The Industry's #1 Resource


Holly Hill, Fla. – September 2, 2020 – Axxess® by Metra Electronics® is now shipping new AXDSP-X packages designed for Chrysler, Ford, GM, Hyundai/Kia and a new water-resistant solution for Harley-Davidson®. These DSP kits include Axxess’s 10-channel digital signal processor and a vehicle-specific wiring harness for convenient plug-n-play installation.

The patented AXDSP-X features 6 inputs, 10 individually assignable outputs with a 31-band graphic EQ on each channel and high, low, and bandpass filters. Also included in these packages is a bass knob for level control of the subwoofer amplifier and if needed, a data interface for seamless integration with the OEM vehicle technology.

The following new packages are now shipping:

Saddle Tramp® DSP Package for Harley-Davidson®:

A new water-resistant package, the AXDSPX-HD1, is now available for select 1998-2013 Harley-Davidson motorcycles, with or without an amplified sound system. The amplifier, if equipped, does not need to be retained. This package has a water-resistant case for the AXDSP-X with zip tie mounts and includes a vehicle-specific T-harness with a rubber boot that snaps into the housing, designed for outdoor use. All wiring for this product will be done at the radio location and it is Micro “B” USB updatable. This Axxess package is in stock and available now under Metra’s Saddle Tramp motorcycle accessories product line.

Axxess has recently updated all of their part numbers; the AX-DSP-X is now the AXDSP-X, with kits and harnesses following these same part number updates. Additional product information is available at AxxessInterfaces.com and installers can look for live webinars from the Metra YouTube channel to learn more about these products.

*See AxxessInterfaces.com for up-to-date, vehicle specific information.

At Metra, 12-volt installation and integration is our passion. We strive to continuously offer the highest quality products to meet the fluctuating technological challenges of the automotive world. We actively listen to our customers’ requests and invest resources in developing the highest quality dash kit and harness solutions. We make dash kits for more vehicle applications than anyone else in the world. That’s why we’ve been known as “The Installer’s Choice” ® for more than 72 years. Our other brands include: Axxess®, T-SPEC®, The Install Bay®, Heise LED Lighting Systems®, iBEAM Vehicle Safety Systems®, Shuriken High Performance Batteries®, Raptor®, Ballistic®, AmmoTenna®, Metra PowerSports®, Saddle Tramp®, Metra Marine® and Daytona Lights™. Metra’s expertise in connectivity solutions is also applied to its division of premium home theater and surveillance products, Metra Home Theater Group®. For ordering information and pricing, visit Metra Electronics online at MetraOnline.com or call 386-257-2956.

Holly Hill, FL – April 2, 2021 – Daytona Lights™ by Metra Electronics® has introduced new LED lighting products in different styles and options, designed to provide affordable vehicle lighting that doesn’t compromise performance. For extra visibility at night, two new styles of cube lights and three additional LED driving lights have been designed for better illumination and lighting coverage using a low current draw that doesn’t drain the battery. Single-color LED rock lights are available in four different colors that can go inside or outside of a vehicle. Daytona Lights™ has also introduced four different RGB strip light kits that have been tailored in size, length, and quantity to fit the most commonly requested installations. These new products are in stock and shipping now.
 
LED Cube Lights
The DL-CL2 is a set of two 5D spot lights with an impressive output for its small size. Drivers can see farther with a highly controlled spot light beam pattern that projects light at a much greater distance than what a standalone lens or reflector design can do. The 5D spot light produces a powerful 2,520 lumens combined from both of the six LEDs on each cube.
To get the best of both worlds, the new 140-degree dual-zone cube light set, the DL-CL3, allows the driver to control the center spot light and side flood lights independently. The light output can be adjusted when and where it is needed for a highly versatile solution that can illuminate an off-road trail, wide-open area, or long dark road. This set of two cube lights produces 2,520 lumens from the 72-watts of combined lighting, with twelve LEDs per cube. The ability to control the spot and flood lights separately make this set ideal for a wide range of driving environments.
 
LED Driving Lights
The DL-DL1 is a set of traditionally styled driving lights with a crisp ten-degree spot beam pattern and twenty LEDs, designed to complement any primary lighting system. They mount with a lower bracket located in the center and the set of two lights produce a combined total of 2,880 lumens using 40 watts.
For off-roading, new four-inch lights are available in square (DL-DL4S) and round (DL-DL4R) options, sold as a set of two lights with nine LEDs each. These lights have been designed with a medium 60-degree flood beam pattern to illuminate the immediate area while still shining ample light down the trail. Each set produces a combined total of 3,510 lumens of light using 54 watts.
 
Single-Color Rock Lights
New rock lights are available in white (DL-ROCKW), green (DL-ROCKG), blue (DL-ROCKB), and red (DL-ROCKR), sold as a two-pack. The rock lights are rated IP67 with metal housing for a resilient lighting solution that can go inside or outside—withstanding the elements for use under the vehicle, inside wheel wells, engine bays, and more. It is easy to install with a two-wire connection and hardware is included with flat or curved mounting bases that work on a variety of surfaces. Each 3.6-watt rock light has three 2525 LEDs for an affordable but bright accent lighting solution that adds flair to any vehicle’s interior or exterior.
 
RGB Strip Lighting Kits
Four new RGB strip lighting kits are designed for wheel wells, underbody, or interior lighting in the most common installation sizes. The music controller with a key fob and card remote is included and there is an optional feature for brake light integration, which turns the LED lights red when braking. Installers can combine multiple kits in the DL-RGBK series to work with one key fob or card remote. These plug-n-play solutions are designed for the easiest possible installation with cigarette adapter or hardwire power options and no specialty tools required.
 
RGB LED Lighting Kit Options:
  • DL-RGBK1: Interior Kit with (4) 12-inch Strips
  • DL-RGBK2: Kit with (10) 4-inch Strips
  • DL-RGBK3: Wheel Well Kit with (4) 24-inch Strips
  • DL-RGBK4: Underbody Kit with (2) 36-inch Strips and (2) 48-inch Strips
All of these new products are in stock now. Visit MetraOnline.com for additional information.
About Metra Electronics®
At Metra, 12volt installation and integration is our passion. We strive to continuously offer the highest quality products to meet the fluctuating technological challenges of the automotive world. We actively listen to our customers’ requests and invest resources in developing the highest quality dash kit and harness solutions. We make dash kits for more vehicle applications than anyone else in the world. That’s why we’ve been known as “The Installer’s Choice” ® for more than 75 years. Our other brands include: Axxess®, T-SPEC®, The Install Bay®, Heise LED Lighting Systems®, iBEAM Vehicle Safety Systems®, Shuriken High Performance Batteries®, Raptor®, Ballistic®, AmmoTenna®, Metra PowerSports®, Saddle Tramp®, Metra Marine® and Daytona Lights™. Metra’s expertise in connectivity solutions is also applied to its division of premium AV and surveillance products from MetraAV®. For ordering information and pricing, visit Metra Electronics online at MetraOnline.com or call 386-257-2956.

# # # #

Fleet, Commercial and Heavy Equipment Safety and Jobsite Solutions

Holly Hill, Fla. – August 28, 2018 – Metra Electronics®, the leading manufacturer of aftermarket automotive solutions, introduces the Municipality Series from Heise LED Lighting Systems®designed for government, construction and emergency vehicle lighting. The universal lights were engineered for any fleet, commercial vehicle, or heavy equipment requiring powerful visual alerts.

All of the Municipal Series lights come with matched or built-in controllers for 15-plus different flash patterns and covers from full-size light bars to low-profile marker lights for permanent mounting or temporary magnetic solutions.

“The lighting colors used on emergency vehicles vary based on local, state, and national laws. Metra is now able to offer high-quality Heise LED lighting systems to the government, emergency and construction sectors to meet safety and lighting needs,” said Bill Jones, president and CEO of Metra Electronics.

The safety lights are designed for higher-voltage applications, offering a wide-range of products that work with both 12 and 24 volt systems. With a water-resistant IP65 rating, Heise’s municipality lights are durable; built to withstand all weather conditions, year after year. For those who operate at night, pair this series with the tried and true Heise Work Lights for the ultimate combination of safety and functionality.

There is an array of available solutions that can be grouped into four major categories, Light Bars, Strobe Light Kits, Marker Lights and Light Heads. To learn more about each of the product areas, visit www.HeiseLED.com.

At Metra, 12 volt installation and integration is our passion. We strive to continuously offer the highest quality products to meet the fluctuating technological challenges of the automotive world. We actively listen to our customers’ requests and invest resources into developing the highest quality dash kit and harness solutions. We make more dash kits for the most vehicle applications than anyone else in the world. That’s why we’ve been known as “The Installer’s Choice®” for more than 70 years. Our brands include: Axxess®, T-Spec®, The Install Bay®, Heise LED Lighting Systems®, iBeam Vehicle Safety Systems®, Shuriken High Performance Batteries®, Raptor®, Ballistic® and AmmoTenna®.  Metra’s expertise in connectivity solutions is also applied to its division of premium home theater and surveillance products, Metra Home Theater Group®. For ordering information and pricing, visit Metra Electronics online at MetraOnline.com or call 800.221-0932.

Metra Electronics has announced its radio installation kit for the 2015-UP Subaru Impreza/XV Crosstrek and 2016-Up Forester and 2016-Up WRX.

Part number 99-8907HG is designed specifically for single ISO DIN installations. Painted gloss black and silver to match the factory appearance. Retains the factory climate controls in their original location.

Part number 95-8907HG is specific for the installation of ISO DDIN radios.Painted gloss black and silver to match the factory appearance. Retains the factory climate controls in their original location.

Metra Electronics has announced its radio installation kit for all variations of the 2015 and newer VW Golf.

Part number 99-9013HG is designed for both single DIN and DDIN installations. The parts are engineered for sturdy support by using a set of brackets that mount to a sub-dash bracket, then covered by a gloss black trim plate.

Be sure to use the AXXESS ASWC-1 to retain the factory audio steering wheel controls and check metraonline.com, Metra's app, or axxessinterfaces.com for information about harnesses, interfaces, and antenna adapters available to complete the installations in these vehicles.

Metra Electronics has announced its new radio installation kit for the 2002 through 2010 Lexus SC430.

Designed for installation of DDIN or single DIN radios, part number 99-8161S includes parts for installation with or without the factory radio door. The parts are painted to match the factory color and finish.

Sold separately to complete the job is the Axxess TYTO-01. AXXESS interface integrates all amplified systems, provides navigation outputs, and is USB updatable. Also sold separately, the AXXESS ASWC-1 in conjunction with the ASWC-TOY-LEX harness, make it easy to retain the factory steering wheel controls.

Installers Will Learn How to Use the AX-DSP to Upgrade Digitally Amplified Systems Without the Hassle

Holly Hill, FL - October 13, 2017 – Metra Electronics is hosting free AX-DSP training sessions at SEMA Booth #11639 in the North Hall. Training sessions are open to all attendees and a total of six sessions will be hosted. The 30 minute training sessions will be held at 10am and 3pm on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday during the show (10/31/17 to 11/2/17). The SEMA Show is hosted at the Las Vegas Convention Center from October 31 to November 3, 2017. It is the premier automotive specialty products trade event in the world.

About the Training Session

How do you effectively install aftermarket amplifiers and speakers in vehicles with digitally amplified systems? The experts from Metra Electronics will be showing attendees the faster, more efficient solution, using the Axxess Digital Signal Processor (AX-DSP). The “before-the-amp” solution for digital amplifiers is just one of the many ways to use the AX-DSP, but will be the focus for the training session at SEMA. Jason Anderson, VP of Research and Development, and Juan Lugo, Director of Axxess, will be hosting the training sessions twice a day, from Tuesday through Thursday. To learn more about this topic, attend one of the scheduled training sessions at booth #11639 in the North Hall of the SEMA Show. A question and answer session will conclude the training, to allow attendees to ask specific installation questions regarding the AX-DSP. Register at https://www.weare12volt.com/sema to receive more information about the training session. This event will be standing room only inside the booth.

About the AX-DSP

Axxess launched a new Digital Signal Processor (AX-DSP) this summer, as an all-in-one vehicle interface and DSP. It retains vehicle functions and allows full control via a smartphone application. One of the benefits to the AX-DSP, is that it is compatible with any aftermarket amplifier and speaker setup*. The OE radio will work with a digital or analog amplifier, without a factory amplifier, when adding a subwoofer to an OE system, or when using an aftermarket radio system. Unlike traditional DSPs on the market, this allows the installer to present a better, more cost effective solution to their customer, based on what they are wanting to keep or replace in their system.

The “before-the-amp” solution is designed to allow installers the option to remove the factory amplifier or to add a subwoofer while still maintaining the original equipment features and controls of the radio. The AX-DSP takes the digital signal from OE radios and converts it to a multi-channel analog output, allowing an installer to easily add aftermarket amplifiers while retaining the use of the OE radio controls. This results in a faster, more efficient method for installers.

*Visit AxxessInterfaces.com to view an up to date and vehicle-specific application chart for the AX-DSP. For product and training information, visit https://www.weare12volt.com/sema and register to receive notifications.

Holly Hill, Fla. – August 15, 2019 – Metra Electronics® is excited to showcase their high-quality aftermarket motorcycle accessories at the 2019 AIM Expo. Metra will display products from their Saddle Tramp®, Metra PowerSports®, Axxess®, Heise LED Lighting Systems® and iBEAM Vehicle Safety Systems®brands designed for aftermarket audio, lighting and safety upgrades. Many of these unique productsare hard to find aftermarket items for customizing Harley-Davidson® and other popular motorcycle applications. Saddle Tramp products include a diverse range of inner fairings, saddlebag lids and speaker pods that allow installers to upgrade an audio system while maintaining the factory look and feel of the motorcycle.

The new AX-DSP-X from Axxess will also be available with a water-resistant housing (AX-DSPX-WR) suitable for motorcycles and plug-n-play harnesses designed specifically for Harley-Davidson. This Digital Signal Processor will allow installers the ability to improve a sound system in an aftermarket or factory radio and retain many important vehicle features, while still providing full tuning control via a smartphone app.

Lighting products from Metra PowerSports as well as Heise LED Lighting Systems that will be on display include weatherproof accent lighting and vehicle-specific replacement products for taillights, headlights, turn signal lights, and more. Additional items like a universal seat heater, weatherproof dual camera and DVR, micro-power amplifiers, motorcycle amp kits and wiring will also be showcased from Metra.

The American International Motorcycle Expo, AIM, is North America’s most important powersports industry trade and consumer show. This four day event runs from September 26th to September 29th at the Greater Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, Ohio, and attracts a wide range of companies who gather to reveal their new products and innovations. See Metra’s products on display at the 2019 AIM Expo booth #1107.

At Metra, 12-volt installation and integration is our passion. We strive to continuously offer the highest quality products to meet the fluctuating technological challenges of the automotive world.  We actively listen to our customers’ requests and invest resources in developing the highest quality dash kit and harness solutions. We make dash kits for more vehicle applications than anyone else in the world. That’s why we’ve been known as “The Installer’s Choice” ® for more than 72 years. Our other brands include: Axxess®, T-Spec®, The Install Bay®, Heise LED Lighting Systems®, iBEAM Vehicle Safety Systems®, Shuriken High Performance Batteries®, Raptor®, Ballistic®, AmmoTenna®, Metra PowerSports®, Saddle Tramp® and Metra Marine®. Metra’s expertise in connectivity solutions is also applied to its division of premium home theater and surveillance products, Metra Home Theater Group®.  For ordering information and pricing, visit Metra Electronics online at MetraOnline.com or call 386-257-2956.

Holly Hill, Fla. – January 17, 2023 – Metra Electronics ® is heading to Las Vegas, Nevada to host new training sessions at KnowledgeFest™ and showcase their latest aftermarket installation products. At the booth will also be a Ford F-150 Lightning, built by Professional Car Audio of Visalia, CA, and customized with Metra products. Metra’s training sessions will cover new products launched at The 2022 SEMA Show. This includes new Shuriken Lithium Series batteries, dash kits, Axxess ® integration products and DSPs, lighting and audio upgrades for Harley-Davidson ® and Can-AM Ryker, aftermarket accessories that fit Jeep ® and Bronco, and more. Metra is proud to once again support the industry by providing in-depth training sessions for installers at the event, hosted February 3-5. Training sessions include:

“Metra's 2022 New Products Overview” on February 3rd at 1:45 PM

This session is the best way to get an overview and education on Metra's newest products launched at the 2022 SEMA Show. This training covers Shuriken's new line of lithium-ion and lithium-iron batteries, dash kits for the newest vehicle applications, integrations for Tesla, next-generation Axxess DSP products, innovations from iBEAM Vehicle Safety Systems, and more! In addition, attendees will also learn about Metra's new Proscenium brand featuring high-quality audio products, as well as a new dealer-only line of wiring accessories from their popular and recently revived Tsunami brand.

“New Jeep ® and Bronco Accessories from Metra” on February 3rd at 3:00 PM

Hear valuable tips for selling and installing new products that cater to your loyal Jeep ® and Bronco customers. This training covers aftermarket audio accessories such as a Dash-Mount Tweeter Plate, Speaker Harnesses, and a Kick Panel Speaker Adapter Plate for Bronco. Attendees will also see Rear Speaker Pods that allow installers to easily upgrade the 4" factory rear pods to 6.5” or 6.75” speakers. New Heise LED lighting solutions include innovative expandable wheel rings, rock lights, headlights and taillights, and three Heise Connect controllers for RGB, RGBW, and Chasing products that pair with an all-new, free downloadable app.

“New Harley-Davidson ® and Can-AM Ryker Upgrades” on February 4th at 4:15 PM

Be among the first to learn about new accent lighting, driving lights, audio accessories, and more from Saddle Tramp that help make motorcycle lighting and audio upgrades easy. New products covered will include a 7" Reflector Headlight with Full Halo, 4.5" Reflector Passing Lights with Full Halo, a 16-Piece Chasing LED Strip Kit, Cut-In Saddlebag Lids, a Vent Grille Light, Keystone Lights, new Speaker adapter harnesses, a new Chasing Accent Lighting Kit, and more. This training will show you how to easily stylize your customers' motorcycles with less time spent on wiring and custom fabrication.

"Simplify your Install with Axxess DSPs” on February 4th at 5:30 PM

Learn about the newest solutions from Axxess that make vehicle integration easy. With the AXDSP-X and AXDSP-L lines, Metra is putting plug-n-play products back into the installation bay. This training will cover Axxess DSPs, highlight new vehicle-specific products, and showcase the newest app features. We’ll show you how these solutions can increase your sales in the showroom and decrease installation time. Learn how to use and set up Axxess DSPs through the app for complete tuning control, when to use the DSP “Lite” versus “X” solutions, and more. Metra’s patented DSP products help simplify installation and provide affordable audio solutions.

Metra’s customers can register for the KnowledgeFest event at no cost using Metra’s VIP code, available by request from their sales representative. Once registered for the event, attendees will also need to register online at KnowledgeFest.org for each training session they will attend. Metra will be at booth #401, February 3-5, at the Paris Hotel & Convention Center. See additional details about the show, produced by the Mobile Electronics Association (MEA), at KnowledgeFest.org.

At Metra, 12-volt installation and integration is our passion. We strive to continuously offer the highest quality products to meet the fluctuating technological challenges of the automotive world. We actively listen to our customers’ requests and invest resources in developing the highest quality dash kit and harness solutions. We make dash kits for more vehicle applications than anyone else in the world. That’s why we’ve been known as “The Installer’s Choice” ® for 75+ years. Our other brands include: Axxess ® , T-SPEC ® , The Install Bay ® , Heise LED Lighting Systems ® , iBEAM Vehicle Safety Systems ® , Shuriken High Performance Batteries ® , Raptor ® , Ballistic ® , AmmoTenna ® , Metra PowerSports ® , Saddle Tramp ® , Metra Marine ® and Daytona Lights ® . For ordering information and pricing, visit Metra Electronics online at MetraOnline.com or call 386-257-2956.

Mobile Electronics Association Recognizes the Industry’s Best

Holly Hill, Fla. – August 20, 2018 – Metra Electronics®, the leading manufacturer of aftermarket automotive solutions, received the Mobile Electronics Industry Award for 2018 TOP Vendor- Accessories and Materials given at a ceremony held August 19th at the Mobile Electronics Association KnowledgeFest Tradeshow and Conference in Dallas, Texas.

Given annually, the “Mobile Electronics Industry Awards comprise a months-long process to recognize and honor those in the mobile electronics industry that best exemplify the professionalism, business ethics, service and expertise we want to think of when they do business in our industry,” according to Mobile Electronics Association, the entity responsible for the awards.

“Metra Electronics is known as The Installer’s Choice®. This award is another confirmation of that. We take pride in being on the forefront of product development for aftermarket solutions, focusing on quality at the best value,” said Bill Jones, president and CEO of Metra Electronics. “We have developed kits and accessories for a wide range of vehicle applications, where others may invest the resources into the most popular vehicle applications, Metra has created hundreds of kits for many of the ‘hard to find’ vehicles.”

Metra Electronics won in the Accessories and Materials category for products or technology that improve upon the look, style and/or function of existing vehicle components or standard components that accompany aftermarket products.

At Metra, 12-volt installation and integration is our passion. We strive to continuously offer the highest quality products to meet the fluctuating technological challenges of the automotive world. We actively listen to our customers’ requests and invest resources into developing the highest quality dash kit and harness solutions. We make more dash kits for the most vehicle applications than anyone else in the world. That’s why we’ve been known as “The Installer’s Choice®” for more than 70 years. Our brands include: Axxess®, T-Spec®, The Install Bay®, Heise LED Lighting Systems®, iBeam Vehicle Safety Systems®, Shuriken High Performance Batteries®, Raptor®, Ballistic® and AmmoTenna®.  Metra’s expertise in connectivity solutions is also applied to its division of premium home theater and surveillance products, Metra Home Theater Group®. For ordering information and pricing, visit Metra Electronics online at MetraOnline.com or call 800.221-0932.

Holly Hill, Fla. – December 10, 2021 – It is with great sadness and tremendous respect that Metra Electronics Corporation® announces the passing of its founder and innovator, Mr. Michael M. Somma. Metra’s president, Bill Jones, offered the following words as a tribute to honor the life of Mr. Somma:

“As Metra is celebrating its 75th year in business, his passing is even more bittersweet. But, we at Metra choose to celebrate his life rather than posting a simple obituary. His life was much more than that. His life was Metra, and thus, if you will indulge me, I’d like to offer you a kind remembrance of a man that meant so much to me and all of us, but especially the industry he helped to father and promote. Michael Somma was a man of simple means born to a hard-working Italian immigrant family living in the Coney Island section of Brooklyn, New York. He was brought up with six sisters and his father worked at Steeplechase Park from 1913 until its closing in the 1960s. His mother tended to the upbringing of seven children and kept a loving household. Michael Somma was a true pioneer and a genius of the 6volt and 12volt car radio industry. He will be missed by his family, his friends, and the industry as a whole. Somma was 94 years of age at his passing. He saw the tremendous changes in our business since Metra's founding in 1946 on Coney Island Avenue in Brooklyn, New York.

Somma started out by opening a television sales and service shop with his brother-in-law, Sal Izzo, after serving proudly and with honor in the United States Navy in World War II. He was a graduate of Brooklyn Technical School, where he learned electrical and mechanical engineering skills. Somma built and sold his first television while attending school, which became his first official TV sale. It must have worked well! After the war, where he served as a radioman, he knew where his passion and interests would be best utilized, and thus, Metra Radio and TV was founded.

In the 1940s, Metra Radio and TV initially focused on selling television sets and home radios more so than car radios, as the demand for TVs was much greater and more lucrative at the time. Nevertheless, they went on to sell and install numerous car radios because cars at this time did not come equipped with a radio and the option from the factory was, as it is now, an expensive addition. Installing a car radio was a time-consuming and complex undertaking. These trials and tribulations gave Somma the idea of standardizing the design and creation of kits instead of tackling each installation one at a time.

Several innovations at the time pushed Metra’s focus more towards automotive. From the beginning, Metra was a Blaupunkt car radio dealer. Blaupunkt made great car radios and was the first to introduce FM to their units. Although not many FM stations existed at the time, the ones that did, offered a clearer and static-free broadcast. Although AM technology was still the rule and FM the exception up until the 1970s, Somma's forward-thinking saw the potential on the broader bandwidth of FM and its ability to attain Hi-Fidelity sound, as it was called at that time.

Somma’s other innovation was the manufacturing of car radio installation kits, which greatly facilitated an easier installation of car radios. At the beginning of car radio installations, it could take two men several hours to install the earlier and primitive units. Somma used his considerable mechanical skills to fashion Metra's earliest kits out of metal and find whatever way he could fasten the radio to the car. As a perfectionist, the installations were always top-notch.

One of the events that genuinely catapulted Metra to its glory was the change in New York regulations by the Taxi and Limousine Commission, allowing taxi cabs to legally have radios in their cabs. Prior to this, many states and municipalities outlawed radio use as they felt it would be a distraction to the driver. This change led Metra to pre-fabricate kits as their radio and installation business took off!

Soon, the car radio side of the business became more lucrative than selling TVs, and thus was born the new division, Metra Electronics. As more installations kept coming in, the need for a bigger facility became apparent. The solution was to move to a larger headquarters on McDonald Avenue in Brooklyn. This was the time of the "two Metras," and the original store remained open and focused strictly on television repair and sales, run by Sal Izzo. Izzo was cautious of betting on just car audio and felt better suited to TV repairs and sales.

As the 1950s rolled on, more and more installations meant fabricating more radio kits. This is where Somma’s talents came into play, thinking of the bigger picture outside of Brooklyn. He reasoned early on that there were 48 other states going through the same hassle to fabricate brackets and trim panels for radio installations. Metra’s complete car radio installation kit for dealers was born. This is not to say that Metra was the only company thinking the same thoughts. Still, Somma’s boldness led him to eliminate the installation bays and fill them with machinery and equipment to manufacture the myriad of kits required to fit the many different types of cars on the road. He hired engineers and designers, set up a shipping department, and hired a sales and marketing staff to take Metra nationwide. Although it wasn't always easy, his persistence paid off and Metra Electronics became a great success!

As time went by, Metra went full circle and introduced a line of car radios called MetraVox in the early 1960s that included 4-track players, AM and FM radio, and eventually became a public company in 1969. It was a highly successful line until the field became very crowded and technology-laden. MetraVox’s radios, which were manufactured in Italy and Japan, were discontinued as Somma determined that the true profit center was in the installation kit business.

In closing, let's not forget the true pioneer who was way ahead of his time. Michael M. Somma ranks up there with Armstrong, Lear, Shalam, and the rest,” says Jones. “May he rest in peace and I hope he is smiling down upon us watching his creation thriving after 75 great years,” he concluded. Metra’s complete line of 12volt brands can be seen at MetraOnline.com. Additional information about the history of Metra Electronics is available at http://www.metraonline.com/news-post/408.

At Metra, 12-volt installation and integration is our passion. We strive to continuously offer the highest quality products to meet the fluctuating technological challenges of the automotive world. We actively listen to our customers’ requests and invest resources in developing the highest quality dash kit and harness solutions. We make dash kits for more vehicle applications than anyone else in the world. That’s why we’ve been known as “The Installer’s Choice” ® for more than 75 years. Our other brands include: Axxess®, T-SPEC®, The Install Bay®, Heise LED Lighting Systems®, iBEAM Vehicle Safety Systems®, Shuriken High Performance Batteries®, Raptor®, Ballistic®, AmmoTenna®, Metra PowerSports®, Saddle Tramp®, Metra Marine® and Daytona Lights®. Metra’s expertise in connectivity solutions is also applied to its division of premium AV and surveillance products from MetraAV™. For ordering information and pricing, visit Metra Electronics online at MetraOnline.com or call 386-257-2956.

Holly Hill, FL – January 28, 2020Metra Electronics® will host six training sessions at the 2020 KnowledgeFest™ event in Long Beach, California, for mobile electronics installers. As a Diamond Ultra sponsor, Metra is proud to support the industry by providing in-depth training sessions for installers, which will outline upgraded vehicle safety systems, selling and installing lighting solutions, simplified installs with digital signal processors and the future of vehicle integration. Metra will also have a drawing for new product giveaways at each session for attendees. Installer Institute® will also be at the show, promoting their mobile electronics training programs and continuing education courses for existing 12volt professionals.

Both of the iBEAM training sessions, “Upgrading Vehicle Safety Systems with iBEAM,” will assist installers in identifying the essential selling points of safety and convenience, and will be held on Friday, February 7th from 1:45 to 2:45 p.m. and Sunday, February 9th from 10:45 to 11:45 a.m. Installing aftermarket cameras and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems in both consumer and commercial vehicles has become a significant revenue source for mobile electronics shops. Attendees will learn about iBEAM’s latest vehicle cameras, dashboard cameras with DVRs, replacement rearview mirrors, vehicle-specific solutions and commercial safety line. Whether it is a simple backup camera integration, an advanced motion detection camera setup or a high-tech 360-degree view system, Metra will teach installers how to sell and install their latest iBEAM safety solutions. They’ll also learn about the hot-button selling points and features that consumers and fleet owners are asking for, plus installation tips for a better understanding of what is involved in an upgrade. Attendees will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win the new 9” Rearview Mirror Monitor Touchscreen (TE-SM9) and 360-Degree Interior View Dash Camera Kit (TE-360DVR) from iBEAM.

Heise will also be hosting two training sessions, “Selling and Installing Heise LED Lighting Solutions,” on Saturday, February 8th from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. and Sunday, February 9th from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. The recent popularity in aftermarket LED lighting presents a valuable opportunity for installers to go beyond car audio services, giving consumers a way to customize their ride and increase visibility in the dark. However, not all LED lights on the market are the same. This session will allow installers to learn about Heise’s unique features and selling points that have set this brand apart from the rest. This training will cover new lightbars, integrating switch panels, replacement LED headlights, RGB and RGBW accent lights and safety lights for upfitting commercial equipment and fleet vehicles. Attendees will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win the new 8 Gang Panel System (HE-SWP8) or 20" Edgeless Slimline Lightbar (HE-TSL20) product giveaways from Heise.

Axxess will be hosting two different training sessions. The first session, “Simplify your Installs with Axxess Digital Signal Processors,” will cover the entire Axxess AX-DSP product line and how these solutions can increase sales in the showroom and decrease time in the bay. The session will be hosted on Saturday, February 8th from 4:45 to 5:45 p.m and will show installers that upgrading a sound system doesn’t have to be complicated. This training will also go over and explain how to use the different types of applications offered within the AX-DSP line, including CAN-based systems, new A2B systems, MOST25, and MOST50 vehicle technology. Metra will also discuss how to use and set up the AX-DSP through the app for complete tuning control and when to use the DSP “Lite” versus “X” solutions. As vehicle technology becomes more and more complex, installers can look for Metra’s patented DSP products to help simplify installation and provide affordable audio solutions for their customers.

The second Axxess training session on Friday, February 7th from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., “The Future of Vehicle Integration with New Axxess Products,” addresses the growing challenges and complexity of integration for the aftermarket 12volt industry. With the reduction in OE radio chassis sizes, the rising popularity of tablet-style screens, and many of the personalization features controlled through the OE radio, it is difficult for shops to offer simple aftermarket solutions. Attendees will learn about new products from Axxess that have been engineered specifically to address the complexity of today’s integrated vehicle technology systems and retain key convenience and safety features when upgrading a radio. For consumers who want to keep their radio but add safety, navigation, smart device mirroring, or simply override the annoying STOP/START engine feature, installers can learn about these new products from Axxess that will make their customer’s ride much more enjoyable. Attendees will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win the new AX-DSP-LITE from Axxess.

Attendees can register for the training session or scan their badge at Metra’s booth before the start of the sessions to be entered into a drawing for one of the two product giveaways for each training session. The drawing will take place at the end of the sessions, and attendees must be present to win.

Metra’s customers can register for the KnowledgeFest event at no cost using Metra’s VIP code, available by request from their sales representative. Once registered for the event, attendees will also need to register online at KnowledgeFest.org for each training session they will attend. Metra will be at booth #1006 from February 7th-9th at the Long Beach Convention Center. Additional information about the show, produced by the Mobile Electronics Association (MEA), is available at KnowledgeFest.org.

About Metra Electronics®

At Metra, 12volt installation and integration is our passion. We strive to continuously offer the highest quality products to meet the fluctuating technological challenges of the automotive world. We actively listen to our customers’ requests and invest resources into developing the highest quality dash kit and harness solutions. We make dash kits for more vehicle applications than anyone else in the world. That’s why we’ve been known as “The Installer’s Choice” ® for more than 72 years. Our other brands include: Axxess®, T-SPEC®, The Install Bay®, Heise LED Lighting Systems®, iBEAM Vehicle Safety Systems®, Shuriken High Performance Batteries®, Raptor®, Ballistic®, AmmoTenna®, Metra PowerSports®, Saddle Tramp®, Metra Marine® and Daytona Lights™. Metra’s expertise in connectivity solutions is also applied to its division of premium home theater and surveillance products, Metra Home Theater Group®. For ordering information and pricing, visit Metra Electronics online at MetraOnline.com or call 386-257-2956.

# # #

Holly Hill, FL – July 17, 2019 – Metra Electronics® is excited to be hosting six training sessions at the 2019 KnowledgeFest™ event in Dallas, Texas, for mobile electronics installers. As a Diamond Ultra sponsor, Metra is proud to support the industry by providing in-depth training sessions for installers which will outline upgraded vehicle safety systems, selling and installing lighting solutions, simplified installs with sound processors and the future of vehicle integration. Metra will also have product giveaways at each session for attendees. Installer Institute® will also be at the show, promoting their mobile electronics training programs and continuing education courses for existing installation professionals.

Both of the iBEAM training sessions, “Upgrading Vehicle Safety Systems with iBEAM,” will assist installers in identifying the essential selling points of safety and convenience, and will be held on Saturday, August 10th at 4:45 pm and Sunday, August 11th at 3:30 pm. Installing aftermarket cameras and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems in both consumer and commercial vehicles has become a significant revenue source for mobile electronics shops. Attendees will learn about iBEAM’s latest vehicle cameras, dashboard cameras with DVRs, replacement rearview mirrors, vehicle-specific solutions and commercial safety line. They’ll also learn about the hot-button selling points and features that consumers and fleet owners are asking for, plus installation tips for a better understanding of what is involved in an upgrade. Attendees will also have the chance to win product giveaways from iBEAM.

Heise will also be hosting two training sessions, “Selling and Installing Heise LED Lighting Solutions,” on Friday, August 9th at 1:45 pm and Sunday, August 11th at 4:45 pm. The recent popularity in aftermarket LED lighting presents a valuable opportunity for installers to go beyond car audio services, giving consumers a way to customize their ride and increase visibility in the dark. However, not all LED lights on the market are the same. This session will allow installers to learn about Heise’s unique features and selling points that have set this brand apart from the rest. This training will cover the new DRL lightbars, replacement LED headlights, RGB backlit lightbars, RGB accent lights and the new Municipality Series of safety lights for commercial equipment and fleet vehicles. Attendees will also have the chance to win product giveaways from Heise.

Axxess will be hosting two different training sessions. The first session, “Simplify your Installs with Axxess Digital Sound Processors,” will cover the entire Axxess AX-DSP product line and how these solutions can increase sales in the showroom and decrease time in the bay. The session will be hosted on Friday, August 9th at 3:00 pm. This session will show installers that upgrading a sound system doesn’t have to be complicated. This training will also go over and explain how to use the different types of applications offered within the AX-DSP line, including CAN-based systems, new A2B systems, MOST25, and MOST50 vehicle technology. As vehicle technology becomes more and more complex, installers can look for Metra’s patented DSP products to help simplify installation and provide affordable audio solutions for their customers.

The second Axxess training session on Saturday, August 10th at 6:00 pm, “The Future of Vehicles Integration with New Axxess Products,” explains that integration is the future of the aftermarket 12 volt industry - and it’s only getting more complex. With the reduction in OE radio chassis sizes, the rising popularity of tablet-style screens, and many of the personalization features controlled through the OE radio, it is difficult for shops to offer simple aftermarket solutions. Attendees will learn about new products from Axxess that have been engineered specifically to address the complexity of today’s integrated vehicle technology systems and retain key convenience and safety features when upgrading a radio. For consumers who want to keep their radio but add safety, navigation, smart device mirroring, or simply override the annoying STOP/START engine feature, installers can learn about these new products from Axxess that will make their customer’s ride much more enjoyable. Attendees will have the chance to win product giveaways from Axxess.

Metra’s customers can register for KnowledgeFest at no cost using Metra’s VIP code, available by request from their sales representative. Once registered for the event, attendees will also need to register online at KnowledgeFest.org for each training session they will attend. Metra will be at booth #601 from August 9-11, 2019 at the Dallas Convention Center. Additional information about the show, produced by the Mobile Electronics Association (MEA), is available at KnowledgeFest.org

At Metra, 12-volt installation and integration is our passion. We strive to continuously offer the highest quality products to meet the fluctuating technological challenges of the automotive world.  We actively listen to our customers’ requests and invest resources into developing the highest quality dash kit and harness solutions. We make more dash kits for the most vehicle applications than anyone else in the world. That’s why we’ve been known as “The Installer’s Choice” ® for more than 72 years. Our other brands include: Axxess®, T-Spec®, The Install Bay®, Heise LED Lighting Systems®, iBEAM Vehicle Safety Systems®, Shuriken High Performance Batteries®, Raptor®, Ballistic®, AmmoTenna®, Metra PowerSports®, Saddle Tramp™ and Metra Marine®. Metra’s expertise in connectivity solutions is also applied to its division of premium home theater and surveillance products, Metra Home Theater Group®.  For ordering information and pricing, visit Metra Electronics online at MetraOnline.com or call 800.221-0932.

Holly Hill, Fla. – February 11, 2018 – Metra Electronics® is hosting three new product training sessions at the 2019 KnowledgeFest™ event for mobile electronics installers in Long Beach, Calif. As a Diamond Ultra sponsor, Metra is proud to support the industry by providing in-depth training sessions for installers which will outline new audio integration products and dash kits with built-in electronics. The Installer Institute® will also be at the show, promoting their mobile electronics training programs and continuing education courses for existing installation professionals.

Metra’s vendor training sessions will cover many of the new mobile electronics and integration products introduced at SEMA and CES, including the new AX-DSP-X and AX-DSP-LITE from Axxess. The training sessions will also go over the latest dash kits with integrated electronics from Metra’s TurboTactile™, TouchTronix™ and TurboTouch™ product lines. The sessions will take place at 3:00 PM on Saturday, February 23, at 4:45 PM on Sunday, February 24 and at 10:15 AM on Monday, February 25. Metra’s customers can register for KnowledgeFest at no cost using Metra’s VIP code, available by request from their sales representative. Metra will be at booth #1010 in Long Beach from 2/23 - 2/25 and will also be at the Indianapolis event in booth #222 from 3/15 - 3/17. Additional information about the show, produced by the Mobile Electronics Association (MEA), is available at KnowledgeFest.org.

At Metra, 12-volt installation and integration is our passion. We strive to continuously offer the highest quality products to meet the fluctuating technological challenges of the automotive world.  We actively listen to our customers’ requests and invest resources into developing the highest quality dash kit and harness solutions. We make more dash kits for the most vehicle applications than anyone else in the world. That’s why we’ve been known as “The Installer’s Choice” ® for more than 72 years. Our other brands include: Axxess®, T-Spec®, The Install Bay®, Heise LED Lighting Systems®, iBEAM Vehicle Safety Systems®, Shuriken High Performance Batteries®, Raptor®, Ballistic®, AmmoTenna®, Metra PowerSports®, Saddle Tramp™ and Metra Marine®. Metra’s expertise in connectivity solutions is also applied to its division of premium home theater and surveillance products, Metra Home Theater Group®.  For ordering information and pricing, visit Metra Electronics online at MetraOnline.com or call 800.221-0932.

Holly Hill, Fla. – March 7, 2019 – Metra Electronics® is hosting three training sessions at the 2019  KnowledgeFest™ event in Indianapolis for mobile electronics installers. As a Diamond Ultra sponsor, Metra is proud to support the industry by providing in-depth training sessions for installers which will outline new ways car audio shops can expand their business with powersports customizations and reduce installation time with new audio integration products. The Installer Institute® will also be at the show, promoting their mobile electronics training programs and continuing education courses for existing installation professionals.

The training session “Reach New Markets with Metra’s Latest Solutions” will help installers grow their business with powersports and marine customization services. Attendees will learn how to use Metra’s latest aftermarket safety, lighting and audio accessories to diversify into these growing markets and take advantage of additional opportunities beyond traditional car audio. During this training, Metra will cover the newest products launched within the last year designed for popular powersports, motorcycle, Jeep® and marine applications. This vendor training session will be held on Friday, March 15 at 3:00 PM and Sunday, March 17 at 10:15 AM.

“The Future of Integration and How the Axxess DSP Can Help” training session will address the growing complexity of vehicle technology and OEM integration. With the reduction in OE radio chassis sizes, the rising popularity of tablet-style screens, and many of the personalization features controlled through the OE radio, it is difficult for shops to offer simple aftermarket solutions that are “plug and play.” This training will cover the new Axxess AX-DSP product line and how these solutions can increase sales in the showroom and decrease time in the bay. Metra will also discuss how to use and set up the AX-DSP-X and AX-DSP-LITE through the app for complete tuning control. This training will also go over and explain how to use the different types of applications offered within the AX-DSP line, including CAN-based systems, new A2B systems, MOST25, and MOST50 vehicle technology. This vendor training session will be hosted on Saturday, March 16 from 4:45 – 5:45 PM.

Metra’s customers can register for KnowledgeFest at no cost using Metra’s VIP code, available by request from their sales representative. Metra will be at booth #222 from 3/15 - 3/17. Additional information about the show, produced by the Mobile Electronics Association (MEA), is available at KnowledgeFest.org

At Metra, 12-volt installation and integration is our passion. We strive to continuously offer the highest quality products to meet the fluctuating technological challenges of the automotive world.  We actively listen to our customers’ requests and invest resources into developing the highest quality dash kit and harness solutions. We make more dash kits for the most vehicle applications than anyone else in the world. That’s why we’ve been known as “The Installer’s Choice” ® for more than 72 years. Our other brands include: Axxess®, T-Spec®, The Install Bay®, Heise LED Lighting Systems®, iBEAM Vehicle Safety Systems®, Shuriken High Performance Batteries®, Raptor®, Ballistic®, AmmoTenna®, Metra PowerSports®, Saddle Tramp™ and Metra Marine®. Metra’s expertise in connectivity solutions is also applied to its division of premium home theater and surveillance products, Metra Home Theater Group®.  For ordering information and pricing, visit Metra Electronics online at MetraOnline.com or call 800.221-0932.

13 New TurboKits® Will Be Displayed at CES

Holly Hill, Fla. – January 2, 2020 – Metra Electronics®, the leading manufacturer of aftermarket dashboard kits, announces an additional 25 new dash kits launching at CES 2020. These new kits are engineered to fit either standard ISO Single-DIN or Double-DIN radios in addition to several custom engineered kits for specific Double-DIN radios with a compact shallow mount chassis design and larger 7” screen. The 13 new TurboKits® will be on display with an additional 2 new 107 Series kits designed specifically for compact shallow mount receivers with a 7” touchscreen, 5 new kits specifically for Pioneer’s DMH-C5500NEX, 3 new TurboTouch® kits with a built-in 4.3” touchscreen and 4 with a built-in 7” touchscreen.

“In just two short months between the SEMA Show and CES, our team has developed a total of 25 new dashboard kits that will make radio replacement even easier for installers, joining more than 50 new kits launched since CES in 2019,” says Jason Anderson, VP of Product Research and Development at Metra Electronics. “With the introduction of new sizes and chassis designs for radios and receivers that are not the standard Single-DIN or Double-DIN radios, we now have solutions for shallow mount radio designs, larger screens and more,” Anderson added.

Metra’s TurboKits are proudly made in the USA with the highest quality ABS plastic using injection molding technology to ensure a superior design and fit. 13 new kits on display at CES will be shipping soon for Chevrolet Captiva Sport, Ford Transit and Ranger, Dodge Ram, Jeep Commander, Hyundai Elantra and Santa Fe, Mini Cooper, Mercedes E-class and Subaru BRZ. Metra is also releasing 4 new kits designed specifically for the Pioneer Modular Solutions DMH-C5500NEX 8-inch touchscreen in-dash receiver for Jeep Commander, Ford Explorer and Ranger and Chevrolet Camaro. Additionally, the TurboTouch® Kit line will also see 3 new kits with built-in 4.3” touchscreens for Ford Explorer, Honda Civic EX and Lexus RX300.

Installers can see all of Metra’s new dash kits on display at booth 5211 in the North Hall at CES from January 7-10 and featured in the 2020 New Product Guide, available for download at MetraOnline.com on the opening day of the show.

TurboKit Part Numbers, Vehicle Models and Specifications:
(See Metra’s other press releases for more information on the TurboTouch kits and kits designed for shallow mount receivers with a 7” touchscreen.)

95-3031B

Chevrolet Captiva Sport 2012-2015 (with factory NAV)

  • Parts included for ISO Double-DIN installations
  • Painted scratch-resistant matte black to match the factory finish

99-3031B

Chevrolet Captiva Sport 2012-2015 (with factory NAV)

  • Parts included for ISO Single-DIN installations
  • Includes storage pocket
  • Painted scratch-resistant matte black to match the factory finish

99-5856B

Ford Transit 2014-2018 (with no factory display)

  • ISO Double-DIN radio provision or ISO Single-DIN radio provision with pocket
  • Painted scratch-resistant matte black to match the factory finish
  • Includes passenger airbag indicator

99-5857B

Ford Ranger 2019-Up* (with factory 4.2” screen)                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

  • ISO Double-DIN radio provision or ISO Single-DIN radio provision with pocket
  • Includes parts that allow the retention of the factory climate control panel, passenger airbag indicator and hazard button
  • Painted scratch-resistant matte black to match the factory appearance

95-6555B

Dodge Ram 1994-1997

  • Compact chassis top mount design
  • Intended for installation of Sony L-shaped radios with chassis on the top, Pioneer 6.8” radio or other shallow mount radios
  • Traditional Double-DIN radios can be installed with extensive sub-dash modifications
  • Painted scratch-resistant matte black to match the factory finish

95-6556G (Gray) and 95-6556DK (Dark Khaki)

Jeep Commander 2006-2007

  • Designed specifically for ISO Double-DIN installation
  • Painted to match the factory dash panel

99-7395B

Hyundai Elantra Touring 2009-2012                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

  • ISO Double-DIN radio provision or ISO Single-DIN radio provision with pocket
  • Cutting template included to simplify modifying the factory dash panel
  • Painted scratch-resistant matte black to match the factory finish

95-7396

Hyundai Santa Fe 2019-Up*

  • Compact chassis bottom mount design
  • Designed for most Single-DIN radios and a special design for ISO Double-DIN radios with an “L” shaped chassis design with the radio chassis at the bottom of the screen. Specifically the Alpine INE-W967HD, INE-W977HD, iLX-107 and iLX-207 (refer to radio manufacturer for current models)
  • Special brackets included for Pioneer modular radios DMH-C2550NEX and DMH-C2500NEX
  • Painted scratch-resistant matte black with a bright silver trim to match the factory appearance

95-8732B

Mercedes E-Class 2003-2009

  • Designed specifically for ISO Double-DIN installations
  • Painted scratch-resistant matte black to match the factory appearance

99-9326B

Mini Cooper Hardtop Coupe (F56) 2014-2017, Cooper Sedan (F55) 2015-2017 (only for Base model radios without high-def display)

  • Parts included for both ISO Single-DIN and ISO Double-DIN installations
  • Painted scratch-resistant matte black to match the factory finish
  • Retains the factory hazard button

99-8912HG

Subaru BRZ 2016-Up*

  • Parts included for ISO Single-DIN installations
  • Includes storage pocket
  • Painted gloss black to match the factory appearance

95-8912HG

Subaru BRZ 2016-Up*

  • ISO Double-DIN radio provision
  • Painted gloss black to match the factory appearance

Kit Part Numbers and Vehicle Models:
(specific to the Pioneer DMH-C5500NEX product fitment)

108-GM3B

Chevrolet Camaro 2016-2020

  • Painted scratch-resistant matte black to match the factory appearance

108-FD8CH TurboTouch® Kit

Ford Explorer 2011-2019 (with factory 8” screen)

  • Touchscreen display for climate, audio interfacing and personalization features
  • Included interface for climate and steering wheel functions
  • Painted charcoal and matte black to match the factory finish

108-FD9B

Ford Ranger 2019-up* (with factory 4.2” screen)

  • Includes parts that allow the retentions of the factory climate control panel,
  • passenger airbag indicator, and hazard button
  • Painted scratch-resistant matte black to match the factory appearance

108-CH4DK (Dark khaki) and 108-CH4G (Gray)

Jeep Commander 2006-2007

  • Painted to match the factory finish

TurboTouch Kits Part Numbers and Vehicle Models:

  • Parts included for both ISO-DIN and ISO-DDIN installations
  • Built-in 4.3” touchscreen display for climate, audio interfacing and personalization features
  • Included interface for climate and steering wheel functions

99-7821B TurboTouch® Kit

Honda Civic EX and Higher 2016-up*

  • Painted scratch-resistant matte black to match the factory finish

99-5858CH TurboTouch® Kit

Ford Explorer 2011-2019 (with factory 8” screen)

  • Painted charcoal and matte black to match the factory finish

99-8164G (Gray) 99-8164T (Tan) TurboTouch® Kit

Lexus RX300 1999-2003

  • Painted to match the factory finish

*Visit MetraOnline.com for up-to-date vehicle-specific applications.

At Metra, 12-volt installation and integration is our passion. We strive to continuously offer the highest quality products to meet the fluctuating technological challenges of the automotive world. We actively listen to our customers’ requests and invest resources in developing the highest quality dash kit and harness solutions. We make dash kits for more vehicle applications than anyone else in the world. That’s why we’ve been known as “The Installer’s Choice” ® for more than 72 years. Our other brands include: Axxess®, T-SPEC®, The Install Bay®, Heise LED Lighting Systems®, iBEAM Vehicle Safety Systems®, Shuriken High Performance Batteries®, Raptor®, Ballistic®, AmmoTenna®, Metra PowerSports®, Saddle Tramp® and Metra Marine®. Metra’s expertise in connectivity solutions is also applied to its division of premium home theater and surveillance products, Metra Home Theater Group®. For ordering information and pricing, visit Metra Electronics online at MetraOnline.com or call 386-257-2956.

PIONEER is a registered trademark of Pioneer Corporation.

Holly Hill, Fla. – November 3, 2021 – Metra Electronics®, the leading manufacturer of aftermarket automotive solutions, is launching new dash kits at the 2021 SEMA Show. These new products fit a wide range of vehicles, with solutions ranging from simple plastic dash kits, replacement dash panels, and a sun shade, to a sophisticated TurboTactile® dash kit with integrated electronics and built-in interface technology. Metra is also launching several dash kits in its 107, 108, and 109 series designed specifically for select Pioneer® Modular Solutions receivers to fit new Honda and Kia models. Metra’s dash kits include the following new models:

95-6558B TurboTactile®: Fits 2014-2019 Ram Trucks

  • ISO Double-DIN radio for models equipped with auto climate controls and factory 8” screen
  • Retains factory climate control buttons and also adds buttons for lost functions and access to vehicle personalization menus
  • Built-in OLED screen displays visual status of climate functions such as temperature, fan speed, and vent mode that were displayed on factory screen
  • All-in-one interface to retain climate control functions, factory amplifier, and steering wheel controls
  • Painted scratch-resistant matte black with chrome accents

107-HY1: Fits 2020-up* Hyundai Sonata

  • Designed specifically for 6.8” Pioneer® Modular Solutions receivers (like the DMH-C2550NEX and DMH-C2500NEX)**
  • Painted to match factory look with a gloss black face, bright silver trim, and matte black back plate

107-KI2HG: Fits 2021 Kia K5

  • Designed specifically for 6.8” Pioneer® Modular Solutions receivers (like the DMH-C2550NEX and DMH-C2500NEX)**
  • Gloss black painted parts and textured parts to match the factory finish

108-KI2HG: Fits 2021 Kia K5

  • Designed specifically for 8” Pioneer® Modular Solutions receiver (DMH-C5500NEX)**
  • Gloss black painted parts and textured parts to match the factory finish

107-KI1HG: Fits 2020-up* Kia Seltos

  • Designed specifically for ISO Double-DIN radios with an “L” shaped chassis design with the radio chassis at the bottom (Alpine iLX-207**) or 6.8” Pioneer® Modular Solutions receivers (like the DMH-C2550NEX and DMH-C2500NEX)**
  • Gloss black painted parts and textured parts to match the factory finish

108-KI1HG: Fits 2020-up* Kia Seltos

  • Designed specifically for 8” Pioneer® Modular Solutions receiver (DMH-C5500NEX)**
  • Assembled with gloss black painted parts and textured parts to match the factory finish

109-KI1HG: Fits 2020-up* Kia Seltos

  • Designed specifically for the new 9” Pioneer® Modular Solutions receiver (DMH-WC6600NEX)**
  • Assembled with gloss black painted parts and textured parts to match the factory finish

DP-7528: Fits 1990-1993 Mazda Miata

  • ISO Single-DIN radio with pocket or ISO Double-DIN radio
  • Textured to match the factory dash
  • Can also be used as a factory dash replacement with factory Mazda radios

DP-7419: Fits 2005-2006 Nissan Altima

  • Single-DIN radio with pocket or ISO Double-DIN radio
  • Multiple custom textures
  • Can also be used as a factory dash replacement with factory Nissan radios

89-UV01: Universal Sun Shade

  • Designed to fit most Metra kits above the radio to cut down glare from the sun
  • Double-sided tape included for a secure fit

All of these new dash kits feature patent-pending designs and will be shipping soon. They are on display now at Metra’s main SEMA Show booth #12141 in the North Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center until November 5th, along with other new products launched in 2021. They can also be seen in Metra’s online 2021 SEMA New Product Guide.

* Visit MetraOnline.com for up-to-date vehicle specific information

** Refer to radio manufacturer for current models

At Metra, 12-volt installation and integration is our passion. We strive to continuously offer the highest quality products to meet the fluctuating technological challenges of the automotive world. We actively listen to our customers’ requests and invest resources in developing the highest quality dash kit and harness solutions. We make dash kits for more vehicle applications than anyone else in the world. That’s why we’ve been known as “The Installer’s Choice” ® for more than 75 years. Our other brands include: Axxess®, T-SPEC®, The Install Bay®, Heise LED Lighting Systems®, iBEAM Vehicle Safety Systems®, Shuriken High Performance Batteries®, Raptor®, Ballistic®, AmmoTenna®, Metra PowerSports®, Saddle Tramp®, Metra Marine® and Daytona Lights®. Metra’s expertise in connectivity solutions is also applied to its division of premium AV and surveillance products from MetraAV™. For ordering information and pricing, visit Metra Electronics online at MetraOnline.com or call 386-257-2956.

PIONEER is a registered trademark of Pioneer Corporation.

13 New TurboKits® Will Be Displayed at the 2019 SEMA Show

Holly Hill, FL – October 23, 2019 – Metra Electronics®, the leading manufacturer of aftermarket dashboard kits, is excited to showcase 13 new vehicle-specific dash kits at the 2019 SEMA Show. These new kits are engineered to fit either standard ISO Single-DIN or Double-DIN radios in addition to several custom engineered kits for specific “L” shaped Double-DIN radio chassis designs. These new plastic TurboKits® will be on display with an additional 20 new kits designed specifically for the Pioneer® DMH-C5500NEX 8-inch radio that will be announced next week. 

Metra’s plastic dash kits are proudly made in the USA with the highest quality ABS plastic using injection molding technology to ensure a superior design and fit. Dash kits will fit select models for Jeep Cherokee, Kia Forte, Mazda 5, Mercedes Sprinter, Nissan Altima and Kicks, Subaru Ascent, Toyota Corolla and Hatchback and the Volkswagen Jetta. Installers can see Metra’s dash kits on display in Metra’s main booth 11639 in the North Hall of the SEMA Show from November 5th - 8th and featured in the 2019 New Product Guide, available for download at MetraOnline.com on the opening day of the show.

Dash Kit Part Numbers, Vehicle Models and Specifications:

95-6554B

Jeep Cherokee 1997-2001

●      Permanent dash modifications required

●      A new Double-DIN version for an old application

●      A complete replacement panel for a factory look

99-7394B

Kia Forte 2019-Up*

●      Designed for most Single-DIN radios and a special design for ISO Double-DIN radios with an “L” shaped chassis design with the radio chassis at the bottom of the screen. Specifically Alpine INE-W967HD, INE-W977HD, iLX-107, and iLX-207 (refer to radio manufacturer for current models)  

●      Special brackets included for Pioneer modular radios DMH-C2550NEX and DMH-C2500NEX (refer to radio manufacturer for current models)

●      Painted scratch-resistant matte black

99-7527S

Mazda 5 2006-2007 (with factory NAV)

●      Storage pocket included to replace the factory NAV screen                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

●      Designed for Single-DIN radio provision with pocket or Double-DIN radio provision

●      Painted silver 

95-8731

Mercedes Sprinter 2019-Up* (excluding models with the factory touchscreen radio)

●      Designed specifically for Double-DIN installations

●      Polished gloss black to match the factory finish

99-8731

Mercedes Sprinter 2019-Up* (excluding models with the factory touchscreen radio)

●      Designed for Single-DIN radio provision with pocket

●      Polished gloss black to match the factory finish

 

95-7637

Nissan Altima 2019-Up*

●      Designed specifically for an ISO Double-DIN radio with an “L” shaped chassis design with the radio chassis at the bottom of the screen. Specifically Alpine INE-W967HD, INE-W977HD, iLX-107, and iLX-207 (refer to radio manufacturer for current models)  

●      Special brackets included for Pioneer modular radios DMH-C2550NEX and DMH-C2500NEX (refer to radio manufacturer for current models)

●      Painted gloss black with bright silver trim and a textured back plate to match the factory finish

99-7637

Nissan Altima 2019-Up*

●      Designed for Single-DIN radio provision with pocket

●      Painted gloss black with bright silver trim and a textured back plate to match the factory finish

 

95-7636B

Nissan Kicks 2018-Up*

●      Designed specifically for Double-DIN installations

●      Painted scratch-resistant matte black to match the factory finish

99-7636B

Nissan Kicks 2018-Up*

●      Designed for Single-DIN radio provision with pocket

●      Painted scratch-resistant matte black to match the factory finish

95-8911HG

Subaru Ascent 2019-Up*

●      Designed for Double-DIN radio provision

●      Painted gloss black

99-8911HG

Subaru Ascent 2019-Up*

●      Designed for Single-DIN radio provision with pocket

●      Painted gloss black

99-8270HG

Toyota Corolla Hatchback 2019-Up* and Toyota Corolla 2020-Up*

●      Designed for most Single-DIN radios and a special design for ISO Double-DIN radios with an “L” shaped chassis design with the radio chassis at the bottom of the screen. Specifically Alpine INE-W967HD, INE-W977HD, iLX-107, and iLX-207 (refer to radio manufacturer for current models)  

●      Special brackets included for Pioneer modular radios DMH-C2550NEX and DMH-C2500NEX (refer to radio manufacturer for current models)

●      Painted high gloss black to match the factory finish

99-9014HG

Volkswagen Jetta

●      Specifically designed for an ISO Double-DIN radio with an “L” shaped chassis design with the radio chassis at the top of the screen (or the current Pioneer 6.8" screen and separate chassis)

●      Blank plate included for Single-DIN installations

●      Painted a color-matched gloss black to match the factory finish

*Visit MetraOnline.com for up-to-date vehicle-specific applications.

At Metra, 12-volt installation and integration is our passion. We strive to continuously offer the highest quality products to meet the fluctuating technological challenges of the automotive world.  We actively listen to our customers’ requests and invest resources in developing the highest quality dash kit and harness solutions. We make dash kits for more vehicle applications than anyone else in the world. That’s why we’ve been known as “The Installer’s Choice” ® for more than 72 years. Our other brands include: Axxess®, T-SPEC®, The Install Bay®, Heise LED Lighting Systems®, iBEAM Vehicle Safety Systems®, Shuriken High Performance Batteries®, Raptor®, Ballistic®, AmmoTenna®, Metra PowerSports®, Saddle Tramp® and Metra Marine®. Metra’s expertise in connectivity solutions is also applied to its division of premium home theater and surveillance products, Metra Home Theater Group®.  For ordering information and pricing, visit Metra Electronics online at MetraOnline.com or call 386-257-2956.

Holly Hill, Fla. – November 2, 2020 – Metra Electronics®, the leading manufacturer of aftermarket automotive solutions, is launching new dash kits, aftermarket accessories for Jeep®, and new products from its Heise LED Lighting Systems®, iBEAM Vehicle Safety Systems®, Saddle Tramp®, Metra PowerSports®, and Daytona Lights™ 12-volt brands at the SEMA360 virtual event. The virtual booth will feature a digital new product guide and 15 videos showcasing highlights from Metra’s product launch campaigns, with additional campaigns and videos rolling out weekly.Videos showcasing the new products will be available online at SEMA360.com via the Metra Electronics virtual booth and also on the Metra YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/user/MetraElectronics.

Heise LED Lighting Systems®

Heise is introducing a 4-piece RGB LED underglow lighting package. The RGB1-UNDGLED is designed for all-terrain on powersports vehicles, boats, cars, and more. This 4-piece package includes two 36” and two 48” sealed water-resistant LED tubes, mounting hardware, and extension cables, providing a fast and durable RGB lighting solution. The RGB-CB1 controller is sold separately and required for RGB lighting operation.

Heise’s Municipality Series will introduce new grille strobe safety lights in white and amber, designed for heavy equipment, commercial fleets, first responders, construction trucks and municipality vehicles. The HE-SWP8 8-gang switch panel will have a new flush mount case, the HE-SWP8C, available now from Heise. Mounting solutions will also be introduced with a universal magnetic light bar bracket, universal hood mount, and a fog light bracket for Ford Raptor.

iBEAM Vehicle Safety Systems®

As vehicle safety continues to be a popular aftermarket upgrade, iBEAM has developed new solutions for adding OEM-quality cameras and monitors to a vehicle, along with advanced driver assistance systems like a blind spot and lane change alert system, parking sensor, and more. Additional solutions include new third brake light cameras, wireless cameras, a wireless rearview clip-on mirror, commercial monitor, wide-angle camera, and a new multi-mount camera series that can be triggered to activate the entire time the vehicle is in use.

Metra PowerSports®

A wide range of new products for UTVs will be available soon from Metra PowerSports, including an Axxess DSP solution with harnesses for Polaris RZR® that integrates with the OEM Ride Command® technology. Axxess’s universal water-resistant DSP with a Bluetooth® input for wireless media streaming will also be available for powersports vehicles. Replacement speaker door pods and dash pods will be available for Polaris General®, Polaris RZR® and Can-Am X3® UTVs. An “EZ” switch panel and app, the MPS-SW6, will make auxiliary lighting and electronic additions easy to control from one place. Additional new accessories include Carling® style inserts for dome lights and dual USB ports, along with battery accessories.

Saddle Tramp® Motorcycle Accessories

Metra continues to expand its line of OEM-quality accessories for Harley-Davidson® with new harnesses for adding Axxess’s DSP and amplifier, lower fairing and saddlebag speakers, amplifier bypass, and rear speaker extension harnesses. Additional solutions include a Polaris Slingshot® radio power harness, LED turn signal lights, and replacement low beam fog lights. A DIY RGB lighting kit for Harley-Davidson Touring® models and a headlight side LED will also be available soon, along with front fork LED accent lights and saddlebag LED accent lights designed for Harley-Davidson®.

Metra Accessories for Jeep®

New safety, audio, and lighting accessories for 2018-up* Jeep Wrangler JL and 2020-up* Jeep Gladiator models will be coming soon. A fog light bracket, soundbar speaker adapter, side marker light, and 3rd brake light will be joining the robust lineup of aftermarket accessories designed for Jeeps. An aftermarket replacement camera and bracket for 2018-up* Jeep Wrangler JL models (JP-JLKT) is also being introduced.

Metra Dash Kits and Speaker Adapters

Metra Electronics will continue to release new dash kits each month and has patent-pending solutions designed specifically for new radios with an “L” shaped chassis (with the chassis at the bottom or top of the screen), 6.8” Pioneer modular receivers, along with more kits for Pioneer’s 8” modular receivers. New kits are also launching that are designed for the new 9” Pioneer modular solutions receiver and for other receiver brands with shallow chassis radio models for use in vehicles with less depth or space in the dashboard. Kits designed for ISO Double-DIN and Single-DIN radios will also be released, including a dash panel solution for older model GM trucks. New speaker adapters will also be available for Mitsubishi, Chrysler, Honda, Jeep, Subaru, Toyota, GM, Ford, and Volkswagen along with several new speaker harnesses for a seamless fit and easy installation.

Daytona Lights™

Metra’s newest value series for LED lighting, Daytona Lights™, is releasing entry-level RGB strip light kits, driving lights, and cube lights that deliver an incredible value at an affordable price. The high-output lights feature energy-efficient LEDs with a low current draw.

Specifications and part numbers for all of the new products are available to see in Metra’s 2020 SEMA New Products Guide, which can be downloaded from the SEMA360 virtual booth or at MetraOnline.com. Individual product launches will be happening every week as new products begin to ship. Subscribers to Metra’s email list will be the first to know about the new items as they are available, and can register for the Metra email newsletter at http://eepurl.com/daa5Hv.

At Metra, 12-volt installation and integration is our passion. We strive to continuously offer the highest quality products to meet the fluctuating technological challenges of the automotive world. We actively listen to our customers’ requests and invest resources in developing the highest quality dash kit and harness solutions. We make dash kits for more vehicle applications than anyone else in the world. That’s why we’ve been known as “The Installer’s Choice” ® for more than 73 years. Our other brands include: Axxess®, T-SPEC®, The Install Bay®, Heise LED Lighting Systems®, iBEAM Vehicle Safety Systems®, Shuriken High Performance Batteries®, Raptor®, Ballistic®, AmmoTenna®, Metra PowerSports®, Saddle Tramp®, Metra Marine® and Daytona Lights™. Metra’s expertise in connectivity solutions is also applied to its division of premium home theater and surveillance products, Metra Home Theater Group®. For ordering information and pricing, visit Metra Electronics online at MetraOnline.com or call 386-257-2956.

Holly Hill, Fla. – December 30, 2019 – Metra Electronics® introduces new RGB and RGBW LED lights, controllers with programmable triggers and a new mobile app for their 12volt brands. RGBW lights feature the full spectrum of RGB LEDs plus an option for true white LED light color. The new mobile app will work with Heise LED Lighting Systems®, Metra PowerSports® and Metra Marine® RGB and RGBW lighting products, allowing multiple devices to be grouped together and synced to the same lighting patterns, colors and more. Additionally, Heise is releasing an RGB and an RGBW control box with several new rock light options and connection accessories. Metra PowerSports will also unveil a new RGBW dome light, RGB and RGBW rock lights, a new control box and lighting connection accessories at CES 2020.

RGB/RGBW Mobile App

The new RGBW mobile app is customizable for each brand, allowing the user to select from three different backgrounds to reflect Heise, Metra PowerSports or Metra Marine’s brand style. The app has a selectable color wheel with 16 million different RGB color options and a true white light color option, available with RGBW products. The app automatically updates via Bluetooth® and detects if a product connected to the control box is RGB or RGBW, allowing groups of both products to be used and controlled within the same mobile app.

Users can also select from built-in pre-programmed lighting transitions for rainbow, fire and water, with additional transitions that include blinking, fading or pulsing between a combination of any two colors. For accurate color matching to completely customize the LED lights, a camera color capture feature is also available in the app. The new mobile app uses Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) for wireless control that streams in the background, uses significantly less power and does not impact the user’s ability to stream music via Bluetooth from the same mobile device. Metra’s new app will be available in the Google Play® and Apple® store soon.

New Control Boxes

Both Heise and Metra PowerSports are launching new IPX4 rated control boxes for RGB and RGBW LED lights with conformal coated circuit boards. The new control boxes can group multiple devices and handle up to ten amps of current, which allows for more lighting products than what most competing standard control boxes can handle. The mobile app also allows for multiple control boxes to be grouped together and installed within the same system. Unique to both Heise and Metra PowerSports control boxes is the ability for installers to put a positive voltage trigger to lights to offer four programmable triggers for any color. For example, yellow for a turn signal, red for the brake light, white for the reverse light and an additional option for the fourth trigger. This feature is exclusive to Metra and allows for even more customization of the RGB and RGBW lighting products.

RGB-CB1 - Heise Control Box for RGB Lights with 4 Triggers

RGBW-CB1 - Heise Control Box for RGBW Lights with 4 Triggers

RGB-CB3 - Heise Control Box for 702RGB Headlights and Fog Lights with 4 Triggers

RGB-CB2 - Metra PowerSports RGB Control Box with 4 Triggers

RGBW-CB2 - Metra PowerSports RGBW Control Box with 4 Triggers

Control boxes are required for operation of RGB or RGBW lighting products.

New RGB and RGBW Lights

Heise and Metra PowerSports are both introducing rugged, off-road RGB and RGBW rock lights rated IP68 to accent vehicle wheel wells, footwells and more. Heise pod lights are available individually or as 4-pod kits in 9-watt RGB CREE® LED or 24-watt RGBW 3030 LED options. Metra PowerSports rock lights feature 3 pods per strip with 5 LEDs per pod, available as individual strips or 4-pod strip kits. Metra PowerSports is also introducing a new RGBW dome light with 10-foot wire and female micro 5-DIN connector. Control boxes are sold separately and required for operation.

Heise Rock Lights:

RGB1-4KT - Heise 4-Pod RGB Rock Light Kit with CREE LEDs

HE-TL1RGB - Heise Single RGB Rock Light with CREE LEDs

RGBW1-4KT - Heise 4-Pod RGBW Rock Light Kit with 3030 LEDs

RGBW1-S1 - Heise Single RGBW Rock Light with 3030 LEDs

Metra PowerSports Rock Lights:

RGB2-4KT - Metra PowerSports 4-Pod RGB Rock Light Kit

RGB2-S1 - Metra PowerSports Single RGB Rock Light

RGBW2-4KT - Metra PowerSports 4-Pod RGBW Rock Light Kit

RGBW2-S1 - Metra PowerSports Single RGBW Rock Light

RGBW2-DL - Metra PowerSports RGBW Dome Light

Lighting Connection Accessories

To complete the lighting installation, Metra is introducing new “Y” adapters, pigtail adapters and extension accessories from both Heise and Metra PowerSports to work with the new lights and control boxes.

These new products will be shipping soon and can be seen on display at CES from January 7-10, 2020, at booth 5211 in the North Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center. Additional specifications and part numbers are available in the 2020 New Product Guide and MetraOnline.com, which will be released on January 7, 2020.

At Metra, 12-volt installation and integration is our passion. We strive to continuously offer the highest quality products to meet the fluctuating technological challenges of the automotive world. We actively listen to our customers’ requests and invest resources in developing the highest quality dash kit and harness solutions. We make dash kits for more vehicle applications than anyone else in the world. That’s why we’ve been known as “The Installer’s Choice” ® for more than 72 years. Our other brands include: Axxess®, T-SPEC®, The Install Bay®, Heise LED Lighting Systems®, iBEAM Vehicle Safety Systems®, Shuriken High Performance Batteries®, Raptor®, Ballistic®, AmmoTenna®, Metra PowerSports®, Saddle Tramp®, Metra Marine® and Daytona Lights™. Metra’s expertise in connectivity solutions is also applied to its division of premium home theater and surveillance products, Metra Home Theater Group®. For ordering information and pricing, visit Metra Electronics online at MetraOnline.com or call 386-257-2956.

The Magazine

Magazine Quick Links











Copyright - Mobile Electronics Association 2020