Industry

SiriusXM Connected Vehicle Enhances SiriusXM Guardian with New ACN+ Safety Technology for Select Vehicles

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NEW YORK, NY (05.06.2021) – Sirius XM Connected Vehicle Services Inc., a provider of connected services to vehicle manufacturers, announced that its new ACN+ (Advanced Automatic Crash Notification) technology is now available across the US and included on select Jeep, Chrysler, Dodge, Ram and Alfa Romeo models with an active SiriusXM Guardian services subscription. 

SiriusXM Guardian includes a hands-free safety service that can connect drivers with a live agent if airbags deploy. Now through ACN+, SiriusXM Guardian digitally links vehicle and crash data direct to 911 personnel so they can be notified more quickly and first responders can receive enhanced critical information about the nature and severity of the vehicle emergency before arriving at the scene. 

“ACN+ enables us for the first time to immediately send detailed information from both the vehicle and our databases direct to 911 centers,” said John Jasper, Senior Vice President and General Manager at SiriusXM Connected Vehicle. “We are very pleased that SiriusXM Guardian subscribers are the first customers to receive ACN+.  We’ve dedicated ourselves to continuously improving emergency response and are thrilled to offer one of the leading advanced ACN products in the US.  This next generation technology provides emergency responders substantially more information faster, helping them make quicker decisions about the resources needed at the crash scene that could help save lives.”

SiriusXM Connected Vehicle introduced ACN+ commercially in August of 2020 to provide automated, enhanced safety information, including vehicle location, vehicle data (make/model/color/year), customer data (account owner / phone), and detailed crash information to 911 and first responders through the RapidSOS emergency response data platform, saving valuable response time. If the customer has a linked MedicAlert account, first responders will also be able to access medical data valuable in an emergency—especially if a driver or passenger is unresponsive. The technology behind ACN+ can also be used to digitally relay vehicle, customer and linked MedicAlert account information to 911 with a driver or passenger-initiated SOS emergency button press.

Through SiriusXM Connected Vehicle’s exclusive relationship with RapidSOS, ACN+ can connect and digitally share incident data to over 4,800 Emergency Communications Centers which cover more than 92% of the US population by geography.

Without this integration, emergency incident information must be verbally communicated to 911, a process with greater risk of error that entails more time than simply relaying the same information via a data transmission.

The ACN+ solution is far superior to 911 calls initiated through a caller’s cell phone due to the capabilities to immediately share significant vehicle incident information regarding the impacts on the driver and passenger after a crash event. 

Currently over two million select Jeep, Chrysler, Dodge, Ram and Alfa Romeo models, year 2019 and newer, are capable of receiving SiriusXM Guardian services in the United States and their drivers and passengers will now all have access to this enhanced safety feature with an active subscription. 

Visit siriusxm.com for more.

Maxxsonics USA Welcomes Mark Lieber

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LIBERTYVILLE, IL (05.05.2021) – Effective now, Mark Lieber has joined the team at Maxxsonics USA as Project and Quality Manager. Mark’s responsibilities will involve leading Maxxsonics USA concurrent product development teams in the design and engineering of the products that have made Maxxsonics one of the marque brands in the business. Mark will also be working directly with Maxxsonics global partners to ensure its designs are manufactured to the highest standards, bringing quality products to market on time.

On Mark’s hiring, Alden Stiefel, President of Maxxsonics USA, commented, “As Maxxsonics continues its explosive growth adding Mark Lieber to the Maxxsonics family makes perfect sense. Mark’s vast experience and expertise in manufacturing and quality control reinforces Maxxsonics commitment to continue to produce products that are best in class.”

Mark Lieber

Bringing a crucial skill in communication (both internally and externally) and a strong command of cost with performance and timing, Mark is an adept relationship builder, negotiator, strategist, and manager.

Starting at Rockford Fosgate in 1987, Mark grew into the industry with various positions throughout his career, the first 10 years in manufacturing and completing his time at RF as Senior Project and Quality Assurance Manager in 2011. In October of 2011, he started at YSI Inc. in Supply Chain and managed a supply base of 40 key suppliers. In March of 2013, he joined the team at Scosche Industries as a Program Manager, managing 8 key suppliers while implementing cost-saving measures. 1 year later, Mark rejoined YSI/Xylem as Supply Chain Specialist and managed the supply base of 5 key suppliers with total imports of $7M. In 2017 Mark decided to start Lieber Quality Management Inc. so he could bring his Project Management skills to others with Vertical World Wide being his first customer.

On his new position at Maxxsonics USA, Mark Lieber said, “I am very excited to bring industry experience and knowledge to a company that values the process, product, and the industry. I’m looking forward to working closely with the Mechanical Design team and with Brian, Chad, and Armando in developing products while working closely with suppliers based overseas.”

As Maxxsonics enters Q2 of 2021, Mark looks to ensure deadlines remain a top priority in the process of moving projects and visions from start to finish while hitting every objective and goal along the way.

Visit maxxsonics.com for more.

BOYO Launches 2 New Rear View Monitors

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FULLERTON, CA (05.05.2021) – Vision Tech America, Inc. believes in providing customers with the state-of-the-art technology in automobile engineering with the best possible prices to modernize vehicles.

In this regard, BOYO unveiled VTM7012QFHD and VTM9003QFHD, feature-rich 7” and 9” Quad (4 Channel) Full HD Monitors. These monitors are compatible with 1080P & 720P AHD and 960H CVBS cameras with audio and display clear and crisp pictures on 1920×1080 pixel LCD display. A trigger input for each video channel, enables a driver to view the blind spots through a camera as a vehicle backs up or make a turn.  With a built-in speaker, audio is also monitored. All cameras’ views are recorded in the built-in DVR video for safety and security.

“Our new VTM7012QFHD and VTM9003QFHD enhances driver safety by providing the driver more information about their surrounding views with an excellent display quality. It will be a great choice for vehicles such as trucks, buses, and RVs,” said Richard Hong, VP of Sales.  

Key Product Features:

  • AHD/CVBS 4 Channel Rear View Full HD Monitor
  • Resolution: 1920 (H) x 1080 (V)
  • Compatible with AHD 1080P, 720P and 960H CVBS
  • 4 Video/Audio Inputs
  • 1 Video/Audio Input
  • 4 Trigger Input for each Channel
  • Built-in Speaker
  • Built-in DVR Recording (4 Ways)
  • Max. Memory Capacity: 256 GB
  • NTSC/PAL Auto Detect & Switch
  • AHD/CVBS Auto Detect & Switch

Visit visiontechamerica.com for more.

Oracle Lighting Announces Illuminated Marine Vessel Signage

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METAIRIE, LA (05.04.2021) – Oracle Lighting has launched the new waterproof illuminated marine vessel signage. From yachts to commercial fleets to personal pleasure boats, Oracle Lighting has the custom-built stainless steel LED-illuminated name signs for numerous applications.

“With more than two decades of experience, Oracle Lighting now offers our lighting expertise on many marine products,” explained Justin Hartenstein, Oracle Lighting director of development. “These made-to-order signs are designed to endure the harshest conditions and utilize high quality materials, such as 316L stainless steel to insure years of maintenance-free enjoyment and peace-of-mind. Applications are nearly endless…we’ve even had a manufacturer contact us to make logos for an autonomous marine vessel.”

Oracle Lighting’s designers work with its customers to develop the perfect sign…whether they already have a design or need Oracle Lighting’s assistance developing a professional logo for their vessel. Oracle Lighting also offers a variety of mounting options, LED control options, material thicknesses, and colors.

“Our vessel signage is also designed to be completely waterproof up to the IP68 standard,” Hartenstein continued. “This means that the sign can be completely submerged underwater and still continue to operate without failure. The proprietary sealing method includes redundancies for water intrusion prevention while still providing adequate heat dissipation for the LEDs’ standard operating requirements. By reducing the thermal load, the LED chips perform flawlessly with a lifespan of more than 60,000 hours of continuous use.”

Oracle Lighting’s optional multi-layer designs feature a contrasting center layer, or “accent color” layer, to help the letters have a visual pop even during the day when the lights are off. These layers are held together both with marine-grade 5200 adhesive and mechanically with hardware. Stainless studs, which are attached to the back of the stainless steel beauty plate, are used to sandwich the layers together in specific locations of each letter to insure maximum structural integrity.

“Each project is customized to the client’s needs,” said Hartenstein. “We offer a variety of control systems that can be programmed to provide simple static color light or create colorful patterns and lighting effects. Our ColorSHIFT® LED system can create more than one million color variations to match just about any color a customer wants, and they can control the color and brightness easily and conveniently from a wireless remote, a light control panel, or even from their smartphone or tablet.”

Getting a quotation is easy. Simply fill out the form at www.oraclelights.com/marine with the details you need and a representative from Oracle Lighting will get back to you with options and pricing for your project.

Oracle Lighting also recently announced the launch of the new custom illuminated logo decals. Easily installed/applied on cars, trucks, UTVs/ATVs, and other vehicles and now available for custom order at oraclelights.com/logos, customers can choose between 31 custom colors and create their own text or utilize their own graphics.

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.

CCO’s Sailfish Event Reels in Clarion Audio Sponsorship

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MIRAMAR, FL (05.04.2021) – JL Audio’s Clarion Marine brand has officially become the Exclusive Audio Sponsor of CCO Showdown Sailfish Edition. Put together by the creative minds at Center Consoles Only (CCO), CCO Showdown events are the only fishing tournaments solely dedicated to the use of center console boats.

“Beyond the extremely appealing social media content they create, CCO is revolutionizing the marine media landscape. No other media group delivers the same kind of modern approach, unique perspective, and influential voice to boating-focused content than they do,” said Bryatt Fischer, Marketing Director, JL Audio. “We are thrilled to support CCO Showdown and look forward to seeing CCO expand these events in the future.”

As part of this sponsorship, Clarion Marine will work with CCO to create high-quality content and generate exposure among those fishing in the tournament and those following it on social media. Additionally, Clarion Marine will have personnel on the ground at the event to answer any questions about Clarion Marine products, hand out swag, and host product giveaways.

“JL Audio has been a great partner of ours and we are excited to expand the relationship to include Clarion Marine in our CCO Showdown,” Alan Blanco, CEO at Center Consoles Only. “We personally chose the Clarion Marine brand for our boat’s audio option and couldn’t speak more highly of the product quality and overall value. The products are a perfect fit for Center Console enthusiasts and we look forward to working more closely with this brand as we grow our CCO Showdown tournament events.”

The CCO Sailfish Showdown Fishing Tournament will be hosted in Coconut Grove at Monty’s Raw Bar at Bayshore Landing in Miami. The event runs from May 6-8, 2021. Participants must have center console boats to participate and fish in the tournament.

Visit clarionmarine.com and ccoshowdown.com for more.

Modern Media Geeks Celebrates 13 Years with New Branding and Strategic Alliance Partner

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ST. MARYS, GA (04.03.2021) – Modern Media Geeks is celebrating their 13th birthday in some big ways. What started as a small consulting firm in 2008 has grown into a Google-accredited agency specializing in brand-building for businesses.

Services now include:
• Local Search Engine Directory Submission
• Search Engine Management (SEM)
• Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
• Pay-Per-Click (PPC)
• Back Link Auditing
• Google Citations
• Social Media / Online Marketing
• Web Design
• Premium Company Brand Development NEW

Modern Media Geeks is adding to their available services, but they are continuing to grow their team to ensure that all their clients’ needs are met and exceeded. Their most recent hires include Stephanie Benoit – Key Accounts Manager – and James Smith – Marketing Director. With these new additions comes a completely new look and a brand-new name that aligns with its continued growth.

No longer is Modern Media Geeks merely geeks. The team is now a professional agency and is changing its name and branding to reflect that. That said, the brand is dropping the “Geeks” from their name and will now be known simply as Modern Media.

Along with the new branding comes even more exciting news: a new strategic alliance with the award-winning
creative agency D’zine Alaska.

“We are incredibly excited to be working collaboratively with D’zine Alaska,” said Jon Dewar, founder of Modern Media. “Don and his team are the absolute best graphic artists and brand strategists in the country.

“Our strategic alliance allows each of us to add services to each of our businesses which complement both party’s strengths. By doing so, our customers can be certain they are hiring the best that can be had.”

The team at D’zine Alaska are just as excited about the new strategic partnership:
“We are thrilled to be collaborating with Dewar and his experienced team at Modern Media. As we forge a new
future for the branding and online presence needs of our clients, each of our industry-leading skills will add the
professional strength and bold engagement they need to stand out in their fields and succeed.” – Don Poynter, President & Creative Director, D’zine Alaska.

While the team is proud of the work they’ve accomplished, Dewar is excited to see the company continue to grow and help their clients to see the great success they’ve experienced thus far. Dewar believes that the only constant is change in business and marketing, which is why he’s excited to invite everyone to grow alongside the Modern Media team.

Call Jon Dewar at (904) 717-0000 or visit www.modernmedia.pro for more information

Make a Plan to Showcase Your Store

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12VOLT CENTRAL STUDIOS (05.03.2021) – Owners undoubtedly have a large investment in their stores and businesses. Social media platforms today offer store owners an opportunity to show their stores, products and services to followers and consumers with a minimal outlay of cash. Marketing your store locally should be at the very top of a retailer owner’s business plan.

Chad at KC Trends grabs attention in Kansas City with upgrades on hot vehicles.
Installations Unlimited spotlights categories with posts in North Syracuse, NY.
Sound Connection in Brainerd, MN grabbed interest with the recent PowerSports and motorcycle jobs.

Every day 12volt Central Studios staff see posts from 12volt retailers who make posts that highlight their stores. When these posts are seen on social media they have an impact with the viewer. The viewer’s impact could turn into business that makes the cash register ring. With just a smartphone a store post can be made in a matter of minutes. Snap, add a few words of text, and post.

During the COVID-19 Pandemic the 12volt industry has seen strong sales spurred by stimulus checks, reduced consumer spending in other areas and the ability upgrade rides for not a big cash outlay.

This post from Showtime Audio stresses doing it right to followers in the Chicago area.
559 Car Stereo in Fresno, CA features a happy customer in a great looking show room.
When followers see this in-vehicle lighting from Audio Electronics in Indy they will immediately think “What could my ride could look like!”

As an industry, let’s utilize social media tools to drive brick and mortar business and keep the cash register ringing.

Getting people to know your brand is key.

SEMA Doubles Down on Commitment to Help Auto Parts Manufacturers Meet CARB, EPA Compliance

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DIAMOND BAR, CA (04.30.2021) – SEMA is advancing its commitment to help automotive aftermarket parts manufacturers meet established standards for emissions compliance by investing millions of dollars into a second SEMA Garage Emissions Compliance Center.

In 2014, SEMA established a groundbreaking SEMA Garage Emissions Compliance Center in Southern California. The state-of-the-art facility features high-tech equipment, including a CARB-recognized lab that has helped hundreds of SEMA manufacturers—more than 100 of which have secured 431 CARB Executive Orders (EO) through the SEMA Garage. The Center is currently operating two full shifts, and demand from manufacturers seeking to obtain compliance remains at an all-time high.

To help meet the compliance needs of the $46.2 billion automotive aftermarket parts industry, SEMA recently announced the purchase of a building just outside Detroit that will be used as a second SEMA Garage Emissions Compliance Center. At 45,000-sq.-ft., the Detroit facility is three times the size of the existing SEMA Garage in California and will feature millions of dollars of new OEM-quality tools and equipment, including a CARB-recognized testing lab, as well as an Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) Research and Development Center.

“The SEMA Garage Emissions Compliance Center sets out to remove any mystery or confusion over the rules and regulations related to emissions compliance,” said Mike Spagnola, SEMA vice president of OEM relations and product development. “Since opening the Southern California SEMA Garage seven years ago, automotive aftermarket parts manufacturers have poured through our doors seeking help with the complicated and confusing compliance requirements.”

With the Detroit SEMA Garage opening in early 2022, SEMA will help dramatically more members obtain CARB and EPA compliance, as well as shorten the processing time so that manufacturers remain competitive. Additionally, the Detroit Garage is expected to continue, and increase, the long-standing tradition of collaboration between OEMs and the aftermarket industry for the benefit of the consumer experience.

“The California Air Resources Board applauds SEMA for investing in this second testing and resource facility designed expressly for the performance aftermarket industry,” stated Annette Hebert, California Air Resources Board deputy executive officer. “We appreciate SEMA’s commitment to provide its members with the tools and services needed to ensure that products sold for California vehicles meet our requirements. CARB looks forward to our continued communication and cooperation with SEMA in this important area.”

“I congratulate SEMA for continuing to be a resource for the industry and setting the example for compliance,” said California State Senator Josh Newman (D-Fullerton). “I have visited and continue to support the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, and I am proud that SEMA is opening this new facility, which extends the excellent work done by the folks in Diamond Bar.”

Like the SEMA Garage in Southern California, the Detroit Garage will hire and train staff dedicated solely to helping aftermarket parts manufacturers understand and navigate the emissions-compliance process. Whereas manufacturers previously reported a significant delay to obtain a CARB EO, manufacturers working through the SEMA Garage average about four months.

“While we have made great strides towards reducing emissions from motor vehicles, the aftermarket industry is thriving,” said California State Assembly Member Phillip Chen (R-Yorba Linda). “The new SEMA Compliance Center will help make it possible for the industry—particularly small businesses—to continue to meet California’s stringent air-quality standards and succeed in today’s regulatory environment.”

Although there are a handful of other CARB-recognized test labs throughout the country that offer similar services, many manufacturers choose to go through the SEMA Garage because SEMA offers its members the benefits of aiding with the application process. Annually, SEMA submits more than 200 aftermarket product applications to CARB’s Aftermarket Parts Division, representing approximately 50% of the volume received. By working closely with CARB and EPA throughout the year, SEMA staff are intimately familiar with CARB EO requirements and able to successfully assist manufacturers with the entire process, from application to testing.

“By meeting regularly and communicating openly with regulators, we are able to better understand what their concerns are and develop programs that will ultimately help manufacturers get their products to market faster,” said Spagnola. “We value and appreciate the collaborative relationship we have with CARB and EPA.”

Visit semagarage.com for more.

DEI a Sponsor of 2021 One Lap of America

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AVON LAKE, OH (04.30.2021) – Design Engineering, Inc. is supporting the 2021 Tire Rack One Lap of America presented by Grassroots Motorsports Magazine, a unique weeklong drive-and-race event that covers 3,400 miles.

Piloting some of the world’s most advanced street cars, One Lap participants begin and end the event in South Bend, Indiana, following a circuitous route in between that takes them to facilities as far south as Avondale, Louisiana and then as far east as Summit Point, West Virginia.

Over the eight days of competition, drivers will test their overall skills in a variety of challenges including skid pad, autocross, drag strip, racetrack and highway transit. Teams are self-managed, have no support crews, and must start and finish on the same set of tires.

“We are excited to be a part of this annual historic event,” said Will Farkas, Social Media and Sponsorship Coordinator at DEI. “It really is a true test of endurance and vehicle preparation, and we’ll be offering a discount on our products for all 2021 One Lap of America race teams.”

Participating facilities include Tire Rack, Memphis International Raceway, Eagles Canyon Raceway, Grissom Air Reserve Base, NOLA Motorsports Park, Atlanta Motorsports Park, Lanier Raceplex, Summit Point Motorsports Park and GingerMan Raceway.

The event begins April 30 with driver registration and concludes May 8. Enthusiasts can follow along on Facebook and/or through available livestreams.

Visit designengineering.com and onelapofamerica.com for more.

Metra Electronics Ships New Soundbar Speaker Adapter and RGB Off-Road Fog Lights for Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator

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HOLLY HILL, FL (04.29.2021) – Metra Electronics is expanding its Jeep Accessories line with two new aftermarket products designed to help installers upgrade the sound and lighting systems in Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator models. Metra’s new soundbar speaker adapter and RGB off-road fog lights complement the line’s existing speaker pods and RGB off-road headlights, offering a complete solution for Jeep upgrades.

Jeep owners who are upgrading the sound system now have a solution to retain the factory soundbar and upgrade to larger speakers in 2018-up* Jeep Wrangler JL and 2020-up* Jeep Gladiator models. The JP-1015 is designed to adapt the OEM four-inch speakers and one-inch tweeter to an aftermarket 6.5-inch speaker and optional tweeter. A harness is included along with a mounting plate and cutting template to assist with modifications to the interior material of the soundbar. The soundbar speaker adapter enclosure is made from high-quality ABS plastic and designed to withstand the harsh elements of off-road environments.

Metra’s JP-1014 replacement speaker pods for 2018-up* Jeep Wrangler JL and 2020-up* JeepGladiator models are a recommended accessory to complement the new JP-1015 when upgrading the sound system. This pair of sealed speaker pods replaces the original four-inch speakers located under the driver and passenger dashboard to install a six to 6.75-inch aftermarket speaker. They are constructed with ABS housing that utilizes the factory mounting locations for a secure fit that will heighten the listening experience. The pods were first introduced at SEMA360 and use the factory grommet and wiring, with a Metra speaker adapter harness included.

To add style and visibility to Jeep Wrangler JK, JL, and Gladiator models, the JP-704RGBFL are a set of four-inch RGB backlit halo off-road fog lights designed to match Metra’s existing JP-704RGB seven-inch round off-road headlights**. The polycarbonate lens cover is virtually unbreakable and the lights are built with a die-cast aluminum housing, rated IP67 to withstand harsh weather and off-road environments. The 15 white LEDs have a bright 800-lumen output for each fog light, consuming 30 watts total per light.

The backlight RGB lights have 16 million different color options using the Metra RGB smartphone app*, which will also sync with the JP-704RGB headlights to complete the look. The fog lights are plug-n-play with Metra’s RGB-CB1 controller, which is sold separately and required for operation. Depending on the model or trim leveTl, additional fog light mount brackets may be required for the installation, and installers should see the JP-JFOG or JP-JFOG2 for vehicle-specific details. All of these products are in stock and shipping now.

Visit MetraOnline.com for up-to-date, vehicle specific information.