INDIANAPOLIS, IN (02.11.22) – Sony Car Audio will have two demo cars, four trainings, and their entire team at the upcoming Mobile Electronics Association (MEA) KnowledgeFest taking place at the South Point Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, from February 18 through February 20. Sony retailers are encouraged to contact their distributor rep or Sony Car Audio team members for a code to register for the event for free.
Booth #601 on the trade show floor will show off Mike Rundel’s Toyota CH-R and Jared Bahley’s Toyota Tacoma, both of which show off complete Sony Mobile ES audio systems, and highlight the extraordinary XAV-9500ES head unit. Attendees will be able to sit in the vehicles for a guided demo of these excellent sound systems.
National Trainer Kris Bulla will provide three trainings for Sony Mobile ES, including some new products that will be released in the near future, and one training highlighting the benefits and support received as a Sony Car Audio retailer. Attendees are encouraged to register ahead of time by clicking the training links below:
TEMPE, AZ (02.10.22) – Mobile Solutions announced that Bill Jackson, president, and CEO of Rockford Corporation, will present a State of the Industry address at the first annual MasterTech Expo, scheduled for March 6-9 at the Mesa Convention Center in Mesa, Ariz. The presentation will take place on the last day of the show, preceding the MasterTech Build-Off awards ceremony sponsored by Rockford Fosgate.
Jackson will share his thoughts on keys to success in our complex and constantly evolving business landscape. He will also discuss the benefit of assessing your business to create change through focus, investment, and execution so that retailers identify and adopt new methods of business.
Bill Jackson has had a colorful industry career, staring in retail sales at Iowa’s Audio Room in 1980. He advanced to managing multiple stores for the company until founding his own rep firm 12 years later. Joining Rockford Corporation in 1995, Jackson worked his way from Sales Manager to Brand Managing Director, and on to Vice President of Sales and Marketing before accepting the roles of President and CEO in 2006. Jackson has a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Coe College and attended the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School.
“I was honored when Bryan asked me to share my insights with the attendees of the first MasterTech Expo,” said Jackson. “We think MasterTech Expo is brilliant because it focuses on where our industry is going: away from the content itself and more toward how content is personalized and experienced. Rockford fully supports this event’s mission of equipping our retailers and their staffs with the knowledge and skill to meet new market possibilities, and we look forward to being a part of it.”
For more information, or to register for MasterTech Expo, visit mastertechexpo.com.
MIAMI, FL (02.10.22) – Nakamichi Car Audio will once again be part of KnowledgeFest taking place February 18-20, 2022 at the South Point Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas Nevada..
On display will be a broad sampling of head units including new 2022 models as well as speakers, amplifiers and DSP units. The company will also be preview some new models slated for introduction later this year.
Robin McNeal, Nakamichi National Sales Manager, will be in the booth along with David Bradman and Guillermo Mendez from Diplomat Trading. Jason Proios will be on hand to answer technical questions. The group is looking forward to meeting with customers and sales reps coming in from around the country.
“Nakamichi is excited to be back at Knowledgfest”, noted Robin McNeal, “We have a number of key appointments already set”.
Nakamichi Mobile Audio can be found at booth #714 in the convention hall of the South Point.
STILLWATER, OK (02.04.22) – In its first product release for 2022, KICKER Audio announces a trio of down-firing loaded enclosures, each featuring KICKER’s thin-mount L7T™ square subwoofers. All enclosures come with a single 2-Ohm terminal, and are available in 8-, 10-, and 12-inch models. The enclosures are available for purchase at Authorized KICKER Dealers in-store and online. Soon to be introduced to the world on the KICKER UnMASKED! Live™ Weekly show, L7T Loaded Down-Firing Enclosures will retail from $279.99-$379.99. L7T Loaded Down-Firing Enclosures are also available at http://www.kicker.com.
Designed to fit perfectly under a seat or in your cargo area, each thin enclosure features plush black carpeting with rounded corners and custom embroidery. Inside the enclosure, thick MDF construction and heavy internal bracing offers strength and stability despite the stacked cargo that may be on top. The enclosures are carpeted and custom embroidered with the KICKER logo.
The inner workings of the L7T thin-mount subwoofer are unprecedented. L7T features an innovative “Forced-Air Cooling™” system that uses the woofer’s own cone movement to route more air through its motor, forcing unwanted heat out of vents built into the backplate and allowing the sub to run cooler than previous versions. Users get the bass they love, the sleek look, and the reliability beyond expectations.
KICKER’s exclusive UniPlate™ combines the pole piece and back-plate, making them a single, seamless unit that assists in pushing damaging heat away from the subwoofer. Perimeter venting is also used above the sub’s extended top-plate, pulling additional cooling air in and around the motor. The subwoofer’s top-plate utilizes a patented “bumped” design, allowing extra excursion and longer throw for deeper overall bass in an extremely thin design. Additionally, the unique, patented square cone provides nearly 20 percent additional cone area compared to a standard round-shaped sub of the same size, making a 12-inch square sub perform like a 13-inch round subwoofer, for example. As a result, the listener enjoys more volume and deeper bass.
FULLERTON, CA (02.02.22) – Vision Tech America, Inc. believes in providing customers with the state-of-the-art technology in automobile engineering with the best possible prices to modernize vehicles.
In this regard, BOYO unveiled VTC703AHD, VTC703AHD-Q2, and VTC703AHD-Q4, which are 2.4 GHz Wireless AHD Vehicle Backup Camera Systems with 7” Digital Monitor and Heavy-Duty Backup Cameras.
The above image shows the VTC703AHD-Q4 with images on the monitor for 4 cameras.
“Our new VTC703AHD series are AHD wireless systems for RVs and large Trucks. It offers high resolution display with multi-channel (1CH, 2CH, 4CH) cameras depending on the needs of our customers. Customers can easily install this wireless camera system without any hard wiring. It will help anyone to drive and park safely with confidence,” said Richard Hong, VP Sales.
Key Product Features: AHD 1080P high-definition camera and monitor for clear image. Long Range Wireless System – 2.4GHz 300’ long range connectivity between a camera and the monitor for reliable video transmission. Multi-Channel (1CH, 2CH, 4CH) Camera options Built-In DVR function for all models Heavy-duty camera with IP68 waterproof rating and IR light for night vision. No High-Speed Dropouts Built-in Speaker and Microphone Parking guidelines on/off switch, reverse/non-reverse switch
NEW YORK, NY (02.04.22) – 12volt retailers now have the most up to date training information at their fingertips.
This one-page announcement has all the details. 12volt retailer staff members simply scan the QR code and sign up for the training. Once the training has been completed the user will be sent a 90 day free streaming code and also be entered in for a chance to win a $50 Amazon Gift Card.
Click above to view full PDF
There will be 10 monthly $50 Amazon gift card winners and 1 quarterly $250 Amazon gift card winner.
AVON LAKE, OH (01.28.22) – Reduce under-hood temperatures and the chance of getting burned while working on a hot engine with the new Wastegate Heat Shield (#10142) from Design Engineering, Inc.
Great addition to a DEI Turbo Heat Shield for total turbo system protection, the Wastegate Heat Shield features high-tech composite materials with superior thermal insulating properties to help turbos run as efficiently as possible.
“We incorporated all of our experience building the absolute best Turbo Shield on the market, and applied it to building the best Wastegate Heat Shield,” says Mike Buca of DEI. “Offering a precise fit over the wastegate/BOV, it is without a doubt the strongest, most heat-resistant shield available.” Ideal fit for TurboSmart 40mm – 45mm wastegates – CompGate & HyperGate.
Thermal protection starts with a Titanium LR Technology™ outer layer encasing multiple stainless steel and silica inner layers. Stainless mesh and thread ensure durability even on the hottest engines, while stainless wire and true riveted tie-downs allow for a secure, simple installation.
The DEI Wastegate Heat Shield is lightweight for high-performance applications, controlling extreme heat for improved turbo system efficiency and function.
For more information about the Wastegate Heat Shield and DEI’s complete line of performance heat and sound control products, visit www.DesignEngineering.com.
AVON LAKE, OH (01.12.22) – Help prevent burns and block uncomfortable cabin heat from hot exhaust pipes with new Titanium Knitted Sleeves from Design Engineering, Inc.
Designed to fit 4″ OD tube sizes, the sleeves have a max temperature rating of 1,800°F and a continuous rating of 1,382°F. They are available in 12″ (#10038) and 24″ (#10040) lengths and can be cut to fit.
“Prevent burns and block uncomfortable heat with these new Titanium Knitted Sleeves,” says Mike Buca of DEI. “Designed to protect components from heat damage, they are perfect for larger exhaust pipes, as they can expand up to 1.5 times their normal diameter to install over flanges and sensor threads.”
Featuring a thick basalt material, the lightweight sleeves can easily be trimmed to size and rolled at the ends. Kits include locking ties and tool to secure the sleeves to the pipes.
For more information about Titanium Knitted Sleeves and DEI’s complete line of performance heat and sound control products, visit www.DesignEngineering.com.
LAS VEGAS, NV (11.04.2021) – The best new vehicles for personalization were announced at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nev. Voted on by exhibiting manufacturers, the SEMA Awards are presented annually to recognize the top trending vehicle models in five categories:
Car of the Year: Ford Mustang Sport Compact of the Year: Toyota Supra 4×4/SUV of the Year: Ford Bronco Full-size Truck of the Year: Ford F-Series Mid-Size Truck of the Year: Toyota Tacoma
The 2021 SEMA Award Winners: from left, Lisa Materazzo, Group Vice President, Toyota Marketing; Dave Pericak, Engineering Director, Unibody Applications, Ford; Chris Kersting, President and CEO, SEMA; Jackie DiMarco, F-Series Chief Program Manager, Ford; Phil Collaraeno, Executive Director for Global Programs, Ford.
“The SEMA Award celebrates the industry’s unique ability to identify and set trends that influence automotive enthusiast worldwide,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA President and CEO. “Consumers are able to look to SEMA Award winners for guidance on which vehicles offer the greatest opportunities for customization.”
As the four-day SEMA Show opens, the business-to-business trade show features 1,000 uniquely modified project vehicles. The 2021 SEMA Award winning models are featured throughout the 1.25 million square-foot Las Vegas Convention Center, each uniquely customized to highlight the many aftermarket products and accessories that are available for the vehicles.
Aftermarket manufacturers are investing more in the Ford Mustang, Toyota Supra, Ford F-Series, Toyota Tacoma, and Ford Bronco than any other vehicles. Consumers, therefore, can expect to find greater options for accessorizing these vehicles.
To learn more about the SEMA Show, award winners and the products that are available for them, visit www.semashow.com.
METAIRE, LA (10.13.2021) –Oracle Lightinghas been named a finalist for SEMA’s Manufacturer of the Year. Also, for the third year in a row, founder Justin Hartenstein has been named a finalist for the prestigious SEMA Gen-III Innovator of the Year.
The Manufacturer of the Year Award is presented annually to recognize one company that represents the industry’s core values through innovative processes and products, outstanding business practices, workforce excellence, protection of brand equity, and active SEMA participation in the support of the automotive aftermarket.
“We are incredibly proud to be finalists for two industry awards, and it is an honor to be recognized in our first nomination for Manufacturer of the Year,” said Tiffanie Hartenstein, Oracle Lighting Chief Executive Officer. “Our team values the opportunity to be an engaged member of SEMA and to contribute to the continued success of the automotive aftermarket industry. As a company, we thrive on innovation in all aspects and are committed to fostering growth in spite of the challenges our industry has faced. We are excited to represent the values that propel us forward in enriching the aftermarket experience.”
One of just two individual awards that the SEMA organization presents each year, the Gen-III innovator is an honor given to a young innovator who exhibits the same pioneering spirit as the original industry founders. According to SEMA, the Gen-III Innovator of the Year recognizes individuals whose work is changing the way the automotive aftermarket does business. He or she may have been the first to act on a new trend, invented an original product or devised and implemented ideas that better suit the current automotive marketplace.
“It is truly an honor to be named a finalist for an award that recognizes hard work and innovation in such a large and dynamic industry,” said Justin Hartenstein, Oracle Lighting director of development who founded Oracle Lighting in his garage in 1999. “And to top it off, Oracle Lighting has received another prestigious honor as being named a finalist for Manufacturer of the Year. I would like to congratulate our team for making this happen as 2020 and 2021 have been tough on our industry and, despite this challenge, Oracle Lighting has continued to accelerate and grow.”
The SEMA Industry Awards recognize outstanding contributions to the specialty-equipment industry. Winners will be announced and recognized during the SEMA Industry Awards Banquet, Thursday, November 4 at The SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nev.
When the Coronavirus pandemic first began, as for many other manufacturers, demand began to decrease as the economy slowed. Being the innovator that he is, Hartenstein pivoted and redirected his energy into an anti-virus device utilizing UV lighting technology. The result was the A.I.R. Device (Antimicrobial Irradiation Respirator), the world’s first UV face mask. In 2021, Oracle Lighting donated many of these masks to local Louisiana charities to help slow the spread.
In 2021, Oracle Lighting was also ranked as the third fastest growing company in the entire metro New Orleans area, with a three-year growth rate of 56 percent, according to New Orleans CityBusiness magazine.
Besides being a trend-setter, enthusiast, and innovator, Hartenstein is also an advocate for the automotive lighting aftermarket, making him an excellent candidate for this award. He sees the challenges that are taking a toll on the aftermarket lighting industry such as overseas counterfeiting. After months of working with foreign courts, attorneys, private investigators, and other authorities in China, Hartenstein filed and won legal action against an underground counterfeit factory ring in China that has repeatedly violated not only the Intellectual Property of ORACLE Lighting but of a half dozen other SEMA manufacturers.
In 2021, Oracle Lighting won its legal battle against a Chinese-based manufacturer of imitation products after a failed appeal process by the defendant. Hartenstein hopes to use this experience to create a roadmap for other SEMA manufacturers to follow in order to receive relief from the damage caused by illicit counterfeiting in the industry.