GENEVO America Appoints Advanced Marketing as Manufacturer’s Rep Firm in the Pacific Northwest

FORT MEYERS, FL (08.28.26) – GENEVO America, a leading manufacturer of radar and laser defense systems, today announces the appointment of Advanced Marketing as its manufacturer’s representative firm for the Pacific Northwest. In this new partnership, Advanced Marketing will support retailers across Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, and Alaska.

With more than 25 years of experience in the radar detector industry, Advanced Marketing brings a wealth of specialized knowledge to the territory. This partnership is specifically designed to make selling GENEVO systems seamless for 12-volt retailers. By delivering hands-on sales training, responsive local service, and in-depth product information, Advanced Marketing ensures dealers have the exact tools they need to confidently educate their customers and close more sales.

“The reason GENEVO works so well is because of the engineering behind it,” says Bruce Gildsdorf, Founder of Advanced Marketing. “Engineers know more than we do in their own little area. If you point them in the right direction, they do fantastic work. And if the manufacturing side of it can interpret what they wanted and execute on their side of it, now we’ve got a product we can go to market with.”

GENEVO America selected Advanced Marketing specifically for this deep, practical understanding of the category, and their commitment to retail success. “Advanced Marketing has a long history of dealing in luxury and quality,” says GENEVO America Sales Director David McKee. “They represent some of the finest brands out there and we are excited to partner with them to bring GENEVO America to the Pacific Northwest. Their knowledge of the radar category and their commitment to dealers makes them a perfect fit to work with.”

The appointment underscores GENEVO America’s ongoing commitment to building a robust, highly knowledgeable dealer network and providing top-tier sales support to its retail partners throughout the Pacific Northwest.

Gildsdorf can be reached at 425-890-0850 or bgils@comcast.net.

Visit www.genevo.com/us for more.

TOPDON USA Introduces Free Lifetime Software Updates Now Available on Four Diagnostic Tools

FAIRFIELD, NJ (08.28.26) – TOPDON USA announced that the ArtiDiag700, ArtiDiag800 BT 2, ArtiDiag900 Lite, and UltraDiag now include free lifetime software updates. Effective August 18, 2026, current and future owners of these tools can keep their diagnostic software up to date without paying additional update fees.

“Our team believes in developing the most capable diagnostic technology while creating a quality product ownership experience,” said Chad Schnitz, vice president at TOPDON USA. “That’s why we’re providing free lifetime software updates on four of our most popular diagnostic tools. This upgrade will make it easier for customers to keep their tools current, capable, and ready to tackle their evolving repair needs without having to worry about additional update fees. It’s another way we’re helping customers get more value from their TOPDON tools.”

Previously, the ArtiDiag700, ArtiDiag800 BT 2, ArtiDiag900 Lite, and UltraDiag included two years of free software updates. Under the new policy, current and future owners will receive software updates for the supported life of their tools at no additional cost.

  • ArtiDiag700: Supports full-system diagnostics for more than 70 vehicle brands, CAN FD protocols, and FCA, Nissan AutoAuth, and VAG SFD security gateway access. AutoVIN, live data, and 15 service functions support routine maintenance and advanced repairs.
  • ArtiDiag800 BT 2: Offers full-system diagnostics, bidirectional control, and 28 service functions, including oil resets and window calibration. Bluetooth connectivity enables convenient wireless vehicle communication.
  • ArtiDiag900 Lite: Empowers technicians to overcome the limitations of wired systems, providing unmatched flexibility and convenience. Supports 8 maintenance services and full system diagnostics across 60+ brands.
  • UltraDiag: Capable of performing full OBD2 capabilities, accessing 30 commonly used maintenance services, and supporting full-system diagnostics for 100+ car brands; it includes the Repair Data Library to quickly locate faulty parts.

The ArtiDiag700, ArtiDiag800 BT 2, ArtiDiag900 Lite, and UltraDiag are available through TOPDON’s national distribution network.

Current ArtiDiag700, ArtiDiag800 BT 2, ArtiDiag900 Lite, and UltraDiag owners can update their software by connecting to Wi-Fi and downloading the most recent software update from the home screen. New units will include lifetime software update access automatically.

For more information, visit www.topdon.us.

Raise Your Loud with CS Series Speakers from Crunch

LIBERTYVILLE, IL (08.28.26) – CS Series speakers are engineered to make your music hit harder and sound better by bringing vocals, instruments, and bass to life through impressive clarity and audio balance. From crisp highs to powerful lows in every beat, your songs get the depth, definition, and dynamic performance they deserve — at any volume.

Featuring Neo-Mylar soft dome tweeters, the CS Series brings out crisp, detailed highs while a precision-tuned passive crossover keeps everything smooth and controlled. The result is a clean midrange response, tighter midbass beats, and a LOUD listening experience that elevates your audio system.

To learn more, click here.

Dino’s Audio Video Graffiti Transformation

GREENSBORO, NC (08.27.26) – Dino’s Audio Video is a very proactive retailer in Greensboro NC. Recently a project was completed that totally transformed the exterior of the building. The new graffiti look on the front and side brings an entirely new look that is creating a lot of attention for the store.

A custom Slingshot in front of Dino’s custom Graffiti store’s transformation.
A full view of the transformation from across the street.
Different vehicles are parked in front of the store to show consumers different options.

“A couple of years ago, we added a graphic to the corner of our building. One day a customer came in that had been referred to us to do some upgrades on his vehicle. He noticed the graphic on the corner of the building. I told him I was not very happy with it and he said that he did that kind of work and we could put something together. Long story short, we started talking about it for some time.. A few months ago the new graffiti look became a reality on our building. What a transformation” Dino Williams stated.

Customers will come back to the store for images of the crew and their project.
Another customer with a post of their project.
And in progress post showing just the side of the building finished

Continuing “From the day Bobby G completed our store’s graffiti look our building has received so much attention. People pull over just to look at the building. Product categories are spotlighted in the graffiti. People are coming in to see about upgrades to their vehicles. People are coming by and snapping images with their vehicle in front of the store. The graffiti transformation look has brought so much attention to our store and in-store traffic and driving sales.”

This is Bobby G‘s create graffiti post on TikTok and Instagram @guffitiart.

Bobby G does the graffiti top down by hand. He gathers info from a dealer about the project details and creates a graphic of the completed building look. Once the graphic is approved the project price is determined. More of Bobby G’s work can be seen on TikTok and Instagram @guffitiart or call 646 372 7690.

For more see dinosav.com

Repair And Restyling Innovations Build Momentum For The 2026 SEMA Show

DIAMOND BAR, CA (08.27.26) – The 2026 SEMA Show is building momentum across key categories, including collision repair and vehicle restyling. For repair and refinishing professionals, this year’s Show will deliver a comprehensive look at the latest products, equipment, and technologies shaping the industry.

The SEMA Show’s dedicated Restyling and Collision Repair & Refinish sections will feature hundreds of exhibiting brands, giving shop owners, technicians, and builders access to solutions designed to improve efficiency, quality, and turnaround times. From advanced repair equipment to refinishing components, attendees will find a full spectrum of products designed to meet the evolving needs of modern repair and car care facilities.

The recently released SEMA Market Report estimates the repair and refinishing-related aftermarket represents roughly $9 billion in annual consumer spending, driven by demand for body upgrades, appearance products, paint and refinishing materials, wraps, window tint, and lighting products. The report underscores the strength of these categories within the broader automotive aftermarket and highlights their importance to repair, refinishing, and customization businesses.

Within that broader market, exterior restyling remains a major growth area, exceeding $6 billion in annual consumer spending, reflecting sustained consumer demand for vehicle personalization through products such as grilles, body upgrades, wraps, graphics, lighting, running boards, exterior trim, and other appearance enhancements.

The Restyling and Collision Repair & Refinish sections are anchored by long-standing industry brands, including 3M, Avery Dennison, Katzkin Automotive Leather, Pro Spot, Rust-Oleum, SATA, Snap-on, Sonax Premium Car Care, and XPEL. Their continued participation highlights both the heritage and innovation that drive this critical segment of the aftermarket.

“The collision repair and restyling segments are essential to keeping vehicles safe, functional, and looking their best,” said SEMA Vice President of Events Tom Gattuso. “From cutting-edge repair technologies to craftsmanship-driven restyling and car-care products, these sections demonstrate how the industry continues to evolve. Long-standing leaders and new innovators alike reinforce the strength, expertise, and forward momentum of this category.”

Overall, exhibitor commitments for the 2026 SEMA Show have surpassed 1 million net square feet, with more than 2,000 brands preparing to connect with a global audience Nov. 3-6 in Las Vegas. The event remains one of the largest and most influential trade shows in the country, reflecting sustained growth and investment across the automotive aftermarket.

In addition to collision repair and restyling, the 2026 SEMA Show will feature strong participation across performance, trucks, powersports, mobile electronics, tools, and emerging technologies. Major OEMs, including Toyota, Ford, Honda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, and Stellantis, will also return, strengthening the connection between factory engineering and aftermarket solutions.

Attendees can also explore signature features such as the New Products Showcase, Battle of the Builders, and FutureTech Studio, offering valuable insights into the trends, skills, and technologies shaping the future of vehicle repair and car care.

The 2026 SEMA Show will take place Nov. 3-6 in Las Vegas as part of the broader “SEMA Week” experience, which includes public access on Friday and the high-energy SEMA Fest.

For more information or to register, visit www.semashow.com.

Built for the ride. Tuned for the extremes. Hifonics x Kawasaki.

LIBERTYVILLE, IL (08.27.26) – ALL-NEW Hifonics x Kawasaki NAV® 4e LIMITED audio systems deliver an upgraded, fully integrated sound that hits HARD, plays CLEAN, and KEEPS UP with every task — innovated by POWER FROM THE GODS.

Featuring a 7-inch waterproof touchscreen source unit, four 6.5-inch waterproof 2-way speakers, and a 320-watt Class-D amplifier, the Kawasaki NAV® 4e LIMITED OEM Hifonics Audio System cuts through every outdoor environment with a clean and immersive soundstage that brings out more detail from your audio.

Add the dedicated Hifonics Subwoofer Kit for deeper, low-impact bass that includes an 8-inch subwoofer and subwoofer enclosure with a200-watt Class-D amplifier, and feel BIGGER BASS on any terrain.

For more information, click here.

The 23d Annual NW Audio Event Rocked Platte City

PLATTE CITY, MO (08.26.26) – The NW Audio Car Audio Competition and Car Show took place on Sunday, August 23rd. This was the 23rd Annual event.

The NW Audio 2 acre parking lot was filled with enthusiast. By the building children enjoyed the bounce house and attendees checked out the loaded ski boat.
A small group of vehicles in the Car Show.

Owner Jerry Davis related “This was just one extra special event. Our 2 acre parking lot was filled with vehicles in the car show plus the audio competition presented by MW MlDWEST SPL. The car show included several classes for cars plus trucks, SXS and motorcycles. Vendor booths plus audio product giveaways added to the action.”

“It was a great event and we had a lot of conversations on audio plus demos on the JBL ‘Dare to Compare’ trailer” Chris Pace related.
So much for enthusiast to check out in the parking lot

The event drew enthusiast from across the territory and everyone on site was so excited to be there to listen to music and see the great cars. Chris Pace brought the Arrowhead Marketing JBL Dare to Compare trailer from Kansas City and that drew attention all day long as Chris was doing demos and explaining products that were displayed on the trailer.

“The 80° day was special for us due to the recent heat wave. We handed out over 100 giveaways that made everyone happy on site for the family friendly event. Children really had fun in the large bounce house. We are certainly looking forward to 2027 and our 24th Annual Car Audio Competition and Car Show” Davis concluded.

For more see nwaudio.net.

KICKER Names National Sales Director

STILLWATER, OK (08.26.26) – KICKER/Stillwater Designs looked internally to name its newest National Sales Director, and company veteran Matt Matheson will now fill that role for the mobile-audio manufacturer.  Matheson has worked as KICKER’s Northeast Regional Sales Manager for the past 11 years and will continue to serve in that role while taking on his newest duties.

“Matt has done an outstanding job shaping (the Northeast) region into a top performer for the KICKER brand,” said Tom Heath, KICKER Vice President of Global Sales and Marketing.  “He’ll do a great job in this new position of leadership.”

“This is a good move for the brand,” said Steve Irby, KICKER President.  “Matt has always impressed during his 19 years here, and his dedication and energy will continue to inspire colleagues who appreciate his skills and hard work.”

Matheson began his 12-volt career as a diligent 16-year-old, working nights after school and weekends as an installer.  He eventually worked his way into retail sales and management leading to the 2008 hiring at KICKER in OEM product design and development.  He held that position until 2015 when he was promoted to Regional Sales.

“Matt has always prided himself in taking care of all customers, including the people with which he works,” Heath continued.  “His sales reps, dealers and distributors can attest to his commitment and attention to detail.”

Visit kicker.com for more.

Massive Audio Introduces New 8-Inch Subwoofer

LOS ANGELES, CA (08.26.26) – Massive Audio is proud to announce the launch of the BOA82R, an 8-inch subwoofer engineered to deliver deep, controlled bass output in vehicles where enclosure space is limited.

The BOA82R pairs a carbon fiber cone assembly with an oversized triple-stack magnet motor structure, allowing the driver to move air with authority while maintaining the cone control and accuracy that serious listeners expect.

“Compact subwoofers usually ask the customer to give something up, whether that is output, control, or long-term durability,” said John Velez, Sales Manager at Massive Audio. “With the BOA82R we focused on the motor structure and the cone materials, so an 8-inch driver can hit hard and still stay clean.”

Built for Output and Control

The BOA82R is built around a die-cast frame basket and an oversized triple-stack magnet assembly, providing the rigid foundation and magnetic force required for consistent performance under demanding power levels.

Key features include:

  • 8-inch subwoofer platform
  • Die-cast frame basket
  • Oversized triple-stack magnet motor structure
  • Dual 2-ohm voice coil configuration
  • CCAR flat-wire voice coil windings
  • Carbon fiber cone
  • Foam surround
  • Carbon fiber dust cap
  • Aluminum gasket
  • Premium wooden box packaging

The dual 2-ohm voice coil configuration gives installers flexibility in wiring single and multiple subwoofer systems, allowing final impedance to be matched to the amplifier driving them.

Advanced Materials, Controlled Motion

The carbon fiber cone and matching carbon fiber dust cap resist flex under high excursion, helping the driver reproduce low frequencies without the distortion that comes from cone deformation. The foam surround supports long, repeatable excursion while allowing the assembly to return accurately to rest.

CCAR flat-wire windings sit more densely inside the motor gap than conventional round wire, placing more conductor material where the magnetic force is applied. Combined with the oversized triple-stack magnet structure, the result is strong, well-controlled cone motion.

The die-cast frame basket resists the flex and resonance associated with stamped baskets, keeping the motor and cone assembly in proper alignment. An aluminum gasket finishes the mounting surface and supports a secure, clean seal against the enclosure baffle.

Every BOA82R ships in premium wooden box packaging, protecting the driver in transit and presenting well on the shelf and at the counter.

Designed for Enthusiasts and Professionals

Whether the goal is adding real low-end to a factory system, building a compact sealed enclosure behind a truck seat, or running multiple drivers in a custom install, the BOA82R delivers output and durability from a footprint that fits where larger subwoofers cannot.

Big bass, compact footprint.

For product specifications, availability, and authorized Massive Audio dealers, visit the Massive Audio website or contact the company directly.

Visit MassiveAudio.com for more.

The IASCA Surf City SoundOff Brought World-RecordCar Audio Competition To Lincoln City

LINCOLN CITY, OR (08.25.26) – The Pacific Northwest’s biggest car audio weekend rocked! The 2026 Surf City Soundoff took place Saturday and Sunday, August 22–23, at Chinook Winds Casino Resort in Lincoln City, and brought competitors, car audio enthusiasts and spectators together for two days of competition, demonstrations, entertainment and community fundraising.

The Surf City Soundoff has become a marquee event on the competitive car audio calendar, and this year’s event featured an IASCA 3X World Record Event, with competitors battling in Sound Quality, SPL and Nite Glow, along with a dB DRA 3X competition.

Early, competitors positioned in the lanes
This wide range look at the Chinook Winds Casino Resort grounds.

Competitors from throughout the United States and Canada made the trip to the Oregon coast, bringing everything from meticulously tuned Sound Quality vehicles to extreme SPL builds capable of producing extraordinary levels of sound pressure. For spectators, the event provided a rare opportunity to see these vehicles up close, talk with their builders and experience the systems in action.

“This Surf City Soundoff was one of those events where you really get to see what makes car audio so special,” said Travis Chin, President of IASCA Worldwide. “It was a great turnout and the sun finally came out on Sunday. We had lots of local support from vendors and shops. We had competitors pushing the limits of technology and performance, but we also had people who simply love their cars, their music and the hobby. Bringing all of that together on the Oregon coast made for an incredible weekend.”

The weather through the day on Saturday was not cooperative.

While competition was at the heart of the Surf City Soundoff, the weekend offered considerably more for spectators. Demonstration vehicles, vendor displays, product showcases, raffles and other activities gave visitors plenty of opportunities to explore the latest in mobile audio and see some of the Northwest’s most impressive builds.

The event also continued its strong connection to the Lincoln County community through its support of Angels Anonymous. Proceeds from registrations, sponsorships, raffles and donations benefited the organization and its efforts to assist local individuals and families. The 2026 Surf City Soundoff raised more than $20,000 for Angels Anonymous.

KICKER was set up with Car Toys Oregon in a very busy booth.
Sam Sutton-Crossover Marketing (C) and David Sabrowski-Car Toys Oregon (R) are pictured with the winner of the Kicker CXA1200.1 amplifier with bass knob prize. Attendees registered for the drawing underneath the KICKER tent.

Sam Sutton, Crossover Marketing related “This year’s Surf City was a great event. All the guys at Car Toys Oregon thought it was successful too and definitely worth everyone’s time. Very excited to go back next year. We nailed the booth set up and overall presence as well!”

Spectator admission to the Surf City Soundoff was free, making it an opportunity for longtime car audio fans as well as people who have never experienced competitive mobile audio to come out and see what the hobby is all about.

The Surf City Soundoff was joined Saturday by Surf City Classics, a major automotive show at Chinook Winds Casino Resort featuring classic cars, American muscle, rat rods, trucks, 4x4s, motorcycles and other unique vehicles.

Surf City Classics took place from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, August 22, with vehicle judging scheduled from noon to 3 p.m. and awards at 4 p.m. The car show added another dimension to the weekend, giving visitors an opportunity to experience both traditional automotive craftsmanship and the cutting-edge technology found in today’s competitive car audio vehicles.

As the two events took place together, Lincoln City became a gathering place for automotive enthusiasts throughout the weekend—from classic-car collectors and muscle-car fans to serious car audio competitors and spectators.

The Surf City Soundoff was hosted in partnership with IASCA Worldwide and Chinook Winds Casino Resort.

Make plans plan to attend Surf City 2027 August 21st and 22nd.

Visit www.iascaworldwide.com for more.