Author: 12VoltNews

GS Distributing Joins Forces with KICKER to Power Northern California & Nevada

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LIVERMORE, CA (9.26.25) – GS Distributing Company is excited to announce our new distribution partnership with KICKER serving the Northern California and Northern Nevada markets.

“Through this partnership, we’ll be expanding access to a broader selection of Kicker products while ensuring stronger product availability for our dealers’’ Shams Nabi related.

Over 20 pallets of KICKER products received in the warehouse in Livermore, CA.

Continuing “KICKER is one of the most respected and recognized brands in the industry, and we are grateful for the trust and opportunity to represent them. Together with the Kicker team, our focus will be on growing the brand’s presence in the region by supporting dealers with reliable inventory and responsive service.”

“We’ve already received over 20 pallets of Kicker product, reinforcing our commitment to keeping stock on hand so that when our accounts need product, it’s ready to ship” Nabi concluded.

Tracy Focht, KICKER Western Regional Manager, relayed “We are totally excited to have Shams and GS Distributing on board to help KICKER grow in NorCal and Nevada. Shams and his team will do an outstanding job and we look forward to working with them.”

Dealers in need of assistance within the territory can contact our customer service team at csr@gsdistributingcompany.com.

ZZ2 Launches in Spain

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POMPANO BEACH, FL (09.26.25) – We are thrilled with the launch of ZZ2 in Spain, a milestone that goes beyond geographic expansion. This moment represents the realization of our vision of bringing innovative automotive technology solutions to the European market.

None of this would be possible without the support of our strategic partners who share our mission. Special thanks to SCS, our official distributor in Spain, for their partnership and commitment.

Held on September 19th, the event featured an opening speech by Juan Jose Vera of SCS. Vinicius Nascimento, Tiago Sperandio, Leonel Sudatti and Javier González then presented the products that will be sold in Europe, such as CarPlay & Android Auto Solutions, Screen Replacements, Backup Cameras, In-Car Entertainment / Streaming Solutions, and others. ZZ2 services, technical support and dedicated customer service, were also mentioned. Afterwards, guests were able to see a live demo of our products installed and in full operation.

The event was attended by several professionals, installers, dealers and industry leaders, who were excited about the new developments they were seeing firsthand.

Visit zz-2.com for more.

Check out the video below:

THINKWARE Appoints New Sales Director

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IRVINE, CA (09.25.25) – THINKWARE has appointed industry veteran Ken Wiseman as National Sales Director for the U.S. market.

Ken brings more than 35 years of experience in the 12-volt industry, where he has built a reputation as a trusted leader with a strong record of driving sales growth and supporting partners across the channel. His background spans national sales management, dealer engagement, and product category development, giving him a well-rounded perspective on the needs of today’s mobile electronics market.

“Ken’s experience and relationships in the industry make him an excellent addition to our team,” said JP Lee, Vice President of Sales. “He understands the importance of aligning with partners at every level, and his approach will be a key driver as THINKWARE continues to expand in the U.S.”

In this role, Ken will be responsible for guiding THINKWARE’s U.S. sales efforts, working with distributors, sales reps, and independent dealers to strengthen partnerships and identify new opportunities for growth.

“I’m proud to be joining THINKWARE at such an exciting stage for the brand,” said Ken. “I look forward to collaborating with our partners to build on that momentum in the U.S. market.”

For more information on THINKWARE products and dealer opportunities, please visit www.thinkware.com.

HARMAN Completes Sound United Acquisition to Expand Premium Audio Leadership

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STAMFORD, CT (09.25.25) – HARMAN International has announced it has completed the acquisition of Sound United, the former consumer audio business of Masimo Corporation (NASDAQ: MASI). Sound United’s portfolio of iconic audio brands includes Bowers & Wilkins, Denon, Marantz, Definitive Technology, Polk Audio, HEOS, Classé, and Boston Acoustics.

This strategic milestone marks a significant expansion in HARMAN’s core audio business and footprint across key product categories including home audio, electronics (amplifiers, hi-fi components, AVRs), headphones, and car audio. Combining Sound United’s distinguished portfolio with its world-renowned audio business enables HARMAN to deliver one of the most comprehensive audio portfolios in the industry. As a result, HARMAN is now empowered to bring consumers more choice, deeper innovation, and exceptional experiences across listening environments.

Video interview with Dave Rogers can be viewed here:

“HARMAN’s vision is to create experiences that enrich people’s lives through exceptional audio experiences,” said Dave Rogers, President, Lifestyle Division, HARMAN. “Sound United’s impressive roster of brands is rooted in a deep passion for sound, innovation, and commitment to quality that aligns with HARMAN’s own values. This transaction unlocks meaningful growth opportunities for everyone. It bolsters HARMAN’s strategy to build on its unparalleled success story and scale to unprecedented heights as an audio leader.”

B-roll can be viewed here:

Sound United will operate as a standalone Strategic Business Unit (SBU) within HARMAN’s Lifestyle Division. This structure ensures that each brand’s heritage, expertise, and loyal customer base remain central to their identity. With the backing of HARMAN’s global resources and scale, Sound United’s brands will gain greater reach with enhanced capabilities, while continuing to realize their distinct goals and better succeed in the marketplace.

The newly added brands, expertise, and talent from Sound United will accelerate HARMAN’s advancements in audio technology, broaden market presence, and reinforce its position as a trusted global leader at the intersection of sound, culture, and technology.

Visit harman.com for more.

Article courtesy of news.harman.com

New Partnership Positions Admark Automotive as Preferred Ecommerce Platform for SEMA Data Members

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DIAMOND BAR, CA (09.25.25) – Admark Automotive is thrilled to announce its new partnership with SEMA Data, the industry’s premier provider of product data for automotive aftermarket brands and retailers. This collaboration positions Admark Automotive as the preferred eCommerce platform for all SEMA Data members.

Solving a Major Industry Challenge
This partnership directly addresses a key challenge faced by many SEMA Data members: the need for a well-designed, dependable platform that can seamlessly integrate the extensive data provided by SEMA Data. By combining SEMA Data’s comprehensive product information with Admark Automotive’s robust and specialized eCommerce software, the partnership offers a streamlined and powerful solution tailored to the unique needs of the automotive aftermarket industry.

“We’re excited to partner with SEMA Data and serve as the trusted eCommerce platform for their members,” said George Gonzalez, CEO of Admark Automotive. “This collaboration underscores our commitment to helping automotive aftermarket businesses thrive by providing innovative solutions that simplify operations and drive success.”

A Seamless, No-Hassle Ecommerce Solution
SEMA’s data product cataloging is the backbone of organized, standardized, and searchable product information in the automotive aftermarket industry. Admark Automotive’s platform is built to maximize the value of that work—eliminating the need for plugins, third-party apps, constant updates, or custom development. This solution provides SEMA Data members with a streamlined process to efficiently intake, manage, and publish SEMA Data across their digital storefronts.

Backed by a powerful eCommerce engine purpose-built for this market, Admark Automotive enhances workflow, improves sales management, and solves common operational pain points—so SEMA members can stay focused on growth, service, and success.

“At SEMA Data, our commitment to delivering value to our members is at the heart of everything we do,” said Gigi Ho, SEMA Vice President of Technology, Data & Strategic Initiatives. “This partnership with Admark Automotive strengthens that mission by equipping our members with best-in-class tools and resources to thrive in today’s increasingly competitive market.”

Visit www.semadata.org for more.

PowerBass Connected with Powersports Enthusiasts

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COSTA MESA, CA (09.24.25) – PowerBass had a very strong presence at the 2025 Sand Sports Super Show at the OC Fair and Event Center in Costa Mesa, held September 19–21. PowerBass set up in an expansive booth showcasing their latest products in the Powersports category. The dedicated crew on site included Erik Harbour, John Driscoll, Dave Myers, Juan Quintana, and Meny Fischer.

The PowerBass booth set up on Friday before the SSSS opened.
After the sun went down the PowerBass booth shined.
Traffic in the PowerBass booth was constant throughout the event.

From the moment the show opened Friday afternoon, the PowerBass booth was buzzing with action as attendees checked out the wide selection of Powersports gear along with Bluetooth portable units.

“We stayed busy every day all weekend long as lots of consumer traffic came by the booth, as well as retailers, looking to find the latest and greatest in Powersports products. We offered live demos all day and into the night, which was a fun way to engage the crowds when the music really got cranking in the booth. It’s a great change from some of the traditional trade show type events of the year,” Harbour said.

John, Juan, Sarah and Meny-from the top- snapped this image during a brief pause in action.
Sarah C and Sarah H greeted enthusiast in the PowerBass booth.
Juan Quintan hands a BT-0500 Sound Tube to SSSS spectator door prize winner.

This show also marked the first for John Driscoll since joining the company. He was busy meeting with current and potential customers from across the West Coast and setting up follow-up meetings for after the show.

Harbour added, “We had business cards on the counter from dealers across the area. Consumers were able to pick up cards so they could know where to go find the PowerBass products they saw in the booth to add to their rides. Each day we had several hundred enthusiasts spend time in our booth. We are looking forward to them enjoying Powersports on their rides.”

Juan Quintana showing media centers and amps to attendees.

PowerBass has been exhibiting at the Sand Sports Super Show for nearly 10 years.

For more, see powerbassusa.com.

The New Audio Source Van Will Be On the Streets in Columbus

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The new Audio Source van parked in the Install bay.

COLUMBUS, IN (09.24.25) – The new Audio Source van is already on the streets around Columbus, IN. The GMC Savana is fully wrapped with the Audio Source logo and contact information. The sharp new look is sure to grab attention.

Matt Murray said, “We really connect across our community to engage consumers about the great aftermarket upgrades we have offered for 20 years. Our new van sports great graphics. We will utilize the van as we drive around town to pick up supplies, and we’ll also give customers a ride back home until we complete their job upgrading their vehicle.”

Continuing, Murray added, “Our new van on the road is another way to connect with consumers and create store traffic in this AI and digital world. Consumers cannot experience the highs and lows on a laptop or smartphone. Getting them into our store to experience top-quality audio, along with expert installation, are full-time activities for our crew at Audio Source.”

This classic on social media posts grabs attention… Audio Source branding too!!
This social media post shows the SONY dash upgrade.

Audio Source also leverages social media to showcase recently completed jobs. Parking a hot ride in front of the store alongside signage grabs attention, and multi-panel posts highlight custom upgrades inside vehicles.

Concluding, Murray said, “A huge shout out to TAG Signs and Graphics for knocking it out of the park with this design on our new GMC Savana.”

As a side note, Audio Source won a KICKER Bluetooth speaker on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel 99 in October 2020. “Mike, the KICKER speaker is still rockin’,” Murray commented in a phone call.

For more, see @audiosourceinc__

SEMA Urges EPA to Rescind Greenhouse Gas Endangerment Finding

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WASHINGTON, DC (09.24.25) – The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) is urging the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to follow through with its proposal to rescind a dubious policy position that empowered regulators at the federal and state levels to deprive Americans of vehicle choice through electric vehicle (EV) mandates that were out of step with marketplace realities.

Because a third of SEMA’s members are internal combustion engine (ICE) dependent, the organization was especially motivated to share its views on the EPA’s proposed rule, which can chart an important new direction for innovation and vehicle choice and promises to protect a $100 billion segment of the U.S. economy, including more than 330,000 U.S. jobs.

In comments responding to the EPA’s rulemaking for Docket ID No. EPA–HQ–OAR–2025–0194 — Reconsideration of the 2009 Endangerment Finding and Greenhouse Gas Vehicle Standards, SEMA identified economic and cultural considerations for re-establishing a foundation of vehicle choice in the U.S. automotive market, which, because of recent GHG emissions policies, have experienced an erosion of affordability and innovation.

SEMA articulates its support for the EPA’s proposal in order to:

  • restore the Clean Air Act to its proper scope;
  • create long-term certainty for entire industries;
  • protect consumer affordability and preserve vehicle choice;
  • reduce adverse impacts on small businesses; and
  • prevent a patchwork of competing federal and state mandates that destabilize markets by delegating policymaking back to the legislative branch.

“The specialty automotive aftermarket is a uniquely American industry built on ingenious innovation, vibrant consumer enthusiasm, and an unmatched entrepreneurial spirit,” writes SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola. “The EPA’s reconsideration of the 2009 GHG Endangerment Finding presents an opportunity to remove unnecessary regulatory barriers and allow market forces to guide technological progress in a way that is consumer-driven. We urge the EPA to finalize the repeal of the Endangerment Finding and its related GHG vehicle standards.”

Read SEMA’s full comments here.

KICKER Was Once Again Livin’Loud At The Sand Sports Super Show

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COSTA MESA, CA (09.23.25) – KICKER Performance Audio showcased multiple UTVs and vehicles at the world’s biggest sand show – the Sand Sports Super Show. The Orange County Fair & Event Center hosted the colossal event September 19-21 on the Center’s 150-acre grounds. KICKER’s display area was by the East entrance of the event grounds, anchored by the KICKER XRV and its Boom Room, which blasted 40,000 watts of epic sound all weekend long.

When the event opened, the KICKER booth stretched more than the length of a football field.
This over the top KICKER pickup demo grabbed a lot of attention!

The Sand Sports Super Show opened to the public Friday afternoon, and all was set in the expansive KICKER booth that stretched more than a football field. Enthusiasts stopped throughout the weekend to check out a wide selection of vehicles available for live demos.

Lorin Morrell rolled in from Lake Havasu with the KICKER pickup and trailer. “There is nothing that compares to the Sand Sports Super Show to showcase the latest for UTV enthusiasts. From aftermarket mobile electronics upgrades, to lift kits, to wheels, to graphics… it’s all here. Once again this year KICKER led the pack with audio upgrades and eye appeal,” Morrell relayed.

These speakers delivered music across the entire venue.
Enthusiasts checked out the KICKER booth throughout the day all three days of the event.

Jeremy Wynn, KICKER Events & Promotions Manager, added, “It was another great year at the Sand Sports Super Show. Traffic in the booth was up from previous years, which resulted in a lot of good consumer interactions. The temp was in the 70s, making the show days very enjoyable under a blue sky. Overall, it was truly a great event as we continue to grow the KICKER brand in the Powersports community. We handed out over 1,000 KICKER lanyards and more swag.”

The Sand Sports Super Show 2026 is set for September 18-20.

For more information, visit kicker.com and sandsportssupershow.com.

Massive Audio Unleashes H30005: Extreme Power in a Small Footprint

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LOS ANGELES, CA (09.23.25) – Massive Audio introduces the H30005, the latest powerhouse amplifier engineered for extreme performance in a compact footprint. Designed for audio enthusiasts who demand high-output power and precision sound quality, the H30005 delivers unmatched versatility and reliability.

With a staggering 300W x4 + 1500W x1 RMS output, the H30005 is built to dominate in both clarity and punch. Whether installed in a car audio system or a professional rig, this full-range digital amplifier maximizes output while minimizing space.

Built for Power, Tuned for Precision

  • Extreme Power Delivery: 300W x4 + 1500W x1 RMS output.
  • Digital Voltage LED Display with PWR, CLIP & PROTECT Indicators
  • Full Range Digital Performance: Low distortion, full bandwidth for precise sound quality tuning.
  • Low Distortion Full Band Width for Sound Quality Tuning
  • Mil-Spec Double Sided PCB design with SMD parts
  • Built-in noise reduction circuitry
  • Full MOSFET with High-Grade switching devices
  • Built-in Auto Sensing turn on function with LED Indicator (Hi-Inputs)
  • 12V Remote Output for External Devices (Hi-Inputs)
  • Next Generation Advanced 5 Way Protection Circuitry
  • Illuminated Logo
  • Designed and Engineered in the U.S.A
  • CTA 2006 Standard Compliant

Applications Without Limits

From high-powered car audio builds to competition-grade systems, the H30005 is engineered to perform in any environment that demands serious volume, sonic accuracy, and long-term reliability.

“The H30005 is more than an amplifier—it’s a revolution in compact power,” said Corey Hyler, Sales Manager at Massive Audio. “It’s designed for those who expect pro-level output and precision from a small footprint. Whether you’re on the road or on stage, the H30005 delivers.”

The H30005 is available now through Massive Audio’s network of authorized dealers and distributors. For purchase inquiries, compatibility details, or dealer opportunities, contact our sales manager at chyler@massiveaudio.com or (310) 940-8393.