BEND, OR (06.07.23) – MTX Audio announces the appointment of CE Global Pro as the company’s Manufacturer Representative for the Pacific Northwest… Oregon and Washington.
Glenn McCarthy and team, located in Bend OR, will represent both MTX Mobile Audio and MTX Powersports Audio products. “We are thrilled to find a person with the excitement and experience of Glenn and feel confident he and his team will increase sales in the NW tip of the country” stated Ceasar Olaes, MTX 12 Volt Sales Manager.
Glenn McCarthy in the CE Global Pro office with MTX Audio web pages on the monitors.
“Pretty cool to have the prominence of MTX and the lineup of products to attack the ‘outdoor’ vehicle audio world. I’ve always appreciated the company’s staying power in the industry” commented McCarthy.
Look for more happenings in the PNW as Glenn & team hit the road…
Please contact Glenn McCarthy if your company is in the PNW and interested in becoming a MTX Audio Dealer. Email: ceglobalprorep@gmail.com Phone: 360-949-2125.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (06.07.23) – SEMA members are invited to a live webinar on Wednesday, June 21, at 11:00 a.m. PDT to connect with the SEMA Market Research team and discuss the “2023 SEMA Market Report.” The latest annual study, available for download Thursday, June 15, will give members an in-depth look at market changes from the past year and help them identify the greatest business opportunities in various aftermarket segments.
During the webinar, attendees will be able to ask questions as they learn about the report’s critical findings, like how much consumers spent on parts in 2022, how they used the vehicles they modified, how economic and industry factors are affecting the market, new data on market sizing, changes in the vehicle population and relevant trends.
Register for the webinar here and download the report when it becomes available Thursday, June 15, at sema.org/research.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (06.06.23) – Attendees of the 2023 SEMA Show, October 31-November 3 in Las Vegas, can expect an expanded SEMA Education program as part of a new SEMA initiative to create a more robust career- and professional-development program year-round.
The SEMA Show Education program will feature thought-provoking sessions, allowing attendees to tailor their program with a customizable learning journey of skill development and competency-based industry education.
“We want to support our attendees by offering a customizable learning journey for skill development and competency-based education inclusive of the Show and throughout the rest of the year,” said Pamela Brown-Matthis, SEMA Director of Education. “You’ll see that reflected in the comprehensive programming delivered at the Show as well as the virtual education that we’re incorporating into SEMA member-based events throughout the year across the country.”
The SEMA Education team is “focused on creating immersive learning experiences where engagement is high and attendees can see immediate knowledge and skills benefits. We’re dedicated to bringing innovation and fresh perspectives to the aftermarket business community,” Brown-Matthis said.
Keep an eye out for additional details on the 2023 SEMA Show Education program, which will feature the introduction of Monday afternoon seminars.
One vital program change for 2023 is the introduction of Monday afternoon seminars on October 30, prior to the Show’s official opening Tuesday morning. The idea is to provide wider access to education on what is usually considered an exhibitor “setup day.”
In keeping with this goal, planners have reorganized the Show’s many seminars into six highly focused SEMA Education tracks: Inside the Shop; Aftermarket Updates and Future Trends; Small-Business Strategy; Sales and Marketing; Vehicle Technology and Electric Vehicles; and Legal and Regulatory.
Stay tuned for more on the world-class SEMA Education program for 2023, including the announcement of the keynote speaker, partner education tracks and more details.
SEMA Show management is dedicated to making the event as cost-effective as possible for all. Register at SEMAShow.com/register by June 30 for just $40. Registration is $60 through September 29 and $120 after that date.
NOVI, MI (06.06.23) – Article via PR Newswire – Pioneer Corporation, a global market leader in mobility products, announces its decision to invest in and form a business alliance with CerebrumX Labs Inc. (CerebrumX), a leading AI-driven automotive data management company, to accelerate the growth of its mobility services business.
Pioneer and CerebrumX have also entered a strategic partnership, committed to developing innovative, data-driven mobility services, including connected services for OEMs and after-sales service providers such as insurance, fleet management, and maintenance. Pioneer brings to this partnership, mobility services and connected aftermarket products such as Telematics Adapters, AI-enabled Dashcams and Safety systems that can be retrofitted to existing unconnected vehicles, all powered by Piomatix, a mobility AI platform aimed at creating the future of mobility experiences. CerebrumX, in turn, brings its industry-first Augmented Deep Learning Platform (ADLP), that can take raw connected vehicle data, unify, clean, and enrich it, before applying AI/ML algorithms to generate advanced analytics and actionable domain-specific insights for various enterprises.
CerebrumX Labs Inc. Logo
CerebrumX works with automotive OEMs to operate a platform that collects, integrates, and analyzes real data from more than 15 million vehicles (70% of all connected vehicles in the North American market) and provides innovative services for third-party partners in insurance, fleet management, and more.
Through this strategic partnership, Pioneer and CerebrumX will expand their collaborative business globally, starting with North America and Japan, and aim to provide a one-stop connected service platform that supports both connected vehicles, which will become increasingly popular, and existing unconnected vehicles retrofitted with Pioneer connected aftermarket products. With CerebrumX’s ADLP, a single platform to tap both connected and non-connected vehicles, the joint solution will help fleet operators with real-time monitoring to optimize Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), auto insurers to develop personalized insurance plans based on the driver’s behavior, promote green mobility with long range EVs as well as create effective solutions for vehicle downtime and maintenance.
Over the years, Pioneer has accumulated and analyzed a wealth of mobility data and provided cloud services for resolving traffic congestion and reducing traffic accidents to the auto insurance and fleet management industries. Electrified mobility and connected cars are expected to become more prevalent in the future, creating new mobility use cases that have never existed before. The utilization of mobility data has the potential for great innovation in all aspects, from individually optimized insurance, remote maintenance, EV routing and charging management, to new in-vehicle apps and improved user experience.
Through this partnership, Pioneer will expand its solution services business globally by creating new mobility experiences and services with a wide range of partners, including new connected services for OEMs, new insurance and warranties from insurance companies, and EV fleet management and energy management, for which demand is growing.
“We are excited to invest and partner with CerebrumX. We strongly believe that connected AI automotive services will drive new mobility experiences of the future. Pioneer will play an active role in enabling this future globally together with the CerebrumX team,” said Shiro Yahara, President and CEO of Pioneer Corporation.
“We are thrilled to have the support from Pioneer as we move forward with our product to introduce a single platform for both connected and non-connected vehicles,” said Sandip Ranjhan, Chief Executive Officer at CerebrumX. “The strategic partnership will enable us to tap into new markets and unlock greater growth opportunities. This milestone also marks our entry into the global market and a significant step forward for CerebrumX.”
METAIRIE, LA (06.05.23) – Oracle Lighting is proud to announce the new Patent-Pending flush mount LED tail light design (p/n 5911-504) for third generation Toyota Tacoma Trucks (2016-2023). With an estimated MSRP of $449.95, the new tail lights are scheduled to ship Q3 2023.
“Protruding out significantly less than the factory tail lights, this low-profile design has a more streamlined appearance while also reducing risk of tail light damage,” explained Justin Hartenstein, Oracle Lighting director of development. “These flush tail lights feature a unique signature design and functional LED lighting elements including high-powered reverse lights, unique signature perimeter lighting, and an animated turn signal sequence.”
The new modular design allows the light to be partially disassembled for custom painting. The high-powered LED Reverse Light module can be easily removed from the black housing which can then be painted to match the body color of the vehicle to provide a more customized appearance which more seamlessly blends with the truck.
“No more problems backing up at night and no longer do you need to install additional reversing lamps onto the back of your truck to get the brightness you desire,” Hartenstein continued. “That’s because these LED reverse lights are basically a pair of LED light bars mounted into the tail light which will provide over 1,400 Lumens of rear-facing illumination.”
In addition of the attractive “signature style” LED lighting band and the high-output reverse light, this design also features a “dynamic” turn signal effect. This “motion” or “sequential effect” is a fluid LED motion from the inside portion of the light to the outside potion of the light signifying the direction of the turn signal with a fluid animated LED sequence.
“This is a true plug-and-play installation without any other wiring being needed for installation,” Hartenstein concluded. “These innovative LED tail lights were designed and engineered by Oracle Lighting right here in the USA. This tail light design provides many unique features and characteristics, providing an aesthetically pleasing product with a forward-thinking design language.”
Louisiana-based Oracle Lighting has been designing innovative lighting products and technologies for the automotive aftermarket since 1999. Oracle’s philosophy is this: in today’s world of fly-by-night vendors, we think it is important to partner with businesses that you can trust to be there for you today, tomorrow, and for years to come.
MIDDLETOWN, CT (06.05.23) – GoFast Solutions, a leading provider of automotive accessories and technology solutions, is proud to announce its appointment as the authorized distributor for RDV Automotive Technology in New England, North & Central New Jersey, New York, and the New York Metro Area, including New York City.
RDV Automotive Technology is a renowned supplier of cutting-edge car audio integration products, specializing in wireless CarPlay solutions. Their innovative range of products seamlessly integrates Apple CarPlay functionality into a wide variety of vehicles, enhancing the in-car entertainment and connectivity experience for drivers.
By becoming the authorized distributor for RDV Automotive Technology, GoFast Solutions reinforces its commitment to offering high-quality automotive technology products to customers in the New England and New York Metro regions. This strategic partnership will allow GoFast Solutions to expand its product portfolio and provide customers with access to state-of-the-art wireless CarPlay solutions.
“We are thrilled to be appointed as the authorized distributor for RDV Automotive Technology in New England, New Jersey, New York including the New York Metro Area,” said David Prinz, CEO of GoFast Solutions. “This collaboration represents a significant milestone for our company, and we are excited to bring RDV’s innovative car audio integration products to our customers.”
GoFast Solutions is renowned for its expertise in the automotive industry and its commitment to delivering top-notch customer service. With this new partnership, the company aims to offer its customers a comprehensive range of solutions that enhance their driving experience, combining RDV Automotive Technology’s wireless CarPlay products with GoFast Solutions’ existing product lineup.
“We chose GoFast Solutions as our authorized distributor in New England, New Jersey, New York including the New York Metro Area due to their extensive experience and excellent reputation in the automotive industry,” said Rich DeSclafani, owner at RDV Automotive Technology. “Their commitment to customer satisfaction aligns perfectly with our values, and we are confident that this partnership will bring great success.”
For more information about GoFast Solutions and its partnership with RDV Automotive Technology, please visit GoFst.com or contact us (203) 641-0272.
LIBERTYVILLE, IL (06.02.23) – Starting on June 1st (Thursday), Maxxsonics is launching an ALL-NEW Brick-and-Mortar Initiative. With this new program and launch, Maxxsonics will be calling thousands of brick-and-mortar dealers nationwide to discuss the exciting details. Get ready to pick up the phone and talk to us! There will be incredible new dealer perks and incentives included with high-profit margin products to becoming a dealer with Maxxsonics. You don’t want to miss out on this special Brick-and-Mortar Initiative launch!
“This is the most progressive independent specialist program Maxxsonics has ever had. The concept is simple – Dealer profit is our focus! This is an exciting time, and I can’t wait to see the results! Get ready to answer and PICK UP THE PHONE!”
-Alden Stiefel, President of Maxxsonics
Sam Dattalo, Vice President of Sales at Maxxsonics, said, “This is simply a fantastic initiative and incentive for new dealers nationwide to join Maxxsonics in selling our products. Stay tuned for more details coming soon, but we are incredibly excited for what’s ahead and exclusive for brand-new Maxxsonics dealers.”
Maxxsonics is very excited to be launching this brand-new Brick-and-Mortar Initiative. With tons of benefits and perks to becoming a new dealer with Maxxsonics that will be announced soon – the ALL-NEW Brick-and-Mortar Initiative is shaping up to be a special Maxxsonics launch program to remember with high-profit margin exclusive products. Details will be coming soon so STAY TUNED and ANSWER THE PHONE!
HOUSTON, TX (06.02.23) – Tim Crawford joins Synergy Marketing as Regional Territory Director for North Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas.
Tim Crawford
“Tim Crawford is new to the 12volt world, but comes with a seasoned track record of success in retail management for over 12 years at multiple stores including hi-end retail sales for 7 years at Nebraska Furniture Mart. In addition Tim was in account management for custom install and 12volt distribution for the last 5 years at DOW Technologies” David Toliver, Synergy Marketing Principal, related.
Continuing, “With a heavy mindset on customer focus, relationship building and attention to detail, Tim will be a valuable asset to the Synergy family. Passionate about mobile and home audio, plus the technology behind it, he is looking forward to cutting his teeth in the 12volt industry.”
Based in McKinney TX, Crawford will build upon the proven brands and strategies that already exist with Synergy Marketing in the North Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas markets.
PHOENIX, AZ (06.01.23) – Jon Kowanetz, former owner of the award winning Handcrafted Auto, Marine & Off-road, is now using his experience in personal and professional development to help other business owners with his new venture; Pathways Coaching & Consulting.
“Every few years, I see classes at industry events with the theme of ‘getting back to basics’ and I think that the only reason we need to keep revisiting these fundamentals of business management is because, while the classes provide great ideas, attendees are left on their own to execute them.” Kowanetz said. “And all too often, those pages of notes end up tucked away in a drawer somewhere, once those attendees return to their businesses and put their firefighter hats back on. But that is exactly why I started Pathways; to help my colleagues actually get from where they are now, to where they want to be, every step of the way.”
Jon Kowanetz on stage during a recent ‘Why Should I Organize’ presentation.
To accomplish this, Pathways utilizes two very different, purpose-built programs that are designed to not only help identify the opportunities for personal and professional growth, but support the business owner in achieving them with proven tools, techniques and training.
One such feature is the “Implementation Calendar” which provides not only a week-by-week timeline with which the owner can use to track their progress through specific tasks, but also quick access to unique and helpful ideas on how to do so, all through their own Client Portal.
Another is the “Pathways Academy”; a library of videos and training materials to educate the dealer on how to improve their business in 16 different categories, as well as an 8 part program on understanding their financials and a 51-week educational series called the “Virtual MBA”.
Jon Kowanetz
In addition to all of this, Pathways also supports it’s clients’ understanding and implementation of their chosen improvements with bi-weekly, one-on-one video or audio calls. During these sessions, progress toward stated goals is analyzed to identify what is working and what is not, so that changes can be made in real-time.
“These are not just hypothetical ideas based on imaginary figures that the client is then left to figure out how to apply to their business on their own” Jon explained, “We are using real data from their own P&L to identify changes that we both agree need to be made in their specific business, and then follow a new pathway made just for them until they achieve their goals.”
Combining the proprietary software with his own 15 years of experience in running a successful and profitable business, Jon was able to identify opportunities to add over $17k of annual profit to the bottom line of one of Pathway’s clients, while planning a strategic marketing plan for the future and creating policies and procedures that will later be included in an employee handbook, making the business more valuable and scalable.
“One of my biggest priorities in working with a business owner or manager is to help them finally do what we have all been told to do for so long; learn to work on their business and not in their business.” Kowanetz said emphatically, “I know very well, not only how hard it can be to do that and also how liberating it is once you do. Success for me, in this new role, is when I’ve helped my client create a better work/life balance and a higher Net Profit in a business that no longer needs them to be there every day.”
Kowanetz is proud to offer Pathways’ services to the Northern California and Nevada territories through cooperation with Cardoza & Company and to the rest of the industry directly.
OXNARD, CA (06.01.23) – SSV Works has announced the launch of the new plug-and-play 6.5-inch rear speaker-pod add-ons for 2021+ 2-door Ford Broncos. Available loaded (p/n BR-2B65A) or unloaded (p/n BR-2B65U), the patent-pending system is now shipping. SSV Works launched the 4-door solution for Ford Bronco 2021+ model years earlier this year.
“The new Broncos have become immensely popular in a short period of time, and we quickly realized its audio system needed an additional audio option,” said Trevor Kaplan, SSV Works CEO. “Designed specifically for the new 2- and 4-door Broncos, our new 6.5-inch rear speaker-pod add-ons provide easy installation in the rear factory roll cage using factory mounting locations. Optimized for sound quality, these pods are weather-proof and resistant to extreme environmental conditions, making them the ideal audio systems when out on the trails or on the beach.”
The loaded pods for 2-door Broncos come with 6.5in., 120 Watt (peak) SSV Works powersports speakers with a 25mm tweeter and weather-proof EPDM dual-lock gasket with an MSRP of $359.99. Pods with included Kicker speakers have an MSRP of $469.99. If you already have the speakers, the unloaded pods have an MSRP of $249.99.
Additional features and specifications include: • Includes stainless steel hardware, molded grommet, & integrated speaker terminals • Plug-&-Play harness allows for both factory or external amplifier connectivity • Dimensions: 19.75in x 11.5in x 8.6in • Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty of both the pods and the SSV Works speakers
12VoltNews.com 