Author: 12VoltNews

SEMA Fest Announces 2026 Musical Lineup Featuring The Offspring, Jimmy Eat World, 311 And The Alive

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DIAMOND BAR, CA (07.28.26) – The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), producers of the SEMA Show, today announced the musical lineup for SEMA Fest, taking place Friday, Nov. 6, at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Headlined by multi-platinum punk rock icons The Offspring, the lineup also features anthemic alt-rockers Jimmy Eat World, genre-blending rock reggae outfit 311, and California rock band The Alive. Together these chart-topping, arena-caliber acts will bring their catalog of massive hits to SEMA Fest, delivering the ultimate intersection of high-octane and high-decibels, a one-day celebration of the long-standing bond between music and car culture that closes out SEMA Week with an unforgettable public experience.

Early bird pre-sale tickets are available July 15, with the general on-sale kicking off this Friday, July 17, at 10 am PT via www.semafest.com. General admission and VIP concert access tickets are available, as are combined tickets, offering entry to both SEMA Fest and SEMA Show Friday public access. This exclusive bundle gives automotive enthusiasts rare access to the world’s largest automotive aftermarket trade event – typically reserved for industry insiders – alongside performances from some of today’s biggest bands.

“SEMA Fest represents where our industry is headed, at the crossroads of innovation, lifestyle, and cultural relevance,” said SEMA Vice President of Events Tom Gattuso. “By bringing together the world’s premier automotive gathering with iconic music, immersive automotive experiences, and enthusiast access, we are creating a powerful platform that expands the reach of car culture, strengthens engagement with new audiences, and sends SEMA Week out on a high-energy, high-impact note.”

SEMA Fest serves as the official “closing ceremony” of SEMA Week, transforming the world’s premier automotive trade show into a massive public celebration and extending the energy of the SEMA Show into a day-long experience.

The day begins inside the Las Vegas Convention Center, where attendees can explore the SEMA Show floor, including 2,000-plus exhibiting brands and vendors, thousands of custom builds, and the latest in automotive products and technology.

As the day continues, the action moves outdoors for the legendary SEMA Cruise and high-intensity motorsports demonstrations that keep the excitement building throughout the afternoon.

Then, as the sun sets, attention turns to the SEMA Fest Stage, where live music and automotive adrenaline come together in one immersive environment. The automotive excitement continues into the evening with featured vehicle displays and motorsports performances that keep car culture front and center through the final encore.

2026 Musical Lineup
Multi-platinum punk rock icons The Offspring bring decades of Southern California punk-rock energy to SEMA Fest. Formed in Garden Grove in 1984, the band is known for their generation-defining hits such as “Self Esteem,” “Come Out and Play,” “The Kids Aren’t Alright,” and “Pretty Fly (For a White Guy).” Widely credited with helping revive mainstream interest in punk rock during the 1990s, The Offspring has sold more than 45 million records worldwide.

Jimmy Eat World adds its signature anthemic alternative-rock sound to the lineup. The band broke through globally with “The Middle,” which reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Modern Rock Tracks chart and became one of the defining rock songs of the early 2000s.

311 brings its unmistakable blend of rock, reggae, funk, and hip-hop influences to the main stage. The band has released 14 studio albums, sold more than 10 million records in the United States, and remains known for crowd favorites such as “Down,” “Amber,” and “All Mixed Up.”

The Alive rounds out the bill with a fresh California rock sound rooted in surf, skate, and hard-driving live performance. The band cites influences including Black Sabbath, Nirvana, Rush, and Queens of the Stone Age, making them a fitting addition to a lineup built on energy, edge, and attitude.

Featured Experiences
The evening’s adrenaline will be amplified by world-class automotive demos, including drifting demonstrations from OPTIMA and the high-energy Globe of Death.

Supercar Saturdays Florida returns to SEMA Fest with a curated showcase of rare hypercars and exotic vehicles following its debut SEMA Fest appearance in 2025, where it presented an exclusive hypercar and supercar display.

For the latest updates, follow @SEMAFestOfficial on social media or visit www.semafest.com.

The 30th Annual Sanford Sound Show-N-Shine Shined Under A Sunny Sky

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Jack Bogard welcomed all early Sunday morning and spotlighted the amazing trophies that were available.

SANFORD, ME (07.27.26) – “This year’s Show N’ Shine was the sixth at our new location and the weather was terrific….72 and clear. This year we were packed at our 30th Annual Show N’ Shine as we had over 160 cars registered. It seemed almost every square foot of our property was filled with Show N’ Shine cars and activities. Vehicles and tents even lined the ground along Highway 4 in both directions” owner Jack Bogard related.

Continuing “Saturday the Sanford Sound Team spent the day getting everything ready for the Show N’ Shine. On site we had Jacob from SONY, Chad from Memphis, Ben from Alpine and Rockford plus Matt from Kenwood. Local business owners said they had never seen Route 4 so busy on Sunday” Bogard offered.

The Sanford Sound venue was filled with enthusiast in the front and in the area out back.

“Nearly 20 area businesses were on site showing their products that 12volt enthusiasts could utilize. Vehicle restoration, lift modifications, stickers and more were offered. Food trucks were on site and the lemonade stand reported selling over 300 refreshments..snow cones too. We also had several clubs attend the Show N’ Shine in big numbers. Plos we had a number of cars with out of state license plates… including Connecticut, Vermont, New York and Rhode Island” Bogard added.

Bogard concluded “A really big thing for us at a Sanford Sound Show N’ Shine event is seeing all the happy, smiling faces. Members of the crowd were showing their rides and checking out other’s rides.The level of customization of the vehicles in the show this year was amazing. Long term this will lead to residual business for us at Sanford Sound. A huge shout out to all, especially family and staff who participated in, and contributed to, the very successful 30th Annual Sanford Sound Show N’ Shine.

Sanford, ME is a town of just over 20,000. Sanford Sound is a responsible business member of the community and hires local police to be on site to help with the increased traffic for the event which packed Route 4 on Sunday afternoon.

For more see sanfordsound.com and @sanfordsound.

The Car Audio Depot Takes The In-Store Experience To The Next Level Inside and Outside

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MODESTO, CA (07.27.26) – A Look Back 2 Years Ago As Car Audio Depot Spotlighted The Ultimate The In-Store Experience.

The Car Audio Depot is a family owned business located in the heart of Modesto CA. For 26 years the Randy Leibenson family and the 10 Member team have served the community and surrounding area with top level mobile electronics products and knowledge along with the best customer service. Jorge Deras is the store manager.

In this digital driven cyber world it is more important than ever to drive store traffic into brick and mortar retail stores. The Car Audio Depot takes the in-store experience from the outside to the inside as they connect with consumers. From the street the store stands out beginning with a large monitor mounted under the eaves on the corner of the building. A large painted company logo is also presented on the outside of the building.

The Car Audio Depot branding stands out brightly under the sunny Modesto sky.

“On the large outside monitor we spotlight brands like ARC Audio along with store events such as Black Friday sales and car shows. As a company all team members contribute our everyday activities to drive sales and in-vehicle enjoyment for our
customers,” Liebenson stated.

Sparkling floors lead customers into the center of the 4000 sq ft showroom.
These two images show the wide selection of products plus the detailing of branding inset into the showroom floor.

The entrance to the store is very well identified in the parking lot marked with convenient parking lines. All of the above guides consumers into the best part of The Car Audio Depot….the amazing showroom. Very well positioned displays showcase the wide selection of mobile electronics products, marine audio, OEM integration, lighting, security and accessories. A large installation area provides ample room for all vehicles and the company’s strong marine category.

Check out the selection of images below from around The Car Audio Depot. Many say an image is worth 1000 words.

Completed customer project vehicles are showcase outside and in multi-panel social media posts interior upgrades are also spotlighted for social media followers to experience.
The marine category is strong at The Car Audio Depot and multi-panel social media post are made spotlighting the marine category projects also.

All 12volt retailers have digital options to create a network of social media followers to drive store traffic for the in-store experience. Proactive 12volt retailers utilize those digital social media platforms which turns into profitable business. The Car Audio Depot definitely utilizes these digital marketing tools with regularity to showcase new product and company activities.

A large 12volt Central Studios HATS Off to The Car Audio Depot as they work to drive in-store traffic and sales.

Visit caraudiodepot.com for more.

Boomer Robinson at HKI Bootcamp Austin, TX Review

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AUSTIN, TX (07.27.26) – We had a training with Nick Wingate at HKI’s Bootcamp in Austin, Texas. We talked about the future of the industry and where dealers need to put more focus. Some of the things we discussed got me thinking, and I wrote an article that I feel portrays exactly where we are heading as an industry and what we need to do. 

The Wealth Shift

Why I Believe the Future of Premium Mobile Electronics Belongs to the 50+ Customer, let me explain. 

I’ve been in the mobile electronics industry for more than 30 years. I’ve watched cassette decks turn into CD players, CD players turn into touchscreens, and simple speaker installs evolve into sophisticated OEM integration and DSP tuning. During that time, one thing has become clear to me: our industry has changed, but in many ways, our thinking hasn’t.

For years we’ve been chasing the next generation of customers. We keep asking the same question: “How do we get younger people excited about car audio?” It’s a fair question, and we absolutely need young enthusiasts to keep this industry alive. But I think we’ve been asking the wrong question.

The better question is this: Who has the passion for great sound and the financial ability to invest in it today?

I believe the answer is sitting right in front of us. It’s the same people who built this industry in the first place.

The teenager who scraped together enough money to buy his first amplifier in the late ’80s or early ‘90s is now in his fifties or sixties. Back then, he wanted to be the loudest guy in the parking lot. Today, he drives a Denali, a King Ranch, a luxury SUV, or maybe a restored classic car. He probably owns a boat, an RV, or a side-by-side. His life has changed, but one thing hasn’t, he still loves music.

What’s different is what he wants from his system.

When we were younger, louder usually meant better. We wanted bass that rattled windows and systems that got everyone’s attention. Today, many of us want something completely different. We want to close the doors, turn up our favorite song, and feel like we’re sitting in front of the stage or in the middle of a great home audio system. We want detail, clarity, balance, and realism. We want to hear the music the way the artist intended.

That’s the customer I believe our industry should be paying more attention to.

The numbers back it up. Consumers over the age of 50 account for more than half of all consumer spending in the United States and represent the majority of spending on new vehicles. Household wealth generally increases with age, and many people in this group have spent decades building successful careers, businesses, investments, and retirement savings. They have the disposable income to invest in premium products when they see value.

Yet if you look at much of the marketing in our industry, you’d think we’re still trying to sell the same products to the same twenty-year-old customer we were chasing thirty years ago.

I’m not saying we should ignore younger buyers. Every industry needs new enthusiasts. But we also need to recognize that younger consumers face challenges that previous generations didn’t. Higher housing costs, larger debt burdens, and rising vehicle prices often make them much more careful about discretionary spending. That’s not a criticism, it’s simply the economic reality many of them are living in.

Meanwhile, the original car audio enthusiast has grown up.He’s buying luxury trucks instead of compact cars. He’s spending money on boats, motorcycles, RVs, travel, and hobbies. He understands quality, and he’s willing to pay for craftsmanship when he trusts the people doing the work.

That means our sales process has to change. We can’t keep leading with wattage, speaker sizes, and price. Those things matter, but they aren’t what motivates someone investing in a premium system. What they’re really buying is an experience. They’re buying the feeling they get when every instrument has its place, every vocal sounds natural, and every drive becomes something they look forward to.

I’ve said this for years: we’re not really selling speakers and amplifiers anymore. We’re selling emotion.

I also believe we need to stop thinking of ourselves as “car audio shops.” The future is much bigger than that. Today’s successful businesses are becoming mobile technology integration specialists. They work on luxury vehicles, boats, RVs, motorcycles, side-by-sides, and specialty vehicles. They understand factory electronics, digital signal processing, vehicle networking, and customer experience. They’re not just installing equipment, they’re engineering an experience that’s tailored to each customer.

I don’t believe the 12-volt industry is dying.I believe it’s evolving. The opportunity is still there, but it’s moved.

The customer who once walked into our stores looking for his first amplifier is now walking into dealerships buying a $90,000 truck. He’s still passionate about music. He’s simply looking for a different kind of solution than he was thirty years ago.

The companies that recognize that shift will build stronger businesses over the next decade. They’ll stop competing on price and start competing on expertise. They’ll attract customers who appreciate craftsmanship instead of discounts. Most importantly, they’ll build relationships that last far beyond a single installation.

The future of this industry isn’t about finding a brand-new customer.I think it’s about reconnecting with the customer who never stopped loving great sound.

– Boomer

The 12volt Central Studios thanks Boomer for his view of today’s 12volt retail landscape.

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.