ITASCA, IL (06.13.24) – Lucas Lighting, a Chicago based company, announces additional growth plans with the addition of automotive batteries as well as Jim Warren joining the executive team.
Mike Hong, Lucas ’president and founder said, “Lucas Lighting has really resonated with our customers in North America. The reliability of our products combined with solid profitability has been a very successful formula. We now have opportunities to expand outside of North America as well as in our home markets.”
Jim Warren joins Lucas as Executive Director and will be leading many of these growth initiatives in tandem with the executive team, which also includes industry veteran Ken Wiseman, who continues as National Sales Manager. For the past seven years, Jim has led the Elite Distributor Alliance (EDA). Prior to EDA, Jim was Vice President of Merchandising at Car Toys (Seattle) and SVP Sales and Marketing at Harman International.
“I have had the distinct pleasure of working with Jim over the last three years in his prior position. His leadership and experience with national, international, major and key accounts will be a tremendous asset to our group and business partners as he takes on this new role. He has been fantastic to interact with both on business and personal levels,” states Steve Rogers, now Vice President over all of Lucas YH holdings.
Jim commented, “For the past several years I’ve watched Lucas Lighting’s leadership in the rapidly growing lighting category. Lucas Lighting is the premium brand with unparalleled performance. It’s super exciting to have the opportunity to help grow the brand both here in the United States and worldwide.”
DIAMOND BAR, CA (06.12.24) – Tickets for the 2024 SEMA Leaders & Legends Gala, scheduled for Friday, July 19, at the Anaheim Marriot in Anaheim, Calif., are now available at http://www.sema.org/gala. The aftermarket industry will come together during the prestigious annual celebration to honor the 2024 SEMA Hall of Fame inductees and recognize incoming and outgoing members of the SEMA Board of Directors.
“The SEMA Leaders & Legends Gala is a great opportunity to connect with colleagues and friends during a special night in which we celebrate the icons of our industry,” said SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola. “It’s an honor to be able to celebrate these individuals whose work and contributions have helped enrich and grow the aftermarket.”
The aftermarket industry will come together during the prestigious SEMA Leaders & Legends Gala, scheduled for July 19 at the Anaheim Marriot in Anaheim, Calif., to honor the 2024 SEMA Hall of Fame inductees and recognize incoming and outgoing members of the SEMA Board of Directors.
Since its inception in 1976, the SEMA Leaders & Legends Gala (formerly known as the SEMA Awards Gala) has helped recognize and connect industry leaders who share a common passion and love for the industry. Among this year’s honorees are 2024 SEMA Hall of Fame inductees Chris Kersting, Jack Priegel, Les Rudd, and Jon Wyly.
The SEMA Cares Industry Cup Challenge will run in conjunction with the Gala, offering companies an opportunity to sponsor a child-built pinewood racecar and challenge industry colleagues in head-to-head competition. The races, which are run throughout the Friday reception, support SEMA Cares, a group that unites the automotive aftermarket to raise funds for various children’s charities, including the Austin Hatcher Foundation, Childhelp, and Victory Junction. The Industry Cup Challenge winner will take home a trophy with their company named engraved among past winners, with the trophy to be returned the following year in a Stanley Cup style tradition. Additionally, a SEMA PAC reception will be held immediately following the Gala.
For more information and to secure a seat or table at the annual celebration, visit http://www.sema.org/gala. For more information about SEMA Cares or to sponsor an Industry Cup Challenge race car, visit this link.
For information about the SEMA PAC reception, contact Alicia Steger at alicias@sema.org or 202-796-2252.
LIBERTYVILLE, IL (06.12.24) – Hifonics Colossus Classic amplifiers make playback with RICHER QUALITY audio powered through a classic-size Hifonics amplifier footprint. Infuse your Hifonics sound system with cleaner layers of power and higher-quality sound through Colossus Classic amplifiers. HEAR MORE. FEEL MORE.
With reinvented Colossus sound featured in every Colossus Classic amplifier – the Hifonics Colossus Classic line of amplifiers includes mainly monoblock amplifiers and a 4-channel amplifier that elevates sound to Colossus levels.
Every Colossus Classic amplifier includes innovative high-temperature impact-resistant nickel-plated connectors allowing for complete and secure termination of wire and create an erosion-resistant seal.
Pro-Fi™ Output Device Technology: The Ultra-Fi™ MOSFET is designed for music production vs. just electronics output power. It produces very musical high power with high efficiency for cooling and minimal distortion.
A heavy-duty aluminum alloy heat sink efficiently moves heat from the MOSFET for superior dissipation creating sound that is crisp and clean.
With a secure molded connection terminal for every Power, Ground, and Speaker, connection – the connection type is angled for ease of access while creating clean and organized wire management.
Super D-Class design utilizes high-speed microprocessors through critical proprietary D/A conversion algorithms – resulting in lower distortion playback, upping audio performance to Colossus standards of sound.
Control every Colossus Classic amplifier with a built-in/variable crossover to tailor specific frequencies to speakers and subwoofers and obtain variable bass boost up to +10dB with the bass equalizer (4-channel amplifiers only).
Additionally – an extruded aluminum heat sink minimizes heat buildup on Ultra-Fi™ output devices. Creating POWER FROM THE GODS performance in a classic Hifonics amplifier size, Colossus Classic amplifiers showcase audio in richer quality, adding layers of details and higher sound throughout every song.
Take in more from all of your audio and sound through incredible detail powered through COLOSSUS EXPECTATIONS. The Hifonics Colossus Classic amplifier line delivers cleaner performance in playback and power.
Feel Colossus change your Hifonics audio system forever.
Learn more HERE about the entire line of Colossus Classic amplifiers.
WASHOUGAL, WA ((06.11.24) – “The Show gonna be a party and we would love to have area dealers come and join us to take advantage of incredible deals, food & beverages and FUN!! We will have some manufacturers on site to present their products and answer any questions that you may have” Scott Chapin related.
The Falcon HQ will welcome dealers to the event with plenty of space on the grounds for demos and cars.
Continuing “Demo vehicles will be onsite and we would love for you to bring your cars to show off while you are here! Of course there will be free goodies and some giveaways to be raffled off each day. Please read the attached announcement for more details.”
SAVE THE DATE FOR THE SHOW : JUNE 13TH AND JUNE 14TH !
Scott Chapin, Mike Hall, Kam Frisbee and Dave Gates will be on site from Falcon Sales & Marketing. Tom Miller will be in the house from AM Merchandising.
Brands scheduled to be on site include Morel, Jensen, Dual, PowerBass, Wet Sounds, UTV Stereo, Sound Skins, KICKER, Massive Audio and Sony. Factory vehicles to be on site include KICKER, Alpine and UTV Stereo.
The racks are stacked full on inventory that will be priced to roll out the show door.
A wide selection of accessories will also be tagged with event super deals.
Massive Audio’s John Velez related “JR Mares and I are looking forward to our trip to the Falcon and AM Show. We will have info on new products coming plus a chance to win a new GTR8 sub.”
Jeff Petersen, with UTV Stereo, stated “The PowerSports category is hot and we have the widest selection of products and I look forward to crankin’ up the volume on Dave Gates’ Side x Side that is loaded with UTV Stereo gear.”
Industry veteran Doug Kern recently joined Dual and Jensen. Doug will be in the house looks forward to showing the latest product lineup.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (06.11.24) – The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) has opened nominations for its prestigious SEMA Industry Awards at http://www.sema.org/awards. Comprised of Person of the Year, Manufacturer of the Year, Channel Partner of the Year, Gen-III Innovator of the Year, and Content Creator of the Year, the awards honor leading companies and individuals who have made significant contributions to the specialty-equipment industry over the past year. Nominations close July 12.
“SEMA Industry Awards are a testament to those who have enhanced the industry at remarkable levels through their ingenuity, service, or outstanding business practices,” said SEMA Manager of Recognition Programs Chris Standifer. “The nomination process is crucial as it helps us identify and recognize those who are pushing new boundaries in the automotive world.”
For award consideration, honorees must have exhibited professionalism, service, integrity, and ethics that propelled the industry forward. In 2023, Jon Delgado of Repairify was awarded Gen-III Innovator of the Year for leading the engineering of the patented asTech Rules Engine, which uses empirical data to present users with the most accurate and cost-effective diagnostic scan option specific to a given vehicle.
Repairify’s Jon Delgado, left, was the recipient of the 2023 Gen-III Innovator of the Year award.
“Winning Gen-III Innovator of the Year validated my years of hard work and dedication to this industry,” said Delgado. “It felt like a milestone that not only celebrated my past achievements but also inspired me to aim higher and push the boundaries of innovation going forward.” Delgado said he was inspired by rapid advancements in technology and described winning the award as a “truly transformative experience.”
For other past SEMA Industry Award honorees, such as 2023 Channel Partner of the Year winner Summit Racing Equipment, the recognition highlights the importance of industry partnerships, a factor that is considered during the award selection process. “Our team works hard to provide world-class service to our customers and business partners alike,” said Summit Racing Equipment President and CEO Scott J. Peterson. “Not because they are trying to gain recognition or prove anything, but because they believe in and help drive our vision. They truly care, and their people-first attitude shows up in everyday actions and conversations.”
Nominations are now open for:
Channel Partner of the Year: Honors a sales channel partner for its outstanding service to the sales, distribution, retail, and/or e-commerce channel(s) of the industry. This includes maintaining proper inventories to service its respective channel and exceeding standards in providing suppliers with input and regular communication to help their products and programs succeed.
Content Creator of the Year: Honors a content creator for their outstanding contributions to the automotive culture and for creating a positive impact with automotive enthusiasts.
Gen-III Innovator of the Year: Honors a young, entrepreneurial individual, 40 years old or younger, who is creating innovative breakthroughs within the area(s) of industry opportunities, advancement, best business practices, technology, and/or trends.
Manufacturer of the Year: Honors a manufacturing company for its outstanding contributions and innovations.
Person of the Year: Established to honor a person for their outstanding contributions to the automotive specialty-equipment market.
The SEMA Industry Awards will be presented during SEMA Show week, Nov. 5-8, 2024. The Kick-Off Breakfast, held on Tuesday, Nov. 5, will award both Channel Partner of the Year and Manufacturer of the Year. On Thursday, Nov. 7, the SEMA Show Industry Awards Banquet will recognize Gen-III Innovator of the Year, Person of the Year, and Content Creator of the Year. Entries for Best Engineered Vehicle of the Year–a SEMA Industry Award that recognizes exceptional quality of engineering on a vehicle build– will open in September.
CHICAGO, IL (06.10.24) – The amazing Limo Jet, a Lear Jet 35 on wheels showcased at the recent House of Electronics Dealer Show, is a project Frank DeAngelo has been fostering for over 12 years.
The Limo Jet landed out front of the House of Electronics event and was ready to welcome all.
DeAngelo related “My thought was to create a vehicle that was very unique and could be used to draw consumers to large consumer and public events. Over the years the Limo Jet has been through several make-overs. The Limo Jet we had on site at the recent House of Electronics drew very positive comments from all. We had the same reaction from all at the recent Tri-State Dealer show at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington TX.”
Custom Alumapro subs add to the Limo Jet experience.
The cabin features a comfortable lounge feel with amazing sound and connectivity.
The Limo Jet is the shape of a Lear Jet 35 and placed on a limo frame with a Chevy pickup drive train. The overall length is 40’ and it’s trailered on the highway on a 44’ trailer. The interior was created as a comfortable lounge with a super sound system and video. The sound system with Zapco, ESB, Kenwood and Alumapro extends outside with Race Sport Lighting and amazing carbon hydro enclosures and graphics.
Monitors in the cockpit prepare the pilot for a safe journey.
Every facet of the Limo Jet showcases amazingly custom work.
Teg Manchanda, House of Electronics, stated “I have known Frank for years and we have several friends and business partners in the Chicago area. Ernie Hudnal with Atrend and I have worked together on several 12volt products they produce and he has kept me up to date on the Limo Jet. He indicated how cool it would be to spotlight it at our recent 2024 Dealer Show. We put a deal in place and everyone definitely was amazed when they checked out the Limo Jet. It definittely was on the top of attendees list to check out as they saw the latest products from exhibitors and took advantage of show deals and fun filled Dealer Show.”
The Limo Jet headed to the next event.
For longer trips the Limo Jet hitches a ride on a 44’ trailer.
The Limo Jet is available for celebrity appearances or top social media companies to use for product events and grand openings.
PHOENIX, AZ (06.10.24) – Orion Car Audio proudly announces the appointment of Mark Busier as the Vice President of Engineering, U.S. production. Mark, a key member of the original Orion team, led all engineering for Orion during the late 1980s. He brings a wealth of experience and expertise back to the team with the sole focus of launching and growing Orion’s U.S.-made products.
At Orion, we are “Proud to be Loud” and have great respect for our Orion car audio competitors. That’s why we prioritized bringing back the highly requested Orion NT series amplifiers. Exclusively manufactured in Phoenix, Arizona, by Orion Industries, these amplifiers pay homage to the original production in the 1990s. Mark Busier, the visionary behind the original and newly updated series, is now serving as the VP of Engineering for U.S. production.
“Bringing back the Orion NT series amplifiers, made exclusively in the USA, is a testament to our commitment to American craftsmanship and quality. Our goal is to ensure that Orion car audio delivers the best in class audio experience to our customers,” says Mark Busier.
The successful revival of the Orion NT series is just the beginning of the brand’s American-made product lineup. Mark Busier’s next venture focuses on kickstarting U.S. production for the HCCA series, followed by an expansion across the majority of Orion series over time. This expansion encompasses both entry-level and competition-level products, catering to a wide range of audio enthusiasts.
“I am thrilled to lead U.S. production for Orion Car Audio and contribute to the resurgence of American-made car audio,” says Mark Busier. “Our dedication to manufacturing excellence and innovation will set a new standard in the industry. We are committed to exceeding our customers’ expectations and delivering products that represent the true spirit of Orion.”
Customers and retailers alike can anticipate the first release of Orion’s American-made products before the end of 2024, with Orion NT series amplifiers leading the charge.
LIVERMORE, CA (06.07.24) – GS Distributing is pleased to announce Ron Vinoya has joined the company as an Account Manager. Ron will be handling all of the Central Valley and the Greater Sacramento California territory.
Ron Vinoya, Account Manager
Vinoya has a great amount of experience in car audio, both on the retail sales side and the tech side. His know-how and enthusiasm is a perfect fit for GS Distributing. As an account manager, Ron will be responsible for working with existing and new dealers to grow sales and build stronger customer relations.
“GS Distributing is pleased to welcome Ron Vinoya to our team. Ron’s years of experience and knowledge of the region is a perfect fit,” said Shams Nabi of GS Distributing Company.
GS Distributing covers Northern California and Nevada from the company’s Livermore HQ. Brands on the GS Distributing line card include Alpine, Audio Control, JBL, Polk, Stinger and Soundstream. Territory restrictions may apply.
LIBERTYVILLE, IL (06.07.24) – SUMMER is HERE! Take down every outdoor on-the-water adventure with audio powered through NA3! Nautic NA3 amplifiers bring an attitude that’s ready to take on any condition that the elements may bring. Take on the open waters with an amplifier line that answers the call for durability, playback, and fuel your Marine MB Quart audio system craves to showcase. NA3 POWER!
Every NA3 amplifier is waterproof and dustproof against the conditions innovated with a Q-Stasis pre-amplifier stage with a maximum low voltage signal from the source unit creating minimal distortion while RCA inputs are prewired to the PC board and offer more protection.
A heavy-duty heat sink efficiently moves heat from the MOSFET as innovative DC Signal Sense switch allows every NA3 amplifier to turn on when a signal is received on the RCA inputs. Obtain complete control of amplifier output with an electronic equalizer for specific frequencies to speakers and subwoofers.
Using conformal-coated PC boards to offer protection against all of the harsh elements, NA3 amplifiers bring huge durability that can be relied upon wherever the outdoor journey may lead to. In addition to taking on rough on-the-water conditions, every NA3 amplifier features sound contouring with onboard crossovers, bass boost, and adjustable input sensitivity — all concealed behind top-mounted controls.
Bring cleaner and deeper power to your Marine/Nautic MB Quart audio system with NA3 performance fueling your setup. Gear up for the summer wave with an amplifier line that elevates audio in any genre with NA3 Nautic amplifiers.
Embrace your Marine lifestyle through Music. Defined. levels of NA3 sound and innovation featuring simple top-mounted controls. SUMMER IS HERE!
Learn more HERE about the entire line of Nautic NA3 amplifiers.
ORLANDO, FL (06.06.24) – VOXX Electronics Corporation (VEC) is excited to announce the launch of its first-ever rewards program for the brand-new CarLink 7 and LINKR-LT3 products, which begin shipping this month. For the first time, VOXX is offering rewards for these cutting-edge products, along with a revenue share program for store owners.
CarLink 7 and LINKR-LT3 by Omega Rewards Program
For the very first time, VOXX is offering a comprehensive rewards program for its CarLink 7 and LINKR-LT3 by Omega products. This initiative is designed to recognize and reward both sales representatives and installers for their efforts in bringing these innovative solutions to customers.
“We are thrilled to launch our first-ever rewards program for these products,” said Aron Demers, Senior Vice President of VOXX Electronics. “This is a significant milestone for VOXX, as we acknowledge the hard work of our retail sales reps and technicians with well-deserved rewards. This program is all about celebrating and incentivizing the extended team that makes our success possible.”
Revenue Share Program for Store Owners
In addition to the new rewards program, VOXX is also introducing a revenue share opportunity for store owners. Store owners who facilitate renewing subscription plans for CarLink 7 and LINKR-LT3 by Omega will now receive a share of the revenue generated from these renewals. This initiative provides an additional income stream and incentivizes store owners to actively promote ongoing customer engagement and service plan renewals.
“Store owners are essential to our success, and we want to ensure they are directly rewarded for their efforts,” added Demers. “The new revenue share program aligns our interests and supports store owners in maintaining strong customer relationships and promoting service plan renewals.”
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