GROUND ZERO In Austin, TX For HKI Bootcamp and Texas Heatwave Activities

AUSTIN, TX (07. 24.26) – During the latter part of last week 12 GROUND ZERO team members gathered in Austin for a HKI
BootCamp and to participate in competition activities at the 2026 Texas Heatwave.

Tommy Spears, Director of Sales related “We started off the HKI Bootcamp with a team building tasting of a German drink then Nick Wingate got down with business in our trainings. We had everything from demo sessions, to what to expect in the future for Car Audio, to Sales tips, to a very engaging Q&A session. Then we honored Jason Phillips and Rick Booth with their 10 Years of being with HKI USA Plaques.”

The HKI Bootcamp training started with a team building tasting of a German drink.
Tommy Spears, Boomer Robinson Diogo Iannaccone and Jason Billups (LtoR) with HKI 10 Year Plaques. Jason Billups on the right is holding his plaque while Boomer Robinson holds Rick Booth’s Plaque which will be sent to Florida.

Concluding “The biggest takeaway, apart from all of the knowledge, was the coming together and strengthening of our team. We finished off the time in Austin by introducing the team to the Texas Heatwave for the last two days.”

Jason Billups, JB Associates, related “The training session Nick presented will let me bring back not info only on product but
how to demo and help dealers demo to sell the good stuff.”

HKI Bootcamp Certificates are in-hand for those completing the Nick Wingate training session.
Following each day it was time for a delicious dinner.

On his flight back to North Carolina Boomer Robinson, a 30 year industry member, wrote a 3000 word email to the 12volt
Central Studios reflecting on the HKI Bootcamp. “Dealers must stop competing on price and start competing on expertise and
craftsmanship. The future of our industry isn’t about finding a brand new customer but reconnecting with the customer who
never stopped loving great sound.”

The benefits from the HKI Bootcamp will continue for months for attendees. The Texas Heatwave was another benefit for
GROUND ZERO staff. Coverage of the Texas Heatwave activities was the feature on 12voltnews.com on Wednesday July
22nd.

For more see hki-usa.com.

Driving Force Action Relaunches for 2026 Midterm Elections

WASHINGTON, DC (07.24.26) – Driving Force Action, a SuperPAC for the automotive aftermarket industry and enthusiasts, has relaunched for the 2026 midterm elections. Driving Force Action, a project of the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), brings a verifiable track record of national success in mobilizing voters around issues and candidates who will help our nation’s automotive industry and heritage thrive.

Driving Force Action will work to mobilize the nation’s 70 million automotive enthusiasts in support of candidates who will work to preserve our shared automotive heritage. Driving Force Action also will engage on behalf of voters who seek to:

• Strengthen American automotive manufacturing and domestic supply chains

• Expand opportunities in the skilled trades

• Protect local motorsports facilities and off-road access

• Reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens that hinder small businesses’ ability to thrive

“This midterm election will be one of the most pivotal in our nation’s history, and it is critical that automotive enthusiasts understand what is at stake,” said Lauren Wilbor, Driving Force Action’s national spokesperson. “Driving Force Action will identify battleground candidates who cherish our individual freedoms, recognize the immense economic value of the aftermarket industry, and understand the importance of our nation’s automotive heritage. Our issues are ones that will help our nation flourish: helping American small businesses thrive, strengthening domestic manufacturing, and enabling people to live their best lives through their cars and trucks.”

• View Driving Force Action’s relaunch video here.

Since its establishment, Driving Force Action has built an impressive resume of success in races where automotive issues are at the forefront of voters’ concerns, beginning in Virginia’s state elections in 2023, then in the 2024 presidential election, where vehicle choice was on the ballot as a national issue. Driving Force Action’s work laid the foundation for 2025’s successful, bipartisan effort in Congress to stop national EV mandates and preserve vehicle choice through the passage of a Congressional Review Act resolution.

To learn more, visit www.drivingforceaction.org.

Turn Up the Power with Street Machine Amplifiers

LIBERTYVILLE, IL (07.24.26) – Whether you are seeking crisp sound quality or crave powerful impact for a dynamic ride, STREET MACHINE amplifiers offer the perfect blend of power, precision, and reliability in performance. Embrace compact innovation with HIGH-OCTANE LOUD and transform sound through STREET MACHINE.

STREET MACHINE amplifiers push audio with high power levels and bring out a detailed listening experience that sets the
standard in STREET POWER. The entire line of STREET MACHINE features monoblock, 2-channel and 4-channel amplifiers.

Click here to learn more.

Ground Zero Car Audio Celebrates Multiple Wins at Texas Heatwave

DANIA BEACH, FL (7/23/26) – Ground Zero Car Audio is proud to announce an outstanding weekend of competition results at Texas Heatwave, where vehicles equipped with Ground Zero products earned multiple first-place finishes across IASCA and MCA sound quality classes, in addition to second and third place finishes in the head to head, random draw money round.

Ground Zero winning competitors include Tommy Spears, Shane Russell, Amanda Halter and Jim Rogers (LtoR).

Texas Heatwave, held in Austin, Texas, is known for bringing together custom vehicles, audio competitors, and sound-off organizations for a high-profile weekend of competition. This year’s event featured IASCA and MCA sanctioned sound quality competition, along with other major audio formats, giving competitors the opportunity to showcase elite installation work, tuning, and system performance.

Ground Zero-equipped vehicles delivered strong results throughout the weekend, including first-place finishes for Shane Russell, Jim Rogers, and Amanda Halter, as well as a second-place finish for Ground Zero USA’s own Tommy Spears.

“Having all four of our competition cars place highly in each of the orgs they competed in and having two of the cars finish second and third in the money round with installs that are less than one month old speaks volumes to me about just how good these products are!” said Nick Wingate, Director of Car Audio Development for GZUSA/HKI. “All in all, it was a great weekend for Ground Zero!”

Competition Highlights

Shane Russell, competing in a 2023 Ford F-150, earned first place in IASCA Advanced Amateur and first place in MCA INT5+. Russell’s system featured Ground Zero Reference Tweeters and Ultra Midranges.

Jim Rogers, competing in a 2012 Ram 1500, earned first place in IASCA Pro 2 and first place in MCA INT4+. Rogers also achieved the highest MCA score of the weekend. His build featured a Ground Zero Reference three-way system, three Plutonium subwoofers, two Uranium four-channel amplifiers, and two Uranium two-channel amplifiers.

Amanda Halter, competing in a 2023 Nissan Altima, earned first place in IASCA Amateur and first place in MCA INT3. This build features GZ Reference three-way front speakers, Plutonium amplifiers, and a Radioactive 15” subwoofer in an IB setup

Tommy Spears, competing for the first time ever, in a 2023 Ford Maverick, earned second place in MCA INT3. This build is all about under promise and over deliver with Hydrogen 3-Way Quasi-Active front speakers, Hydrogen 10” Flat Subs, and a Radioactive four-channel with a Competition Series mono amp.

The Ground Zero team also conducted a Bootcamp training in Austin designed to prepare their team to spend time in the field working directly with 12volt retailers. Stay tuned for more.

For more information about Ground Zero Car Audio, please visit GroundZeroUSA.com.

RDVFL Expands Premium Lexus Screen Upgrade Lineup with Solutions for 2009 and Newer Vehicles

POMPANO BEACH, FL (07.23.26) – Over 13 Vehicle-Specific Screen Upgrade Solutions Deliver Modern Technology with a Factory Fit and Finish

RDVFL continues to expand its lineup of premium OEM integration solutions with the introduction of more than 13 vehicle-specific screen upgrades for Lexus models from 2009 and newer. Designed to modernize the driving experience while maintaining factory styling and integration, the new lineup offers dealers and consumers one of the most comprehensive Lexus upgrade programs available.

Rich De Sclafani holds the new Lexus screen upgrade in his Pompano Beach office.

Each solution is engineered as a direct-fit replacement, providing a premium factory appearance while adding today’s most requested multimedia features. A major enhancement is the addition of wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, allowing drivers to seamlessly access navigation, music, messaging, and hands-free communication without the need to plug in their smartphone. With applications covering a wide range of Lexus vehicles, RDVFL makes it easier than ever for dealers to offer customers a seamless technology upgrade without compromising the vehicle’s original design.

“Our mission has always been to develop upgrade solutions that look, feel, and perform as though they came directly from the factory,” said Rich De Sclafani, CEO of RDVFL. “With more than 13 dedicated Lexus solutions for 2009 and newer vehicles, we’re giving dealers an unmatched portfolio that allows them to confidently offer premium infotainment upgrades while maintaining the integrity and luxury that Lexus owners expect. Adding wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto gives drivers the connected experience they’ve come to expect from today’s newest vehicles.”

Key Features:
• Over 13 dedicated screen upgrade solutions
• Applications for Lexus vehicles from 2009 and newer
• Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™
• Vehicle-specific, direct-fit design
• Factory-style appearance and seamless integration
• Modern high-resolution touchscreen interface
• Retains the premium look and feel Lexus owners expect

Whether upgrading an aging infotainment system or adding today’s connected features to an existing vehicle, RDVFL’s Lexus screen solutions provide dealers with premium products engineered for straightforward installation and exceptional customer satisfaction.

The expanded Lexus lineup is available now through authorized RDVFL distributors and dealers.

Bigger Bass Meets Deeper Detail with MB Quart Reference Subwoofers

LIBERTYVILLE, IL (07.23.26) – Set the bar with bass that’s consistent and makes heavy thumps through Reference innovation. Every Reference (RW1) subwoofer is made with heavy-gauge, powder-coated aluminum die-cast baskets that allow back venting, which exchanges heat with cool air, resulting in more power handling and increased reliability. Redefine your bass game.

Transform your audio with a heavier and louder sound that brings out incredible power and crystal clarity from every song. Reference subwoofers capture more bass within every genre of audio while maintaining steadier beats throughout.

Featuring pressure-treated, double-stitched foam surrounds and a dual-poly cotton spider for distortion-free lows in bass performance — every song will transform with deeper layers of bass.

To learn more, click here.

The 2026 Steel Valley Regional Cranked It Up July 17th-19th

WHEELING, WV (07.22.26) – The Steel Valley Regional XV rolled July 17,18,19 2026 returning to the Wesbanco Arena.
As before, this show featured the Top 48 SQ Showdown along with lASCA 3X, EMMA 3X, MASQ 3X and MECA 4X.

The SVR15 event filled the show floorat the WesBanco Arena.
“The amazing trophies ready for the Sunday night awards presentation” Larry Chijner commented.
More awards that were presented Sunday night.

EVENT HOURS were Friday, July 17th: Setup 12PM – 9PM, Saturday, July 18th: Competition began at 8AM, Sunday July 19th: Competition began at 8AM with Awards presentations starting at 6PM.

“This was definitely a Car Audio Sound Quality Show that had approximately 60 of the best sounding vehicles in the country competing with experienced sound quality judges. The SVR 15 was one of the ultimate sound quality contests in the USA!” Larry Chijner related.

The Top 48 at The SVR15
Amazing custom awards.
Chris Bennett (L) welcomed Kevin Mayo as a new ZAPCO America and ESB Audio USA Competitors Team Member.

Here is a List of SPONSORS for SVR XV. This show could not have happened if it wasn’t for the Continued Support of the
Manufacturers and Individuals:

  • ARC AUDIO Presents SVR XV-Title Brian Mitchell, Brad Ott, Fred Lynch
  • ZAPCO /ESB -Gold Sponsor Chris Bennett, Enzo
  • MSC AMERICA-BRAX/HELIX/MATCH/ BLAM- Gold Sponsor Jeff Smith, Larry Penn
  • KARMA MOBILE AUDIO-Silver TrophySponsor Adam Schlepphorst, Harry Kimura- Gold Sponsor
  • Creative Products Design-BronzeSponsor Mike Buononato
  • JL AUDIO/GARMIN-Gold Sponsor Manville Smith lan Gash HAROLD JONES Brothers Boxing Club-Silver Sponsor
  • Audio Intensity -PRIZE Sponsor Scott Welch
  • US ACOUSTICS-Silver Sponsor Mike Nicholls
  • Stereo Installs- Trophy Sponsor Bryan Huston David Wright
  • DAVIS DISTRIBUTION -Prize Sponsor Nate Taliani Chuck Fauser
  • Liquid HiFi-Prize Sponsor Ron Ronald K. Buffington
  • ECA4X (East Coast Aydiophiles) Richard Papasin

“Based on the excitement at SVR15 we are definitely looking forward to 2027 and SVR16” Chijner concluded.”

N&H Electronics And Dealers Are Connecting With Consumers

HATTIESBURG, MS (07.22.26) – N&H Electronics works closely with their dealers in the Mississippi territory and along the Gulf Coast. Recently, Ricky Gibson and team members Scott Rogers and Mark Sealey have put together a way to help their dealers connect with consumers.

Eric Hightower with a big thumbs up and smile in his company’s custom graphic to post on social media.

The N&H team is working with the 12volt Central Studios and developing graphics that their dealers can utilize on social media posts. The graphic shows the specific retailer with a big thumbs up showcasing consumers enjoying the concert in the car. The N&H team can snap an image of a dealer picking up an order in their Hattiesburg location or traveling on the road. After getting the dealer’s image the 12volt Center Studio staff will create the social media graphic, get it approved by the dealer and send the finished graphic to the dealer to make the post on their social media.

The first example is Wizard Electronics in Summit MS. Erik Hightower provided a big thumbs up image. Happy customers in the background were added.. Shortly after receiving the Wizard Electronic graphics Eric started seeing likes on his Facebook social media page.

An added plus with this program is the dealer and N&H can select one of their brands that the dealer stocks for additional exposure… In this case Kicker.

Stay tuned for more as N&H Electronics will continue working with their dealers to create ‘concert in your car’ excitement and drive store traffic.

Contact your N&H Electronics team member for more.

SiriusXM and Audacy Announce Agreement to Bring Local Sports, News and Talk Brands to SiriusXM

NEW YORK, NY (07.22.26) – SiriusXM and Audacy announced today a new agreement that will bring 42 of Audacy’s leading sports, news and talk stations from 29 markets across the U.S. to SiriusXM, significantly expanding SiriusXM’s local content offering and extending the reach of many of Audacy’s market-leading brands.

23 Audacy sports stations will launch on SiriusXM on September 1, in time for the start of football season, giving fans nationwide access to more trusted local sports talk, commentary and analysis from many of the country’s most passionate sports markets. In addition to these sports channels, 19 Audacy news and talk stations will become available on SiriusXM later this year.

The agreement builds on SiriusXM’s already unmatched sports audio lineup, giving listeners coast-to-coast access to hometown sports talk along with national voices, league channels, and podcasts.

“SiriusXM is the essential audio home for sports fans, offering access to every team and game alongside an unmatched lineup of national sports talk, expert analysis, and the biggest voices in sports,” said Scott Greenstein, SiriusXM’s President and Chief Content Officer. “We also recognize the unique role local personalities play in connecting fans with their teams every day. By adding Audacy’s extensive lineup of sports stations, we’re making those trusted hometown voices available to fans wherever they are across North America. Together, we’re delivering an even more complete audio experience – bringing live games, premier national sports talk, and hometown conversations together in one place.”

Audacy’s industry-leading portfolio includes sports stations in major markets across the U.S. – including in each of Nielsen’s top 10 designated market areas – and a deep roster of local hosts, analysts and programming that connect with some of the most engaged audiences in audio.

“Audacy’s sports brands are deeply connected to the cities, teams and fan communities they serve, and being able to extend our reach nationally through SiriusXM is a natural fit, ” said Kelli Turner, CEO and President, Audacy Inc. “We look forward to working together with SiriusXM to bring our outstanding talent and content to sports fans and news and talk listeners wherever they are, providing our audiences with more ways to stay connected to the conversations that matter most to them.”

Starting September 1, the following Audacy sports stations will be available to SiriusXM listeners in their vehicles and on the SiriusXM app:

WFAN (New York)
104.3 The Score (Chicago)
105.3 The Fan (Dallas)
95.7 The Game (San Francisco)
SportsRadio 94WIP (Philadelphia)
WEEI 93.7 (Boston)
97.1 The Ticket (Detroit)
93.7 The Fan (Pittsburgh)
92.3 The Fan (Cleveland)

Starting September 1, the following Audacy sports stations will be available on the SiriusXM app and in the growing number of vehicles on the road with the latest generation SiriusXM with 360L radios:

97.1 The Fan (Los Angeles)
SportsRadio 610 (Houston)
106.7 The Fan (Washington DC)
The Team 980 (Washington DC)
92.9 The Game (Atlanta)
104.3 WQAM (Miami)
97.3 The Fan (San Diego)
105.7 The Fan (Baltimore)
105.1 The Fan (Portland)
ESPN 1320 (Sacramento)
96.5 The Fan (Kansas City)
105.7 The Fan (Milwaukee)
92.9 ESPN (Memphis)
WGR 550 Sports Radio (Buffalo)

In addition to the sports talk stations above, 19 Audacy news and talk stations will arrive on SiriusXM at a future date. These will be available on the SiriusXM app and in vehicles with SiriusXM with 360L, and include:

1010 WINS/92.3 FM (New York)
KNX News (Los Angeles)
WBBM Newsradio (Chicago)
KCBS All News (San Francisco)
NewsRadio 1080 KRLD (Dallas)
KYW Newsradio (Philadelphia)
Talk Radio 1210 WPHT (Philadelphia)
WWJ Newsradio 950 (Detroit)
1380 WAOK (Atlanta)
News Talk 830 WCCO (Minneapolis)
104.1 KMOX (St. Louis)
NewsRadio KDKA (Pittsburgh)
98.1 KMBZ FM (Kansas City)
WWL (New Orleans)
WTIC News Talk 1080 (Hartford)
NewsRadio 930 WBEN (Buffalo)
NewsRadio WRVA (Richmond)
News/Talk 98.9 WORD (Greenville/ Spartanburg/Asheville, SC)
NewsRadio WILK (Wilkes-Barre/Scranton)

The Audacy sports stations will be available to the majority of SiriusXM subscribers through its most popular subscription plans, including Platinum, All Access, Music & Entertainment, and other options. The additional Audacy news and talk stations will become available through eligible SiriusXM plans when they join the lineup later this year.

For more info, visit www.audacyinc.com and www.siriusxm.com.

Konnected Auto Restylin’ At The Monster Truck Doubleheader

GRAND JUNCTION, CO (07.21.26) – The Monster Truck Series at the Mesa County Fairgrounds Saturday, August 18th, was another opportunity for DJ Klamfoth and his company Konnected Auto Restylin’ to connect with consumers and enthusiast across a wide area.

Lorin Morrell, KICKER Events, once again reached out to DJ to participate at the doubleheader event. Kicker had a booth set up in the Fairground Center as people made their way into and out of the track.

Konnected Auto Banners on the Fairgrounds fences.
The Doubleheader got started when Lorin Morrell rolled into Grand Junction after a 665 mile drive from Lake Havasu, AZ.

DJ related “My shop caters to enthusiast looking to get their ride upgraded. We’re the only retailer of this type that does that within a 200 or 300 mile range. It was such a fun day for all as the fairground was packed with enthusiast and totally engaged attendees. As in previous years, we made literally hundreds of contacts under the tent meeting with attendees and showing pro- ducts in the booth and setting up jobs for the coming days. Looks like 6 or 8 jobs will happen”

The showroom in DJ’s store features a ‘92 Mazda B2200 ‘No Wall Class’ World Record Holder a long with KICKER displays.

Continuing, “It was also a family event for me as my daughters were on site and engaged during the pit party with Monster Trucks and took several several rides. Working with Lorin was great as all were Livin’Loud in Grand Junction.”

DJ has been a Car Audio enthusiast for most of his 46 years and has spent time on the sound-off circuit as a world record holder. DJ started his company nine years ago and is totally committed to providing the best service possible for his customers.

KICKER had a large booth set up in the lobby where DJ and Lorin connected with attendees.
A cool Lorin selfie along with a smiling DJ.

“Working KICKER events with DJ continues to be a very positive experience. DJ connects with consumers and enthusiasts at events and on the show floor in his store” Morrell related.

For more see kicker.com.