SEMA Vision 8 Recipients Celebrated for Impacting the Auto Aftermarket

DIAMOND BAR, CA (12.29.25) – SEMA revealed the latest honorees of its Visionary 8 program, recognizing eight rising professionals for their leadership and impact in the automotive aftermarket. Open to SEMA members aged 35 and under, the program raises awareness of rising stars who are on track to change and/or advance the automotive specialty equipment market.

“This year’s SEMA Visionary 8 have a work ethic and passion for the industry that is truly inspiring,” says Joe Escobar, SEMA manager of recognition programs. “We’re proud to celebrate their accomplishments and thank them for their energy and fresh perspective that has elevated the aftermarket for the better.”

Jose Acevedo, Owner/Photographer/Editor, Ace Graphix
Acevedo became the youngest photographer published in Street Trucks Magazine. He has also landed multiple magazine front covers, earned the role of Editor for OBS Builder’s Guide and organized his own truck show, “Rio Heat,” a grassroots event that highlights the power of community in South Texas.

Adi Bathla, CEO & Co-Founder, Revv
Bathla is a product strategist who has redefined the collision repair space through innovation and integration. As co-founder of Revv, he built a category-defining advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) platform that turns a VIN/estimate into OEM-required calibrations, compliant documentation and insurer-ready invoices.

Anna Glennon, Senior Account Executive, Khan Media
Glennon helps brands find their voice and connect with audiences through dynamic storytelling and relationship building. Through her work at Khan Media, she has expanded opportunities for both established companies and emerging creators, helping to shape the next generation of industry communication.

Payton Matlock, OEM Specialist & New Business Developer, Transfer Flow Inc.
Matlock combines technical expertise with business insight to oversee full-cycle OEM projects from concept to production. Her ability to manage complex programs, support regulatory compliance and drive cobranded product success has positioned her as a trusted partner for OEM innovation.

Continue reading this article here.

Kingdon Audio Utilizes PowerBass Graphics To Make Social Media Posts

ABILENE, TX (12.23.25) – Kingdom Audio is a proactive 12volt retailer in Abilene, TX. Willie Johnston and Drew Whitten are industry veterans driving business in the 12volt industry along with automotive services.

Drew Whitten (L) and Willie Johnston picture in front of Kingdom Audio in Abilene, TX.

12volt Central Studios staff members noticed terrific posts that the company is making with PowerBass products which prompted a call to the company. In a call with Drew Whitten he indicated that the way to reach consumers today is social media and not through radio and TV channels. The striking posts utilized graphics of products available from PowerBass and the company created the graphics and added in their logo and contact information.

“All members of the 12volt industry definitely need to work together and utilize all the tools available to let consumers know what we offer to max the safety and enjoyment in their rides” Whitten stated.

Erik Harbour, PowerBass VP, related “We provide the logos and images of products for all of our dealers in our dropbox. It’s terrific to see retailers, like Kingdom Audio, utilizing those tools for visibility and to drive business locally.

Kingdom Audio and Whitten Automotive are family owned businesses rooted in the Abilene TX community. The companies prioritize customer satisfaction and strive to exceed expectations from each service. The company also utilizes resources from
other vendors to create social media posts.

Stay tuned for more.

Contact whitten2auto@yahoo.com for more.

Sony’s First EV with Honda Will Let You Remotely Play PS5 in Your Car

Article written by Jackson Chen for engadget.com.

NEW YORK, NY (12.23.25) – Faraway road trips just got a lot easier, at least for the passengers. Sony Honda Mobility, the joint venture between the two Japanese conglomerates created to produce electric vehicles, announced that its Afeela EV will come with PS Remote Play. While playing video games in a car may be a niche feature, it means drivers will have something to do when parked, and passengers can chip away at their favorite RPGs during long drives.

According to the announcement, the Afeela will be able to run your PS5 and PS4 consoles remotely through the infotainment system’s integrated display. You can even grab your DualSense controller from home and get right back into the game after jumping in your Afeela. Sony Honda Mobility said a 5Mbps broadband connection is required to play, and a 15Mbps rate will deliver a smoother experience.

Read the full article at engadget.com.

The 12volt Central Studios Creates a New Way to Connect Across the 12volt Industry… and Beyond

SHREVEPORT, LA (12.23.25) – In today’s AI driven and social media world it is more important than ever for members of the 12volt industry to connect with industry members and consumers. These activities are more important than ever to drive business into brick and mortar retailers. Consumers can’t feel the bass in their chest or experience the separation of highs and mids on a smartphone or laptop.

As David Toliver got to hit ready to hit the road this week the Synergy Marketing website is available for all to check out with the custom QR code.
Scott Rogers let’s all see the N&H line card as a Christmas present with a quick scan of the custom QR code.

The 12volt Central Studio staff has created a new tool that works across the board.… a custom QR code for industry members. The custom QR code can take industry members or consumers right to a specific website and message.

A quick scan of this QR code, and you could see the latest industry news from the 12volt Central Studios.

There are so many ways for industry members to utilize a custom QR code. It could be printed on a business card or some type of flyer that a retailer could have on their counter or an industry member could have on site in their booth at a trade show. The possibilities are almost endless and all it takes is for an individual to take out their phone, tap the camera icon and open the QR code. From that point the website owner’s message or offer is front and center.

For more info email mike@12voltnews.com

The KICKER AMA ArenaCross Packed The Idaho Center

NAMPA, ID (12.22.25) – The Idaho Center, in the Boise suburb of Nampa, was Livin’Loud during the 2025 KICKER AMA ArenaCross Saturday night December 20th. Area KICKER retailer Sound Hound Stereo, with Byll, Darin and Michelle, were in the KICKER booth with Maddog_Media’s Lorin Morrell.

The arena was packed Saturday night.

Morrell, who orchestrates the AMA ArenaCross events, related “It was a great night of action. Saturday night the arena was packed. The Pit Party drew enthusiasts onto the track to get the evening started. The line was backed up to the lobby as people waited to get onto into the Pit Party. Meeting riders and checking out their bikes was enjoyable for all. The KICKER booth in the lobby area had tables with products displayed for car, truck, marine and motorsports. Some of the products were the first time on site at an ArenaCross.”

The Sound Hound Stereo booth, showcased KICKER products and a loaded Can-Am.
The pit party drew a large crowd.

Continuing “Adding to the evening was a big upgrade in the PA system with 16 KICKER KMTC Marine Tower speakers being driven by KICKER Amps with Zach behind the Mic announcing action on the track. Plus Having Byll, Darin and Michelle in the house for their Sound Hound store was terrific. Their store in Caldwell is only 8 miles from the Idaho Center in Nampa. They certainly did connect with a lot of people and enthusiasts from the area. They reconnected with several from last year and made appoints for jobs in the coming days” Lorin added.

Riders flying high on the track.
Lorin, Darin and Michelle pictured with the happy Bullfrog winner of the T-shirt toss.

The Sound Hound Stereo team connected with many people and handed out over 200 cards in addition to quoting several jobs. Sound Hound Stereo is celebrating our 30th Anniversary this year. KICKER is a go to brand in the store. Auto, truck, marine and motorsports products are all hot categories in Idaho and KICKER has products in all those categories… Bullfrog portables too. Participating with KICKER again and Livin’Loud at the AMA ArenaCross was certainly a Win Win.

The AMA ArenaCross sponsored by KICKER continues with Round 3 in Loveland, CO January 3rd 2026.

Visit kicker.com for more

Audiofrog Partners with Synergy Marketing

SAN GABRIEL, CA (12.22.25) – Audiofrog is happy to announce that we have a new sales and marketing partner. David Tolliver and Jorge Grijalva at Synergy Marketing Agency in Houston Texas are now the official representatives for the Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Arkansas markets, effective December 15, 2025.

“Synergy Marketing is thrilled to join forces with Audiofrog, a brand that shares our relentless commitment to ‘uncompromised’ quality and high-end performance. By combining our strategic marketing expertise with Audiofrog’s world-class audio engineering, we aren’t just forming a partnership, we’re creating a new standard for how premium sound experiences are delivered and shared,” stated Jorge Grijalva of Synergy Marketing.

“David and Jorge have tons of experience in the category and we are certain that Synergy Marketing is the right choice to represent Audiofrog and our mission of straightforward tech support and friendly business practices that put smiles on the faces of our customers and retail shoppers,” remarked Andy Wehmeyer, Audiofrog’s president.

Andy added, “If you’re a car audio retailer in the TOLA region and you’re interested in becoming a member of our happy family and building great sounding car audio systems please contact David, Jorge, Manny or me. Contact information is provided below. We’re eager to hear from you!”

Visit audiofrog.com for more.

Watch For The 12voltBeat In Your Inbox Monday and Thursday Mornings

SHREVEPORT, LA (12.22.25) – The 12voltBeat Newsletter, delivering fresh industry news, is emailed twice weekly to subscribers across the 12volt industry…..subscribe today! It’s FREE!

News reporters travel their areas to gather and deliver the news of the day. The 12volt News and 12volt Central Studios staff has been gathering news from 12volt industry members for over for 3 decades. Today the news is delivered digitally from across the US and around the world on 12voltnews.com plus @12voltnews on Instagram and Instagram.

The 12volt Central Studios launched the 12voltSTP Tool over 2 years ago. The 12voltSTP Tool makes it easier than ever for industry members to deliver news of their products and activities. With a smartphone it just takes snapping an image and txting the image, with a few words, to 318-469-2526. PRESTO that news could be in the 12voltBeat.

The 12volt industry history is based in music and good music definitely has a beat. Thus the 12voltBeat Newsletter is a natural to deliver industry news across the 12volt industry.

The 12voltBeat is emailed early on Monday and Thursday mornings to thousands of industry members. The 12voltBeat newsletter features industry news from the previous few days.

There is no charge to receive the 12voltBeat. Subscribe today.

Visit instagram.com/12voltnews for more.

BOSS Elite Names Southwest Sales and Marketing New Partner for TOLA Region

OXNARD, CA (12.19.25) – BOSS Elite proudly announces it has named Grapevine, Texas-based Southwest Sales and Marketing its new partner for the Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Arkansas (TOLA) territory, effective immediately.

“BOSS Elite as well as the TOLA territory are growing, and so we needed a partner with a long history and proven track record to help further guide and grow the brand,” said Colin Ross, Elite Associate Brand Manager. “Scott Ringo and his team at Southwest Sales and Marketing are our ideal partner, as they have been a performance-driven company since 1999. We look forward to a fruitful relationship for years to come.”

Southwest Sales and Marketing will be representing BOSS Audio and BOSS Elite products in the mobile, marine, and powersports/off-road markets.

“BOSS is a managed brand with a wide spectrum of products, with leading-edge technologies at affordable prices,” said Ringo. “As the Elite brand continues to grow and take on more expensive competitors, we look forward to representing its audio and screen lines across multiple markets as they continue to push forward.”

Southwest Sales and Marketing joins Boss Elite at KnowledgeFest Las Vegas, held Feb. 3-5, 2026, proudly representing the brand on the show floor.

For more information on Southwest Sales and Marketing, please call 214-212-9049 or email Sringo@swsalesmarketing.com.

For more information on BOSS Elite, please visit bosselite.com or call 805-751-4853.

Mobile Solutions Presents “Digital Fab MasterClass”

TEMPE, AZ (12.19.25) – Mobile Solutions is proud to announce its Digital Fab MasterClass, scheduled for Jan. 23-26, 2026 at the company’s headquarters in Tempe, Ariz.

“Our Digital Fab MasterClass is where old-school craftsmanship meets future-ready innovation,” said Bryan Schmitt, founder, president, and CEO of Mobile Solutions. “This immersive four-day workshop is engineered for fabricators, builders, and designers who want to elevate their interior and fabrication skills to an elite, professional level.”

This hands-on experience blends advanced digital fabrication technologies with high-level craftsmanship to deliver precision, efficiency, and OEM-quality results. Attendees will design and build a complete take-home project using modern fabrication techniques, advanced upholstery processes, and digital manufacturing tools—learning the same methods used by today’s top builders and award-winning shops.

What You’ll Learn During the Digital Fab MasterClass:
• Digital Fabrication & Future-Forward Techniques

  • New process: advanced 3D printing techniques that deliver professional, repeatable results
  • 2D & 3D CAD/CAM workflow efficiency using Fusion, Aspire, Corel, and Light-Burn
  • Live scanning and surfacing demonstrations featuring Peel 3D technology
  • Expert-level laser cutting and engraving techniques with hands-on instruction
  • Basic-to-advanced drawing examples focused on shape creation and precision line work
  • Accent lighting and layering strategies for maximum visual impact
  • Custom trim techniques using aluminum machining, acrylic fabrication, and composite
  • materials

Is your 3D printer just an expensive paperweight? Not after this class. Participants will learn practical, real-world methods to optimize equipment, streamline software workflows, and achieve consistent, high-quality results using accessible tools and proven processes.

Don’t Miss: Elevated Finishes & Professional Styling:
• Surface texturing techniques using paint and coatings
• Pressed metal grille and insert forming
• Shadow trim and specialty visual effects, including marbling and wood grain
• Veneer and vinyl-wrap techniques for OEM-level design execution
• Professional methods for finishing panel backs with serviceability and refinement in mind

Featured All-Star Guest Presenters:
• Dean Beyett – 5 Star Car Stereo
• Wesley Cato – Anything Car Audio
• Gabrielle Williams – Peel 3D
• Anthony Medina – Medina’s Interior Shop
• Gary Bell – Stinger Solutions

“This MasterClass moves attendees firmly into the Future Fab mindset—combining design, digital automation, advanced materials, and high-end finishing techniques that set elite shops apart,” Schmitt added. “Participants leave with greater confidence, expanded capabilities, and a finished project that demonstrates what’s truly possible.”

The Digital Fab MasterClass will be held Jan. 23–26, 2026, from 8:15 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., at Mobile Solutions headquarters in Tempe, Ariz.

Seating is extremely limited to ensure maximum hands-on instruction and personalized attention.

For more information, please visit www.mobilesolutions-usa.com.

The Amplifier Game Has Changed with BRL Performance

LIBERTYVILLE, IL (12.19.25) – ALL-NEW for 2025 — BRUTUS BRL amplifiers are the Hifonics flagship amplifier line, as they push sound into new boundaries of BIGGER POWER and PERFORMANCE — while creating unmatched audio detail and quality. GET READY FOR BRL POWER!

Setting a new benchmark in HIGH OUTPUT POWER — BRUTUS BRL amplifiers are innovated with a built-in VU meter and Intelligent Power Management System that pushes audio performance to the
NEXT LEVEL of sound. BRUTUS BRL is built to dominate audio!

The Hifonics BRUTUS BRL series is engineered to maximize power efficiency while providing raw, undistorted power to drive subwoofers and speakers to their full potential of sound. An iron core transformer power supply assists in the ultra-low EMI design and brings BIG POWER GAINS in every beat and rhythm.

Whether it’s the BRL1200.4 for high-fidelity multi-channel setups or the thunderous BRL6000.1 in bass-heavy installs, BRUTUS BRL amplifiers transform your customer’s sound.

To learn more, click here.