for Section 230 and Online Speech? with U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR)
  • Digital Health and Emerging Technologies with Jeffrey Shuren, director, Center for Devices and Radiological Health at the Food and Drug Administration
  • How Can Policymakers Unlock the Transformative Power of Self-Driving Vehicles? with Robert Hampshire, acting assistant secretary for research and technology, U.S. Department of Transportation and Melissa Froelich, director of government relations, Aurora
  • New White House, New Congress…New Trade Policy? with Jeff Werner, vice president of corporate and government affairs, Panasonic USA
  • Securing our Digital Future with Marjorie Dickman, chief government affairs and public policy officer, Blackberry
  • Connectivity in America with Courtney Reinhard, vice president of federal government relations, Verizon and John Godfrey, senior vice president of public policy, Samsung Electronics America

Visit www.cta.tech/Events/Tech-Week for more.

Wet Sounds Integrates SKAA Technology Into New A-Link Plus Wireless Kit

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EDMONTON, AB (04.07.2021) – Eleven Engineering, Inc. has announced that its SKAA Wireless Audio technology has been integrated into the new Wet Sounds AL-SR-V2 A-Link Plus wireless sending/receiving kit. The AL-SR-V2 is now available at the SKAA Store with an MSRP of $199.99.

“With a sleek design and vastly improved connectivity and range utilizing SKAA Wireless Audio technology, our new AL-SR-V2 is a must have for sharing audio signals,” said Gabe Sandoval, Program Director of Wet Sounds Product Development. “The new cradle/dock makes for simple mounting, while maximizing wireless range.”

With SKAA and the AL-SR-V2 A-Link Plus, you can now connect up to four units per one sending unit across multiple audio systems.

“With improved range, clarity, and performance thanks to SKAA, you can now share your audio signal up to 500 meters between links,” added Lee Teeples, VP of Wet Sounds Product Development. “We have also integrated a new connection harness including micro USB for charging, with 3.5mm input and output connections.”

Founded in 2005 by a team of highly skilled audio veterans, Wet Sounds is an award-winning, Texas-based marine audio company. Bringing a level of performance, style, and durability unparalleled in the audio industry, Wet Sounds’ marine stereo systems and equipment provide crisp, high-quality audio that’s loud enough to be heard whether you’re fishing a local pond, water skiing on a lake, or tubing on the ocean. Enjoy unparalleled protection from water damage with Wet Sounds’ state-of-the-art equipment.

SKAA is the new wireless HiFi audio standard developed by Eleven Engineering, Inc. 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. SKAA is also available as a built-in technology not requiring an external transmitter in purpose-designed partner products, which are featured at SKAA.com. 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 which are delivered with the highest sound quality to all speakers without the latency that is inherent in other wireless solutions.

“SKAA is the ideal wireless technology for Wet Sounds’ new AL-SR-V2 A-Link Plus,” explained Rex Whitehead, Eleven Engineering executive vice president, sales & marketing. “This is probably the best overall SKAA-integrated product on the market today thanks in large part to the combination of Wet Sounds’ and Eleven Engineering’s technologies in one package. Battery operated with great range, we see this being used in applications outside of marine and powersports, such as mobile DJ. We are proud to be a part of such a great product and application.”

With every application covered in the consumer and prosumer world, no other wireless solution comes close to delivering such a high level of coverage as SKAA, especially not WiFi-based audio nor Bluetooth.

“Highly flexible with rock solid reliability, SKAA also has great range and CD-quality sound,” Whitehead continued. “SKAA is ridiculously easy to use… all compatible products are ready to play right out of the box with no pairing required.”

For more information, contact Rex Whitehead at 480-650-3979 or email whitehead@eleveneng.com, and visit www.elevenengineering.com and www.SKAA.com.

Love Your Bug with a New Thermal & Sound Control Kit from DEI

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AVON LAKE, OH (04.07.2021) – Keep things cool and quiet in your classic VW Bug with a new thermal and sound control kit specifically designed for Volkswagen Beetles from Design Engineering, Inc.

The VW Bug Interior Insulation & Sound Damping Kit 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 great fit and ease of installation.

“Achieve a more comfortable ride in a small package with these new kits for VW Bugs,” stated Mike Buca of DEI. “Custom cut to fit your Beetle’s specifications, these kits are easy to install and provide the proven benefits of DEI’s sound deadening and heat insulation materials.”

The ultra-lightweight D-Mat layer covers firewalls, headliners and other areas with a superior heat barrier, while the peel-and-stick Boom Mat material eliminates unwanted engine and road noise and damps vibrations.

Offering a precise fitment, the kits provide total noise and thermal protection for standard Beetle (1950-’72) Super Beetle (1971-’72) models (# 5510015).

For more information about the VW Bug Interior Insulation & Sound Damping Kit and DEI’s complete line of performance heat and sound control products, visit www.DesignEngineering.com.

Daytona Lights Ships New Cube, Driving and Rock LED Lights, Plus RGB Strip Lighting Kits

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HOLLY HILL FL (04.06.2021) – Daytona Lights by Metra Electronics has introduced new LED lighting products in different styles and options, designed to provide affordable vehicle lighting that doesn’t compromise performance. For extra visibility at night, two new styles of cube lights and three additional LED driving lights have been designed for better illumination and lighting coverage using a low current draw that doesn’t drain the battery. Single-color LED rock lights are available in four different colors that can go inside or outside of a vehicle. Daytona Lights has also introduced four different RGB strip light kits that have been tailored in size, length, and quantity to fit the most commonly requested installations. These new products are in stock and shipping now.

Driving and Cube Lights:

LED Cube Lights

The DL-CL2 is a set of two 5D spot lights with an impressive output for its small size. Drivers can see farther with a highly controlled spot light beam pattern that projects light at a much greater distance than what a standalone lens or reflector design can do. The 5D spot light produces a powerful 2,520 lumens combined from both of the six LEDs on each cube.

To get the best of both worlds, the new 140-degree dual-zone cube light set, the DL-CL3, allows the driver to control the center spot light and side flood lights independently. The light output can be adjusted when and where it is needed for a highly versatile solution that can illuminate an off-road trail, wide-open area, or long dark road. This set of two cube lights produces 2,520 lumens from the 72-watts of combined lighting, with twelve LEDs per cube. The ability to control the spot and flood lights separately make this set ideal for a wide range of driving environments.

LED Driving Lights

The DL-DL1 is a set of traditionally styled driving lights with a crisp ten-degree spot beam pattern and twenty LEDs, designed to complement any primary lighting system. They mount with a lower bracket located in the center and the set of two lights produce a combined total of 2,880 lumens using 40 watts.

For off-roading, new four-inch lights are available in square (DL-DL4S) and round (DL-DL4R) options, sold as a set of two lights with nine LEDs each. These lights have been designed with a medium 60-degree flood beam pattern to illuminate the immediate area while still shining ample light down the trail. Each set produces a combined total of 3,510 lumens of light using 54 watts.

Single-Color Rock Lights

New rock lights are available in white (DL-ROCKW), green (DL-ROCKG), blue (DL-ROCKB), and red (DL-ROCKR), sold as a two-pack. The rock lights are rated IP67 with metal housing for a resilient lighting solution that can go inside or outside—withstanding the elements for use under the vehicle, inside wheel wells, engine bays, and more. It is easy to install with a two-wire connection and hardware is included with flat or curved mounting bases that work on a variety of surfaces. Each 3.6-watt rock light has three 2525 LEDs for an affordable but bright accent lighting solution that adds flair to any vehicle’s interior or exterior.

RGB LED Strip Light Kits:

RGB Strip Lighting Kits

Four new RGB strip lighting kits are designed for wheel wells, underbody, or interior lighting in the most common installation sizes. The music controller with a key fob and card remote is included and there is an optional feature for brake light integration, which turns the LED lights red when braking. Installers can combine multiple kits in the DL-RGBK series to work with one key fob or card remote. These plug-n-play solutions are designed for the easiest possible installation with cigarette adapter or hardwire power options and no specialty tools required.

RGB LED Lighting Kit Options:

  • DL-RGBK1: Interior Kit with (4) 12-inch Strips
  • DL-RGBK2: Kit with (10) 4-inch Strips
  • DL-RGBK3: Wheel Well Kit with (4) 24-inch Strips
  • DL-RGBK4: Underbody Kit with (2) 36-inch Strips and (2) 48-inch Strips

All of these new products are in stock now. Visit MetraOnline.com for additional information.

SEMA’s Live, Interactive Sessions for April’s Virtual Education Calendar – Register Today

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DIAMOND BAR, CA (05.06.2021) – SEMA Virtual Education remains committed to empowering industry professionals by sharing innovative strategies, information and learning through new and engaging webinars.

Mark your calendar for the following upcoming webinars and stay tuned to SEMA eNews as additional sessions are announced throughout the year. For a comprehensive library of upcoming and on-demand sessions that members can access anytime, visit www.sema.org/virtual-education.

Thursday, April 8 – Vehicle Landscape: Which Cars and Trucks are Hot?
Track: Trends & Research
Series: SEMA Industry Insight Series  

Learn about the current vehicle landscape and emerging trends and opportunities in the automotive aftermarket industry as the SEMA Market Research team provides an overview of what vehicles are currently on the road, shifts in new vehicle sales and trends, and the hottest car and truck models for customization in the industry—followed by a live Q&A with the webinar speakers.

Click here to register.

Wednesday, April 14 – Facebook Live Chat featuring Chris Blair, presented by SEMA YEN
Track: Industry Talks

Tune in to a Facebook Live Chat featuring Chris Blair, executive vice president and general manager of World Wide Technology Raceway. Since joining WWTR in 2012, Blair has overseen the growth and development of the once-shuttered St. Louis track from a 150-acre, racing-only complex to a multi-purpose entertainment venue in excess of 600 acres. As host of the Facebook Live, Blair will discuss steps racetracks have taken to overcome the state lockdowns and their plans moving forward.

Location: SEMA Facebook page

Wednesday, April 21 – Tire Knowledge 301: Common Causes of Balancing Process Errors and How to Avoid Them
Track: Industry Segments, Powered by SEMA Councils and Networks
Series: Wheel and Tire Industry Insights, Powered by WTC

Understanding causes for vehicle vibration and the mechanics of balanced vs. unbalanced tires is critical for helping tire professionals ensure their customers have a smooth ride, even tire wear and proper tire weight distribution around their vehicle. Learn about the common causes of balancing process errors, how to avoid them, and best practices to minimize customer vibration complaints.

Click here to register.

Story written by Ashley Reyes for sema.org.

Elettromedia-USA Welcomes Chris McNulty to Head Technical Assistance Division

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IRVINE, CA (04.05.2021) – Elettromedia-USA is very pleased to announce the addition of Chris McNulty to head the Technical Assistance division. Mr. McNulty has been an installation technician, product trainer as well as business owner. He has been nominated and has won many individual 12volt industry nominations and awards.

Chris started in the industry in 1994 as a salesperson in Chantilly Virginia. He began his install career in 1997 and continued as a shop manager until 2001 when he started with XM Radio as a troubleshooting manager. After 1 year he wanted to get back to the bay, so he took a position as a shop manager again.

Chris McNulty pictured at the Colosseum in Rome a few years ago on an ElettromediaUSA trip.

In 2012 Chris opened Driven Mobile Electronics where he was nominated and won many industry awards. Here is a list of the awards:

Chris will not only be heading up our technical assistance calls, but he will also be the head of our training division. Please reach out to your rep if you would like Chris to schedule a zoom training for your staff.

Chris will reside in Virginia with his wife and daughter. You can contact him at 877-567-3030 x 118 or his cell number is 949-620-7055. His email is chris@elettromedia-usa.com.

PowerBass Shipping New XL-PS200 Amplified Bluetooth Pods

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ONTARIO, CA (04.05.2021) – Enjoy your ride day as you cruise down the road on your motorcycle while listening to your favorite music without worrying about water, mud, dirt and dust.

Featuring an injection molded UV-Treated Polypropylene cone and a an easy to use top mounted control pad for making quick adjustments to volume or track while at a red light or before you take off on your journey.

Mounting the XL-PS200 system to fit standard or metric motorcycles is a breeze with slide in metal adaptors to fit the metric, the standard Bike bolts in with 2 screws and no adaptor needed! Installation is also quick and easy with a 3 wire connection and single run cable that easily tucks in and follows your stock wiring with ease.

Sit back and relax knowing that you have put your music in the engineering hands of PowerBass.

  • Marine Grade 2.75″ Pod Speakers
  • Fits Bar Sizes 0.75″ – 1″ adaptor included
  • IPX5 Rated
  • Injection Molded UV-Treated Polypropylene Cones
  • Water Tight TPU Surround
  • UV Inhibited Injection Molded Plastic Pod
  • UV-treated Aluminum Mesh Grills
  • Gun Metal Powder Coated Swivel Mounting System
  • 50W RMS D Class Amplifier built-in
  • Built-In Bluetooth
  • Easy to use top mounted control pad
  • Sold in Pairs

Visit powerbassusa.com for more.

NAV-TV Adds Audi MIB3 Infotainment Platform Compatibility to ZEN-V Advanced Amplifier Interface

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CORAL SPRINGS, FL (04.02.2021) – NAV-TV Corp. has announced that Audi MIB3 has been added to the ZEN-V compatibility list.

 The ZEN-V advance amplifier interface is now compatible with 2020 and 2021 Audi vehicles equipped with the MIB3 system. The ZEN-V allows the seamless addition of aftermarket amplifiers into compatible vehicles, delivering audiophile-quality sound without compromising the vehicle’s factory fit, finish or features. ZEN-V is the first aftermarket product utilizing MOST®150 globally.

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Utilizing the same processing power as NAV-TV’s competition proven M650-GM, the ZEN-V produces a completely flat audio output without any factory time delay or equalization, eliminating the need for summing devices, an audio correction DSP or the removal of the factory audio compensation microphones.  Installation of the interface requires no modification to the vehicle and is compatible with both amplified and non amplified factory systems.

Volume, Fade, Balance and Bass/Treble tone controls are retained through the factory radio and echo cancelation for the factory Bluetooth hands-free system is supported.

Utilizing a 128 bit floating point DSP and 192 kHz 32 bit DAC, the ZEN-V produces a 12 channel analog output with a S/N Ratio of 112dB. For vehicles with video playback capability, the ZEN-V supports 7.1 and 5.1 audio[1}. The unit provides a 500mA output for controlling aftermarket devices and, additionally, retains the factory equalizer.

 For use with 3rd party digital sound processors, the ZEN-V  includes a variable TOSlink digital output which may be used simultaneously with the analog outputs, or by itself. The variable digital output allows for the system volume to be controlled via the factory radio and steering wheel controls without the need to access any 3rd party controller.

 For ease of use, the ZEN-V  is configurable through dip switch settings.  User selectable features of the ZEN-V are:

 ·         Optional time alignment to driver

·         Full scale audio or -12dB attenuation

·         7.1 downmix to stereo on TOSlink or TOSlink mapped to the front outputs

·         Loudness on or off

·         Enables factory subwoofer control

Vehicles will require the additional MIB3-MOST PRG programmer prior to the installation of the ZEN-V[3]. The MIB3-MOST PRG is included in the MIB3 bundle and comes with unlimited usage.

The ZEN-V  MIB3 Bundle (NTV-KIT997) is currently available and shipping. 

To place an order, or for more information on the ZEN-V, contact your NAV-TV sales representative at (866) 477-3336  (USA and Canada toll free) or (561) 955-9770 

Visit navtv.com for more.