Discover The All-New Pandora

OAKLAND, CA (12.10.2019) – Pandora has announced that its redesigned mobile experience is now available for all listeners after initially rolling out to select users in October. The new features are designed to enhance discovery and give listeners exposure to Pandora’s vast library of on-demand music and podcasts, personalized content recommendations, and a wide selection of unique programming across all tiers of service: free ad-supported, Pandora Plus, or Pandora Premium.

The features light-up alongside a sweeping, multi-channel brand campaign that boldly weaves music, humor, and a vibrant new visual identity into a fresh narrative for the beloved streaming leader.

“This campaign captures the excitement we see when our users open the new Pandora app and discover that the listening experience they’ve always loved is now even bigger, better, and more in tune with the things they love and the way they live,” said Denise Karkos, Chief Marketing Officer at SiriusXM & Pandora.

The brand campaign combines humor, vibrant visuals, and relentless energy into the latest expression of Pandora’s “life is better with sound on” narrative. Cheeky creative copy implores readers to “Just play the damn song – you can actually do that,” or tells them, “You look nothing like you did ten years ago. Yeah, us too” with old and new images and songs from artists like H.E.R. to drive the point home. Infectious TV spots featuring songs from Halsey, Tones And I, and Normani jump off the screen beneath the tagline “The All-New Pandora: Be You. We’ll Be Your Music.”

“This campaign is all about showing our listeners that Pandora is still the service they know and love, but it looks and feels a whole lot different — a whole lot better. The product is at the center, and we are highlighting the personalized, on-demand content Pandora users want, but may not know we have,” said Brad Minor, VP of Brand Marketing, Creative & Communications at Pandora. “We’re celebrating our listeners in their everyday lives and demonstrating how Pandora has the unique ability to transform each moment by adding the exact right soundtrack at the exact right time.”

In addition to traditional media, Pandora will produce large-scale experiential events, including the unveiling of interactive street murals in key markets, and a live-streamed concert with Halsey that will transform New York’s Times Square into a massive silent disco. In the following weeks, Pandora will continue to engage top-tier artists to create immersive experiences across the U.S., leading up to one of the biggest Pandora / SiriusXM concerts to-date during the biggest weekend in sports.

The new mobile experience includes:

“For You,” a personalized, dynamically-updated discovery feed that serves up fresh, custom-curated music and podcast recommendations for each user throughout the day.

The “Pandora Modes” station customization feature, letting users lean-in on their “lean-back” Pandora listening experience.
A simplified navigation interface for greater ease of use.
Examples of new content include:

Playback 2019 – a personalized year in review of music curated for every Pandora listener.
Pandora’s Top Thumb Hundred 2019 playlist featuring the most thumbed up songs of the year, as well as a ten-year retrospective with the Top Thumb Hundred Songs of 2010-2019.
New and upcoming content from Marvel, Drake, and many more to come.

Visit siriusxm.com and pandora.com for more.

SEMA Truck Industry Award Winners Announced

DIAMOND BAR, CA (12.10.2019) – The SEMA Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) announced the winners of its third annual TORA Awards during the 2019 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. The awards are given to members who positively influence the market and to the best new products in the truck industry. Selected by TORA, the TORA SEMA Award winners included:

  • TORA Retailer of the Year: Mike Slater, Eastern Truck and Accessories
  • TORA Influencer of the Year: Jason Sakurai, Roadhouse Marketing
  • TORA Hall of Fame: Joel Ayres, Automotive Concepts
  • TORA Ron Webster Award: Jon Engen, DECKED
  • Best Off-Road New Product: Spydura Nightline Synthetic Winch Rope, Warn Industries Inc.
  • Best Light Truck New Product: Jeep Gladiator Bedside Storage Lockboxes, Bestop Premium Accessories Group
Mike Slater, center, accepted the SEMA Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) Retailer of the Year award on behalf of Eastern Truck and Accessories during the third annual TORA Awards at the 2019 SEMA Show.

“The growth of the light-truck and off-road markets wouldn’t be possible without the continuous efforts of our supporting manufacturers and industry influencers,” said TORA Chairman Erika Marquez. “We are pleased to honor the individuals whose creativity, industriousness and accomplishments have contributed to the success of the light-truck and off-road aftermarket.”

The Retailer of the Year Award, which recognizes a light-truck retailer whose accomplishments have enhanced the stature and growth of the industry, was awarded to off-road shop Eastern Truck and Accessories, from Norfolk, Virginia. In addition to participating in 25–30 local shows per year, Eastern Truck Accessories gives back to the community by donating to local charities, sponsoring youth events and raising money for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

Jason Sakurai of Roadhouse Marketing was named Influencer of the Year. As a journalist, Sakurai focuses 100% on trucks, SUVs, off-road and associated markets, including SXS and UTV. He currently writes for OutdoorX4 magazine and their online publication, where he also serves as an ad director.

The TORA Hall of Fame was awarded to Joel Ayres. With more than 40 years of experience in the truck and accessory aftermarket, Ayres’ contributions have earned him leadership roles, including on the SEMA Board of Directors. He is the founder and first chairman of SEMA Cares and has served as a chair of the SEMA Scholarship Committee and LTAA Select Committee. Ayres is active in his community, volunteering his time to multiple education outlets and youth outreach programs.

Jon Engen is the winner of the TORA Ron Webster Memorial Award for Engineering Excellence. A former civil engineer, Engen presented effective solutions to decreasing the weight of truck bed drawers, eventually leading to the success of DECKED. Engen was a veteran of the Norwegian Army and alumni of the University of Oslo.

The award for the Best Off-Road New Product was presented to Warn Industries Inc. for the Spydura Nightline Synthetic Winch Rope. Made from molecular-weight polyethylene with UV-stable coating, the red-and-black weave integrates a 3M light-activated reflective strand into the rope improving visibility during recoveries.

Bestop Premium Accessories Group was awarded Best Light Truck New Product for its Jeep Gladiator Bedside Storage Lockboxes. With easy access from the exterior of the bed, the large storage areas feature fast installation with no drilling, included with tie downs and a nylon net to restrain gear in the main bed and dividers to keep gear in place internally.

Visit sema.org for more.

Drop Your Guard with Brandmotion CurbAlert

SOUTHFIELD, MI (12.09.2019) – There’s a lot of discussion out there around the bright protective covers that companies put on splitters to protect them during shipping. Some customers continue to leave these bright shipping pieces on their new, high-performance car or SUV so they don’t damage the splitter when parking. The patented Brandmotion CurbAlert Parking Sensor system gives you peace of mind when parking that you won’t damage your splitter (and you get to take the look of the vehicle back to what it was meant to be).

Key Product Features:

  • Professional grade version designed for the professional 12 Volt Installer, with ignition key on/off control
  • Provides low-speed curb and parking warnings for any vehicle to prevent expensive curb damage
  • Prevents embarrassing moments when your fascia scrapes over or worse – catches on a curb
  • Adjustable warning distance from 12-30 inches to curb or garage wall
  • Sophisticated weather-proof infrared sensor
  • Simple self-calibration procedure once during install
  • Draws 35 milliamps when activated
  • Sensor dimensions: 1″ tall x 1.5″ wide x 2″ deep
  • Adjustable warning volume from low to high
  • No drill, universal application (4 different installation bracket designs included)
  • Easily removed from your vehicle with no after-marks

Click here to view a product video on Vimeo.

For product information, click here. Visit brandmotion.com for more.

SEMA Market Research: Retailers Adapt to a Changing Landscape

DIAMOND BAR, CA (12.09.2019) – Last year, nearly one-third of specialty-automotive parts sales were made online. And 79% of specialty-automotive retailers expect online sales growth to have a significant impact on the industry over the next few years. This growth is driven by changing consumer behavior. Customers now have more outlets to research specs, compare brands and purchase products than ever before.

As a result, many retailers are adapting to a customer base that is more informed about brands and products, more aware of price differences and may be less loyal to any retailer. Nearly two-thirds of retailers have added or grown their social-media presence to reach more customers effectively. And 59% find that providing advice and expertise offers a way to stand out in the market rather than competing on price.

To learn more about the key challenges and opportunities specialty-automotive retailers are facing, download the “SEMA Retail Landscape Report,” now available for free at www.sema.org/research

BOSS Audio Launches New All-in-One Weather Resistant Powersports Bluetooth Soundbar

OXNARD, CA (12.06.2019) – BOSS Audio Systems has announced the launch of its new weather resistant 450 Watt (Max) all-in-one Bluetooth soundbar. Now shipping, the 6.5-inch ATV65BRGB (MAP: $149.99) is compatible with the audio output of Smartphones and MP3 Players.

Click here to visit the ATV65BRGB product page.

“The self-powered, Bluetooth-enabled, IPX5-rated ATV65BRGB is the ideal soundbar for Powersports applications,” explained Jason Hannon, head of BOSS Audio’s Powersports lineup. “The aux in and Bluetooth connectivity allows the user to stream and control their favorite apps hard-wired or wirelessly directly from their smart device, putting their favorite music, such as from Spotify or Pandora, directly at their fingertips. Ruggedly built for all terrains, 450 Watts of power and RGB illumination make this soundbar look as great as it sounds wherever your ATV, UTV, or Side by Side may take you.”

Additional features and specifications of the ATV65BRGB include:
• Weatherproof 1-inch tweeters
• 3.5mm Aux input
• Controlled via Smartphone or MP3 player
• Frequency Response 45Hz – 22kHz

“BOSS Audio recently relaunched the brand in both looks and expanded products offerings,” Hannon concluded. “The ATV65BRGB is just the latest of our added Powersports offerings sure to excite the Side by Side, ATV, and UTV enthusiast.”

Visit www.bossaudio.com for more.

DEI Introduces Black Floor & Tunnel Shield

AVON LAKE, OH (12.05.2019) – DEI now offers its popular Floor & Tunnel Shield in an attractive deep matte black finish providing a new option for underhood aesthetics. Manufactured with a high temperature thermal coating, it is ideal for protecting electronic components from damage while keeping the vehicle’s interior cool and comfortable.

Easy to shape and designed with a low profile that is only 3/16” thick, the shield can be used most anywhere to block heat – firewalls, transmission tunnels, under floor boards, fuel cells and more. Simply trim to fit, then peel and stick to install. The aggressive high temperature adhesive backing keeps the shield securely in place with minimal to no affect from wind, water or adverse weather conditions.

DEI’s Black Floor & Tunnel Shield is available now in either a 7 sq. ft. or 14 sq. ft. size – 21” x 48” (part #050552) or 42” x 48” (part #050549). Both can be purchased wherever DEI heat and sound control are sold.

For more information about DEI’s new Black Floor & Tunnel Shield and many other new products, visit www.DesignEngineering.com.

JVCKENWOOD Expands Training & Product Support Team

LONG BEACH, CA (12.05.2019) – JVCKENWOOD USA has hired Josh Bowen and Marcus Vasconcellos as Mobile Electronics Product Specialists for the company’s car electronics division. These new positions will provide enhanced support to JVC and KENWOOD retailers, reps, and distributors through training, advanced technical assistance, and event support. 

Josh Bowen brings 10 years of retail mobile electronics experience, serving in various aspects of sales, installation, and management, most recently serving as sales/installation manager for Sommer Sound Systems in Panama City, FL.  Josh’s drive for the industry shines clearly, boasting a Top 50 Installer of the Year position in the 2019 Mobile Electronics Industry Awards.  

Marcus Vasconcellos is a 17-year industry veteran who also comes directly from the retail circuit.  He has served in various capacities including sales, installation, and marketing in the lower Midwest for stores including Audio Tech in Lawton, OK and Big Daddy’s Stereo in Longview, TX.  Marcus’s passion for 12 Volt doesn’t stop with his custom fabrication and design skills, but also becomes evident with his love for music.

“Bowen and Vasconcellos are the perfect additions to the team, being able to relate and communicate seamlessly with dealers through their direct and recent 12 Volt retail sales and installation experience,” said Scott Caswell, Senior Marketing Manager for JVCKENWOOD USA.  “As we develop new and innovative ways to reach and support our dealers in a rapidly changing industry, we will be able to leverage their skill sets accordingly.” 

These new positions will be largely split East and West of the Mississippi, with Bowen focusing on JVC and KENWOOD dealers and events to the East, and Vasconcellos to the West. They will report directly to Seth Halstead, National Training and Content Development Manager, of whom will be able to further focus on and work with them to create training materials, including on-line materials and video content.

Bowen commented, “I couldn’t be happier to be a part of such an amazing organization that is focused on providing solutions that meet the needs of sales, installers, and consumers.”

Vasconcellos added “This is an incredible time to be a part of a growing company that is committed to the future of the 12 Volt industry!”

Bowen can be reached at jbowen@us.jvckenwood.com, and Vasconcellos can be reached at mvasconcellos@us.jvckenwood.com.

Visit us.jvckenwood.com for more.

NAV-TV Appoints Belair & Associates as Factory Representative for Southern California

CORAL SPRINGS, FL & COSTA MESA, CA (12.05.2019) – NAV-TV Corp. has announced the appointment of Belair & Associates as Factory Representatives for the Southern California Territory.

“Michael Belair and Russ Brayall have been closely associated with the NAV-TV brand on both the retail and distribution side for years. Their technical aptitude and firsthand experience with our product line will enable them to properly service NAV-TV dealers in and around the Southern California market. We are pleased to have Belair & Associates on board,” stated NAV-TV Vice President, Derek Schmiedl.

Michael Belair, Firm Principal, is already on the road with a NAV-TV sample at Audiolab Car Stereo in Laguna Hills, CA.

“We are excited at the opportunity to work with NAV-TV. With the complexity of vehicles today, having a partner in NAV-TV gives our customers the opportunity to be able to say YES to integration from audio, to back up camera systems, and even to the protection of your vehicle. Having them along with our other vendor partners gives us an opportunity to deliver a complete solution from an integration standpoint, which is a big focus for our company, and with what is happening in our industry today,” stated Rep Principal, Michael Belair.

Belair & Associates began representing NAV-TV in Southern California on December 1, 2019. For more information, Belair & Associates may be reached at 714-376-6231, or via email at mikeb@belairandassociates.com

Visit navtv.com for more.

Fortin Intros New EVO 9 SERIES LoRa SST 2-Way RF Solutions

BOUCHERVILLE, QUEBEC (12.04.2019) – Fortin has introduced its new ultra-long-range EVO 9 SERIES 2-way RF solutions.

The EVO 9 SERIES has been engineered and designed to ensure responsivity, stability and reliability even under the most extreme conditions. Based on a solid 2-way LoRa SST (Spread-Spectrum) FM 900 MHz Technology, the platform provides a fully responsive control experience covering up to 6,000 feet (2 km) of urban range.

Each of the 9 SERIES devices is equipped with shock-resistant plastic snaps, stainless steel screws and a custom metallic fastener that reinforce the device’s structure, making it one of its outstanding features.

Every EVO 9 SERIES devices are equipped with a state-of-the-art Anti-Code Grabbing Technology that secures the communication process between the device and the vehicle, thus limiting the possibilities for the vehicle to be stolen using emerging code sniffing technologies. EVO 9 SERIES devices are also equipped with Eco-Connect Technology, which has been developed to maximize battery life for long-range RF devices. The devices will scan for short-range responses before using power to search a wider area if no short-range response is received. The result: the remotes’ battery life is considerably extended.

EVO 9 SERIES’ lineup includes two RF control kits: the RFK942 and the RFK912. The RFK942 RF kit consists of two RM942 4-button remote controllers, an ANT900 Antenna and an antenna cable, while the RFK912 RF kit consists of two RM912 1-button remote controllers, an ANT900 Antenna and an antenna cable.

Fortin Electronic Systems is a world-leading developer and manufacturer of integrated consumer solutions for vehicle control and connectivity.

Visit www.fortin.ca to discover more remote starter, immobilizer bypass and security system solutions or contact us at sales@fortin.ca to receive additional information about our products and solutions.

Raptor Launches Improved Pro Series of Car Audio Products at 2020 CES

HOLLY HILL, FL (12.04.2019) – Metra Electronics has improved its Raptor car audio accessory line with upgraded products launching at CES. Raptor’s Pro Series product line will feature 15 upgraded fuse holders and distribution blocks to create a unified ecosystem of accessories with fresh appearances and gold plating.

Designed with the installer in mind, the new fuse holders and distribution blocks have a one-tool design model to work exclusively with only 3mm Allen head screws, allowing for an easier installation. Metra has stepped away from the traditional look of the previous generation and is highlighting a unique style for these new Raptor products. With internal screw mounting locations and an improved latching system to secure the cover to the base, the new modern design improves upon both its function and aesthetics. It also provides a better visual of the fuses through the covers.

The ANL, MANL and AGU fuse holders range from 1/0 AWG to 8 AWG, are all 24K gold plated, water-resistant, and work with 3mm Allen screws. The new blocks offer multiple options for the installer from dual ANL and MANL blocks or even 4-position fuse distribution blocks. Raptor provides superior performance at entry-level price points, a mission based upon the belief that “affordable” and “cheap” installation accessories shouldn’t be one and the same.

These new and improved products will be shipping soon and can be seen on display at CES. Additional specifications and part numbers are available in the new 2020 Raptor catalog and Raptor-Online.com, which will be released on January 7, 2020. Metra Electronics will be at CES from January 7-10, 2020, at booth 5211 in the North Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center showcasing their new products from their 12volt brands and at booth 11435 in the Central Hall with Metra Home Theater Group.

Visit metraonline.com for more.