Industry

SiriusXM, Pandora, and Stitcher Advertising Organizations Unite as SXM Media

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NEW YORK, NY (05.11.2021) – Sirius XM Holdings Inc. has announced that it is establishing a new combined advertising sales organization spanning its SiriusXM, Pandora, and Stitcher audio entertainment platforms and services. The new group, which will operate under the name SXM Media, will create a unified sales team, powering the audio advertising experience across its three iconic listening platforms, which represent the best in live radio, streaming music, and podcasting. With a reach of 150 million listeners, SXM Media gives brands, creators, and publishers access to the largest digital audio advertising platform in North America.

SXM Media will serve as a central representative for brands of all sizes to plan, produce, manage, and measure effective digital audio advertising across SiriusXM, Pandora, and Stitcher. SXM Media will also serve as the exclusive advertising and sales representative for other platforms and podcasters, including major entities such as SoundCloud (exclusive U.S. advertising representative) and the NBCUniversal News Group (exclusive advertising representative for NBC News and MSNBC podcasts, with additional sales rights to CNBC podcasts). The re-branding of SXM Media will be discussed during a joint presentation by Pandora and Stitcher at tomorrow’s Interactive Advertising Bureau’s Podcast Upfront 2021.

“SiriusXM, Pandora, and Stitcher are each powerful brands, but bringing them together under the SXM Media umbrella bolsters our position as the premier audio entertainment leader and the largest digital audio advertising platform in North America,” said Jennifer Witz, CEO of SiriusXM. “SXM Media is driven by a world-class combined salesforce of digital and broadcast media pros working across music, talk, and podcasts who create unique new opportunities in the marketplace.” 

SXM Media is powered by its cross-platform sales team and a unique ad tech stack that leverages the services and technologies of SiriusXM-owned audio ad platforms AdsWizz and Simplecast, as well as leading podcast advertising network Midroll, to support publishing, distribution, analytics, ad format innovation, and monetization for marketers, creators, and publishers. 

These capabilities, along with SXM Media’s in-house creative consultancy, Studio Resonate, will help connect brands with an unrivaled array of ad technology solutions, exclusive programming, proprietary research, bespoke creative and production solutions, live and virtual events, and millions of engaged listeners. 

“Audio is experiencing a renaissance with a boom in premium content, spikes in listening, and innovative ad tech fueling the industry, and our powerful portfolio of brands puts us at the forefront of this moment,” said John Trimble, Chief Advertising Revenue Officer at SiriusXM. “We’ve combined the unique strengths of SiriusXM, Pandora, and Stitcher – along with our innovative ad tech platforms – to unlock connections between brands, creators, and listeners. Our platforms and content providers bring premier content that captivates the largest audio audience in North America, creates personalized audio ad experiences through diverse voices, and drives results for our advertisers. SXM Media will bring brands effective audio advertising solutions and scale across the leaders in music, talk, and podcasts, without sacrificing the intimate listener experience that is at the heart of everything we do.”

Visit siriusxm.com for more.

Elettromedia Welcomes Ken Ward as International Technical Marketing Manager

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(05.10.2021) – Elettromedia Srl (Italy) has announced that a 35-year veteran of the car audio industry has joined their company on May 1st as International Technical Marketing Manager.

Kenneth Ward, founder of Educar Training, and mobile electronics product marketing veteran, will be based in Portland, OR. He will be responsible for advanced technical support, deliver trainings to Elettromedia dealers, as well as develop marketing content. He will also work closely with the Elettromedia R&D team in Italy in developing and validating new products, especially for vehicles specific to North America.

Ken Ward pictured in the Educar offices in Beaverton, OR.

“We started working with Kenneth Ward in 2018 providing training for dealers, and we have been very pleased with his ability to show dealers ways to use our technologies to profitably deliver great sound. We are glad to finally bring him into the Elettromedia family,” said Leonardo Falcetelli, Commercial and Marketing Director for Elettromedia.

Ward commented, “A few years back, I was fortunate to be asked to train Elettromedia dealers in North America, and I’ve been impressed with the company’s commitment to high fidelity sound in cars. Anyone who visits the Elettromedia facility in Italy will be impressed by the number of innovations they’ve pioneered over the years. I am excited to help show dealers how to use these technical advances in their day-to-day business. Educar will continue on at the same time, as we believe this is the right way to stay in touch with the market. This is an exciting opportunity.”

Visit elettromedia-usa.com for more.

Cerwin Vega Now at Sylvester Electronics

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CUMBERLAND, RI (05.10.2021) – In stock now at Sylvester Electronics we have the XED line of speakers, the PRO MOBILE line of tweeters, Cerwin Vega MOBILE and STROKER lines of full range speakers and amplifiers in both the MINI and Cerwin Vega MOBILE lines.

Tom Sylvester (L) and Taha Mtaallah pictured with a few new Cerwin Vega products now in stock at Sylvester Electronics.

Sylvester Electronics is excited to announce we are now carrying Cerwin Vega. A leader in the 12 volt industry since 1954, Cerwin Vega offers some of the top brands of Speakers, Subwoofers, Tweeters, Amplifiers, and other automotive electronics in the marketplace,” commented Tom Sylvester, Sylvester Electronics GM.

Since 1976 Sylvester Electronics has been servicing the New England area with a mission to help the 12 volt shop and installer bring high quality Audio, Security, and Safety to the 12 Volt industry. Please contact us at 1-800-225-5568 for any questions or if you wish to become an authorized 12 volt dealer.

Visit cerwinvega.com and sylves.com for more.

2021 SEMA Hall of Fame Inductees Announced

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Jessi Combs, Rick Love, Bob Moore, and Carl Schiefer will be honored as new SEMA Hall of Fame members during the 2021 SEMA Installation & Gala on July 30.

DIAMOND BAR, CA (05.07.2021) – Four dedicated individuals who contributed to and have had an impactful influence on the automotive specialty equipment industry are being honored as new SEMA Hall of Fame members. They will join an elite group of icons who comprise the SEMA Hall of Fame, as they are officially inducted at the SEMA Installation & Gala on July 30 in Las Vegas, Nev.

The four newest SEMA Hall of Fame members are Jessi Combs, Rick Love, Bob Moore, and Carl Schiefer.

Jessi Combs

Jessi Combs: Jessi Combs built an accomplished career in the automotive industry as the host of several television programs, founder of a variety of businesses, and an accomplished fabricator and racecar driver. With an infectious passion and youthful enthusiasm for the industry, Combs served as a host for many SEMA events, including the SEMA Installation & Gala and the SEMA Awards Banquet at the SEMA Show. As a lead in the historic 2012 SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) All-Female Ford Mustang Build, Combs served as a role-model for women in the industry and continued to inspire women through the launch of The Real Deal, a collaboration with fellow SBN member Theresa Contreras designed to inspire confidence, break stereotypes, and motivate other women to pursue their passions. In 2019, Combs set a land speed record for women, 522.783 mph, on a dry lake bed in Oregon – a feat that resulted in an accident that led to her untimely death at the age of 39.

Rick Love

Rick Love: While freelancing as a writer/photographer for Rodder’s Digest magazine in 1982, Rick Love created a home workshop and leaned on his electronics degree to do wiring and air conditioning installations for other hot rodders. It was this A/C work that caught the attention of SEMA Hall of Famer and founder of Vintage Air Jack Chisenhall. Chisenhall asked Love to assist the company at rodding events, and continued to promote him over the years to his current position of president, in charge of overseeing the day-to-day operations of the entire company. Despite his busy schedule at Vintage Air, Love never wavers to volunteer his time, expertise, and energy to helping the industry. As a true car guy, he advocates for the industry. Having served multiple terms as chairman of the SEMA Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA), Love is an ambassador for SEMA and constantly recruits and encourages businesses to get involved.

Bob Moore

Bob Moore: Bob Moore appropriately authored a monthly column in Aftermarket Business magazine titled “Ahead of the Curve.” As electronic catalogs evolved and the Internet began to dominate the way consumers researched and purchased products in the early 2000s, Moore was a pioneer in establishing standards for product data in the automotive aftermarket. As a SEMA Board Member and the co-founder and chairman of the SEMA Business Technology Committee (which has evolved to what is now the SEMA Data Co-op), Moore was instrumental in creating standardized data for the specialty-equipment industry. He spent years scrutinizing the specialty-equipment industry’s needs to determine the attributes that consumers look for that will help businesses sell more products, resulting in the first-ever one-stop product information data pool. Moore was awarded the 2010 SEMA Chairman’s Service Award from then-Chairman of the Board Rick Rollins, who noted, “We are fortunate to have someone with his leadership and determination driving some of our industry’s most critical initiatives.”

Carl Schiefer

Carl Schiefer: As the son of the first SEMA Hall of Fame recipient Paul Scheifer, Carl Schiefer built a legacy of his own by founding one of the first marketing agencies dedicated to automotive brands. Schiefer Media was created in 1985 as an enthusiast media agency with an original focus on automotive aftermarket and related enthusiast categories. With an impressive list of clients, including Edelbrock, Mother’s, Bilstein, and Royal Purple, Scheifer Media was instrumental in bringing motorsports brands to the mainstream public. He initiated advertising for automotive brands on television – a practice that may seem standard today, but was unusual at the time and significantly expanded market reach to a nationwide audience. Perhaps what sets Carl apart from other marketers is his passion for the industry; Carl raced Top Gas and Top Fuel dragsters amongst the greats, including Don Garlits, Tommy Ivo, and the Smothers Brothers. Although retired from Schiefer Media, the agency continues to operate as SCS, with Carl’s son James as CEO.

In addition to formally introducing Combs, Love, Moore, and Schiefer as SEMA Hall of Fame members during the 2021 SEMA Installation & Gala, the annual event on July 30 will include recognitions of the newly elected and the outgoing SEMA Board members.

All SEMA members and industry professionals are invited to join the celebration and can purchase tickets at www.sema.org/gala.

Cadence Sound Announces April Giveaway Winner

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CITY OF INDUSTRY, CA (05.07.2021) – Cadence Sound loves to stay connected with our audio community. We understand that due to Covid-19, some of our customers have been affected financially. We decided to do several giveaways so that Cadence aficionados can still enjoy their passions without worry.

Our April Giveaway winner is Shane, in Michigan. Shane won a pair of Cadence Ultra Shock Subwoofers. Shane loves to build enclosures and show off his skills on his Instagram. Be sure to check it out! He plans to build an enclosure with his new Cadence subs and give it to his brother as a 16th birthday gift! His brother will definitely be showing off at school.

“To enter our next giveaway, make sure to follow us on Social Media so you can see when the next giveaway happens!”

Visit cadencesound.com for more.

2021 SEMA Show Registration Now Open

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DIAMOND BAR, CA (05.06.2021) – Registration for the 2021 SEMA Show, scheduled for Nov. 2-5 at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nev., is now open at www.semashow.com/register.

The premier gathering for the automotive specialty equipment industry, the 2021 SEMA Show already has more than 1,500 companies confirmed to exhibit and many more expected before the event takes place in November. Exhibitors include major automakers and small businesses, as well as iconic aftermarket manufacturers who are enhancing their booths to heighten their presence at what will be the first industry-wide in-person gathering for the $46.2 billion specialty automotive industry in nearly two years.

“Given the restrictions our industry has endured the last year, pent-up demand for the SEMA Show is at an all-time high,” said Tom Gattuso, SEMA vice president of events. “More so than other years, the 2021 SEMA Show will be fundamental in helping industry professionals grow existing relationships, create new ones, and push their businesses forward.”

Registration for the 2021 SEMA Show, the premier gathering for the automotive specialty equipment industry, is now open at www.semashow.com/register.

Attendees at the 2021 SEMA Show will witness firsthand nearly two year’s worth of innovation, technology, and new products from manufacturers, as they showcase products, debut vehicles, conduct demonstrations, and prepare to do business throughout all four halls of the 3.2-million-square-foot Las Vegas Convention Center.

“We are ready to get back to SEMA and connect with our customers this fall,” said Michael Hamrick, Wilwood Disc Brakes events and promotions manager. “Everyone at Wilwood Disc Brakes is putting their best foot forward to have a great event and catch up with our customers. We have quite a few new products to unveil, and SEMA is the place to do it.”

With the entire Convention Center in use, the SEMA Show floor will be designed to improve traffic flow and make navigating the event simple and easy. The 2021 SEMA Show floorplan will begin to take shape during the annual Priority Space Selection process June 7-23. Companies that submit booth space applications before May 7 will participate in the weeks-long process to determine their booth location on the Las Vegas Convention Center. Attendees will also be able to sign up for educational seminars featuring industry experts, and networking events that bring market niches together.

“We’re excited to already be working with the more than 1,500 companies that have committed to exhibit at this year’s SEMA Show, and we expect hundreds more to reserve booth space before May 7,” said Gattuso. “We encourage attendees to register early so they can secure their credentials and receive updates on breaking news from what will be an amazing event.”

Registration for the 2021 SEMA Show is offered in three categories – attendee, exhibitor, and media – and everyone must qualify to receive a badge and attend. For more information about qualifying documents and the 2021 SEMA Show, log on to www.semashow.com.

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.