Industry

Remembering John F. Sylvester Founder of Sylvester Electronics

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CUMBERLAND, RI (05.20.2021) – John F. Sylvester, Founder of Sylvester Electronics, passed away on Sunday, May 16th. He was the husband of Jacqueline R. (Turner) Sylvester and they had been married for the past 58 years.

John F Sylvester founded Sylvester Electronics in 1976. Sylvester Electronics has served dealers in the Mobile Electronics industry for over 40 years. He worked in Cumberland RI for over 46 years. John F Sylvester was previously employed by Jabour Electronics for more than 15 years where he was the manager for many years.

John F. Sylvester

Along with his wife Jacqueline of 58 years, he is survived by his two sons; Robert J. Sylvester and his wife Susan Perrino of Warwick and Thomas J. Sylvester and his wife Julie Griffin of Burrillville. Also surviving is brother Norman Sylvester of Cumberland and five grandchildren; Vittoria, Nicholas, Aidan, Patrick, and Liam along with two nieces.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to John’s Life Celebration to begin with Visiting Hours on Thursday, May 20, 2021, from 6 pm to 8 pm and continuing on Friday, May 21, 2021, at 9 am in the J. J. Duffy Funeral Home, 757 Mendon Road, Cumberland. A Prayer Service will be held at 10 am.

Burial will follow with Military Honors in Mt. St. Mary Cemetery, Pawtucket.

Online Memorial: jjduffyfuneralhome.com

To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of John F. Sylvester Jr., click here ot visit the Sympathy Store.

SEMA Launch Pad Seeking New-Product Innovators

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DIAMOND BAR, CA (05.20.2021) – SEMA is seeking entrepreneurs and inventors who have the next big automotive-related product or accessory. Through the SEMA Launch Pad, those with a functioning automotive-related product that will hit or has recently hit the market are invited to submit their 2021 SEMA Launch Pad applications for a chance to win a prize package valued at up to $92,000.

Since 2013, the program has helped entrepreneurs launch their products into the marketplace, providing them with cash prizes, next-level marketing opportunities, access to business tools and resources and more.

Through the SEMA Launch Pad, entrepreneurs with a functioning
automotive-related product that will hit or has recently hit the market
are invited to submit their 2021 SEMA Launch Pad applications for a
chance to win a prize package valued at up to $92,000.

Originally created to support emerging entrepreneurs under the age of 40, this year’s program does not have an age cap and is open to qualified individuals 18 and over. The prizes have also increased to include a grand-prize package valued up to $92,000, cash awarded to the top three finalists and featured video interviews promoting dozens of applicants on SEMA’s social media networks.

Fifteen semi-finalists will also be selected to attend the 2021 SEMA Show in November, where the top five will pitch their products to a panel of industry judges and be recognized at the industry’s premier celebration—the SEMA Show Industry Awards Banquet.

”Before going through the Launch Pad program, I wasn”t even a blip on the industry’s radar,” recalls Jonathan Mill, who won the first-ever SEMA Launch Pad competition for this product the E-Stopp Emergency Brake. “After winning it, my product, career and network skyrocketed. All because I chose to get involved with SEMA.”

Past products included have been selected from segments such as vehicle technology, restyling, truck and off-road and more, although the program is not limited to any product that has the potential to positively impact the future of the aftermarket industry.

To qualify, applicants must be a business owner, company-leading executive (president, CEO, CFO, COO) or vice president of a company, and must offer a product or service that is a functioning prototype, functioning concept or currently for sale. The deadline to apply is May 30, 2021.

Click here to apply now for SEMA Launch Pad.

This article was written by Ashley Reyes for sema.org

PowerBass Trips to the SEMA Garage Are Very Productive

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DIAMOND BAR, CA (05.19.2021) – “It’s always a great day when we can spend time at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar. Their location is fairly close to the PowerBass HQ in Ontario so we make the trip frequently to get hands on with new and upcoming vehicles before they hit the market. It’s a great perk for being a SEMA Manufacturer Member. The time Dave Myers and I just spent at the SEMA Garage was very productive,” Erik Harbour, PowerBass VP of Product Development & Global Marketing stated.

During sessions at the SEMA Garage PowerBass staff has an opportunity to work with site engineers and employees of OEM’s like Nissan, Ford, Toyota, GM and More.

“Time spent at the SEMA Garage was very productive as we were working to bring the PowerBass OE Direct Fit Speakers to market,” Harbour added.

“Access to the SEMA Garage was very helpful as we developed the PowerBass Direct Fit replacement speakers like the OE652-GM 6 coaxial speakers,” Harbour stated.

Each year SEMA members introduce thousands of cutting-edge tools and accessories designed to add enjoyment to vehicle ownership. While some have universal fitments, many have model-specific applications that require significantly more research and development.

The SEMA Garage gives SEMA member businesses access to the special high-tech tools and equipment they need to get their products-whether a $10. set of wiper blades or a $10,000 engine modification-off the drawing board and into customer hands. It is the only known facility of its kind in the United States.

Covering 15,000 square feet and filled with nearly $2 million of equipment, the SEMA Garage includes all the tools specialty product developers could hope for and then some, including two vehicle lifts, a portable coordinate measuring machine (CMM) for 3D scanning, a 3D printer for fast prototyping, digital race car scales for the most precise vehicle weight and measurements, a dynamometer for precise emissions measurements and  more.

Visit semagarage.com and powerbassusa.com for more.

RPM Act Introduced in U.S. House of Representatives

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WASHINGTON, DC (05.19.2021) – SEMA President & CEO Chris Kersting today commended U.S. Representatives Patrick McHenry (R-NC) and Raul Ruiz (D-CA) for introducing H.R. 3281, the Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports Act of 2021 (RPM Act). The bipartisan bill includes 48 original sponsors. The RPM Act protects Americans’ right to convert street vehicles into dedicated racecars and the motorsports-parts industry’s ability to sell products that enable racers to compete.

The RPM Act reverses the EPA’s interpretation that the Clean Air Act prohibits a motor vehicle designed for street use—including a car, truck, or motorcycle—to be converted into a dedicated racecar. This American tradition was unquestioned from 1970 until 2015 when the EPA took the position that converted vehicles must remain emissions-compliant, even though they are no longer driven on public streets or highways.

“SEMA looks forward to working with Congress to enact the RPM Act and make permanent the Clean Air Act’s original intention that race vehicle conversions are legal,” said Kersting. “We thank Representatives McHenry and Ruiz for standing up for racing and the motorsports parts industry by introducing a bipartisan bill to protect racing and the businesses that produce, install, and sell the parts that enable racers to compete.”

There has already been an unprecedented outpouring of support for the RPM Act this year, with Americans sending over 1.1 million letters asking Congress to pass the legislation. It is imperative that enthusiasts and motorsports businesses keep up this momentum by reminding their lawmakers in Washington, D.C., that they must act now to protect the right to convert a motor vehicle into a racecar.

“I am proud to support automobile racing and will work to ensure motorsports enthusiasts here in North Carolina and across the country can continue the time-honored tradition of modifying stock vehicles for competitive racing,” said Rep. Patrick McHenry. “I look forward to working with my colleagues to help ensure the RPM Act becomes law.”

“Growing up, I spent countless hours at the racetrack with my father,” said Rep. Raul Ruiz. “Racing has always been close to my heart. I am delighted to introduce the Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports (RPM) Act, which will keep our American tradition of vehicle racing alive and give enthusiasts and their children the same opportunity that I had to create memories at the racetrack.”

Motorsports competition involves tens of thousands of participants and vehicle owners each year, both amateur and professional. Retail sales of racing products make up a nearly $2 billion market annually. Most of the vehicles raced on the estimated 1,300 racetracks operating across the U.S. are converted vehicles that the EPA considers to be illegal.

It is important that members of Congress hear from the racing and automotive enthusiast communities about the importance of passing the RPM Act into law in 2021. To write a letter to your members of Congress, visit www.sema.org/rpm.

Diversity of Light-Truck Market Primes Automotive Aftermarket for Future Growth

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DIAMOND BAR, CA (05.18.2021) – Following SEMA’s recent market research on the changing vehicle landscape, SEMA released a research report dedicated solely to the light-truck market. The 99-page study includes in-depth sales information for pickups, SUVs, CUVs, and vans, as well as aftermarket parts for these vehicles.

The new Light-Truck Market Snapshot from SEMA Market Research shows that in 2020 more than 90% of U.S. Ford, GM, and Stellantis (formerly FCA) vehicles sold were light trucks. Pickups remain a large part of the specialty automotive aftermarket and accounted for more than 30% of specialty-equipment part sales in 2019.

SEMA’s new Light-Truck Market Snapshot report includes in-depth sales information for pickups, SUVs, CUVs, and vans, as well as aftermarket parts for these vehicles.

CUVs have not been fully embraced by specialty-equipment consumers and businesses but remain a big part of the overall light-truck market. They have become the fastest-selling vehicle segment in the United States, and also a very fragmented one with more than 170 CUV models projected to be sold from 2021-2028.

The report helps businesses understand the overall truck market and includes a snapshot of trends for the light-truck, off-road, overland, outdoor recreation, powertrain, and technology segments.

“Light trucks are used for a wide variety of activities and continue to be shaped by trends in vehicle sales, technology, and consumer behavior,” said SEMA Director of Market Research Gavin Knapp. “We anticipate this growth to continue over the next decade as vehicle manufacturers prioritize their light-truck models.”

Trends in powertrains and vehicle technology are also shaping the light-truck market:

  • Engines are getting smaller overall: 52% of pre-1990 light trucks have a 5L or larger engine, compared with 22% of 2010 and newer trucks
  • Forced induction is becoming more common, especially on smaller engines. Less than 1% of pre-1990 light trucks have a turbocharger or supercharger, but 22% of 2010 and newer trucks come with some sort of forced induction
  • Alternative fuels like hybrid or electric powertrains have been slower to catch on with trucks than with cars, but they are coming — several electric trucks have been announced in recent years, including an all-electric Jeep Wrangler and several electric pickups
  • New-vehicle technologies like ADAS are also becoming more common and may affect how specialty truck parts are designed, produced, and installed

To learn more about the evolving diversity of the light-truck market and find insights that can help your business succeed, download the SEMA Light-Truck Market Snapshot for free today at www.sema.org/research

The 12Volt Central Studios Works to Deliver Positive Industry News Everyday

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SHREVEPORT, LA (05.18.2021) – No doubt we are all living in an increasingly stressful world. COVID Shot or No COVID shot. Mask or No Mask. Polarized National media fueling stress. Shortages in supermarkets with rising prices. Pipeline interruption from cyber attack further driving fuel increases. The price of lumber up nearly 300%. We all know the story in our ’Screen Focused’ World.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CO_n4G2HLnQ/

The 12volt industry has unique issues driving up the the stress level. Product shortages due to high demand. Product shortages taken to the next level due to chip plant fires and shortages. The cost of shipping product has gone through the roof. Travel or can’t travel. Need installers. Companies need employees but many people are receiving stimulus payments equal or exceeding a normal salary.

The 12volt Central Studios staff works each day to deliver positive industry news. See 12voltnews.com plus @12voltnews on Instagram and Facebook. Each business day morning, we post News Today which delivers fresh industry news in less than a minute. The 12voltBeat newsletter is emailed early Monday and Thursday mornings to over 5,000 industry members. On Saturdays, we post HiLites from the Week on social media. On Sundays we wish friends having Birthdays in the coming week Happy Birthday.

Click to subscribe to our FREE e-Newsletter!

The 12voltSTP Tool can be utilized by industry members to send a company’s activities and product information to the 12volt Central Studios. With a smartphone snap and txt an image, with a few words, to 318 465 0844. PRESTO your company could be in the news.

In addition, we make additional posts with companies working to get their ‘Shine On’. Check out the short video presentation above featuring SSV Works at The Rally on the Rocks in Moab UT May 12-15.

As an industry-vendors, reps, distributors and retailers- let’s all work to highlight positives.

Let’s remember the world is about people. ‘Let’s Get Our Shine On!’

Tint World Announces Madison Belfour as New Digital Marketing Analyst

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BOCA RATON, FL (06.17.2021) – Tint World Automotive Styling Centers recently hired Madison Belfour as the new digital marketing analyst for the franchise.

A recent graduate of the University of Florida, Belfour holds degrees in both business administration and journalism. She is responsible for creating marketing campaigns that benefit both the franchise owners individually, as well as overall growth of the franchise.

Belfour’s keen attention to detail and passion for marketing is essential for continually optimizing campaign performance while helping to generate greater overall revenue for the franchise’s 80-plus locations currently open.

Madison Belfour, Digital Marketing Analyst

“Madison is a wonderful addition to our corporate team,” said Charles J. Bonfiglio, CEO and president of Tint World. “We strive to have the best people in place. Her experience will help our franchisees grow their businesses, while supporting the continued success and growth of our overall franchise.”

Belfour spent the first three years of her career working for local marketing agencies in the South Florida area. Following a series of conversations with Bonfiglio, Madison picked up on his immense passion for franchising and was immediately motivated to put her skills to work for the growing franchise.

Belfour said one of her favorite parts of working at Tint World has been the seamless transition. One of the first projects Belfour took on was the Tint World 2021 International Franchise Convention. Unlike any prior annual convention, the event was held virtually due to the pandemic – presenting its own unique adaptations. Proactive and detail-oriented, Belfour saw the opportunity to step in and contribute value to help make the event a success.

As time has gone on, Belfour has continued sharpening her relationships with franchise owners – understanding their needs and offering tailored campaign solutions to reach their objectives. With new trends emerging constantly, she stays diligent to help keep Tint World’s fingers on the pulse.

“Since day one, I instantly felt like I was a part of the Tint World family. It feels great to be part of such a passionate team and I look forward to continuing to grow within this growing franchise,” Belfour said.

Tint World Automotive Styling Centers™ offer sales and installation of auto accessories, mobile electronics, audio video equipment, security systems, custom wheels and tire packages, window tinting, vehicle wraps, paint protection films, detailing services, nano ceramic coatings, maintenance and repair services, and more. 

Visit tintworld.com for more.

New Stereo King Trailer on the Road to Maximize Visibility for the Oregon Retailer

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HAPPY VALLEY, OR (05.14.2021) – Stereo King recently finished a customized 26’ trailer with attention grabbing graphics. The new trailer will be utilized to increase awareness at the retailer’s multiple locations plus consumer events in the area. Stereo King has 4 stores in Oregon plus Dicks Stereo in Boise, ID.

The new Stereo King 26’ trailer drives the brand and the message “Nobody Beats The King.”
Drivers following on the road see the Stereo King brand and area store locations.

“Stereo King is very active in the PowerSports category. We participate in a number of large area enthusiasts events including UTV Takeover and DuneFest. This new trailer will give us a lot of exposure at those events plus a vehicle to transport event tents, supplies and inventory to be sold at the events. In addition, the Portland International Auto Show is an annual event where we set up a large booth. The trailer will be used to transport everything we need to set up our booth in the convention center.”

The new Stereo King Trailer gets driver’s attention from the street… blocks away, too.

Oregon Design created and installed the wrap on the Stereo King trailer project. “Scotty Miles worked with Oregon Design to design the graphics and the project turned out very nicely,” Cornutt added.

Miles related, “Our goal was to create a wrap that was extremely eye catching and tasteful. We made sure the design spotlighted the Stereo King color scheme, while featuring our company’s brand and what we represent, well.”

A company truck is used to tow the trailer to most events. With the Portland International Auto Show a large U-Haul us used to tow the trailer and transport a large amount of inventory.

Visit stereoking.com for more.

New Autotek Off-Road Lights Bring Out More Exploration

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LIBERTYVILLE, IL (05.14.2021) – ATO Round LED Lights light up every narrow mountain trail, large sand dune, and everything in between with brightness where you need it the most. With 3 sizes to choose from: including a 9-inch, 7-inch, and 5-inch light size, all of these features off-road durability and include a black cast aluminum alloy body.

Delivering HUGE lumen brightness, ranging from 3,600 (each 5-inch round LED light) to 8,000 (each 9-inch round LED light), you’ll be able to take in any corner and peak of darkness when the sun goes down on every journey.

The ATO9RV1 is a pair of 9-inch round cast aluminum alloy LED lights, outdoor-rated at 16,000 lumens. With an IPX67 marine-grade protection/IPX rating, this universal off-road pair of 9-inch round LED lights brings 180 watts (90 watts each driving light) of HUGE lumen brightness power.

Learn more about the ATO9RV1 Round LED Lights here.

Features & benefits across the entire lineup of ATO Round LED Lights:

  • COMPATIBLE VEHICLE FITMENT
  • Universal vehicle fitment
  • MARINE-GRADE PROTECTION / IPX RATING
  • IPX67
  • INSTALLATION
  • Includes DIY wiring and mounting hardware

Take on the adventure wherever it calls and embark with brighter lumens to display every journey ahead with ultimate exploration.

Visit autotekcaraudio.com for more.

Pioneer Expands Marine Amplifier Lineup

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LOS ANGELES, CA – (05.13.2021) – Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. has introduced three Class-D amplifiers designed for the challenging marine environment. Consisting of two compact sized and fully ingress protected (IP67 rated) models plus an extremely flexible bridgeable 6-channel model, these new Pioneer amplifiers are designed to suit multiple output configurations in a variety of environmental conditions and marine applications. 

All three models feature an MCU (Micro Controller Unit) design, utilizing a microprocessor to enable and control the amplifier’s audio, power and protection circuits. By harnessing the power of the MCU and a 32-Bit floating point DSP that modulates the input signal prior to the gain stage, combined with an audio optimized PCB layout and specialized audio grade components, sound quality and signal accuracy are improved over conventional Class-D subwoofer and full-range amplifier designs.

The MCU also enables Pioneer’s Protection Control System (PCS), which continuously monitors the input voltage, current consumption, and operating temperature to automatically adjust the amplifier’s output to ensure operational stability during long listening sessions or in warmer climates. The entire lineup is also SAE J1171 Certified for external ignition protection of marine electrical devices, making them suitable for installation in the storage, electrical or battery compartments of marine vessels. 

“We are excited to expand our lineup of amplifiers with three models that have been engineered to withstand the extremes of temperature, moisture and dust exposure found in common marine applications while still offering the installation flexibility and high sound quality consumers expect from Pioneer,” said Ted Cardenas, vice president of marketing and corporate communications for Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. “Additionally, the IP67 rated ingress protection, compact size, and low current consumption of the GM-ME300X1C and GM-ME300X4C make these specific amplifiers an excellent option for installation in a variety of other vehicles, including off-road vehicles, power sports vehicles and motorcycles.” 

The Pioneer marine amplifier lineup includes: 

  • GM-ME300X1C (suggested price: $370): The mono-channel GM-ME300X1C subwoofer amplifier is weatherproof and IP67 rated for dust and water resistance, capable even of full water submersion1. Adjustments to the built-in low pass filter (featuring a precise 21-step frequency range), 0dB/ 6dB/ 12dB adjustable bass boost, gain and input settings are located under the sealed top mounted and removable cover. The GM-ME300X1C output is controlled by the MCU and is capable of 300W RMS x1 at both 2 ohms and 4 ohms. 
  • GM-ME300X4C (suggested price: $370): The 4-channel GM-ME300X4C full-range amplifier is weatherproof and IP67 rated for dust and water resistance, capable even of full water submersion1. Adjustments to the built-in high pass and low pass filters (featuring a precise 21-step frequency range), bridged output settings, gain and input settings are located under the sealed top mounted and removable cover. The GM-ME300X4C output is controlled by the MCU and is capable of 75W RMS x4 at both 2 ohms and 4 ohms in 4-channel mode; 75W RMS x2 at both 2 ohms and 4 ohms plus 150W RMS x1 at 4 ohms in 3-channel stereo/bridged mode; or 150W RMS x2 at 4 ohms in 2-channel bridged mode. 
  • GM-ME600X6 (suggested price: $650): Featuring a corrosion-resistant conformal coated circuit board and single sided ABYC/NMMA compliant terminal connections, the 6-channel GM-ME600X6 full-range amplifier offers a vast array of power output and channel combinations to provide unmatched system flexibility within the Pioneer marine amplifier line-up. The MCU design features built-in high pass and low pass filters (featuring a precise 21-step frequency range), bridged output settings, gain and input selection settings for each of the three pairs of channels (six total channels). Further harnessing the full capabilities of the MCU design, it features both normal output mode (75W RMS x2 stereo at both 2 ohms and 4 ohms / 150W RMS x1 bridged at 4 ohms) or high output mode (100W RMS x2 stereo at both 2 ohms and 4 ohms / 200W RMS x1 bridged at 4 ohms) for each pair of channels, allowing the amplifier’s power output to be more closely matched with the power handling capabilities of connected speakers (sold separately). The amplifier can be configured in the following output modes: 6-channel (all channels operating in stereo mode); 5-channel (4 channels in stereo mode plus 1 bridged mode channel); 4-channel (2 channels in stereo mode plus 2 bridged mode channels); or 3-channel (3 bridged mode channels). 

The new Pioneer Electronics marine amplifiers are available now and you can find more information at pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Marine/Amplifiers.