DANIA BEACH, FL (07.07.26) — HKI USA today recognized the dedication and teamwork of its representatives following the recent departure of Elias Ventura, who previously managed the Mid-Atlantic territory.

In response to the transition, HKI USA team members quickly stepped up to ensure customers continued receiving the service, communication, and support they have come to expect. By working together across roles and responsibilities, the team maintained coverage throughout the territory while keeping customer needs at the center of every decision.

“We are extremely proud of how our team responded during this transition,” said Jacob Brown, Director of Operations at HKI USA. “Their professionalism, flexibility, and commitment to our dealers reflect the strength of our organization and the values we work hard to uphold every day.”

The company emphasized that the territory remains fully supported and that customers can continue to rely on HKI USA for responsive service, product knowledge, and dependable partnership. The transition also highlighted the depth of experience within the organization and the team’s ability to adapt quickly when circumstances change.

HKI USA remains focused on serving its customers with consistency and care while continuing to support the representatives who have taken initiative during this transition. The 12Volt Specialists have stepped up to cover New Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania, JB Associates is handling Maryland and Delaware, and Ambassador Marketing is supporting Virginia, ensuring dealers throughout the Mid-Atlantic territory continue to receive responsive service and dependable partnership.

East PA and New England – 12 Volt Specialist – (978) 804-3966
Maryland, West PA and MidWest – JB & Associates – (304) 633-4880
Virginia, TN, NC, AC and SouthEast – Ambassador – (561) 385-1974

For more information regarding HKI USA, and the brands they represent, please visit www.HKI-USA.com.

LIBERTYVILLE, IL (07.07.26) – The HFX subwoofer lineup just got LOUDER. NOW AVAILABLE in 8 and 10-inch sizes (along with the 12-inch) — the HFX series brings HARD-HITTING BASS to any build — BIG or small.

Built to hit. Tuned to stay clean. HFX subwoofers are engineered with heavy-duty, powder-coated steel frames, pressure-treated, durable foam surrounds, and dual voice coils that keep bass tight, controlled, and distortion-free — even when you push it.

Get ready for deeper lows, harder punch, and sound that holds together at every volume now in more subwoofer sizes!

To learn more, click here.

MURRIETA, CA (07.03.26) – Global Audio Marketing, the exclusive U.S. distributor of MUSWAY, is proud to announce that respected industry veteran and multi-time champion Mel Valadez has joined the MUSWAY USA team.

With more than three decades of experience in the mobile electronics industry, Mel brings an exceptional combination of technical expertise, sales leadership, dealer development, product training, installation knowledge, and championship-level competition experience. His addition marks another major step in Global Audio Marketing’s continued investment in building one of the fastest-growing premium mobile audio brands in the United States.

Building a Premium Brand Through Innovation

As Global Audio Marketing continues expanding MUSWAY throughout the United States, the company’s focus remains clear—bringing German engineering, cutting-edge technology, and world-class dealer support to dealers across the country.
“At Global Audio Marketing, we’re not simply selling car audio products—we’re building a premium brand that dealers can believe in for years to come. MUSWAY is a German-engineered brand founded on innovation, technology, and uncompromising sound quality. Every product we introduce is designed to solve real installation challenges while delivering exceptional performance.

Just as important as the products is our commitment to our dealers. We believe our success is measured by their success. That’s why we invest heavily in training, technical support, marketing, and maintaining strong dealer margins that allow our partners to grow profitable businesses.

Mel shares that same philosophy. His passion for education, integrity, and helping dealers succeed makes him a perfect fit for the future we’re building.”

— Andrew Bishara, CEO, Global Audio Marketing

Leading Dealer Growth Across the South Central United States

Mel will oversee dealer development and support throughout Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana, focusing on new dealer acquisition, product training, DSP education, technical support, and strengthening relationships with retailers and installers.

A New Chapter

“I’ve dedicated over 30 years of my life to this industry because I truly love it,” said Mel Valadez. “Joining Global Audio Marketing and representing MUSWAY is an incredible opportunity. I’m excited to help build one of the industry’s most exciting premium brands while supporting dealers and sharing products I truly believe in.”

The Future of MUSWAY USA

Global Audio Marketing continues to expand its national presence through an experienced sales organization, comprehensive dealer support, technical training, and a strong commitment to customer service. The addition of Mel Valadez reinforces that commitment and represents another important milestone in establishing MUSWAY as one of the premier high-end mobile audio brands in the United States.

About MUSWAY

Inspired by the philosophy “Music Is The Way,” MUSWAY is a German-engineered premium mobile audio brand dedicated to creating innovative solutions for today’s automotive enthusiast. Combining advanced DSP technology, award-winning amplifiers, premium loudspeakers, and intelligent system integration, MUSWAY delivers exceptional sound quality without compromise.

Visit musway.com for more.

STILLWATER, OK (07.03.26) – Lori Boyer, KICKER’s Southeast Regional Sales Manager, has been named by the editors of Boating Industry magazine to its prestigious roster of 2026 “Women Making Waves.”

This major awards recognition, now in its ninth year, recognizes outstanding women leaders from all segments of the North American boating industry. Boyer was one of 30 nominees tapped for this honor and profiled in a feature story alongside all winners in the latest edition of Boating Industry magazine. A special event celebration to present the awards is slated for later this year.

“We are very proud of Lori’s outstanding recognition among her peers and appreciate the countless contributions she has made in her 38 years at KICKER,” said KICKER CEO Steve Irby. “Lori has certainly been a trailblazer and a highly dedicated member of the KICKER team. She has always focused on developing herself as an individual and a team member. Her dedication to product knowledge and expertise has made her a trusted and highly valued leader. We are very pleased by her significant distinction and well-deserved recognition.”

Boyer began her career as a file clerk at KICKER in 1988 and has proven her capability with eight progressive roles within the organization, each assuming new areas of responsibility. For the past 11 years, she has served as the southeast regional sales manager – the first female aftermarket manager in the company’s history –  with responsibilities for ongoing communications and strategic 1:1 partnership collaboration to help customers increase sales and improve profitability.

“I am so honored to be included among this group of outstanding women in the marine industry and very much appreciate the nomination and recognition,” said Boyer. “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my career at KICKER and the continued opportunities for personal and professional growth.  After 38 years, I’m still learning and growing and loving the business more every day.”

Visit kicker.com for more.

VANCOUVER, BC (7.2.26) – THINKWARE is expanding its support for the 12V specialist channel with the launch of the new THINKWARE PRO Series, a dealer-exclusive dash cam lineup designed for professional retailers and installers.

Available only through authorized THINKWARE dealers, the PRO Series includes four models: the flagship U3000 PRO, U1000 PRO, Q850 PRO, and Q200 PRO. Each model is designed to give dealers a premium dash cam offering built around advanced video performance, parking surveillance, driver assistance features, professional installation value, and stronger profit opportunities.

The PRO Series also strengthens the dealer-customer relationship with added post-sale confidence, including THINKWARE’s 3-year warranty on professionally installed systems. That extended coverage helps reinforce the benefits of purchasing through an authorized 12V retailer.

The lineup is led by the U3000 PRO, THINKWARE’s flagship PRO Series model, featuring 4K UHD front and 2K QHD rear recording, Sony STARVIS 2 sensors, Dual HDR, Super Night Vision 4.0, built-in GPS, built-in radar, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, ADAS, and THINKWARE CONNECTED support with an optional LTE module.

The U1000 PRO offers premium 4K front and 2K rear recording with HDR, Super Night Vision 3.0, built-in GPS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, radar module compatibility, and expandable multi-channel recording with optional accessories.

The Q850 PRO provides 2K front and 2K rear recording, Sony STARVIS imaging, rear HDR, Super Night Vision 2.0, built-in GPS, ADAS, safety camera alerts, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and optional multi-channel expansion.

The Q200 PRO rounds out the lineup with 2K QHD front and 1080p rear recording, Super Night Vision 2.0, ADAS, safety camera alerts, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, parking surveillance features, and optional multi-channel expansion.

Across the PRO Series, THINKWARE gives dealers a channel-focused dash cam lineup that supports higher-value sales, installation revenue, accessory attachment, and industry-leading margin potential. With dealer-only availability, OEM-grade quality, and advanced in-house technology, the THINKWARE PRO Series gives 12V retailers a compelling new way to position dash cams as a serious safety, security, and convenience upgrade.

For more see thinkwarestore.com.

WASHINGTON, DC (7.2.26) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a groundbreaking advisory opinion that states that a SEMA Certified-Emissions certification qualifies as a reasonable basis under the Tampering Policy and companies can rely on this certificate to demonstrate compliance. With this formal recognition, the EPA is establishing a regulatory pathway allowing for 49-state sales (excluding California) and reestablishes the federal government’s leadership on clean-air issues.

“Today, the EPA has verified what SEMA for years has told regulators at the state and federal levels: that the automotive aftermarket industry has a precise mechanism to support emissions testing compliance with federal laws, and it’s called SEMA Certified-Emissions,” said SEMA CEO Mike Spagnola. “This EPA recognition of the SEMA Certified-Emissions program is nothing short of a pioneering action by the federal government to utilize private-public partnerships in service to industry regulatory compliance efforts. We’re beyond pleased to continue to provide this service to aftermarket businesses so they can bring their innovative products to the market, and with a renewed certainty that our nation’s clean-air laws are being followed.”

“Americans should not be forced to solely rely on California to certify aftermarket products. Starting today, Americans can trust that products certified by SEMA meet federal requirements and can be used to repair vehicles,” said EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin. “President Donald Trump’s commitment to reviving the American auto industry has been unwavering and has already yielded hundreds of billions in new investments, supported American jobs, and expanded consumer choice. With the aftermarket sector being a key piece of the industry, the EPA is proud to deliver on the president’s agenda, for the small businesses producing aftermarket parts, and on behalf of the Americans who purchase those parts.”

The EPA’s action directly responds to a June 29, 2026, presidential memorandum by President Trump that encouraged the agency to “expeditiously consider, and act on any requests from organizations capable of testing aftermarket parts for conformance with the CAA,” to ensure compliance with the requirements of the Clean Air Act and other relevant EPA regulations.

• This is a significant win for the automotive aftermarket, an economically significant industry made up of primarily small businesses who design and manufacture innovative, American-made, emissions law-compliant products that enhance the performance of cars and trucks across the globe.

The SEMA Certified-Emissions program is the product of years of heavy investment and development by the Specialty Equipment Market Association through its SEMA Garage program. The envisioned purpose of SEMA Certified-Emissions was to create a robust, sustainable, and practical pathway to Clean Air Act emissions compliance under federal law. As a result of this work, the SEMA Garage is now the automotive industry’s foremost venue for showing a documented, reasonable basis for aftermarket products having no adverse impact on emissions.

In the last decade, previous administrations’ EPAs have ceded authority to California, enabling the state to serve as a de facto national regulator and require manufacturers to obtain California Air Resource Board (CARB) Executive Orders (EOs) to sell anywhere in the country. The EPA’s recognition of the SEMA Certified-Emissions program verifies a transparent, data-driven process to serve as an affordable, accelerated pathway for aftermarket companies to follow. It offers much-needed certainty for aftermarket businesses, particularly with regards to products that meet federal standards (i.e., internal combustion engine products).

Additionally, recognition of the SEMA Certified-Emissions program rebalances EPA authority over Clean Air Act emissions compliance and provides manufacturers, retailers, and consumers with a viable, nationally recognized option for illustrating compliance. In particular, aftermarket businesses gain much-needed certainty, including those whose products where California has not provided a clear path to compliance.

SEMA thanks President Trump, EPA Administrator Zeldin, and the entire team at the EPA for their leadership and unyielding push to re-balance our nation’s environmental goals so that the ability of American businesses to thrive is never hindered.

WHAT THE AFTERMARKET INDUSTRY IS SAYING

BluePrint Engines Founder Norris Marshall: “The level of investment of resources and expertise that SEMA has made in its SEMA Certified-Emissions program really stands out as an asset for businesses like BluePrint Engines – it enables us to focus on bringing superior products to market by knowing that SEMA matches our expertise and experience with their rigorous attention to quality, in federal emissions compliance. Our industry’s products deserve to reach our customers in a timely manner, and the SEMA Certified-Emissions program is an important tool for providing the necessary documentation that the EPA expects, with the rigor that the American people deserve.”

Holley Performance Vice President Aaron Stewart: “Holley is committed to performance, quality, and responsible business practices, including ensuring our products support emissions compliance and help consumers operate their vehicles legally and responsibly. The SEMA Certified-Emissions program provides an important and credible pathway for evaluating products against applicable emissions standards. It gives Holley confidence that our products are reviewed with compliance in mind and gives our customers confidence in the products they choose. We appreciate the SEMA Garage’s role in supporting responsible emissions compliance across the performance aftermarket industry. The program is important to Holley’s business, our customers, and the long-term credibility of the industry.”

VMP Performance President Justin Starkey: “VMP Performance has been using the SEMA Garage for emissions compliance since its inception in 2015; we were actually the Garage’s first customer. We’ve poured hundreds of thousands of dollars into emissions testing and compliance. SEMA exhibiting leadership in this area is critical to the industry’s long-term success, and we finally have an alternative to the CARB EO process.”

Magnuson Superchargers CEO Kim Pendergast: “Magnuson Superchargers has filed for CARB EOs since the beginning. Jerry Magnuson, the founder and owner at the time, did it simply because he believed it was the right thing to do. He always said, ‘One day everyone will follow the EO process and we will already be there.’ When SEMA started their Certified program for emissions, Magnuson decided to use SEMA, even though we already had the internal capabilities; we liked the transparency of a third party’s validation. We hoped other members would sign on so we would all see the benefit of using the same system at the federal and state levels. That’s happening now. I hope more SEMA members will join SEMA Certified-Emissions. It helps all of us.”

JASPER Engines & Transmissions Group Leader Brad Boeglin: “JASPER utilizes the SEMA Certified-Emissions program to support identification of worst-case vehicle and engine configurations, and to ensure our emissions testing strategy and documentation align with EPA reasonable basis requirements. SEMA’s technical review serves as an independent third-party validation of our emissions documentation and testing, reducing inconsistencies, rework, and delays. Overall, the SEMA Certified-Emissions program allows us to launch compliant products sooner while protecting both JASPER and our customers.”

BD Diesel Director of Product Development Jeff Harris: “When our industry demanded greater focus on emission compliance and testing, the SEMA Garage stepped up as a great partner for both consulting and achieving compliance with our product. SEMA has helped guide our company’s emissions compliance statement as well as providing a third-party review process, enabling quicker compliance turnaround than traditional methods. The team at the SEMA Garage compliance center is always eager to help, and it is refreshing to have a point of contact that is readily available to help on our projects.”

BACKGROUND

• The EPA is tasked with ensuring compliance with federal law as established by the Clean Air Act. Such action is guided by the EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance; among the areas this office is involved is engine tampering and aftermarket defeat devices. Violators are subject to significant civil penalties and even criminal prosecution, with the potential for prison terms.
• Under EPA’s Tampering Policy, the agency typically does not take enforcement action for conduct that might be a violation of section 203(a)(3) of the Clean Air Act if the person engaging in the conduct has a documented “reasonable basis” to conclude that the conduct (or, where the conduct in question is the manufacturing or sale of a part or component, the installation and use of that part or component) does not and will not adversely affect emissions.
• SEMA Certified-Emissions is not a blank check to use a certified product in any way imaginable. Instead, SEMA Certified-Emissions products and components are tested and authorized for specific makes, models, model year, and engine configurations, providing a path to emissions compliance for companies and cleaner air for our communities.
• The SEMA Certified-Emissions program maintains a centralized, transparent database of compliant products. This publicly searchable database adds to manufacturers’, retailers’, consumers’, and federal stakeholders’ confidence in the integrity of our nation’s emissions standards.
• The SEMA Certified-Emissions program allows sales in 49 states; California sales still require a valid EO from CARB. Nonetheless, EPA’s recognition of SEMA Certified-Emissions provides a new path to 49-state legal sales and allows CARB to return to its historic role serving the California market.

For more information, visit www.sema.org.

Visit www.semagarage.com to learn more.