Industry

SEMA Welcomes Jeff Dahlin as Sales Director

Posted on by in Industry and tagged .

DIAMOND BAR, CA (02.24.2020) – The Specialty Equipment Market Association has hired Jeff Dahlin as an industry sales director to help oversee a portfolio of client accounts and create partnerships for the SEMA Show, Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Trade Show, and their accompanying monthly publications and media channels. Staff member Brendan Gillespie was promoted to industry sales manager and Reham Gharib to the newly created position of sales operations project manager.

“The sales team is focused on helping SEMA and PRI increase engagement with the industry,” said Warren Kosikov, SEMA vice president of sales. “We are fortunate to have the opportunity to bring in an experienced industry veteran such as Jeff Dahlin to join our team, and to be able to shift our existing staff into roles that will enable us to continue to service the industry.”

Jeff Dahlin as Sales Director

Dahlin brings with him 20 years of automotive sales, marketing, and executive-level publishing experience, including 16 years at Source Interlink and the MotorTrend Group, where he rose through the ranks at several publications as a director, group publisher, and eventually general manager of the Hot Rod Network.

In addition to an impressive track record that includes being named one of SEMA’s Top 35 Under 35 in 2007, Dahlin is a passionate automotive enthusiast who spends time working on classic and muscle car projects while getting in as much off-roading as possible. He received his B.S. in Communication and Media Studies from Northern Arizona University and an M.A. in Communication and Media Studies from California State University, Long Beach.

The Specialty Equipment Market Association has hired Jeff Dahlin as an industry sales director. His hiring accompanies a promotion for Brendan Gillespie (L) to industry sales manager and Reham Gharib (R) to sales operations project manager.

“I jumped at the opportunity to work for PRI and SEMA, as I’ve worked with so many of the employees in the past and have always respected the passion and assistance provided to our automotive industry,” said Dahlin, who will be based out of PRI’s Aliso Viejo, Calif., office. “To be able to contribute to an organization that does so much great work is an honor for me, and I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to do so.”

In addition to the hiring of Dahlin, Industry Sales Manager Brendan Gillespie, who previously served in a sales/operations hybrid role, will now focus strictly on sales opportunities—specifically exhibit space and sponsorship sales for both the SEMA and PRI Shows, as well as advertising sales for both SEMA News and PRI Magazine. Gillespie, a six-year veteran of the company, will concentrate on the racing and performance market.

Also, Reham Gharib will take on the new position of sales operations project manager. In this role, she will manage the records of all SEMA and PRI sponsorship contracts, help ensure deliverables are accounted for, and communicate with all appropriate stakeholders. She also will be the key stakeholder and project manager for the SEMA Show’s New Products Showcase and PRI Show’s Featured Product Showcase. Gharib has been with the company since 2014.

Visit sema.org for more.

JL Audio Introduces MVi Marine Amplifiers with Integrated DSP

Posted on by in Industry and tagged .

MIAMI, FL (02.24.2020) JL Audio has unveiled the new “MVi” line of networkable DSP amplifiers for the marine market. With unrivaled, built-in tuning power, reference-grade audio performance and outstanding installation flexibility, eight models were announced to suit boat builders’ and boat owners’ needs. Instead of using traditional control knobs and switches, VXi amplifiers are easily configured from the captain’s seat of a boat using JL Audio’s TüN software on a compatible computer, tablet or smartphone.

“Boats present interesting challenges to achieving optimal sound quality from an audio system,” said Dr. Stephen Leigh, Vice President Electronic Engineering at JL Audio. “ The new MVi marine amplifiers with integrated DSPs make it quick and painless to precisely tune an audio system to an extremely high standard. It only takes a few minutes to set up with our free TüN software, and once completed, the resulting audio is more dynamic, more accurate and much more fun to listen to than a conventional marine audio system.”

Every MVi amplifier features an integrated, high-performance triple-core AKM DSP that allows for intelligent optimization of each audio channel’s timing, frequency response, and output level. The benefits of the DSP within each MVi amplifier extend beyond the internal amplifier channels, thanks to analog pre-amp outputs with independent DSP processing. MVi amplifiers can store up to six sound presets, allowing boaters to switch sound profiles at the push a button. This allows for a system to be tuned for different operating conditions, such as “docked,” “running,” “sandbar,” etc.

In addition to the complete lineup of DSP-enabled marine amplifiers, JL Audio has also introduced several marine-grade peripheral pieces to simplify the installation process, including:

•a Bluetooth communicator ( VXi-BTC ) to enable wireless communication between the MVi amplifier or network and compatible mobile devices;

•a w eather-tight network hub (MVi-HUB ) to network up to six MVi amplifiers (one master and five slaves) for full-system DRC control and preset selection

•a push button control with RGB indicator (M-DRC-50) to allow preset selection from the helm

Further boosting the world-class audio performance of MVi amplifiers is the integration of JL Audio’s next -generation NexD amplifier technology. The NexD2 design employs new directFET MOSFET technology, a completely revised layout scheme and direct DSP control of multiple amplifier channels designed to enhance fidelity, reduce noise and deliver outstanding power efficiency.

To further boost the wow-factor of these amplifiers, JL Audio was able to pack all of the aforementioned technology into a compact and stylish alloy chassis with weather-tight power, audio input, speaker and JLid network connections.

Visit www.jlaudio.com for more.

Kicker Returns to Lone Star Throwdown with Award-Winning Rides

Posted on by in Industry and tagged .

STILLWATER, OK (02.21.2020) – KICKER is excited to attend the Lone Star Throwdown (LST) for the fifth straight year. The show, which bills itself as the “World’s Best Truck Show,” will take place Feb. 21-23 at the Lone Star Expo Center in Conroe, Texas.  KICKER is also a host sponsor of the event, which will showcase 2,000 custom vehicles from around the country.

KICKER is set to arrive in the XRV (Xtreme Recreation Vehicle) big rig. The XRV is the brand’s rolling showroom, complete with a full line of KICKER audio gear as a hands-on display for consumers to check out up close.

In the pit area under the XRV’s awning, KICKER will have several show cars for people to see and hear. With more than 5,000 watts of bass and a half-dozen KICKER L7S square subwoofers, the KICKER Silverado will be powered up for the weekend.  The Silverado is a daily-driven show truck that tours the nation, thrilling bassheads and the “car-audio curious” across the country.

The HE Forged ’57 Chevy Sedan Delivery will be in the booth, equipped with KICKER’s elite Q-Class line of product. Additionally, SEMA vehicle designer Andrew Lowe will bring “Battlecat” – a tricked out Dodge Challenger featuring KICKER KX-Series Amplifiers and a CompRT shallow-mount subwoofer. John Jackson of NotStock Photography will also bring his Mercedes-Benz Sprinter to the booth.  Affectionately dubbed “HomeWrecker,” the Sprinter is equipped with KICKER all-weather loaded cans mounted on the roof. KICKER installer Tim Smith will show his custom ’94 Chevy C1500 loaded with an entire KICKER system.

Visit lonestarthrowdown.com and kicker.com for more.

CRUX Intros Multi View Camera Integration & Radio Replacement Interface for Aftermarket Radios in Select Vehicles

Posted on by in Industry and tagged .

CHATSWORTH, CA (02.21.2020) – CRUX has introduced a Multi View Camera Integration& Radio Replacement Interface for Aftermarket Radios in Select Dodge, Jeep & Ram Vehicles with Uconnect Systems – RFM-UC1-AM.

The CRUX RFM-UC1-AM combines two categories into one as it is a multi-view camera integration & radio replacement interface for aftermarket radios for select Dodge, Jeep, & RAM vehicles. Some notable features are the It’s a radio replacement interface with SWC and factory 3.5mm Aux port retention, a reverse camera plus 6 video input interface for the Uconnect systems (Compatible with 8.4”, 5” and 4.3” Uconnect Systems)

Listed below are compatible models:

VEHICLE COMPATIBILITY
DODGE
2014 – 2015 | Dart
2014 – 2015 | Durango

JEEP
2014 – 2016 | Cherokee
2014 – 2016 | Grand Cherokee

RAM
2013 – 2017 | 1500
2013 – 2017 | 2500
2013 – 2017 | 3500

Key Features:

– Retains factory features in select Dodge, Jeep and RAM vehicles while functioning with an aftermarket radio.

– Retains Steering Wheel Controls via built-in, pre-programmed interface.

– Retains factory 3.5mm Aux Port.

– Adds a reverse camera plus 6 video inputs.

– Uses the steering wheel controls buttons to toggle between the sources.

– Turn signals automatically trigger the corresponding side camera.

– Turn signal camera trigger can be turned on or off by using the BACK button on the radio.

Optional add on cameras are available to complete the multi-view capability of the RFM-UC1-AM. Cameras available and sold separately include.

Visit cruxinterfacing.com for more.

DOW Hosted a AudioControl Sales Training Event in Tampa

Posted on by in Industry and tagged .

TAMPA, FL (02.20.2020) – DOW Electronics hosted an AudioControl Sales Training event at the Company’s Tampa Headquarters Tuesday evening February 18th. The training event was very successful with over 50 people in the audience for Matt Palumbo’s presentation. A dinner buffet from 4 Rivers Smokehouse was served for all to enjoy.

Matt Palumbo kept members of the audience engaged throughout his AudioControl presentation.

Palumbo is AudioControl’s National Trainer and Sales Specialist based at the Company’s HQ in Mountain Terrace WA.

Following the meeting raffle winners gathered for an image. John Schneid-Dynamic Sales the area AudioControl rep firm principal, Matt Palumbo and DOW’s Mike Barcia (L to R) flank the raffle winners.

During Palumbo’s presentation he discussed AudioControl’s newest products and how they can help grow 12volt retailer’s businesses. Specific topics included why the next LC-5.1300 and D-5.1300 5-Channel amps will be the go to amplifiers in 2020, what the DM-RTA is, how it works and why it has become “the ultimate technicians test tool”. How to help find success and exceed client’s expectations with AudioControl products was another key focus of Palumbo’s presentation.

Dealers lined up for plates filled with a great meal from 4 Rivers Smokehouse. Chocolate chip cookies and more for dessert too!

Mike Hurwitz, DOW Strategic Sales Manager, stated “The turnout of over 50 in the audience was exciting to see, as well at the enthusiasm from the dealers. We had dealer drive from Naples for the event which was probably a 3 hour drive. Matt did a great job presenting the product lineup and explaining to audience members how to present the product and explain the features. We are really looking forward to getting the brand new Audio Control products in the warehouse and into dealer’s stores”.

Visit dowelectronics.com and audiocontrol.com for more.

DS18 Makes Waves with a New 12” Marine Subwoofer

Posted on by in Industry and tagged .

MIAMI GARDENS, FL (02.20.2020) – Now introducing, by popular demand, a 12-inch marine subwoofer from DS18. The NXL10 subwoofer has been flying of the shelves but some customers and dealers wanted even more cone area and power.

DS18 has happily obliged and have developed the new NXL12SUB for all those dealers and consumers that want even more cone area for even more bass response. These DS18 pounders handle 350w RMS / 700w max power easily and each sub is single voice coil that is 4 ohms resistance. They are all IP65 rated so they can withstand a great amount of outside conditions and come with integrated RGB lighting to really set any mood on the water.

The new NXL12SUB’s are perfect for a wide array of applications like in a watercraft, side by side, or even an everyday vehicle. The bass response is very acute and powerful with a frequency range of 30hz to 500hz… making it easy to tune for whatever musical needs are demanded. These subs perform excellent in sealed boxes of (1 cf3) and ported boxes of (1.5cf) and come in either white or black.

MSRP: 299.95.

Click here to visit the NXL12SUB product page.

Visit DS18.com for more.

SCOSCHE Industries Celebrates Their 40th Anniversary on February 22, 2020

Posted on by in Industry and tagged .

OXNARD, CA (02.19.2020) – For 40 years SCOSCHE Industries, innovators of award-winning consumer technology, car audio and powersports accessories has been a family-owned and run business.

On February 22, 1980 Scotia and Roger Alves officially opened the doors of Scosche Industries, a business focused on inventing car audio installation accessories for installers and consumers. Now, 40 years later, with a catalog of over 3,000 products, three generations of the Alves family work at the company’s headquarters in Oxnard, CA. Their sons Kas and Vince joined Scosche in 1995 and 2000, respectively, and their grandson Ryder joined the family business in 2018. With around 200 employees, Scosche Industries still has a culture and feel of being a family.

From the very beginning the brand has been associated with industry-leading innovation, superior quality and value. From its origins as a car audio specialist, Scosche successfully expanded into the consumer technology accessories arena, including becoming an MFi certified Apple vendor. Inspired by the Alves family’s southern California roots, a passion for driving, and active outdoors lifestyle, Scosche products are built rugged enough to be taken along on adventures, whether in-vehicle, in the gym, on the beach, or in the mountains. At the same time, they incorporate the most current and sophisticated technologies, along with a design aesthetic that is uniquely Scosche.

Scosche pays attention to feedback and field testing from customers, ambassadors and staff. This “user innovation” is apparent in our recent award-winning products such as the BaseLynx Modular Charging System, MagicGrip and MagicMount Charge3 advanced wireless charging mounts, NEXC1 and NEXC2 Full HD Smart Dash Cams and Fresche 2-in-1 mounts.

Visit scosche.com for more.

Maxxsonics USA Appoints Vice President General Manager

Posted on by in Industry and tagged .

CHICAGO, IL (02.19.2020) – Effective February 11th of the new decade, Alden Stiefel, President and CEO of Maxxsonics USA, announced that Maxx Stiefel will be promoted to Vice President General Manager. Maxx came to the company after receiving his Finance degree from Tulane University and then his MBA from Chicago’s DePaul University, Kellstadt Graduate School of Business.

Maxx Stiefel

Through the past several years, Stiefel has been in the role of Director of Project Management, managing engineering, tech support, and supporting roles in operations and finance. In his new role, Maxx will be overseeing many aspects of the company’s business initiatives. In addition, he will continue working with our oversea vendors and will continue his main focus on project management with new products and ISO overview.

Alden Stiefel, President and CEO of Maxxsonics USA, said, “In the last few months, we have really been focusing on creating a culture that is youth-spirited led, but also demonstrates great experience and knowledge on all phases throughout the industry. Maxx will become our tip of the spear in this company culture movement. Our customers are looking for innovation and speed and we are building our organization to accomplish that and more. We need aggressive, industry passionate leaders who can drive our business in the most important projects, vendors, and employees.”

Maxx will be driving the ISO process through all phases within all roles of the company, while making sure weekly and monthly ob­jectives are being met through short and long-term strategic planning, developing, and implementing policies and procedures. Maxx will also be overseeing training programs for subordinate employees and ensuring that training objectives are met.

Maxx Stiefel, Vice President General Manager, commented, “In my time at Maxxsonics, I have focused on the Finance and Business Analytics groups. This includes our 2019-2020 work in preparing Maxxsonics for ISO and our US and foreign based team for real growth within our core aftermarket and OEM business.”

Visit maxxsonics.com for more.

JL Audio Unveils its Largest Marine Subwoofer to Date

Posted on by in Industry and tagged .

MIAMI, FL (02.18.2020) – JL Audio announced the new 12-inch M7 m arine subwoofer for infinite baffle opertion, which will be positioned as the flagship of the company’s marine subwoofer lineup. The massive M7 is able to handle more than twice the power of JL’s potent 10-inch M6 subwoofers; and takes advantage of that extra power with greater woofer excursion than any other JL Audio marine subwoofer. Combine that prodigious excursion with a whopping 61% more cone area than the M6 10-inch, and you have a subwoofer with 2.25 times the air displacement capability of its smaller cousin. This results in over 6 decibels of additional output capability. As fun as all that extra output capability can be, there is more to the story than sheer power. M7 subwoofers are designed to precisely reproduce powerful, high -impact, low-distortion bass that will impress listeners with its balance, depth and sound quality.

The M7 follows the same grille designs as the M6 line of marine speakers, which are found in numerous new boats from leading boat manufacturers around the world, M7 can be seamlessly integrated into any style of boat to add powerful bass. Two grille designs are available: “Classic,” featuring an all-white slat grille design and “Sport,” which features a split-spoke grille design. The latter comes in two color schemes: Gloss White, or Gunmetal / Titanium dual metallic finish. JL Audio’s patented Transflective RGB LED illumination technology is also available as an option on all M7 subwoofers, providing a striking lighting effect, with no hot spots or reflections on the cone surface.

“M7 is the most powerful and efficient infinite baffle subwoofer we’ve ever developed for marine use,” said Dwayne Spanbroek, Vice President Loudspeaker Engineering at JL Audio.

“These massive, stylish subwoofers reward boaters with powerful, high -quality bass that takes marine audio to new levels, while our exclusive Transflective RGB illumination technology provides a striking visual enhancement.”

All materials, fasteners and assembly techniques utilized in manufacturing M7 subwoofers are carefully engineered to ensure reliability and durability in real marine applications, including saltwater exposure. Component parts, materials and complete subwoofers are subjected to rigorous environmental testing to ensure they exceed industry standards for corrosion and UV resistance.

M7 subwoofers join the extensive list of JL Audio products built at the company’s Miramar, Florida factory, with components sourced from the company’s global supply network.

M7 subwoofers will be sold by JL Audio’s car audio and marine dealers, and will also be incorporated into select new boats as original equipment by the following boat brands: Barker Boatworks, Berkshire, Blackwater, Boston Whaler, Chaparral, Cigarette, Contender, Deep Impact, Iconic, Manitou, MTI, Mystic, Nautique, Nortech, Premier, Sea Vee, Sportsman, Southbay, and Trifecta.

M7 Subwoofer Specs:
•12″ 4-ohm marine subwoofer
•Injection-molded mica-filled polypropylene woofer with synthetic rubber surround
•Centrex polymer basket and grille, with stainless steel back plate
•Gold -plated, marine-grade brass binding posts
•Marine-grade synthetic fiber spider
•Designed for infinite baffle installations
•600 watts continuous power handling (RMS)
•Sensitivity: 86.7 dB
•Mounting depth: 7.94 in / 202 mm
•Warranty: 2 years
•MSRP: $799.99 – $849.99

JL Audio also offers a marine-grade RGB lighting controller (Model MLC-RW) that features a compact, mount-anywhere form factor and an easy-to-use, rotary knob for adjusting the speakers’ illumination color and intensity. This RGB controller works seamlessly with M7, M6 and M3 products, as well as most other RGB lighting options installed on a boat.

Visit www.jlaudio.com for more.

AutoNation and Automatic Labs, a SiriusXM Company, to Expand Coverage of Connected Car Program to Additional Stores and Customers

Posted on by in Industry and tagged , , .

NEW YORK, NY (02.18.2020) – AutoNation, Inc., America’s largest and most recognized automotive retailer, and Automatic Labs, Inc., a SiriusXM company that brings the power of connectivity to most cars available at AutoNation, are expanding the AutoNation Connected Car Program to additional markets.

The AutoNation Connected Car Program is powered by Automatic’s in-vehicle adapter and app, and was initially launched at five AutoNation USA stores in April 2019. Customers who take advantage of the program have access to important safety services such as Crash Alert and timely vehicle health notifications in vehicles without built-in connectivity, when choosing AutoNation to purchase their vehicles. Since launch, 97% of customers who activated at point-of-sale remain engaged with Automatic month over month. In turn, AutoNation has benefitted from higher retention of customers’ vehicle maintenance and service business.

Automatic’s Dealer Insights platform and customized analytics deliver daily reports to AutoNation, including information such as lists of customers with active recalls, engine light check alerts, service recommendations, and various data points about the health and performance of customer vehicles. AutoNation uses this valuable information to send targeted communications to its customers specific to their vehicles’ service and maintenance needs.

“Following the successful launch of the AutoNation Connected Car Program, we are excited to expand the program in additional markets across the country. Our customers have recognized and appreciated the value of Automatic, and now we will be delivering that value to many more customers,” said Marc Cannon, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at AutoNation.

“This expansion of the AutoNation Connected Car Program powered by Automatic reflects its success at the AutoNation USA dealerships and the positive response from customers who appreciate the value of Automatic’s connectivity features,” said Joe Verbrugge, Executive Vice President and Division President, Connected Vehicle for SiriusXM. “This service establishes a strong and lasting connection between dealers and their customers long after the sale.  We are very excited to continue building on the program’s success with AutoNation.”

For more info, visit siriusxm.com, automatic.com, and autonation.com.