LIBERTYVILLE, IL (04.03.26) – Bring that concert dimension of LOUD into your vehicle innovated with GROUND POUNDER. GROUND POUNDER amplifiers push BIGGER POWER within every song to unleash their full potential. Get ready to feel the rush of audio adrenaline with cleaner bass and sharper treble details as you turn every audio session into a LIVE concert. GROUND POUNDER transforms sound.
GROUND POUNDER amplifiers offer HIGH POWER output, ensuring deep bass and crisp highs for an immersive listening experience. Utilizing either Class A/B or Class D technology, every GP amplifier optimizes efficiency while maintaining excellent audio clarity. It’s all in the details. Feel MORE.
BELLE CHASSE, LA (04.02.26) -Extreme Car Audio was once again on site at the Bayou Jeep Bash in Belle Chasse, March 27-29 at the NOLA MotorSports Park, on the Plaquemine Parish Recreation grounds. This year as the Elite Sponsor of the 2nd annual event.
Ace Truong, Extreme Car Audio owner, stated “This year’s event was very successful and far exceeded last year’s inaugural event in several ways. Attendance was way up and we definitely look forward to next year returning as the Elite Sponsor.”
The Bayou Jeep Bash offered a wide selection of Jeep vendors, arts and craft vendors, live music, lights and sound competitions along with food trucks. The world’s largest Rubber Duck, a tradition at many Jeeps, events stood out on site.
There were a number of Extreme Car Audio brands spotlighted on tables under the large tent with demo vehicles along side.
The Extreme CarAudio set up with the expansive recreation grounds in the background.
Action in the Extreme Car Audio booth was nonstop.
Area rep firms Momentum Marketing and Crossover Marketing Southeast, along with Chris Brinkley from MSC, were on site. Ben Pugh from Momentum Marketing and Shawn Simpson from Crossover showed brands their firms reps to Extreme Car Audio.
Simpson related “Ground Zero grabbed so much attention around the Extreme Car Audio booth. Our flag banner was flying high above the tent. The crowd around Ace’s booth was something I had not seen at a consumer show in a long time. From this event enthusiasts will be upgrading their Jeeps at Extreme Car Audio for weeks to come.”
Shawn Simpson and the Ground Zero brand connected with Jeepers.
MSC brands Match/Helix/Blam were spotlighted on this display table.
Ben Pugh relayed “I was on site at the Bayou Jeep Bash supporting Rockford, Kenwood, Elettromedia and Firstech. Ace and his Team are great supporters of our brands. Being at the Bayou Jeep Bash was super for me to also connect with consumers to get an idea what they are looking for their automotive upgrades.”
Chris Brinkley recently joined MSC as a Dealer Support Specialist and showcased Match/Helix/Blam on tables under the tent. We went to support our dealer at the Bayou Jeep Bash. The crowd was amazing and very receptive. A much bigger crowd than last year. The guys at Extreme Car Audio were very professional and the experts at the event.”
The Extreme Car Audio crew and partners gathered for a group shot with the big Yellow Duck.
As the event wrapped Ace Truong and Shawn Simpson (R), Crossover Marketing Southeast, gathered for an image to remember.
The entire Extreme Car Audio staff, including 4 sales staff, 3 installers and office staff were on site. The team also loaded a full trailer filled with in-store displays that were set up under the tent in the booth as installations were taking place along site.
Continuing Ace offered “We were very busy both days at the event. Overall, it was a terrific two day event as we were making sales and installations both days. Following the event we had Jeeps in our install bay in Marrero for installations.”
As the Elite Sponsor Ace holds the unique boot-shaped plaque awarded by the Bayou Jeep Bash organizers.
“The Bayou Jeep Bash was a great opportunity to connect in-person with Jeepers and enthusiasts. All of us working together was a terrific way to connect and drive business in our store” Ace concluded.
HOLLAND, OH (04.02.26) – TAS Electronics, an aftermarket vehicle electronics company serving Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan since 1973, announced the availability of professional DroneMobile installation at its Holland, Ohio location, giving drivers LTE-connected smartphone control over compatible vehicle functions including remote start, door lock and unlock, GPS tracking, and real-time security alerts.
The DroneMobile platform operates through an antenna installed discreetly in the vehicle and connects to a mobile application that allows drivers to control compatible safety and remote-start functions from any location with cellular coverage. Unlike a standard key fob, which is limited by proximity, the system uses LTE connectivity to extend vehicle access regardless of distance. The platform is also compatible with Apple Watch, Android Wear, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant, enabling drivers to interact with their vehicle through multiple device types from a single connected account.
TAS Electronics is presenting the service as more than a remote-start upgrade. The connected system addresses a broader set of driver needs, including vehicle security, family oversight, and operational awareness, by consolidating those functions into one professionally installed platform. By framing the announcement around those combined capabilities, the company is positioning DroneMobile as a connected vehicle intelligence solution rather than a single-purpose aftermarket accessory.
The system includes high-precision GPS tracking that allows owners to view a vehicle’s current location and review trip history in real time. Geofencing tools let users define geographic boundaries and receive push notifications when a vehicle enters or exits a designated area. For households managing younger drivers, the platform supports configurable alerts for speed thresholds and after-hours driving activity. A Family Sharing feature allows separate user logins with shared access to one or more vehicles, making the system practical for households with multiple drivers on overlapping schedules.
TAS Electronics is also offering installation of the Drone XC LTE Dash Cam as a compatible addition to the DroneMobile system. The device records 2K QHD video and streams footage in real time over a nationwide cellular network, providing remote visual access to a parked or moving vehicle when the owner is not present. When a vehicle’s security sensors are triggered, the DroneMobile app delivers instant push notifications, supporting continuous monitoring without reliance on proximity to a traditional audible alarm. Optional add-on modules include a rear camera for expanded exterior coverage and an interior camera suited for rideshare operators or parents who want visibility into in-vehicle activity.
Vehicle health monitoring is also part of the platform’s capabilities. The DroneMobile app displays battery voltage, internal temperature readings, and maintenance reminders, giving owners ongoing visibility into vehicle status between service appointments. For drivers seeking an additional convenience layer, a separate keyless module allows physical keys to be secured inside the vehicle while app-based or touchpad access is used in their place.
TAS Electronics brings more than five decades of installation experience to every DroneMobile setup. The company reports that its technicians have completed more than 135,000 vehicle installations over its operating history, and that professional installation is designed to ensure clean integration with a vehicle’s existing factory electronics while reducing the compatibility concerns that can arise from self-installation attempts. Most DroneMobile installations are completed within a single business day, limiting downtime for drivers who depend on their vehicles for daily transportation.
The announcement extends TAS Electronics’ broader service offering in aftermarket vehicle technology. In addition to DroneMobile, the company provides installation of car audio systems, remote starters, car alarms, dash cams, heated seats, window tinting, LED lighting, motorcycle audio and marine audio.
TAS Electronics serves customers throughout Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan, including Toledo, Holland, Maumee, Perrysburg, Sylvania, and Monroe, Michigan. For more information about DroneMobile installation and scheduling, visit TAS Electronics DroneMobile.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (04.02.26) – The following candidates are vying for a seat on the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Board of Directors:
Board Seat (1 Seat)
Mike Anderson, Collision Advice
Jeff Hermann, MagnaFlow
Voting will take place online May 4-26 and is open to current SEMA-member companies. Votes must be cast by each company’s primary contact. Details on the upcoming election will be sent to the member company’s designated primary contact. Winners will be announced by June 9.
SHREVEPORT, LA (04.01.26) – March wrapped up on a high note with the Shiflet & Dickson Dealer Show in Gastonia NC followed the DB Drive Experience event with distributors for their dealers at Dave & Buster’s in Atlanta. The Bayou Jeep Bash was much better than last year‘s inaugural event. DOW Technologies is hosting a 4-City KICKER U Training series to cap March and kickoff April in South Florida.
The Extreme Team with the big yellow duck at the Bayou Jeep bash in Bellchase LA.
Over 50 dealers in the house at the DOW KICKER U Training in Tampa March 30.
The uptick of industry events is continuing to begin the month of April. The Creative Audio AMP’D Up in the Ozarks kicks off on Saturday the 4th followed Davis Distribution events in Pittsburgh and later in Valley Forge. The Petra Beats & Bites event on the 8th in Edmond OK is set to again draw a big turnout of area dealers. The CMA Expo begins on the 10th in Toronto and will draw dealers from across Canada. The N and H Electronics show on the 11th in Hattiesburg MS, the AM Merchandising Show in Oakland CA, followed by the big Jeep Beach Bash Consumer event in Daytona Beach, will keep all Cranked Up In April.
With the warm weather car shows, bike shows, UTV events and marine action on the waves events will certainly be an opportunity for all members of the 12volt industry to get engaged across the US to get all Cranked up in April.
Utilize the 12voltSTP Tool to put your company’s 12volt Marketing Ball in play to spotlight your company’s positive activities across the 12volt industry!
The 12volt Central Studio staff will re-double efforts to showcase all of these positive activities across the industry. It’s certainly easier than ever for industry members to spotlight their positive activities when they utilize the 12voltSTP Tool. Everyone has a smartphone in their pocket and they can easily snap an image, txt it to 318 469 2526 with a few words and Presto… their positive activities could be posted on 12voltnews.com along with @12voltnews social media posts.
LONG BEACH CA (04.01.26) – KENWOOD is proud to unveil the SoundSphere Orb™, the world’s first magnetically levitating, fully rotating, car audio receiver.
Why replace your factory radio when you can completely ignore it?
The SoundSphere Orb™ floats elegantly in front of your dashboard, suspended mid-air by an advanced array of neodymium magnets hidden beneath your dash trim. No mounts. No brackets.
Key Features:
🧲 MagLev DashFloat™ Technology f A precision-tuned magnetic field keeps the Orb perfectly suspended in front of your dash. No wires, no mounts needed.
🔋 PhantomCharge™ Wireless Power A built-in micro battery stays continuously charged via near-field energy transfer through your dashboard. Simple installation.
🔄 SpinScreen Interface™ The Orb physically rotates to reveal different touchscreen interfaces—media, navigation, climate, just by swiping or gesturing at it.
📡 Bluetooth Broadcast Audio Streams audio wirelessly to your vehicle’s amplifiers. With an amplifier receiver module KCA-AMP2 (sold separately and available by the end of 2027)
🔊 360° SonicCore Speaker Integrated omnidirectional speaker acts as a dynamic center channel, creating an immersive soundstage so rich you’ll swear the band is in your passenger seat.
🎥 Cinematic Orb Display A curved, high-resolution front-facing screen delivers video playback, album art, and animated visualizers.
🌀 Auto-Spin Mode™ Can slowly rotate on its own for dramatic effect, showing off different controls like a high-tech rotisserie of functionality.
Installation: Installs in minutes* with a simple under-dash magnetic array and hidden charging module. *Minutes may vary depending on your understanding of quantum-adjacent technologies.
Compatibility: Works alongside your factory system without replacing it.
Rick Noetzli KENWOOD product manager states, “with SoundSphere Orb we decided to throw away everything we knew and start with clean sheet. No need to create different form factors to fit different dashboards. This product works in every kind of vehicle. The magnets hold the orb securely and will remain in place even in very minor accidents.” John Lucas SR. VP said “this will remove barriers and open the market to countless vehicles. Providing a sustainable, equitable solution our grandchildren will have to deal with.”
Pricing & Availability: Available exclusively through KENWOOD authorized dealers on April 1st, 2027, with a MAP price of $799.99
LIBERTYVILLE, IL (04.01.26) – The ALL-NEW Premium Pro amplifier series is designed to bring powerful, clean, and consistent performance within every song. Built for enthusiasts and professional installers alike, the MB Quart Premium Pro line combines efficient circuit topology, heat sink built-in fans integration, and innovative thermal management.
Each Premium Pro amplifier is designed to maintain sonic clarity at elevated listening levels, ensuring detailed highs, full midrange response, and controlled low-frequency output.
Engineered for high audio output, making undistorted playback, Premium Pro amplifiers provide clean power that brings out enhanced details from your full-range speakers and subwoofers with authority.
Extruded aluminum heat sinks paired with built-in fans quickly dissipate heat, allowing every Premium Pro amplifier to run at lower impedance for longer durations.
BATESVILLE, IN (03.31.26) -Effective March 31, 2026, Mike Beyersdoerfer will retire from the Consumer Electronics Industry. As a result, BEI Inc. Mike’s company, will be retiring as Sales Representative for MTX.
This year, 56 years ago in Consumer Electronics, Mike started selling Home Audio components at Swallens in Cincinnati OH as a college intern. After graduating from college, Mike held positions as Retail Manager at Steinberg’s in Cincinnati OH, Territory Manager for Pioneer Electronics in the Ohio Valley, Vice President of the REX TV Retail chain out of Dayton OH, Field Sales Manager for Philips Consumer Electronics in the Ohio Valley and Michigan markets plus National Sales Manager of TEAC America.
Mike by his Caddy when he worked for Pioneer.
As President and Founder of BEI, Inc. and Just N Time Distributing Mike transitioned to marketing in four industries: Consumer Electronics, Motorcycle, Automotive Aftermarket and RV.
A throwback image of Mike during the CRUX chapter in CRUX Motorhome.
BEI Inc started in the Rocky Mountain states and finished back in the Ohio Valley markets. For over 24 years BEI Inc has served as a Consultant, Sales Representative and Brand Manager.
BEI,Inc also participated in the launches of new companies like TomTom, CRUX Interfacing, and directed companies into alternative channels of distribution.
With his retirement Mike wants to thank all of his customers and business partners throughout the United States for their support.
OXNARD, CA (03.31.26) – Modus is proud to announce that select marine receivers, amplifiers, and accessories are now shipping.
“The Modus marine lineup reflects a deep understanding of boating culture and the technical challenges unique to marine environments,” said Rob Osheaski, Director of Marine OEM Sales. “Unlike adapted automotive systems, Modus marine products are purpose-built to handle saltwater exposure, power constraints, and the social nature of boating while delivering high-quality sound reproduction.”
Every detail of a Modus product is designed with intent. Modus’ materials are chosen for their acoustic capabilities, future-ready adaptability, and environmental readiness. The company’s marine-focused technologies address critical challenges faced by boaters, including power limitations, egress durability, and multi-zone audio control.
Arriving Modus Marine MX23 source units feature: • Full color screen • Bluetooth 5.2 audio streaming • 3-zones • Party mode • NMEA2000 compatibility
You can watch a quick video introduction here from Jason Digos, Modus Senior Product Testing and Validation Manager:
For more information and product-specific features, please visit modusglobal.com or contact your authorized Modus dealer.
WASHINGTON, DC (03.31.26) – The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) and its Performance Racing Industry (PRI) subsidiary are building up its capacity to advocate for the motorsports community, adding two new strategic roles on its Washington, D.C., Government Affairs team to bring more focus to racing and its legislative and regulatory issues. “The addition of these positions is a strategic investment back into the motorsports community, which is a significant economic driver and a jewel in the crown of American culture,” said Karen Bailey-Chapman, SEMA’s senior vice president for public and government affairs. “When SEMA and PRI support racetracks, we’re supporting community, innovation, and our nation’s competitive spirit; these new roles are in service to that calling.”
SEMA is promoting Tierra Hubbard to Director of Government Affairs for Racing. In this new role, Hubbard will lead advocacy on racing-specific issues at local, state, and federal levels, including developing and executing proactive legislative strategies to advance positive, racing-friendly policies at all levels of government. Hubbard, previously SEMA’s senior manager for state government affairs, has played a pivotal role in both organizations’ national Right to Race campaign, helping deliver meaningful wins on the eastern half of the U.S.
“Tierra is one of the hardest-working and most effective advocates in our organization, and she’s earned the respect of lawmakers and the racing community alike. Over the past year, she has led the charge on our Right to Race efforts, helping drive meaningful progress in multiple states and building the coalitions needed to sustain that momentum,” said SEMA Senior Director for State Government Affairs Christian Robinson. “We are thrilled to see her step into this new role, where her leadership and work ethic will continue to deliver results for the motorsports community.”
“Working with SEMA and PRI on motorsports initiatives has been incredibly rewarding, and because of my father’s passion for racing, it serves as a personal reminder of why racetracks mean so much to communities across the country,” said Hubbard. “I’m excited to get on the road, meet with track owners, drivers, pit crews, and fans, and continue advancing the Right to Race campaign to protect and preserve this cultural treasure for generations to come.”
Hubbard, a native of Minnesota, holds a degree in political science and criminal justice from George Washington University.
Lifelong motorsports enthusiast and seasoned political operative Coby Lobaugh is joining SEMA as Grassroots Manager for Racing. This new position will help engage the motorsports community in advocacy efforts. Lobaugh brings with him a lengthy track record of success in managing digital advocacy campaigns for political candidates, not-for-profit organizations, and members of the U.S. Congress.
In this new role, Lobaugh will support the efforts of SEMA and its Performance Racing Industry subsidiary to activate and educate track owners, drivers, fans, and local communities on key legislative priorities.
“We’re thrilled to add Coby to the PRI Government Affairs team and believe he adds a potent mix of motorsports enthusiasm and digital communications acumen,” said SEMA Political Director Lauren Wilbor. “This is a critical step as PRI continues to build up our capacity to advocate for the nation’s motorsports industry and its $69 billion annual economic impact, while engaging and mobilizing the people with whom the racetrack is a second home.”
Lobaugh joins PRI from Judicial Watch, where he created content and oversaw broadcast productions reaching the organization’s more than 7 million audience members. He also served as digital director for Rep. Mike Lawler’s successful electoral campaign in New York, and built a compelling and engaging online communications platform for Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.). Lobaugh’s passion for cars and automotive culture is well-documented, including stints as a contributor and photographer for Viper Quarterly Magazine, an enthusiast-focused publication devoted to Dodge’s iconic sports car.
“Anyone who loves cars knows and appreciates what PRI is doing to preserve American car culture and protect our nation’s motorsports industry,” Lobaugh said. “It’s exciting to have this opportunity to work directly with those who pour their hearts and souls into racing and motorsports, and ensure that this vibrant part of our nation’s heritage continues to flourish.”
Lobaugh is a Texas native and holds a degree in broadcast production from Sam Houston State University.
12VoltNews.com 