FULLERTON, CA (01.11.2021) – Vision Tech America, Inc. has announced 2020 BOYO Trophy Award Winners.
Each year, awards are presented to the sales representatives based on their sales performance and quality of service.
The Distinguished BOYO Sales Rep of the Year 2020 was awarded to Joe Pallila of Potomac Sales by DK Chung (on the left).
The Distinguished Sales Rep of the Year 2020 award was presented to Joe Palilla of Potomac Electronics Sales for the three year in a row.
Joe Palilla, acknowledging this award, offered “DK, Thank you for the honor. 2020 was a very challenging year and your leadership, along with BOYO’s continuing introduction of new quality products, made it possible for BOYO to thrive in my Mid-Atlantic territory. Look forward to working with you in 2021 to duplicate our 2020 success. Thank you again and thanks to all at Vision Tech.”
Most Outstanding Sales Rep of the year 2020 awards were presented to Dave Gill of SMS, Inc., John Tatro of Norcal Sales & Marketing, and Jeff Oliver of J&S Marketing.
Congratulation to all award recipients and we look forward to another successful year 2021.
DETROIT, MI (01.08.2021) – In the automotive world, bigger has typically been equated with better. But where that was once measured in the length of a vehicle, the size of its fins, the output of its engine or the overall mass. These days, it seems, the best way for a manufacturer to say “Mine’s bigger” is to point to the video screen on the instrument panel.
It may prove difficult to top what Mercedes-Benz has in store, however, as it prepares to release its new EQS battery car. Essentially an all-electric alternative to the familiar S-Class flagship, and the anchor of the new EQ sub-brand, it will offer as an option the large, subtly curved “Hyperscreen,” a video display panel extending, the company notes, “almost the entire width of the interior, from the left to the right A-pillar.
The sort of feature once found in fantasy-in-chrome concept vehicles, “With our MBUX Hyperscreen a design vision becomes reality,” said Gorden Wagener, chief design officer for the Daimler Group. “We merge technology with design in a fascinating way that offers the customer unprecedented ease of use. We love the simplicity we created with a new level of MBUX.”
The MBUX Hyperscreen stretches from one A-pillar to the other.
For those who haven’t followed the automotive technology race in recent years, automakers have gone from basic infotainment systems relying on kludgy knobs, buttons and touchpads to increasingly sophisticated interfaces that can operate much like the voice assistants revolutionizing home technology. The MBUX is, in basic function, much like Amazon’s Alexa. Simply say, “Hey, Mercedes,” and then ask it to change a radio station, plot out a route, check traffic or weather or find the answer to a question you and your passengers are debating.
The cloud-based system made its debut just a couple years ago in the latest-generation Mercedes C-Class but is now working its way through the rest of the German marque’s line-up. And, it claims, the version that will power the Hyperscreen will be significantly upgraded using artificial intelligence and “learn-capable software” that not only will take instructions, but also intuit personal needs and make its own suggestions.
It might remind you if you forget to make a call that you normally schedule at a particular time. Or it might suggest you turn on the hot stone massage when it’s cold outside and you’re heading out on a long drive. It also might check your calendar and recommend sending someone a greeting on their birthday.
Meanwhile, the massive screen will provide additional advantages. It can be difficult to provide much information on a 6-, 8, or even 10-inch touchscreen, requiring users to navigate through a series of menus to find what they need, such as changing radio stations, canceling a route or even turning on or off the seat heaters. The Hyperscreen will allow for a “zero-layer” feature where pretty much anything you might want will be within immediate reach, especially with the AI-powered system anticipating what you need.
The Hyperscreen is not only very large, it’s impressively versatile.
“The MBUX Hyperscreen is both the brain and nervous system of the car,” said Sajjad Khan, member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz AG and CTO. “The MBUX Hyperscreen continually gets to know the customer better and delivers a tailored, personalized infotainment and operating offerings without the occupant needing to click or scroll anywhere.”
As with the large display in the current version of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, the Hyperscreen actually blends together multiple screens but does so all but seamlessly, the automaker noted in a release. It uses the latest OLED display technology to deliver extreme levels of brightness and contrast.
The Hyperscreen is organic in appearance, rather than the boxy layout found in most vehicles, meaning it wraps around the center stack and steering wheel and even two of the EV’s turbine-like air vents.
Mercedes is by no means the only automaker betting that consumers want ever bigger screens. Tesla loaded a laptop-sized display in its original Model S and, today, similar screens are used to control virtually all vehicle functions. Ford’s new Mustang Mach-E has its own computer-sized display and, as TheDetroitBureau.com reported earlier this week, spy shots show a near door-to-door display in what may be a new crossover-style remake of the Ford Fusion. The curved display in Cadillac’s new Escalade SUV measures nearly three feet.
NEW YORK, NY (01.08.2021) – SportsGrid and SiriusXM announced today the launch of the SportsGrid Radio Channel debuting on SiriusXM radios and the SiriusXM app on Channel 204. SiriusXM subscribers nationwide will have access to SportsGrid’s real-time sports news, statistics, odds, and lines, along with live expert analysis. The SportsGrid Radio channel will be available to SiriusXM subscribers 24 hours a day 7 days a week on SiriusXM radios (channel 204) in their cars or anywhere with the SiriusXM app.
SportsGrid Radio will feature a team of on-air personalities including Scott Ferrall, Gabe Morency, Ariel Epstein, and Jared Smith along with expert contributors and guest analysts. The channel streams live from the state-of-the-art production facilities located in New York City adjacent to Madison Square Garden and at the Meadowlands inside the FanDuel Sportsbook. SportsGrid’s real-time reporting includes the daily odds, lines, matchups, injury reports, news and more across pro football, basketball, baseball, hockey, college sports, golf, tennis, and soccer.
The all original SportsGrid Radio weekday line-up has 22-hours of live daily programming starting with The Early Line, weekdays from 7-9 AM ET, hosted by Erin Dolan and Kevin Walsh leading into The Morning After, weekdays from 9 AM – 12 Noon ET, hosted by the passionate and authentic Ariel Epstein and Jared Smith. The high energy topic-driven three-hour morning program covers the top sports stories of the day with the daily rundown of the Scores • Stats • Odds • News • Injury Updates • Interviews and more.
SportsGrid’s pre-game programming features Ferrall Coast to Coast, weekdays from 4-6 PM ET, hosted by popular veteran sports radio personality Scott Ferrall, followed by Game Time Decisions, weekdays from 6-7 PM ET, with Gabe Morency and Cam Stewart. Ferrall Coast to Coast previews the upcoming primetime schedule of live games and special events going over breaking news, injuries, odds, and lines. Game Time Decisions reviews last-minute updates, real-time data and intelligence with expert commentary and analysis.
Every night from 7-10 PM ET, In Play Sports Tonight hosted by Blackjack Fletcher defines the sports gaming genre with live coverage and analysis of in-play breaking news, odds, and the line movement across all major sports. In-Play Sports Tonight focuses on the popularity and emergence of in-play gaming identifying actionable game-specific odds and lines opportunities.
RINGWOOD, IL (01.07.2021) – Alan Wojtas is already on the road to present the race board lighting line to dealers. He is pictured at CJ Sounds in Katy Texas, Race Sport Lighting catalog in hand, on Wednesday, January 6th… the day after the announcement. Wojtas will cover the states of Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Arkansas.
Alan Wojtas is already on the road to present the race board lighting line to dealers. He is pictured at CJ Sounds in Katy Texas, Race Sport Lighting catalog in hand, on Wednesday, January 6th…the day after the announcement. Wojtas will cover the states of Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Arkansas.
Race Sport Lighting has announced that Alan Wotjas from Alan Wotjas Associates has been named as their Manufacturer Rep Firm for the Southwest territory, which covers Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Arkansas. Alan Wotjas Associates will oversee managing the current Race Sport Lighting business already established in the territory, as well as growing the company’s footprint in the territory with more dealers and increased distribution in the Mobile Electronics Industry. Alan begins introducing the line to his ever-growing dealer base effective immediately in January 2021.
Steve Jergensen, RSL President stated, “We are so excited to have Alan Wotjas join our team in the Southwest Territory! Alan has many years of experience and great relationships with hundreds of accounts in his territory. We like MFG rep firms that only have a few lines, and focus heavily on those lines, and Alan fits that bill perfectly. Race Sport Lighting is excited to get Alan up and running immediately to promote and train the dealers in the territory.”
Alan Wotjas, Principal of Alan Wotjas Associates stated, “Race Sport Lighting is the perfect addition for our firm and the lighting category. We will be focusing this NEW brand with a strategic mix of distributors and direct dealer accounts that will maximize their footprint in the territory. We have always had a very focused mix of lines, so the dealers and the factories get the best efforts from our firm. Dealers need to embrace new categories within the 12volt marketplace and a direct lighting specialist like Race Sport Lighting is the best partner to have on their shelves.”
DIAMOND BAR, CA (01.07.2021) – SEMA is now accepting applications for the 2021 SEMA Memorial Scholarship and Loan Forgiveness Program at www.sema.org/scholarships. Scholarships are available to students pursuing a degree or certification that leads to a career in the automotive industry, and loan forgiveness is available to employees of SEMA-member companies.
Current students and recent graduates who are paying off student loans may now apply for the 2021 SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund, which helps support the future leaders of the automotive aftermarket industry.
“It’s no secret that this past year has had its challenges. Now more than ever, SEMA is available to help support future industry innovators by providing financial assistance to current students and recent graduates who have outstanding student debt,” said SEMA Senior Manager of Professional Development Gary Vigil. “There are thousands of talented, hard-working individuals seeking careers in the automotive aftermarket. The SEMA Scholarship is designed to support this next generation and allow them to focus on their studies and work, rather than be burdened with tuition costs. The Loan Forgiveness program is intended to provide financial assistance to employees of SEMA member companies with outstanding student loans.”
Awards of up to $5,000 are available to qualified individuals. Complete details and the online application are available until March 1, 2021, at www.sema.org/scholarships.
For more information, contact SEMA Project Manager, Member Services Byron Bergmann at 909-378-4859 or byronb@sema.org.
METAIRIE, LA (01.06.2021) – Oracle Lighting has announced the promotion of Melissa Parker-Boudreaux to national sales manager. Parker-Boudreaux will be responsible for leading Oracle Lighting’s inside and outside sales teams and managing upper-level distribution accounts.
“We are pleased to welcome Melissa to her new position and look forward to her success in guiding our continued growth as we close out another record-setting year,” said Tiffanie Hartenstein, CEO of Oracle Lighting. “Pairing her dedicated experience with the company and our focus on innovation, we are confident that this positioning will be an integral part of reaching the ambitious goals we have set for our future.”
Melissa Parker-Boudreaux
Parker-Boudreaux recently celebrated 10 years with ORACLE Lighting, during which she rose through administrative and supervisory sales roles.
“Moving into this new position, I see a tremendous opportunity to continue growing key markets and look forward to building higher-quality relationships with current and future customers,” said Parker-Boudreaux. “Supporting our internal team and external representatives, I will focus on driving revenue growth as well as promoting brand awareness and improving the overall customer experience.”
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.
MIAMI GARDENS, FL (01.06.21) – Versatility at its best, the DS18 EN6SLIM 6.5” weatherproof speaker enclosures can be mounted to any hard surface! The options are virtually unlimited!
Need more speakers in a vehicle? How about multiple speakers for an outside patio or inside home entertainment system? The new EN6SLIM slim speakers with enclosures are small, weatherproof, and can be easily mounted just about anywhere people want some extra sound… or can be easily be used as your main stage of sound.
The EN6SLIM models are available in white or black and both come with RGB lighting to set the mood. The speakers are 4 ohm voice coils and take 25 watts RMS each which will undoubtable produce high fidelity sound for listeners when ever and where ever needed.
SANTA FE SPRINGS, CA (01.05.2021) – Accele Electronics has announced a new flagship to their industry leading array of Rear Seat Entertainment solutions for Expeditors, Van Converters and 12 Volt Specialists. The Accele AXFA22HDMI 22” Flipdown DVD Monitor is the industry’s largest HD Monitor featuring both HDMI and DVD built-in. Installers will welcome that it’s enclosed in an attractive slim housing to integrate nicely in vehicle’s interiors. Passengers will have access to all their media in one device and will no longer ask, “Are We There Yet?”
The AXFA22HDMI is not just large, it’s loaded with functionality and a “stunning” 1080P HD LCD Panel that will captivate viewers in any video format. The slot loading DVD player is compatible with all popular formats and all functions are accessible from the included wireless remote control.
These products join Accele’s already formidable lineup of Rear Seat Entertainment products including the VOD10 Video On Demand system with WiFi and Dual 10” Monitors and the DVD9850 with Built In Multimedia Player and High Res 9” Screen, both designed for quick back of seat installation without interfering with existing Passenger Restraint Systems. Accele has a complete lineup of Video solutions and accessories for Commercial, Industrial and Passenger vehicle use.
The AXFA22HDMI will be available January 12th pre-orders are currently being taken, contact your Accele Sales Representative.
DETROIT, MI (01.05.2021) – Carmakers are scrambling to get electric vehicles out to consumers.
They are also working on simple solutions to deal with one of the drags on EV sales – keeping them charged. Volkswagen Group has developed a robot charger that moves from vehicle to vehicle to perform that exact task.
Volkswagen unveiled the prototype, which looks like a cross between metal trash can and R2D2 from Star Wars, this week. Describing it as a possible concept that could be used to expand the charging infrastructure, which is still inadequate in most parts of the world. Auto executives from a variety of companies have said they believe expanding the charging infrastructure is a critical factor in boosting sales of EVs.
Volkswagen developed a robot that can pull a mobile charging station and “juice up” an EV.
“A ubiquitous charging infrastructure is, and remains, a key factor in the success of electric mobility. Our charging robot is just one of several approaches, but is undoubtedly one of the most visionary,” said Thomas Schmall, CEO of Volkswagen Group Components.
Volkswagen executives suggest the charging robot could operate in parking garages or other defined areas where vehicles are parked regularly.
VW’s prototype robot looks like a cross between a metal trash can and R2D2 from Star Wars.
The robot operates autonomously, and it is activated by a smart phone. It finds the vehicle needing a charge and communicates with it, opening the charging socket flap to connect the plug and decouple it when charging is complete.
The robot also can charge multiple vehicles simultaneously by hauling a portable charger or chargers to each vehicle from a central station. When the charging is completed, the robot tows the portable chargers back to the central station.
LEWES, DE (01.04.2021) – Sound FX Automotive has acquired Get Frogged Customs, a vehicle customization sales and service center in Millsboro. The acquisition allows Sound FX to grow its dealership services division and expand its market share throughout the Delmarva Peninsula.
As part of the acquisition, Sound FX will continue to service existing Get Frogged Customs clients and dealerships under the Sound FX brand. The assets of Get Frogged Customs will transfer to the Sound FX facilities in Lewes and Bridgeville, Del., and its associates will be welcomed into the Sound FX family.
Brian Layton, president of Sound FX
Founded in 1992, Sound FX has grown from an aftermarket mobile electronics retailer to two full-service vehicle personalization facilities employing more than 45 dedicated staff members. The company targets customer and client needs with divisions that specialize in dealership fulfillment, commercial upfitting, law enforcement support, vehicle styling through its TomKat GraFX brand, and premium vehicle customization through its Musaic brand.
Started by the Preston Automotive Group, Get Frogged Customs opened in 2017 and quickly tapped into the demand for vehicle personalization in Millsboro and surrounding communities. Focusing on the dealership group’s customers as well as local consumers, its offerings included car electronics, style enhancement, commercial utility and performance products. With the acquisition, the Get Frogged Customs facility will be renovated and reincorporated into the dealership group as Millsboro Jeep.
“We are extremely pleased to complete the acquisition,” said Brian Layton, president of Sound FX. “Like Sound FX, Get Frogged Customs was built on the idea that vehicle owners can experience a complete driving experience through personalization. We anticipate a smooth integration as both companies offer similar services throughout the area, and we are happy to keep their staff of four hardworking individuals employed, especially during these uncertain times. The goal of myself and our team is to build on the success the company generated and welcome its customers into the Sound FX family.”
“I am excited about the Get Frogged Customs merger with Sound FX,” said David Wilson Jr., president and CEO of Preston Automotive Group. “With two convenient locations in Bridgeville and Lewes, Brian Layton and his team can serve our Preston Automotive Group customers. I have always been impressed with Sound FX’s commitment to superior customer service and follow up. Under Brian’s leadership, I know our customers will receive great service and selection.”
For more information, call (800) 454-AUDIO or visit sound-fx.net.
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