RESEDA, CA (08.14.25) – The CRUX SWRHN-62S is a premium radio replacement interface designed for select amplified and non-amplified 2016 & Up Honda vehicles equipped with factory 7-inch screens, such as the Honda Civic and Honda Fit. Compatible with models featuring dual 24-pin and 32-pin factory connectors, it allows for seamless installation of an aftermarket radio while retaining essential factory features including steering wheel controls, multi-angle rearview camera, LaneWatch camera, factory auxiliary input, and USB ports.
The interface also provides vital navigation outputs such as Reverse, Illumination, Parking Brake, Vehicle Speed Sense, and LaneWatch trigger. Pre-programmed for hassle-free plug-and-play installation, the SWRHN-62S delivers a smooth upgrade experience without compromising OEM functionality. Kit includes an antenna adapter and USB retention cable.
Features:
Retains factory features in select Honda vehicles while functioning with an aftermarket radio
Pre-programmed to retain Steering Wheel Controls
Provides navigational outputs: Reverse, Illumination, Parking Brake, Vehicle Speed Sense, & Lane Watch Camera Outputs
HOUSTON, TX (08.13.25) – Steve Cope, ZZ2 Sales Manager, rolled into Houston on Tuesday, August 5 to hit the road with David Toliver at Synergy Marketing. David Toliver had multiple appointments set up across the Houston metro area and by Friday they had visited nearly 20 dealers to showcase the latest products from ZZ2.
A stop at Tint World to connect with Jason Hemple was one of the first stops. ZZ2 is set up with Tint World corporate in their locations across the country.
Steve Cope set to enter Houston Car Stereo for an appointment.
Jake Jesty listens intently as Steve Cope answers a question at Sound Evolution.
“Dealers in the area are certainly familiar with the ZZ2 brand. Having Steve along to go over the product lineup with dealers in person certainly covered a lot of bases that will help dealers connect with consumers and drive business. In my demo truck we have the system set up and it was great to go out and do live demos with dealers” Toliver stated.
At Audio Experts Steve conducts a live demo on the display for Hamza and his son.
ZZ2 is a leader in OEM integration. CarPlay and Android Auto, Streaming and other technologies offer consumers so manyin-vehicle OEM connectivity options. ZZ2 has also recently added ZZPLAY for Teslas. Having Cope in the field to connect with dealers was a big Win for All.
EDMONTON, AB (08.13.25) – Dillinger Labs (dillingerlabs.com), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Eleven Engineering, Inc. (elevenengineering.com), a market leader in semiconductor products for wireless audio for home theater, multi-room, portable, professional, 12 Volt (car, truck, motorcycle, power sports, marine) and gaming applications, is proud to announce it has named Oisterwijk, Netherlands-based Tempesta Trading B.V. distributor for Europe’s Benelux Region (Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg), effective immediately.
“In a short period of time, Dillinger Labs and it wireless SKAA-enabled speakers, subwoofers, headphones, and standalone professional transmitters/receivers have taken off not just in North America, but worldwide,” said Rex Whitehead, Dillinger Labs president. “One quickly growing area is the Benelux Region, and so we needed a distribution partner that not only know the area well, but has a well established presence in the marketplace. Tempesta Trading B.V. is the ideal choice to distribute Dillinger Labs’ throughout Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg.”
Since its founding in 2009, Tempesta Trading B.V. has built strong relationships with customers throughout the Benelux region. Tempesta has consistently strengthened its position in the protective case market, without compromising its core values: integrity, product expertise, and a personal approach. What began as a small initiative quickly grew into a dynamic trading company with a passion for quality, sustainability, and customer focus.
“We have a passion for audio and technology that drives our continued search for products that add value to the Benelux Region,” explained Bart Laurijssen, Tempesta Trading B.V. CEO. “We therefore closely monitor global developments and identify players delivering innovative and reliable products, and one product that we believe excels in this area is SKAA. This is why we have become the Benelux distributor for Dillinger Labs and its SKAA-enabled products. Our goal is to provide the Benelux Region with standalone professional transmitters/receivers that avoid the latency issues inherent in other wireless solutions.”
SKAA is the wireless HiFi audio standard developed by Eleven Engineering, Inc. SKAA transmitters work with iOS & Android mobile devices, Mac & Windows computers, televisions, and just about any product with a line output or a headphone jack. SKAA is also available as a built-in technology not requiring an external transmitter in purpose-designed partner products, which are featured at SKAA.com. SKAA navigates hostile environments saturated in wireless traffic with best-in-class reliability. SKAA delivers uninterrupted audio with the highest sound quality to all speakers without the latency that is inherent in other wireless solutions. With SKAA, the receivers (speakers / headphones) are in charge of selecting which transmitter to listen to. There’s no pairing.
Eleven Engineering breaks down the Seven Deadly Sins of WiFi Audio on its YouTube channel
For more on SKAA and the Seven Deadly Sins of WiFi Audio, please subscribe to youtube.com/SKAAsound and visit SKAA.com.
For additional information, contact Rex Whitehead at 480-650-3979 or email whitehead@eleveneng.com. For more information on Eleven Engineering, visit www.elevenengineering.com, SKAA wireless YouTube channel, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and Facebook.
RESEDA, CA (08.13.25) – The CRUX SWRHN-62HV is a premium radio replacement interface designed for select 2016-Up Honda HR-V vehicles with dual 24-pin factory connectors. It enables seamless installation of an aftermarket radio while retaining essential factory features—including steering wheel controls, the multi-angle rearview camera, factory auxiliary input, and USB functionality.
This kit also provides navigational outputs such as Reverse, Illumination, Parking Brake, & Vehicle Speed Sense. Pre-programmed for plug-and-play convenience, this interface ensures a smooth upgrade experience without sacrificing key OEM features. Kit includes an antenna adapter and USB retention cable.
OKMULGEE, OK (08.12.25) – SKILLSUSA was at the CareerTech Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology during the 58th annual Trade and Industrial Education Summit, August 4 and 5, at their campus in Okmulgee
The Oklahoma Summit brought together over 4,000 Oklahoma educational professionals for one of the largest and most comprehensive networking events in the state. The conference provided networking, professional development and leadership opportunities for career and technical education professionals.
Bryan Gary, national Co-Tech Chair for SkillsUSA – Mobile Electronics Installation, was invited to speak to automotive technology instructors from all over the state. The topic of discussion was how to better prepare students for the Mobile Electronics Installation competition. Bryan covered several topics including using a digital multimeter, testing electrical circuits and components, series and parallel wiring, remote start and security systems, and doing a vehicle check in (which will be a new competition for 2026).
He also encouraged them to contact MECP for supplemental training material. KICKER provided some lanyards and pens for the participants to take home with them.
Vendors, retailers, and individuals that would like to support to the 2026 competition season are encouraged to reach out to Chris Jack at 310-866-2454, cjackskillsusa@yahoo.com or Bryan Gary at 806-922-1822 bwgary@msn.com.
NORTH KANSAS CIY, MO (08.12.25) – On Saturday night, August 9, Chris Pace rolled the Arrowhead Sales JBL trailer onto the grounds in North Kansas City for the Import versus Domestic Night Show. The KC Showdown Organization set up the event that was open to Imports and Domestics for cars, trucks and motorcycles. The Top 30 and Best Competitors received awards. There was a best light display that provided first, second and third place awards as a the hop-off contest that was free to enter with cash awards.
Chris Pace rolled the JBL trailer set up mid afternoon for the event that started at 5 PM.
“Denny Eddy and KC Showdown present super events like this around the Kansas City area that allow people to show off their vehicles plus it creates a lot of interest across the automotive community for aftermarket add-ons for attendees and enthusiast to check out. Certainly I talked to you over 80 people at the event” Chris Pace, Arrowhead Sales & Marketing, related.
Music from the trailer can be broadcast across the event.
After dark, the hop-off contest drew a crowd.
Music from the JBL trailer was an invitation for street dancing.
The video crew on site was capturing the action.
The JBL Trailer showcases a number of products for live demos from JBL and infinity gear. “I’ve made a lot of upgrades on the trailer that makes the trailer the PA system on site and center stage. After dark there was street dancing to music from the trailer. Hot products for demo were JBL Club Components or the JBL Stadium and Infinity Kappa 6.5s” Pace added.
Stay tuned for more as Chris covers MO, IA, NE and KS with the JBL trailer.
MILWAUKEE, WI (08.12.25) – Harley-Davidson, Inc. has announced that its Board of Directors (“Board”) has appointed Artie Starrs as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective October 1, 2025. Artie joins Harley-Davidson from Topgolf Callaway Brands, where he served as CEO of the Topgolf International, Inc. (“Topgolf”) subsidiary.
“Artie is an accomplished business leader who brings extensive experience managing strong brands and global operations,” said Troy Alstead, Presiding Director. “His track record of delivering top and bottom-line growth, combined with his experience in franchise driven industries, are both huge assets for Harley-Davidson at this time in the Company’s history. Artie understands the special place Harley-Davidson occupies in culture and in the lives of our riders. I’m confident that Artie can further enhance this connection with current riders while bringing new people into the H-D community.”
As CEO of Topgolf, Mr. Starrs was responsible for delivering on the overall vision and growth of the brand and establishing it as one of the premier sports entertainment companies in the world. He managed a portfolio of over 100 global recreational venues with over 30,000 employees, with a track record of driving growth and financial performance. Under Starr’s four and a half years of leadership. Topgolf’s revenues grew over 50%, from $1.1 billion in 2021 to $1.8 billion annually, and the brand expanded into five additional countries across Europe and Asia.
Between 2013 and 2021, Mr. Starrs held leadership roles at Yum! Brands’ subsidiary, Pizza Hut, most recently as Global CEO. During his time at Pizza Hut, Starrs led the brand to over 18,000+ locations across 110 countries. Prior to this role, he was President of Pizza Hut U.S. and before joining Yum! Brands, he served as Chief Financial Officer for Rave Cinemas. Mr. Starrs began his career as an investment banker at Wasserstein Perella.
Mr. Starrs said, “It’s a huge privilege to be joining Harley-Davidson as President and CEO, and I am grateful for the opportunity to help steward this incredible company. I have long admired the unique position Harley-Davidson has in the hearts of its riders and fans; there is no brand that brings the same level of community and rebellious spirit as Harley-Davidson. I’m excited by the tremendous potential to both drive growth and further enhance the H-D experience for all, and I look forward to working with the dedicated Harley-Davidson employees and dealer network as we start this journey together.”
Mr. Starrs will join the Harley-Davidson Board of Directors upon assuming the role of CEO. Jochen Zeitz will continue in his role as Chairman, President and CEO until October 1, 2025, after which he will remain a senior advisor to the company through February 2026 to facilitate a smooth transition. The Board has appointed Troy Alstead to succeed Mr. Zeitz as Chairman of the Board effective October 1, 2025.
Mr. Alstead added, “On behalf of the entire Board of Directors, I want to sincerely thank Jochen for his outstanding leadership and many significant contributions as Chairman, President, and CEO for over five years. This has included the creation and successful execution of The Hardwire, our five-year strategic plan, in addition to steady stewardship through one of the most challenging periods in the Company’s history. Additionally, the Board recognizes the substantial value unlocked for the Company through the recent HDFS transaction, which Harley-Davidson will benefit from for years to come. We are grateful for his vision and commitment, and we wish him all the very best in the future.”
“It’s been an honor to lead Harley-Davidson over the past five years and to work alongside such talented and passionate teams,” said Jochen Zeitz. “I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together, and I want to thank the Board, the Harley-Davidson leadership team, and all our employees for their unwavering dedication and hard work. I leave with the confidence that we’ve laid a strong foundation for the Company’s future. I wish Artie every success as he leads Harley-Davidson into its next chapter.”
STURGIS, SD (08.11.25) – At the Sturgis Rally 2025 KICKER‘s presence was centered at the American Flat Track Races and the Kicker ArenaCross Race.
The KICKER Team of Jeremy Wynn and Steven Bambrough, along with Lorin Morrell- MaDDog Media, rolled out of the KICKER HQ in Stillwater OK on August 2nd pulling the large KICKER Trailer display for the 850 mile ride to Sturgis, SD.
Jeremy, Steven and Lorin rolled out of KICKER HQ early Saturday morning, August 2, for Sturgis SD.
Morrell related “We were certainly glad to be back at the Sturgis Rally to work the plan at the American Flat Track Races and the KICKER ArenaCross. This set up really worked extremely well to have a large presence at those venues and benefit from the wide visibility for KICKER branding.”
Enthusiast checking out KICKER products underneath the awning at the trailer.
Riders circling the track and in the foreground KICKER Tower Speaks hooked for the PA system.
Once the KICKER trailer was set up with the awning in place attendees were able to come by and check out the loaded Harley Roadglide and Kawasaki UTV for the enthusiast to experience. Morrell related “We had so many people open their eyes wide when they heard the systems.. several people wanted specific model numbers so they could add KICKER gear to their bikes and UTVs once they got back home.”
KICKER was flying high at the Buffalo Chip in the ArenaCross Bowl.
PA announcers covering the action during the KICKER ArenaCross race.
There was even more exciting news for KICKER during the American Flat Track Racing with KICKER branding around the track. In ArenaCross Bowl Kicker Marine Tower speakers were spotlighted. The speakers utilized were actually KICKER speaker Pods being driven by the PA system. There were many comments that this was the best set up people had heard in an outdoor arena.
Steven, Jeremy and Lorin paused for a quick moment to snap this image.
Very early Saturday morning, August 9, Jeremy, Steven and Lorin headed south and made the 850 mile ride in one long day as both Jeremy and Steven are licensed commercial drivers.
Planning is already underway for Sturgis next year with even more KICKER presence at The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally 2026.
SHREVEPORT, LA (08.11.25) – The 12volt Central Studios staff has been showcasing positive news across the 12volt industry for 31 years. Today it is more important than ever to showcase positives across the 12volt industry. Vendors, reps, distributors and retailers must all work together to connect with consumers and let them know the wide variety of products that are available for their vehicles to drive business.
The 12volt industry is not a deck-and-four like it was in the 1960s. Consumers’ cars, pickups and RVs offer such a wide variety of opportinities for upgrades including in-vehicle connectivity, security, dash cams, wheels, tires, graphics, window tint and more.
Just a small part of the Sturgis Rally action!
The motorcycle industry is now such a hot category as evidenced by the recent Sturgis Rally 2025. This town of Sturgis has a population of 7020 people. Over the last 10 days the estimated crowd of bikers on site was a reported 400,000.
Custom Sounds traveled from Austin TX to be on site supporting Rockford Fosgate.
The Audio Edge Team rolled 1380 miles from Nederland TX to be on site to support Kenwood at the Sturgis Rally.
The side-by-side market is another growth category available for proactive 12volt retailers. The UTV takeover this past week in Winchester Bay OR was another opportunity that is being driven by UTV enthusiasts with a desire for aftermarket upgrades.
KICKER was livin’loud and flying high at the Arenacross Race at the at the Buffalo Chip during the Sturgis Rally.
The marine category continues to be a great opportunity for proactive 12volt retailers to connect with a community to make music fun on the waves. Lighting shines brightly in the cove or dock at night.
RaceSport Lighting lights up the dock!
To drive business in all of the above categories industry members must come together to connect with consumers to let them know the wide variety of products that we make in all of the above categories. It’s so important for 12volt retailers to connect with those communities to drive the in-store experience and provide expert installation. Consumers today are on their smartphones and laptops in this digital era. That said, consumers cannot experience the bass, mids and highs on their phone or laptop. Expert installation in the retailer’s bay delivers a much better result for consumers than the DYI experience.
UTV Stereo was on site at the UTV Takeover as Colby Boeser, flanked by Matt and Chris, was on site supporting their The RP Store.
Steve Cope, ZZ2 National Sales Manager, gets ready for his time with Houston Car Stereo on the road with TOLA Rep David Toliver-Synergy Marketing.
The 12volt Central Studios staff, with very valuable support from friends and industry members, is on the road and news beat to showcase the much needed positives across the 12volt industry today.
The above images showcase positives from this past week.
RESEDA CA (08.11.25) – The CRUX SWRHN-62CV is a premium radio replacement interface designed for select amplified & non amplified 2016-Up Honda CR-V vehicles with dual 24-pin factory & 20 pin connectors. It enables seamless installation of an aftermarket radio while retaining essential factory features—including steering wheel controls, the multi-angle rearview camera, lane watch camera, factory auxiliary input, and USB functionality.
This kit also provides navigational outputs such as Reverse, Illumination, Parking Brake, Vehicle Speed Sense, & Lane Watch Camera. Pre-programmed for plug-and-play convenience, this interface ensures a smooth upgrade experience without sacrificing key OEM features. Kit includes an antenna adapter and USB retention cable.
Features:
Retains factory features in select Honda vehicles while functioning with an aftermarket radio
Pre-programmed to retain Steering Wheel Controls
Provides navigational outputs: Reverse, Illumination, Parking Brake, Vehicle Speed Sense, & Lane Watch Camera Outputs
Retains factory Multi Angle Rear View camera
Retains factory Lane Watch Camera
Retains factory Auxiliary Input
Includes Antenna Adapter & USB retention cable
EIA color coded wiring for easy installation
NOTES:
1. Supports both Amplified & Non -amplified vehicles
2. Does not retain Rear Seat Entertainment system (RSE)
3. Includes Crux Video Switcher to retain lane watch and rear view camera retention
4. If Vehicle does not have factory lane watch camera interface will still work