SANTA FE SPRINGS, CA (11.23.2020) – Accele Electronics has announced additional Seat Comfort solutions for Expeditors, Restylers and 12 Volt Specialists. Expeditors, 12 Volt Specialists and Restylers can now offer their customers unique solutions to add seating comfort. Solutions include Heating & Cooling Kits, Massaging System Kits and the latest seat heater design with an input that can be triggered by a customer’s Remote Start control.

These new additions have created the most comprehensive portfolio of Aftermarket Seat Comfort products in the industry. The JW-C400 Carbon Fiber Seat Heater incorporates Accele’s latest design with a thicker material barrier and continuity stitching insuring grid stability for unsurpassed durability and performance. Also, a new thicker gauge wire has been incorporated for additional user safety. The JW-C400 Pat.Pending features a trigger Input for Remote Start systems with a 15 minute timer, the first of its kind. The trimmable kit also includes a Fully Backlit 3 Level Switch.

The SM-600 Seat Massaging systemprovides installers an Aftermarket option for the latest seating technology now being adopted by vehicle manufacturers worldwide. More vehicles (Ford F150, Explorer, BMW, Cadillac, Audi, Lincoln, Jaguar, Mercedes,  now offer an option once thought to be only for Presidents and Kings and available in only the top tier of luxury vehicles. The system includes 6 Individual Motorized Pads with a Switch to cycle through pre programmed modes or manual operation including 3 intensities.

The SHC-200 Seat Heating & Cooling system is perfect for those warmer climates where Cooling is equally or more important than Heating. Each kit includes 2 Pads that contain 4 individual Fans for cooling plus additional elements for heating. Both modes are operated with one switch that controls high, low and off for each function.

These products join the already formidable lineup of Seat Comfort products including vehicle specific Seat Heater kits for Toyota and Nissan, a Split Pad kit for those vehicles with occupant restraint systems and the value added, bestselling SH200, Standard Carbon Fiber Seat Heater.

All Seating Comfort products are available for immediate shipment, contact your Accele Sales Representative.

Visit the new www.accele.com more.

HOLLY HILL, FL (11.23.2020) – Metra Electronics is now shipping a new dash kit for 2020-up* Toyota Highlander models without the factory 12.3-inch screen, designed specifically for the 9-inch Pioneer modular solutions receiver (DMHWC6600NEX).

The 109-TO7 dash kit includes a set of radio screen brackets and chassis brackets that allow installers to fit the larger screen into the dashboard that has much less depth of space, while still keeping the OE-style look and feel of the vehicle.

This kit was introduced at SEMA360 and a video introducing Metra’s new dash kits for Toyota Highlander is available in a video — See above or visit on YouTube at https://youtu.be/75-4MEmnUpY.

The 109-TO7 is in stock now and additional kits for this same model, designed for different screen sizes, will be available soon.

Visit MetraOnline.com for more.

RINGWOOD, IL (11.20.2020) – Race Sport Lighting has launched their TRIO-GOLD Series 3K 5K and 6K Switchback LED conversion MICRO-FITMENT kit that ranges between 2200-4000 LUX of light output! Designed for the ultimate on-road / off-road experience for drivers with the ability to switch between 3K gold fog cutters, 5K pure white OEM, and 6K luxurious crystal white headlight or fog-light kelvin colors.

This versatile switchback performance kit features a 3 kelvin color switching function on the single beam headlight and fog light base models, and 2 kelvin color switching capabilities between 3K and 5K on the (4) dual beam headlight bases available. The LUX output is incredible as well on this product measuring at 2,200LUX on the 6K, and as much as 4,000 LUX max on the 3K gold for a powerful cutter in misty and foggy environments to see the best.

“This is a dealer driven invention that we have been getting a lot of feedback for this year. Dealers have been wanting a 3K gold LED kit that performance the best in nasty weather environments, but still want their 5k and 6K Kelvin options too. This product gives the dealers exactly what they have been asking for in 1 product. It’s going to be an extremely popular series for Race Sport Lighting this year,” commented Steve Jergensen, President, Race Sport Lighting.

Click here for TRI-GOLD series product details.

“I can’t wait to offer this solution to dealers! In the past, we would only offer them HID 3K gold options for this request on the tech lines, and that works well, but some customers simply want the LED 3K Gold. I personally have tested this product in the lab and on the road, and dealers are going to love the performance they are going to be able to offer their customers,” stated Mac Gracia, Installation & Tech Support, Race Sport Lighting.

TRIO-GOLD LED Conversion kits are in stock and shipping now out of our warehouse. We encourage all our distributors and dealers to get these in stock and experience what the excitement is about.

Visit racesportnation.com for more.

HOLLY HILL, FL (11.20.2020) – Metra Electronics has added four new color options for the DP-3002 dash panel. The DP-3002 dash panels are designed for 1999-2002 full-sized GM trucks and SUVs, including Chevrolet’s Avalance, Silverado, Suburban, and Tahoe, along with GMC’s Sierra and Yukon*.

This large panel replaces the factory dash panel and provides the space for a modern Double-DIN radio. The climate controls are moved slightly and by using this dash panel and trim plate, no custom fabrication work is required.

The original DP-3002B dash panel was first introduced in matte black, but will now include a textured black, gray, pewter, and shale color option to match the factory appearance. The DP-3002 dash panels are made in the U.S.A. and available now from Metra Electronics in the following options:

DP-3002B: Matte Black
DP-3002TB: Textured Black
DP-3002GY: Gray
DP-3002PWT: Pewter
DP-3002SHL: Shale

Visit metraonline.com for more.

CARLSBAD, CA (11.19.2020) – Linda Ferguson, 73, of Carlsbad California, passed away on October 23, 2020 after a long illness.

Linda was the co-founder with her husband and industry legend, Doug Ferguson of Western Sales and Marketing located in Newport Beach, California. Western Sales and Marketing was one of the most successful rep firms and distributors in the country carrying lines like Rockford Fosgate, Eclipse, McIntosh, Proton, Monster Cable, Bello, Lynnbrook, NHT, Russound and Dynamat.

Linda started in the consumer electronics business at a time where there were very few women in leadership positions. Linda broke through all those stereotypes and became one of the most successful women in the history of the Consumer Electronics business.

After graduation, she married her high school sweetheart, Doug and they moved to San Diego California in 1966.

After retiring in 2005, Linda spent her time with her beloved daughter, Melissa.

In Lieu of flowers, Linda would like donations sent to St Paul Lutheran Church, 612 Jennings St, Sioux City, Iowa 51101.

Story provided by Rob Wempe.

HOLLY HILL, FL (11.18.2020) – iBEAM Vehicle Safety Systems by Metra Electronics launched new aftermarket automotive safety products at SEMA360 that provide reliable OE-quality upgrades with easy to install options. Now shipping are two new ADAS products; a universal parking sensor system that requires no drilling, along with a two-way blind spot and lane change alert system that can be installed without removing the bumper. iBEAM is also now shipping a new wide-angle camera, a 1080p dash camera, and third brake light cargo cameras for Chevrolet/GMC and Ford trucks.

Two-Way Rear Blind Spot and Lane Change Alert System
iBEAM’s new rear two-way blind spot detection kit brings high-tech safety without the lengthy installation. The TE-BSM2 is mounted entirely inside the vehicle with one sensor mounted on the rear windshield, providing a clean and easy installation that eliminates the need for bumper removal. Unlike other systems, everything is built into a single sensor for an easy DIY installation, with no additional control modules or parts needed. This system provides both audible and visual alerts for rear blind spot detection within a 65.5ft field. An LED visual-only alert is shown if there is a vehicle in the blind spot and then the visual and audible alert is triggered if the blinker is on and a vehicle is in the blind spot, alerting the driver immediately.

No Drill Two-Sensor Parking System

Without drilling into the bumper, iBEAM’s new two-sensor parking solution, the TE-2PSK, provides enhanced accuracy and easy installation. Its reliable technology uses a higher frequency than current sensors on the market to allow for a more precise 3-foot sensing field with fewer false triggers. The TE-2PSK has everything built into the sensors with no additional control modules or parts needed, resulting in an easy to install kit that doesn’t require drilling into the bumper – simply mount the sensors and run wires. A three-zone setup for audible alerts helps drivers navigate difficult parking situations with ease. Designed for rear plastic bumpers.

Wide Angle Camera

iBEAM’s TE-190 is a 190-degree wide-angle camera that provides more visibility due to its larger field of view. This camera lens is adjustable, it is rated IP69, and has selectable parking lines. The resolution is 600 TV lines, it has a minimum illumination of 0.01 lux and can be mounted in the front, rear, or side of the vehicle.

1080p Dash Camera

The TE-DVR1080 is a new suction-cup mounted dash camera that is powered by a cigarette adapter, allowing for an easy to install solution. It has 1080p resolution at 30 fps and a 150-degree wide-angle lens. The 2-inch LCD screen shows menu options to allow the user to take video, photos, or playback media on the screen, with motion detection and parking mode features available. The G-sensor will lock video recordings if a crash is detected to avoid overwriting video footage in the event of an accident.

Third Brake Light Cargo Camera Frames

Two new third brake light cargo camera frames are now available from iBEAM. The TE-3BLCFD is designed for 2015-2020 Ford F-150, 2019-2020 Ford Ranger, and 2017-2020 Ford Superduty trucks. The TE-3BLCGM is designed for 2014-2020 Chevrolet Silverado and 2014-2020 GMC Sierra trucks. These frames add a blind spot/cargo camera to the third brake light of the vehicle with 480 TV lines resolution, selectable parking lines, and a 136-degree horizontal field of view. Both of these cameras are rated IP69 and improve rear visibility, allowing the driver to keep an eye on their cargo and rear blindspot areas.

All of these new products are now shipping with additional details available at iBEAMusa.com.

AVON LAKE, OH (11.18.2020) – Things can happen in an instant in the pits, meaning your pit crew can never be too safe. Keep their eyes, ears and arms protected with safety items from Design Engineering, Inc.

DEI’s Pit Crew Safety Kit includes vision, hearing and arm protection for professional mechanics, pit crew members and do-it-yourselfers. Kits include protective eyewear, ear plugs and Kevlar sleeving, all in one package and at an affordable price.

“Safety is the most important thing, which is why DEI is proud to offer professional-grade safety protection for mechanics, pit crew members and anyone working around vehicles,” says Mike Buca of DEI. “These items allow you to protect yourself at all times while working on any project.”

Kits include:
DEI Safety Glasses – The glasses are black-framed, impact-resistant, wraparound-style protective eyewear that meets ANSI Z87 general-purpose UV requirements. They provide 100% UV protection, are scratch-resistant and are available with clear, smoke or yellow lenses for flawless vision in any environment.

DEI Ear Plugs – The plugs feature triple flanges for a comfortable, one-size-fits-all design. They are re-useable and offer a Noise Reduction Rating (NPR) of 25 decibels, with a breakaway cord included.

DEI Kevlar Safety Sleeves – The sleeves provide superior resistance to cuts, slashes and heat in environments where workers’ arms are exposed. Strong without being bulky, they withstand temperatures up to 900º F, extend past the wrist and include a thumb hole for added protection of the palm area.

In addition to the complete Pit Crew Safety Kit, DEI Safety Glasses (#070513), Ear Plugs (#070530) and Kevlar Safety Sleeves (#070520) are available for individual purchase.
 
Visit www.designengineering.com for more.

LIBERTYVILLE, IL (11.17.2020) – “At Maxxsonics USA, we are deeply saddened to announce the sudden loss of a colleague and dear friend of the company, Lukas Louw. Lukas was a design consultant and one of the original engineers who worked with Hifonics founder Helmut Stieglitz. Lukas remained the Hifonics Chief Engineer until his passing. Our heartfelt condolences go out to Lukas’s family.”

On his passing, Alden Stiefel, President of Maxxsonics USA, commented, “Last week Maxxsonics lost a very integral part of its family. Lukas Lowe was not only our Chief Engineer he was a very dear friend of mine and he will be sorely missed. Lukas’s contribution to the mobile audio industry will go unmatched.”

Visit maxxsonics.com for more.

FULLERTON, CA (11.17.2020) – Vision Tech America, Inc. has launched VTR419GW, a dual, front, 4K UHD, and rear, 2K FHD camera dash cam with a full touch screen.  It is the most advanced and user friendly with safety in mind.

VTR419GW, with a high-definition front camera, will record vibrant color pictures during the day,  and with the rear wide dynamic range camera, will be able to read the license plate number of a  vehicle following with headlights during the night driving. With a wide viewing angle, a rear camera with a reverse trigger wire can be used as a backup camera.

Out of box, full features also include
• High definition 4K UHD front camera and 2K FHD WDR camera with a backup trigger line,
• Gesture sensitive, 3.0” full touch screen
• motion detection, impact sensitive parking mode and continuous loop recording,
• GPS for Speed and Geotagging for playback,
• Wi-Fi connectivity for a mobile app for viewing and playback,
• USB Video Class (UVC) connectivity for direct memory access, USB camera, and Charging, and
• H.264 and H.265 recoding for maximum compression with minimum clarity loss for efficient storage usage.

In this regard, “Our new VTR419GW incorporates the latest technology to provide the best safety and security that a driver can expect. It will provide a driver with excellent supporting evidence for defending himself or herself in case of a car accident. It will help anyone to drive and park safely with confidence. We are very excited to offer VTR419GW to all drivers whether they are new drivers, commuters, or professional drivers.” said Richard Hong, VP Sales.

For more information, visit www.visiontechamerica.com/VTR419GW