Lucas Lighting Appoints Compustar Canada Master Distributor

Major North American Expansion

Chicago, IL July 7, 2025— Lucas Lighting, the two-time MEA lighting vendor of the year, announced the appointment of Saskatchewan based Compustar Canada as its Master Distributor for Canada. Compustar Canada will be the country manager for all matters related to the Lucas Lighting brand in Canada. Steve Rogers, Lucas Lighting’s vice president said, “The synergies between the two companies are quite remarkable. Both Lucas Lighting and Compustar Canada deliver innovative, upscale reliable products backed by best-in-class technical support which then earns the loyalty of customers. It made tremendous sense to join forces in growing our brand in Canada.”

“We’re proud to add Lucas Lighting, one of the top-performing and most trusted brands in aftermarket automotive lighting,” said Bryan Sack, President at Compustar Canada. “Known for its uncompromising quality, cutting-edge technology, and vehicle-specific LED solutions, Lucas Lighting perfectly aligns with our mission to deliver premium products that meet the demands of today’s installers and drivers. This launch reinforces our commitment to supporting Canadian dealers with best-in-class brands and unmatched local service. We couldn’t be more excited!”

You can explore the full lineup of Lucas lighting products at https://www.myfirstech.ca/

2025 SEMA Show: The Center of the Automotive Universe Returns

DIAMOND BAR, CA (7.7.25) – The automotive aftermarket is coming together in a big way for the 2025 SEMA Show, with 4.6 million square feet of exhibit space booked by thousands of leading brands for the industry’s most important gathering of the year. Taking over the entire Las Vegas Convention Center campus Nov. 4-7, 2025, the Show underscores the strong commitment of manufacturers, service providers, and innovators eager to connect, showcase their latest products, and shape the future of the industry.

“While the broader market is navigating uncertainty, the SEMA Show is a clear signal of strength, innovation, and opportunity across the automotive aftermarket industry,” said SEMA Vice President of Events Tom Gattuso. “We’re delivering a high-energy event that reflects where the industry is headed—driven by product, passion, and purpose.”

With more than 2,000 exhibitors, the SEMA Show continues to be the place where business gets done. From groundbreaking technology and next-generation tools and products to expert-led education and face-to-face networking, the Show offers everything automotive aftermarket professionals need to stay competitive in today’s fast-changing landscape. It’s where relationships are built, products are evaluated, strategies are sharpened, and opportunities come to life.

Thousands of iconic brands will participate in the 2025 SEMA Show, including eBay Motors, Holley Performance Brands, Hoonigan, Hunter Engineering, Optima, Rockford Fosgate, Snap-on, SPARQ, WeatherTech, and many others.

“SEMA is where innovation meets influence, and for SPARQ, we’re honored to be a part of the conversation with exciting plans to introduce new products to SPARQ’s ecosystem,” said SPARQ Co-founder Daniel Nieh. “As a startup pushing the boundaries of automotive technology, exhibiting at SEMA allows us to connect directly with the community that’s shaping the future of the industry—builders, technicians, brands, and enthusiasts alike. It’s not just about showcasing what SPARQ can do; it’s about listening, collaborating, and helping redefine what’s possible.”

Highlighting the 2025 SEMA Show will be participation from a strong lineup of Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM), including Ford Performance, Honda Racing Corporation USA (HRC), MOPAR/Stellantis, Nissan, and Toyota.

“SEMA is a great platform for Toyota to share our passion for performance and serves as a test bed for our creative and innovative ideas,” said Mike Tripp, Group Vice President of Toyota Marketing. “We are always blown away with how this community engages with our brand and showcases our vehicles to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the automotive industry.”

Innovation across the industry is surging, fueled by a wave of new product launches debuting at the Show. The New Products Showcase will highlight more than 2,000 cutting-edge entries spanning 15 product categories. The SEMA FutureTech Studio will return as another innovation center, showcasing new technologies shaping the marketplace. From internal combustion engines to EVs, hydrogen, hybrids, and synthetic fuels, a wide range of propulsion technologies is powering one of the most dynamic product development cycles the industry has ever seen.

“SEMA represents the heart of the automotive aftermarket industry which aligns perfectly with our mission at Revv,” said Adi Bathla, CEO and Co-founder of Revv. “SEMA continues to be the epicenter of automotive innovation, and we’re constantly pushing boundaries.”

The SEMA Show is maxing out the campus with a diverse and strategic brand mix and exceptional category breadth that reflects the full scope of the industry. The addition of the new International Pavilion reinforces the SEMA Show’s role as a hub for the global automotive marketplace.

Long considered a bucket list item for many car lovers, the Show will open its doors to automotive enthusiasts on Friday, Nov. 7, for SEMA Show Friday – Open to the Public, giving car culture fans a special opportunity to peek behind the curtain of the automotive aftermarket. It’s a powerful way to connect the passion of the enthusiast community with the business of innovation.

“The SEMA Show is gaining momentum heading into November, with continued growth and strong industry support,” said SEMA Trade Show Director Andy Tompkins. “From special events to education to product reveals, we’re delivering a fully immersive experience that celebrates where the industry is now and where it’s going next.”

Attendees are encouraged to register early to maximize their ROI; registration is only $50 for qualified attendees who register by June 27. Participants can also make hotel reservations at guaranteed low rates exclusively for Show attendees through SEMA’s official hotel provider.

Spaces are still available for companies who would like to exhibit and connect with thousands of qualified buyers at the 2025 SEMA Show. For more information, visit www.semashow.com/exhibitor.

For information about the 2025 SEMA Show or to register, visit www.semashow.com. To view this year’s floorplan, log on to www.semashow.com/floorplan.

SkillsUSA Shined At The 2025 Nationals In Atlanta

ATLANTA GA (07.06.25) – 12volt brands KICKER and DB Drive once again worked with SkillsUSA’s initiative to train installers for the 12volt industry workforce. This year the KICKER Tech Force manager Aaron Malin and trainer Jacob Luckey were on site to judge at the SkillsUSA Championships June 23-27. DB Drive’s Randy Goodwin, along with James Simpson from Vickers AV, were also on site again during SkillsUSA’s annual National Leadership and Skills Conference in Atlanta. Goodwin was also a competition Judge.The SkillsUSA Championships is the premier showcase of America’s most highly skilled career and technical education for students.

The Mobile Electronics portion of the Nationals event floor.

Chris Jack, SkillsUSA Mobile Electronics Chairman, along with Co-Chair Bryan Gary, were also on site to oversee the Mobile Electronics activities. Gary drove his 2016 Mustang convertible the 2000 miles round trip from Oklahoma to be on site for students to judge the custom aftermarket system in the vehicle. Gary supplied images in this article.

Gary’s Mustang showcased for students score with KICKER and DB Drive setups in the background.

“When I opened the trunk on the Mustang all the students’ eyes opened wide. When we cranked the system, installed by Audio Midwest, you could see the WOW on their faces. Actually experiencing a custom system was another element factor that engages the students for a career in the mobile electronics industry” Gary stated.

Nareh Shahgaldyan, event Bronze winner, scores Gary’s Mustang.

The Mobile-Electronics Installation category tested competitors’ abilities to perform standard installation practices used by certified, professional mobile-electronics installers, and established for the Basic MECP certification by the Consumer Electronics Association. The competition included a written exam, interviews, and multiple hands-on applications.

Aaron Malin, KICKER Tech Force Manager, interviews a student.

“We need these young men and women to join us in our quickly evolving industry,” said Malin, the supervisor of KICKER’s global training. “SkillsUSA’s competitive categories stresses various aspects of the real-world workplace, so when students graduate, they are positioned to immediately contribute on the job.”

Students are pumped as the competition wrapped prior to the evening awards ceremony.

For consecutive years, KICKER has been involved with SkillsUSA’s mission on national and local levels. In 2025 KICKER donated more than $5,000 in prizes to the winners of the 12-volt competitions.

The National’s Award Ceremony underway for Mobile Electronics students.

High School Winners

For more see www.skillsusa.com

The July 4th 2025 Celebration Marks The 249th Anniversary Of Independence Day

12VOLT CENTRAL STUDIOS (07.03.25) – Thursday, July 4th 2025, marks the Celebration of Independence Day 249 across the U.S. Many businesses are enjoying a 4-Day 4th of July weekend by taking off Thursday the 3rd along with Friday July 4th for a 4-Day weekend.

July 4th 2025 is seeing the landscape across the US and around the world far from normal as turmoil fills the news. Inflation continues running high and air travel is a nightmare in many cases. Online sales continue to take away from the brick and mortar sales across the marketplace. In-person events have returned but everyday life is far from normal.

On the 12volt industry side store traffic remains light as consumers make decisions with allocating their disposable income. Uneasiness with regard to tariff price increases and inventory issues persist. With so many options visibility for 12volt products is not getting through to consumers. We must continue to work to connect with consumers and make music fun again!

The business year is divided into 4 quarters….much like a football game. The first quarter of 2025 was OK for many 12volt companies. As the second quarter wrapped came the impact of the Tariffs plus mounting social issues that cloud the future. Reports are 12volt industry business has definitely slowed. Worldwide unrest adds to the cloudy future.

Now, as the second half of 2025 gets underway, all businesses must evaluate their game plans and make appropriate adjustments. Importantly, businesses must adjust their shoulder pads and tighten the chin straps on their helmets. Now, as the clock for the second half of 2025 has started, all businesses must keep their eye on the ball, work their game plans and be prepared to quickly make necessary adjustments. Importantly, brick and mortar retailers must work to create excitement in their marketplace to drive in-store traffic and business.

The 12voltSTP Tool can be utilized by members of the 12volt industry to showcase positives for their brand and activities. Snap..Txt.. PRESTO. Snap an Image and Txt the image with a few words to 318 469 2526. PRESTO! Your company could be in the news. As an industry let’s utilize the 12voltSTP Tool and be… ’Jammin’ N July’.

From the 12volt Central Studios we will continue to focus on the positives and encourage all to work to ‘Get Our Shine On’ as an industry and ‘Make Music Fun Again!’

MB Quart Returned To The 2025 UTV Takeover As The Audio Sponsor.

COSS BAY OR (07.03.25) MB Quart had a strong presence at the 2025 UTV Takeover on the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. The UTV Takeover rolled in Coos Bay from June 24 through the 29th.

MB Quart had a large booth with staff members Chris Brinkley and David Kotewa in the house. Additionally Pacific Rim Marketing”s Mark and Valentina were assisting activities in and around the booth. Area retailer CarTunes from Grant Pass OR was set up close to their booth and worked with MB Quart to make installations for their on-site sales.

Chris Brinkley, David Kotewa, Valentina and Mark Giannetti pictured in front of the MB Quart tent setup.

“This was a terrific event for MB Quart. We had a lot of activity in our booth with sales plus installs from Fermin Sanchez and his CatTunes team. No doubt about it our Pro RZR kits were hot sellers. Having Mark and Valentina in the booth connecting with area retailers and UTV enthusiasts was terrific” Brinkley, Regional Sales Manager, stated.

Looking from inside of the MB Quart setup onto the dunes.

“This was our first UTV Takeover and was an amazing to see the UTV community members and families rolling across the dunes. Round trip for us it was an 800 mile drive but well worth it to connect with Chris and David. Since CarTunes is in the area we work with Fermin and his team” Mark Giovannetti commented.

Mark Giovannetti, Fermin Sanchez and Chris Brinkley (LtoR) paused for a moment under the MB Quart tent.

CarTunes owner Sanchez stated “We were very busy with sales out of our booth plus a lot of installations for MB Quart.” CarTunes staff members included Sanchez along with Lalo and Chris. They also had three helpers make the trip to the UTV
Takeover to help with installations and booth set up. Over the course of the event they did over a dozen MB Quart installations in addition to activities in the CarTunes booth.

Fermin added “Our retail store is a couple of hours away and is so important for us to let people throughout the area know to the great products that we sell and offer for UTV enthusiast. We have been on site at a number of UTV Takeovers and this event was the best to date.”

Concluding Brinkley added “MB Quart will continue UTV Takeover presence in August and look forward to a great in Winchester.”

For more see mbquart.com

Industry First!2024-2025 CanAm® Maverick R MAX 4-Seater Rear-Seat Plug-&-Play Dual Subwoofer Add-on Kit!

PREORDERS OPEN: Shipping July 30th

Engineered specifically for the 4-seater Maverick R, this plug-&-play dual-subwoofer add-on kit delivers unmatched low-end performanceby mounting two sub enclosures seamlessly beneath the rear seats.
It includes everything needed to expand your audio system, whether you’re running an SSV Works kit or another brand, even the factory JL audio kit. This kit comes complete with dual subwoofer enclosurespreloaded with subs, a dedicated amplifier, and full plug-&-play harnessing for fast, factory-fit installation.

This is the first plug-&-play dual-sub add-on available for the Maverick R platform, allowing you to run up to four subwoofers in your 4-seater for earth-shaking bass that doesn’t compromise clarity.

When paired with an SSV Works V-Spec or K-Spec audio kit, you’re pushing out a clean 2500 watts of power. That’s more than enough to dominate the trail. While other systems might get loud as well, SSV Works delivers volume AND clarity in perfect balance. No distortion, no compromise. Just pure, clean power!

Stereo King Drove Big Sales And Installations At The 2025 UTV Takeover

COOS BAY, OR (07.02.25) – Stereo King was on site with a huge presence on Vendor Row at the 2025 UTV Takeover in the Oregon Dunes National Recreational area for the 10th time. The UTV Takeover was in Coos Bay OR from June 24th-29th. Reports noted nearly 4000 UTV’s were on site with the crowd of UTV enthusiasts topping 10,000.

The UTV category is very strong for Stereo King day-in and day-out at their 5 locations. The Stereo King crew of 7 was very busy at the 2025 UTV Takeover and had strong sales and installations of Rockford Fosgate Stage Kits and more. Early during the event the installation area was expanded.

Stereo King had a great location on vendor row.

Stereo King Team members on site were Kevin and Bethany Cornutt along with Anthony and Scotty in sales. Corey O, Corey T and Brad handled all the action in the install bay. Sam and Rob Sutton from Crossover Marketing and Jeff Oliver from Team Progressive were on site working with the Stereo King crew.

Enthusiasts were constantly on the move along vendor row.

“During the 5-day event run we did a ton of promoting with business cards, fliers, free stickers, shirts caps and more. We spent time with well over 1000 people in our booth and saw a lot of customers from previous years which is always great to see. We offered onsite installation and worked under the lights into the night to complete jobs. It was a strong mix of Can Ams, RZRs and RZR PRO’s that came through and were decked with Rockford Fosgate Stage Kits which were the biggest hits. We blew sales away” Scotty Miles related.

Smoky the Bear even stopped by to spend time with Kevin Cornutt.

Concluding Miles offered, “We set up quite a few side-x-side related jobs along with some daily usage vehicles and RV audio upgrades back at the stores too. The overall enthusiasm across the event was very strong. This was a very successful event and we can’t wait to do it again in August at Winchester!”

The installation area was expanded to provide more room for Corey O, Corey T and Brad to complete installs.

Stereo King operates 4 stores in the Portland area and one in Boise, ID.

Mark Cardoza Announces The Closing Of Cardoza And Company Inc.

SWEET ID (07.02.25) Dear Valued Clients, Customers, Manufacturer Partners, and Representatives,

It is with mixed emotions that I announce my retirement and the closing of Cardoza and Company, Inc. after 35 fulfilling years serving the Northern California and Nevada regions. Our last day of operations is July 31, 2025.

Throughout the years, it has been a privilege to work alongside you. Your support, trust, and collaboration have been the cornerstone of our success. We set out to make a meaningful impact in our industry, and we could not have achieved this without each of you.

I extend my deepest gratitude to all our clients and customers for your loyalty and confidence in our services. To our manufacturer partners and representatives, your dedication has been instrumental in our ability to deliver quality and excellence.

Beyond professional relationships, I cherish the friendships we’ve built over time. The connections formed through shared successes and challenges have made this journey truly special, and those friendships will remain close to my heart.

Mark Cardoza exits a trailer at CES on January 6th 1991 with Lucio Perroni and Alan Wenzel. This image was about six days into Cardoza and Company after Alan hired Mark at JL Audio.

As we transition, I’m excited to share that my wife and I have launched a business brokerage career with First Choice Business Brokers – Idaho. This new venture has already been rewarding, and we look forward to continuing to provide exceptional service in this capacity. https://markcardoza.fcbb.com

While Cardoza and Company, Inc. will be closing its doors, the memories and relationships we’ve created will always hold a special place in my heart. If you ever need assistance or wish to reconnect, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Thank you once again for being a part of our journey. It has been an honor to work with each of you.

Warm regards,
Mark Cardoza

President/ Principal Marketing Director

KRISTY LAKE JOINS SEMA AS VICE PRESIDENT OFHUMAN RESOURCES

DIAMOND BAR, Calif. (July 2, 2025) – Kristy Lake has joined the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) as Vice President of Human Resources (HR), reporting to SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola. She will be based at the Association’s Diamond Bar, Calif., headquarters.

Lake brings deep expertise in organizational development, talent management, and strategic HR leadership. She most recently served as Director of Human Resources at Ampure Charging Systems, Inc., a provider of electric vehicle and industrial charging solutions. Following Ampure’s carve-out from Webasto Charging Systems, Lake built the company’s HR department from the ground up, transforming it into a fully independent global function. She oversaw the development and implementation of key policies and infrastructure, including payroll, benefits, recruiting strategy, and employee engagement programs. Lake also led the charge in defining the company’s core values and driving cultural alignment as Ampure established its new identity.

“We’re excited to welcome Kristy to the SEMA leadership team,” said Mike Spagnola, SEMA President and CEO. “Her experience guiding organizations through transformative periods and building strong, values-driven cultures will be an incredible asset as we continue to grow and evolve in service to our members and the industry.”

In her new role, Lake will oversee all facets of Human Resources for SEMA and Performance Racing Industry (PRI), including strategic HR planning, talent acquisition and management, employee relations, compensation and benefits, compliance, performance management, and organization development.

KRISTY LAKE

“I’m honored to join an organization with such a strong sense of purpose and community,” said Lake. “Leadership is not a title. Leadership is a privilege to take care of people and influence a work environment where everyone can thrive. I look forward to partnering with the leadership team to support SEMA and PRI’s mission by fostering an environment where employees feel valued, empowered, and inspired to do their best work.”

A Michigan native, Lake holds both a Master of Science in Training & Development and a Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Development from Oakland University in Rochester, Mich.

Outside of work, Lake enjoys hiking and spending time with her husband and two children.

For more information, visit www.sema.org.

The American Flat Track In Lima OH

LIMA OH (07.01.25) The Progressive American Flat Track returned to the legendary Lima Half-Mile at the Allen County Fairgrounds in Lima OH for action on the track Friday night and Saturday night, June 27 and 28th. KICKER was set up under a large tent with Lorin Morrell along with local retailer Barry Electronics and territory distributor Davis Distribution.

Enthusiast checking out the latest KICKER products with the Davis Distribution RAM in the background

“The action on the track was strong both nights, especially with a big crowd on Saturday night. Having Wade Hensley from local retailer Barry Electronics along with Phil Traverse from Davis was terrific. The Davis RAM truck was really decked out and was super to draw attention and do demos for enthusiasts. The weather was hot, but all were Livin’Loud during the event on the track and in the booth. The racing was amazing too” Morrell related.

“It was great for Barry Electronics to be on site and see so many attendees under the tent that were interested in audio products. There were attendees from a large area, even New Jersey. In addition, I saw a lot of old customers and friends who stopped by. It was super to work with Phil from Davis at the event. I handed out a ton of business cards and Phil also let attendee know about KICKER retailers in their area where they might check out the latest products from KICKER’s line up of products for cars, trucks, motorcycles, UTVs, and marine. Look forward to next year’s event” Hensley commented.

Hundreds of riders parked their bikes on this side of the track.

Traverse offered “KICKER was definitely Livin’Loud at the Flat Track in Lima. One of the event staff said he could hear the RAM all the way on the other side of the track and could understand the words. In the booth so many said they owned and enjoyed their KICKER products. This was my first time at a Flat Track event and I’m ready for the 2026 event”

For more see kicker.com