Industry

SEMA Industry Indicators: U.S. Economy Continues to Recover, But Growth is Slowing

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LONG BEACH, CA (12.24.2020) – The end of 2020 is finally here. While the economy continues to recover, growth is slowing as COVID-19 cases rise across the country. There is still significant uncertainty moving into 2021 that makes it difficult to predict the long-term economic outlook, but there is optimism as vaccines are beginning to roll out.

A key bright spot in the economic recovery has been the auto sector, which has outpaced many other industries. Overall, the auto industry has brought nearly 80% of the jobs it has lost over the last year.

Want more information on the trends affecting the specialty-equipment industry? Check out the “SEMA Industry Indicators” report each month to learn how movements in the broader economy may impact your business strategy. In this report, published monthly, you’ll find:

  • Overall Economic Outlook
  • New Vehicle Sales and Statistics on Auto Parts Production
  • Consumer Sentiment and Spending
  • Economic Growth and Unemployment
  • Other Important Industry Insights

Download the December “SEMA Industry Indicators” report for free today at www.sema.org/research.

Article written by Kyle Cheng

Metra Shipping New Kits for Mitsubishi, Mini, and Universal Mount for Pioneer

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HOLLY HILL, FL (12.23.2020) – Metra Electronics has a universal floating mount kit and three new dash kits now available. These dash kits were introduced at SEMA360 and are now in stock.

The 107-UN02 is a universal floating mount engineered exclusively for the Pioneer Modular Solutions DMH-C2500NEX and DMH-C2500NEX 6.8-inch touchscreen in-dash receivers*. The 107-UN02 is designed to “float” the modular Pioneer touchscreen display panel in front of a vehicle’s original radio location using a series of included brackets, plus provide the ability to easily mount the Pioneer hide-away chassis into the radio/pocket location of more than 250 existing Metra Double-DIN kits for 1990 to current vehicle applications. This patent-pending solution completely encases the touchscreen display panel and works similar to Metra’s existing 108-UN02 and 109-UN02 floating mount kits for Pioneer. A vehicle-specific Double-DIN Metra dash kit, sold separately, is required for use with the 107-UN02.

Two new dash kits for 2011-2016 Mini Countryman and Mini Paceman models without the factory navigation are also in stock and shipping. The 107-MI1 is designed specifically for the 6.8-inch modular Pioneer receivers, the DMH-C2550NEX and DMH-C2500NEX*. 

The 108-MI1 is designed specifically for the Pioneer 8-inch DMH-C550NEX modular receiver*. Since there is limited space within the vehicle’s dashboard that is too small to fit a standard Double-DIN radio, Metra has solved this obstacle by utilizing the same design from the 107-UN02 to “float” the Pioneer touchscreen in the factory radio location. Both kits include a blank-out for the factory radio controls that are removed from the upper panel and have a patent-pending design. The high polished processing on these kits provides a look that’s similar to both the aftermarket radio and the vehicle’s factory finish.

Also available from Metra is the 95-7020 dash kit. This kit is for an ISO Double-DIN radio provision and designed to fit 2018-2020 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross ES models. It has high polished processing to give a gloss plastic look to match both the aftermarket radio and factory finish.

Visit MetraOnline.com for more.

Team DEI 2021 Sponsorship Program Now Accepting Applications

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AVON LAKE, OH (12.23.2020) – Racers, car builders and project vehicle creators looking for a leg up on the competition can apply to be part of the Team DEI 2021 Sponsorship Program.

Design Engineering, Inc. offers products and support to all corners of the automotive aftermarket, from motorsports competitors to custom car creators. Rewarding quality and performance, Team DEI members over the years have included Street Machine and Hot Rod of the Year honorees, Barrett-Jackson Cup winners, national and international driver and rider champions, and world-class builders.

“Team DEI isn’t just a sponsorship – it’s an elite group of the best of the best,” said Will Farkas, Sponsorship Coordinator for DEI. “Our heat and sound control products are second-to-none, and we are always looking for quality builders, top race teams and exciting vehicles to sponsor.”

What does a Team DEI Sponsorship mean for you?

  • The highest-quality products for improved performance
  • High-profile coverage through DEI’s social media & marketing outlets
  • Elite partnership opportunities, with full product & technical support

In return, sponsored partners will be expected to showcase the performance and quality of DEI products, help to increase brand awareness and loyalty, and provide high-quality content for the company’s marketing initiatives.

Getting started is easy. Applicants are asked to fill out an application form and email it to sponsorship@designengineering.com with all necessary supporting documentation.

More information on the Team DEI 2021 Sponsorship Program and a link to the application is available at designengineering.com/join-team-dei/

Alpine Electronics Now Shipping the Alpine Halo11 11” Multimedia Receiver

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AUBURN HILLS, MI (12.22.2020)  – Alpine Electronics of America, Inc. is now shipping the iLX-F411 Alpine Halo11 Multimedia Receiver with an 11-inch floating touchscreen display. The Alpine Halo11 is the culmination of the Alpine Halo platform.

The Largest Display on the Market
Since the first Alpine Halo9 iLX-F309 display in 2018, the Alpine Halo display platform has made waves in the industry for its oversized screen, “floating” display, and versatile installation. The sleek, tapered edges outlined in silver trim, along with the smartphone integration technology, modernizes the technology in any dash that can house a single-DIN receiver.

Not resting on their laurels, Alpine Electronics decided to go big in 2020 and create the largest aftermarket display on the market with the 11-inch iLX-F411 Alpine Halo11 Multimedia Receiver. The 11-inch display has 49% more surface area than the 9-inch display, with larger icons and a user experience that replicates a smartphone.

While the iLX-F411 is larger, the display still maintains the same versatility as the other Alpine Halo displays with a mount that allows the display to be positioned in such a way that it won’t block HVAC controls.

The Best of the Alpine Halo Platform
When it comes to customer needs, Alpine keeps its finger on the pulse. The iLX-F411 is the culmination of everything customers love about the Alpine Halo platform, including three customizable home screens, media expandability with HDMI connectivity, and iDatalink Maestro Module compatibility.

Features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and built-in Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming allow access to music, texts, phone calls, and maps on a smartphone via USB or smartphone connection and controlled through touch or voice commands with the included external microphone.

SiriusXM Radio is available with an optional tuner and paid subscription for even more music and entertainment.

System Compatibility
Upgrading dash technology can often result in a loss of factory controls, like steering wheel controls and access to engine codes. The iLX-F411 is compatible with the iDatalink Maestro Module (sold separately) so vehicle information is retained and displayed on the large, 11-inch screen.

A reverse RCA camera input is included to add a rearview camera (sold separately) that overlays guidelines onto the camera image when in reverse. More cameras can be added with the KCX-C2600B Universal Front and Rear Camera Selector (sold separately).

While the iLX-F411 is mech-less (no CD/DVD player) an HDMI input and output is included to connect a CD, DVD player, or even a smartphone for an all-digital audio and video connection through a single cable.

Also new to the Alpine Halo platform is the KTX-HF11 Anti-Reflective Screen Protector, designed to shield the iLX-F411 from oils and dirt that can come from fingerprints. The KTX-HF11 is designed to follow the curves of the screen for a direct fit that keeps the screen looking new.

The iLX-F411 and KTX-HF11 are now shipping for $999.95 and $29.95, respectively, and will be available at Alpine Authorized retailers or online at www.alpine-usa.com through Crutchfield. Installation options can be found on the Alpine-USA website through the store locator.

Oracle Lighting Announces New Ford Mustang Dynamic ColorSHIFT Headlight DRL Halo Kit

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METAIRE, LA (12.22.2020) – Oracle Lighting has launched its new Dynamic ColorSHIFT™ Halo Kit with DRL Upgrade (p/n 1446-332) for 2018-21 model year Ford Mustangs. Now available with an MSRP of $299.99, the kit includes unique standard features such as sequential FLOW turn signals, true white DRL mode, and smartphone control all in one package.

“Dynamic ColorSHIFT LEDs are individually addressable which unlock some very unique programming opportunities for these lights,” explained Justin Hartenstein, Oracle Lighting director of development. “The Dynamic features allow the user to run multiple moving color patterns through the LEDs, creating a vivid eye-catching lighting effect. The color-changing motion flow effects are conveniently controlled through a free smartphone app, and the system features more than 200 pre-programmed moving patterns as well as static color control and color wheel.”

The integrated controller features both DRL and turn indicator inputs. The switchback LED indicator features Oracle Lighting’s exclusive Dynamic FLOW turn signal effect. The white DRL trigger automatically switches the LEDs to pure white when the vehicle is started.

The kit includes:

  • (6) Dynamic DRL Circuit Boards
  • (2) Dynamic Projector Halo Rings
  • Bluetooth Multi-function Controller

“This kit includes everything you need to convert your existing headlights to have these unique dynamic lighting features,” added Hartenstein. “Oracle Lighting also plans to release a complete set of replacement headlights with these same dynamic features early in 2021.”

Having celebrated its 20-year anniversary in 2019, Metairie, LA-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.

New Heise LED Light Mounts and Municipality Series Replacement Strobe Lights Now Shipping

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HOLLY HILL, FL (12.21.2020) – Heise LED Lighting Systems by Metra Electronics is now shipping two new universal light mounts that require no drilling, a fog light replacement mount for Ford Raptor, in addition to three new replacement strobe lights from their Municipality Series kits. These lights and accessories were first showcased at SEMA360 and are available now.

Lighting Mounts

An ultra-strong magnetic mount, the HE-UVMM, is a universal mount for adding aftermarket lights without drilling holes into the vehicle. The mount is sold as a pair, which can mount one light per bracket or a single lightbar using the set of two brackets. This mount is ideal for adding Heise LED lights to the top of the vehicle and is strong enough to hold a lightbar or two single lights in place. For the hood of a vehicle, Heise has introduced the HE-UVHM, a no-drill compression mount. It features rubber pads built-into the bracket to protect the vehicle’s paint and clamps into place on the hood. The mounts are sold as a pair and can mount one light per bracket or a single slim lightbar using the set. Both of these new mounts are ideal for adding Heise LED lights when drilling holes into the vehicle isn’t an option.

To add cube-style LED lights to the fog light location of 2017-up* Ford Raptor trucks, the new HE-FDBK13 mounts to the OE fog light location. This mount can fit up to three cube style lights per side for a total of six cube lights in the front. These are constructed with heavy gauge steel and a black powder coating for extra durability. Mounting hardware is included with the HE-FDBK13.

Municipality Series Replacement Lights

Expanding upon its safety lights for commercial vehicles and heavy equipment, Heise has introduced replacement lights that fit into their existing strobe lighting kits that can be purchased separately. Previously, the lights were only available as a four-piece set with the controller and hardware. Now, installers can purchase two-piece strobe light sets in amber (HE-MUSTR-G2A) and white (HE-MUSTR-G2W). These sets include the hardware and harnesses and are used with the existing HE-MUSTR-GRW or HE-MUSTR-GRA controllers, which are sold separately as kits.

Heise’s four-piece white strobe light kit, the HE-MUSTR-W, now has the replacement strobe light bulbs available separately as the HE-MUSTR-S1W. These white bulbs feature eight one-watt LEDs, are rated IP65, and now available individually. The full line of Municipality Series safety lights can be seen online at HeiseLED.com and a video introducing all of these products, including the mounts, is available at https://youtu.be/wtvouTaTU-Q from Metra’s YouTube channel.

Visit HeiseLED.com for more.

SEMA “She Is” Spotlight: Oracle Lighting’s CEO Tiffanie Hartenstein on Growing a Successful Business

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The SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) named Tiffanie Hartenstein as this week’s #SheIsSEMA Spotlight Member. Hartenstein is the CEO of Oracle Lighting, which manufactures designer lighting products and technologies for the automotive powersports, motorcycle and marine markets.

SEMA: What is most challenging part of running your business or job?

TH: Keeping our teams motivated and communication flowing throughout all departments. We are lucky to have top-notch staff this year, which makes it a bit easier. Keeping our team’s morale high is key to providing the best service possible to our customers.

SEMA: How many years have you been in the industry and what was your first industry job?

TH: This was my first industry job. Our business was very small when it started so there were no titles. My husband, who founded Oracle Lighting, and I wore all the hats. We were sales, shipping, customer service, marketing, product development, all at once, between the two of us. Thankfully now we have a large and talented team of people who can take over each of these departments.

SEMA: What are three qualities that got you to where you are today? How have these qualities benefited you?

TH: Stamina, resilience and faith. Building and growing a successful business is a monumental task. The saying “heavy is the head that wears the crown” really fits how I felt over and over again during the past 15 years. Thankfully I have the stamina to stick through the difficulties and resiliency to bounce back if we take a hit. I have always carried unbreakable faith that our business will be successful. There is never any doubt that we cannot achieve each goal we set.

SEMA: Being a woman in the industry, what have been your biggest challenges and accomplishments? Do you have a specific situation that comes to mind?

TH: There have been many challenges as a woman in this male-dominated industry. I see these same struggles for the females in my sales and customer service team as well. Unfortunately, we come in contact with men who prefer to speak with another male, assuming that we cannot answer their question with the same depth of knowledge. Thanks to SBN pushing for female advocacy in our industry, I’ve seen this improving greatly in the past few years.  

SEMA: Who are your role models or mentors in the industry? How have they helped you along the way?

TH: I think Donna Foulger is a great role model in the industry. As the first female inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame, her presence was felt as an important part of SEMA’s established growth. Her faith and dedication to build something that could last through generations is inspiring.

SEMA: Have you always wanted to work in the automotive industry? What keeps you here?

TH: As much as I love this industry, I didn’t know it until I was in it. The automotive enthusiast culture is fast-paced and ever-changing. I love the innovation and family feel of our industry.

Visit sema.org/sbn for more.

Story written by Ashley Reyes

DS18 Hosts 3rd Annual Loud for Tots Event

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MIAMI GARDENS, FL (12.18.2020) – Loud for Tots was the place to be on Saturday night December 12th at the DS18 HQ in Miami Gardens FL. The 3rd Annual Loud for Tots event was designed as a community minded event to gather toys for children in need during the Christmas Season.

The DS18 Big Bad Wolf was spotlighted at the Loud for Tots event.

As dozens of vehicles filled the DS18 parking lot local police arrived on the scene. Masks were a requirement and social distancing was encouraged for all. The ‘rub’ with police was the ‘Loud’ aspect of the Loud for Tots. Apparently the local authorities did not know what people around the world know…. at DS18 “We Like It Loud”.

Vehicles on the lot at DS18 HQ.
A wide variety of vehicles were in the DS18 parking lot for the event.

Rob Ferro, Mr DS18, was on site with the Big Bad Wolf. “The Loud for Tots event was a success despite the 12 officers on site. The Sargent agreed to let us continue the event but without the LOUD part. During the event we were able to collect over 20 boxes of toys on Saturday night… and I was not arrested for being too nice” Ferro stated.

During days after the event people from charity organizations picked up toys from the Loud for Tots event.

Continuing, days after the event, Ferro related “First of the week we started to deliver the toys to diverse foundations. One of the organizations was for children with Autism. Putting smiles on the faces of many children is very rewarding to all of us at DS18.”

Visit DS18.com for more.

CRUX Releases a New Mini-Camera Line with 3 Models

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CHATSWORTH, CA (12.18.2020) – The 3 new CRUX mini-cameras are designed to fit in tight spaces. The cameras can be used both for aftermarket and OEM install needs.

The new CRUX Mini-Camera Line models are so small.

Each of the 3 models provide parking guidelines that can be turned off and on. Each of the 3 cameras provides 100 degree horizontal viewing angle. Push-in type mounting options provide installation flexibility.

These cameras provide the option for dealers to find the best possible camera solution no matter how tight the space may be.

Visit cruxinterfacing.com for more.

Alpine Names the 2020 Rep Firm of the Year

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AUBURN HILLS, MI (12.17.2020) – Alpine Electronics of America, Inc. named their 2020 Rep Firm of the Year for the Brand (aftermarket) Business Unit during the virtual Brand Summit held on Dec. 10, 2020. The Rep Firm of the Year awards recognizes independent and direct reps who have shown a strong commitment to the Alpine brand, providing exceptional sales and marketing growth.

 Mike Anderson, Alpine Vice President and General Manager-Business Unit, with Dennis Montgomery, Mark Barber, Richie Holtzman and Steve Paul from Tech Marketing (L to R) pictured at a previous Alpine event.

“During this unprecedented time, our independent and direct reps have remained consistent in providing support to our Alpine Authorized Retailers,” said Mike Anderson, Vice President and General Manager, Brand Business Unit, Alpine Electronics of America, Inc. “We recognize their commitment to Alpine’s business strategy and commend them for their contribution to growing the brand in 2020.”

The Santa Fe Team members Jeff Henshaw, Eric Balzer, Anthony Rawlings and Matt Macias (pictured from top left) in social distanced settings.

During the ceremony, Santa Fe and Tech Marketing were named the 2020 Co-Independent Rep of the Year. The team from Santa Fe, Jeff Henshaw, Eric Baltzer, Matt Macias, and Anthony Rawlings, was recognized for their strong sales growth in the sound system category and a focus on driving sales initiatives and loading effective sound system displays and products at their dealerships.

The team from Tech Marketing, Richie Holtzman, Mark Barber, Steve Paul, and Dennis Montgomery, were also recognized for their growth in sound system sales that contributed to Alpine’s overall growth in the category. They also maintained consistent communication with their dealers and drove Alpine sales and marketing initiatives and content.

Colette Beaudoin the 2020 Alpine Direct Rep of the Year

Colette Beaudoin was named the 2020 Direct Rep of the Year for her tremendous sales growth in the sound system category. Colette was also praised for her consistent communication with her dealers, embracing a new way of promoting the brand through social media. Colette recently celebrated her 25th anniversary with Alpine.

Award recipients were chosen by Alpine senior leadership based on an evaluation of their sales, marketing, customer service, and communication for 2020.

Visit alpine-usa.com for more.