SASKATOON, SK (01.27.26) – Firstech Canada is pleased to announce the appointment of Phil Maczuga as Director of
Brand and Supply Chain, effective January 26, 2026. This appointment supports the company’s continued growth and reinforces its commitment to delivering strong operational and brand support to partners across Canada.

“Phil is a proven leader with a deep understanding of both brand strategy and supply chain operations,” said Bryan Sack, President of Firstech Canada. “Having worked together previously, I am confident in his ability to contribute meaningful insight and execution as we continue to evolve as an organization.”

Phil brings extensive experience in strategic planning, supply chain management, and operational alignment. His background will play an important role in supporting Firstech Canada’s long-term objectives, enhancing efficiency, and strengthening consistency across the organization.

Commenting on his appointment, Phil Maczuga stated, “Firstech Canada continues to demonstrate strong leadership within the industry through innovation and a clear partner-focused approach. I am excited to join the team and contribute to its continued
growth while supporting the company’s partners nationwide.”

In his role, Phil will be responsible for aligning brand initiatives with supply chain strategy to support scalability and sustained growth.

Phil can be reached at 204-230-1983 or pmaczuga@myfirstech.ca

Visit myfirstech.ca for more.

LIBERTYVILLE, IL (01.27.26) – Engineered for accurate, clean sound and optimized power delivery, DA2 amplifiers elevate your customer’s entire MB Quart audio experience. With top-mounted controls for quick and easy tuning, the DA2 series delivers legendary Discus power and precision in a sleek, compact design that’s perfect for tight installations.

Every single model in the Discus DA2 amplifier line features Class-D amplification for efficient, clean output, rugged construction to handle Marine and Powersports environments, and top-mounted controls that make tuning a breeze — even in tighter or compact spaces.

Feel the difference in power today with DA2 innovation!

To learn more, click here.

OXNARD, CA (1.23.26) — Modus is proud to announce it will be exhibiting during KnowledgeFest Las Vegas, one of the mobile electronics industry’s largest educational events and trade shows, held at The Paris Hotel & Convention Center from Feb. 3–5, 2026. During the event, Modus will conduct multiple trainings on its revolutionary audio technologies.

“This training session features Modus’ patented PREACT™ Current Averaging Technology, a unique approach to managing amplifier current for improved efficiency, consistency, and real-world performance,” explained Jason Digos, Senior Sales Trainer at Modus. “Designed for installers and sales professionals, the class explains how PREACT adapts to varying vehicle electrical conditions, maintains stable output under load, and differs from traditional power management designs. Attendees will gain practical insight into system benefits, application considerations, and how to clearly communicate PREACT’s value to customers.”

Modus will conduct two training sessions:
• Session 1

• Location: Palace 6
• Date & Time: Tuesday, February 3 at 1:30 PM
  • Session 2
• Location: Palace 6
• Date & Time: Wednesday, February 4 at 5:30 PM

Digos is a veteran car audio professional with more than 30 years experience in installation, system design, product development, and technical training. He has held leadership roles across the mobile electronics industry and is widely respected for bridging technical expertise with real-world performance.

For more information about Modus products and partnership opportunities, request more information on the web at www.modusglobal.com.

WASHINGTON, DC (1.23.26) – The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) is applauding the Jan. 21 announcement by the U.S. Department of Justice that it will exercise its enforcement discretion for Clean Air Act violations related to tampering with onboard diagnostic (OBD) devices on vehicles and no longer pursue criminal charges in such cases.

• This announcement only reflects the enforcement discretion of the current administration. The statutes of limitation for such violations goes beyond the term of any single president or administration, and future administrations may view such enforcement differently.

“This is a welcome end to overly harsh penalties for violations that are otherwise addressed through civil enforcement,” said SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola. “SEMA believes in following the law, and federal law is clear with regards to tampering of emissions systems or profiting from the sales of products that enable such behavior. SEMA remains committed to working with federal regulators at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to ensure our industry has a voice in the development of policies impacting compliance with federal and state laws with regards to emissions and safety, and creating a path for our industry to continue its innovation.”

BACKGROUND

• OBD tampering involves altering a vehicle’s electronic systems or software, primarily to defeat emissions controls or commit mileage fraud, both of which are illegal under federal and state laws in the U.S.
• Violators are subject to significant civil penalties (up to $37,500 for each part or component) and, until this announcement, even criminal prosecution, with the potential for prison terms.
• SEMA has invested heavily through its SEMA Garage program to provide its members with pathways to navigate federal and state emissions.
• The SEMA Certified Emissions (SC-E) program is a documented pathway for demonstrating that an aftermarket part doesn’t increase the emissions of a vehicle on which it’s installed. The program was designed around the guidance of the EPA’s Tampering Policy as a means to offer aftermarket companies:
  • An accelerated path to emissions compliance, allowing products to be legally sold in 49 states prior to receiving a California Air Resources Board (CARB) EO
  • Create an industry-wide standard for “reasonable basis”
  • Create a centralized database for compliant products
  • Provide legitimacy to the claim “EPA compliant”
  • Establish a path to compliance for certain products that are unable to receive a CARB EO

For more information, visit www.sema.org.

TORONTO, ON (1.22.26) – On Tuesday, Day 4 in the Importel booth, it was all about SiriusXM to feel every moment with the widest selection of entertainment always playing what all want to hear. SiriusXM subscribers can discover something new every day, including exclusive music channels curated by the biggest names in the business, once in a lifetime events, live sports coverage and more. The vast percentage of consumers are not aware of the possibilities. 12volt retailers need to take advantage of this opportunity to drive business.

Ricky Lima, Importel National Sales Manager stated “Some of our dealers do well with the BoomBox bundle. At a retail of $199. CND it is certainly affordable. All retailers need to take a look at stocking this product to enjoy SiriusXM even more.”

In the Importel booth attendees could see and hear first hand the positives.There’s always something new at SiriusXM. Consumers, looking for complete portability and versatility, need look no farther than the SiriusXM Onyx EZR Boombox bundle. The Onyx EZR, with vehicle kit, is a dock and play radio that lets all enjoy SiriusXM satellite radio not just in their car but in their boat and beyond. The radio includes options to select from 2 display formats to view artist names, show titles, song titles plus channel information. With parental controls, all can easily lock or unlock channels that contain mature content.

Additionally, listeners can save up to 10 of their favorite SiriusXM channels or create a personalized music channel using TuneMix. The Boombox features a sporty design and great sound for all SiriusXM and XM plug-and play-radios with universal docking capability. The BoomBox Bundle can help consumer enjoy music 24/7 anywhere.

The Toronto International Boat Show wraps Sunday January 25th after the 9 Day run.