Modus Elevates Luxury Vehicle Audio with Custom Aston Martin DB12 Installation

OXNARD, CA (06.26.25) – Modus has once again demonstrated its ability to enhance and increase luxury vehicle sound systems with its 2024 Aston Martin DB12 install.

“World-class luxury vehicles such as the Aston Martin already come equipped with exceptional factory sound systems and optimal speaker placement,” said Jason Digos, Modus Senior Sales Trainer. “However, there are unique challenges that can limit overall performance. In a convertible with the top down, you lose significant bass and high-frequency output while battling road noise. These performance cockpits are also extremely compact, so low-end response often suffers due to space constraints that prevent proper subwoofer placement and powerful amplification.”

Modus turned to the team at Delta Concepts for this special project. To fabricate the in-floor subwoofer enclosure, Delta collaborated with Fat Fender Garage for 3D scanning and JT Torres from Automotive Entertainment for large-format 3D printing expertise to house a shallow 10-inch Modus Apex subwoofer. The team also integrated two Modus Apex Class A/B 750-watt 4-channel amplifiers and one 750-watt monoblock into the Aston Martin’s existing system. The result is a noticeable increase in power output and overall performance for what was already a high-end factory system.

“Class A/B amplifiers generate significant heat, especially in confined spaces,” Digos continued. “Our PeakCool thermal management technology features an innovative internal heat sink design that ensures optimal heat distribution while maintaining the superior sound quality Class A/B amplification delivers. Both amplifiers are engineered for exceptional energy management and premium sound quality, making them ideal for luxury vehicle applications. The result is dramatically enhanced audio performance that surpasses the original factory system.”

The vehicle will be used as a company demo vehicle at strategic events and locations throughout the year.

For more on the Aston Martin build, please go to: https://vimeo.com/showcase/11685020?video=1093087734

Visit www.modusglobal.com for more.

Hifonics Delivers Bass You Feel and Power You Crave

LIBERTYVILLE, IL (06.26.25) – HEW Powered Subwoofer Systems bring more than just LOUD, POWERFUL sound — they elevate your entire audio experience. Featuring premium ELITE Series subwoofers, each HEW Powered Subwoofer System produces deep, impactful bass that you don’t just hear — but feel. Get ready to take on rich, high-quality sound that brings every song to life with intensity and clarity with HEW!

Coming in 108, and 6-inch Hifonics ELITE subwoofer sizes — HEW Powered Subwoofer Systems are designed for easy installation in smaller spaces and are perfect for those who seek high-quality sound without compromising vehicle room. With a built-in, powerful amplifier ready to pump out clean and high-impact bass straight out of the box, every powered subwoofer delivers on power, volume, and quality.

To learn more, click here.

Alpine Names Michael Rundel as Senior Specialist of New Distribution Development

AUBURN HILLS, MI (06.25.25) – Alps Alpine North America, Inc. (“Alpine”) names Michael Rundel as the Senior Specialist of New Distribution Development for the Alpine Brand Aftermarket Division. As an industry veteran, Rundel brings 30 years of experience to the position, working with some of the leading manufacturers in various channels, including retail, distribution, representative, and account management, while holding multiple MECP certifications and Sales Rep of the Year awards.

Michael Rundel

“Alpine is looking forward to having Michael Rundel join the brand team,” said Dan Sparks, National Sales Director of the Alpine Brand Aftermarket Division at Alps Alpine North America. “Mike brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to this new position, but more than that, he brings an adventurous attitude that embraces new challenges with enthusiasm. We look forward to seeing what he will bring to this role and to the Alpine brand.

Rundel spent his early career as an installer and then manager at a car audio retailer in Detroit, Michigan. After a 10-year stint, he moved to AT&T as a training manager for cellular retail locations, supporting accounts like Ford, Visteon, and Delphi. After spending time supporting brands like Sirius, where he supported the launch of Sirius Satellite Radio, and Clarion Car Audio, Rundel became a regional sales manager with Davis Distribution Systems and then built a retail sales team for the aftermarket ADAS products at Mobileye. For the past 11 years, Rundel has led the Sony team as an account manager and, more recently, as team leader, before joining the Alpine brand team.

“I am so unbelievably excited to be joining the Alpine team,” said Rundel. “I can’t wait to utilize my years of experience and knowledge to grow with this company.”

As the Senior Specialist of New Distribution Development, Rundel will champion new business endeavors and showcase the Alpine product line to an entirely new audience to strengthen the brand’s reputation and create new opportunities.

Visit www.alpine-usa.com for more.

Maxxsonics Launches a Marketplace Protection Initiative to Safeguard Brands and Strengthen Sales Integrity

LIBERTYVILLE, IL (06.25.25) – Maxxsonics has announced the launch of a new business and sales strategy designed to protect the integrity of its brands, uphold the trust of its customers, and reinforce its commitment to authorized sales channels. The initiative will leverage advanced data-driven capabilities to monitor and manage marketplace activity, enhance price policy compliance, and mitigate unauthorized sales activity.

“As our brands continue to grow in visibility and value, it’s critical that we invest in tools and strategies that defend that value across all platforms,” said Sherri Sawyer, Chief Financial Officer at Maxxsonics. “This program is a key step in ensuring our partners and customers experience our products as intended and backed by our full commitment.”

Maxxsonics aims to create a more transparent and reliable shopping experience while also protecting its reseller network. The effort includes and focuses on targeted enforcement and continuous oversight of third-party marketplace listings to ensure alignment with company policies.

“We’ve heard the concerns from our dealers and partners loud and clear. Unauthorized sellers create confusion, damage pricing integrity, and ultimately hurt the customer experience,” said Eddie Ramirez, National Sales Manager. “This initiative shows that Maxxsonics is taking real action to protect our customers and support those who do business the right way.”

The program is already in motion across all Maxxsonics brands, with early results showing positive impact on marketplace consistency and pricing compliance.

For additional information, go to the corporate website at https://maxxsonics.com/.

SEMA Enhances Individual Memberships with Expanded Benefits for Automotive Enthusiasts

DIAMOND BAR, CA (06.25.25) – Automotive enthusiasts can now gain access to a thriving automotive community, exclusive discounts on industry and lifestyle brands, and special perks to help them stay on the pulse of the industry by becoming a SEMA+ member at www.sema.org/plus.

Building on the launch of SEMA’s Individual Membership in 2021, the rebranded SEMA+ membership delivers greater value to enthusiasts, consumers, and the industry community. Members can save money on aftermarket parts, gear, and services, spotlight their ride on SEMA social media, save money on tickets to select automotive events throughout the year, and stay updated on industry and advocacy news through a dedicated newsletter–bridging the gap between their automotive passion and the aftermarket community, events, and brands they enjoy.

“The reimagined SEMA+ program is more than a membership; it’s a movement to unite the industry and amplify its collective voice,” said AJ Carney, SEMA Senior Director of Membership. “With exciting new brand partnerships and updated programs and experiences, we aim to strengthen our foundation and further preserve, protect, and grow the automotive aftermarket industry in new and exciting ways.”

SEMA+ also offers great advantages for SEMA business members looking to reach broader consumer audiences. By becoming a benefit partner, businesses can get their brand noticed and promote their products year-round through the SEMA+ member portal.

SEMA+ x FuelFest
SEMA+ has partnered with FuelFest, the nationwide celebration of horsepower, music, and family, to offer its attendees access to a SEMA+ membership for just $5 (+tax) – a savings of $35 off the annual SEMA+ membership price!

“Partnering with SEMA+ is an exciting opportunity to further connect our fans and attendees with new opportunities that benefit them far beyond our in-person events,” said Cody Walker, Founder, FuelFest. “FuelFest is all about sharing with our special family of enthusiasts, and this partnership supports our joint mission of combining excitement for the automotive world with non-stop action.”

FuelFest’s next stop will be local to SEMA HQ and at the foundation of American car culture, the Pomona Fairplex in Pomona, Calif., on Saturday, June 28. SEMA+ members can get 10% off FuelFest tickets by claiming their event discount code within their member only portal.

Following six years of record-setting shows in the Los Angeles area, the legendary National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) joins this year’s event, making possible non-stop head-to-head grudge matches on the world-famous quarter-mile dragstrip, in addition to drifting and music throughout the day. FuelFest ticket buyers – for LA and the additional 2025 events – can secure their discounted SEMA+ membership by scrolling down to the “Add-Ons” section at checkout at www.fuelfest.com.

SEMA+: Your Ride. Your Voice. Your Community.
Anyone can join SEMA+ for just $40 a year — or $35 a year with auto renewal (that’s less than $3 a month) at www.sema.org/plus. New experiences and perks will continue to be added over time. 

Contact SEMA Senior Director of Membership AJ Carney at ajc@sema.org with any questions.    

Garmin Unveils Flagship Apollo RA800 Marine Stereo

OLATHE, KS (06.24.25) – Garmin has announced the premium Fusion Apollo™ RA800 marine stereo that brings reimagined design and powerful audio performance to boaters everywhere. Designed specifically for marine environments, the Apollo RA800 offers high-resolution, lossless audio and Wi-Fi® connectivity for exceptional sound performance and seamless streaming. The stereo also features a more powerful internal amplifier and drives up to four speakers.

“We are excited to continue to push the limits of excellence in marine audio entertainment. With the new Apollo RA800 on board, boaters and passengers can hear their music with unrivaled clarity. Plus, with an internal amplifier that produces 50% more power than its predecessor, users can keep the beat going strong all day and night,” commented Susan Lyman, Garmin Vice President Consumer Sales and Marketing

Elevate the audio experience

Boasting ground-breaking audio technology, the Apollo RA800 is designed to amplify time spent on the water.

  • High-resolution audio: High-resolution lossless audio and Wi-Fi® technology provide optimal sound performance.
  • Next-gen amplifier: Anupgraded internal amplifier is 50% more powerful than its predecessor.
  • Built-in DAB tuner: The built-in DAB tuner supports the latest DAB and DAB+ broadcasts, allowing for high-quality digital radio streaming whenever they’re supported.
  • Seamless streaming: Improved Wi-Fi connectivity for Apple AirPlay® audio streaming offers a superior high-fidelity listening experience.
  • Stereo grouping: Connect multiple Apollo stereos to share audio sources across different listening zones on the boat.
  • Pin-sharp touchscreen: With a 4.3” LCD the RA800 offers clear advances in image resolution, color saturation, wide viewing angles and readability in bright daylight.
  • Quicker response times: Enjoy lightning-fast response times with a processor that is eight times faster than the previous generation.

Available now, the Fusion Apollo RA800 has a suggested retail price of $999.99. With the same mounting specifications and connections as its predecessors, the new stereo is a drop-in replacement for existing RA770 and RA670 stereos.

To learn more, visit garmin.com/marine/audio.

GoFast Solutions Announces First-Ever Vendor Top Gun Sales Challenge Winners

MIDDLETOWN, CT (06.24.25) – At this year’s Mobile Expo 2025, GoFast Solutions launched its first-ever Vendor Top Gun Sales Challenge—a high-stakes, high-energy showdown that turned the show floor into a true sales battleground.

“With exclusive “day-of-show” specials and hundreds of retailers in the building, we challenged our vendors to outsell their counterparts in an all-out, no-holds-barred sales competition. Putting hundreds of retailers in a room with brand experts armed with smoking deals was a natural fit… toss in good-natured competition, and the result was one of the best Mobile Expos we’ve ever hosted,” said Bob Hernandez, VP of Sales at GoFast Solutions.

“Now it’s time to salute the standout performers who embraced the challenge and rose to the top” Hernandez added.

The 2025 Vendor Top Gun Winners

🥇 1st Place – Windshield Skin (Alan & Miya Bray)
Alan and Miya didn’t just win—they dominated. With strategic selling, powerful product demos, and high dealer engagement, Windshield Skin not only took home 1st Place in the Top Gun Sales Challenge, but was also voted “Best New Opportunity” at Mobile Expo 2025 by attending dealers. A clear sign that their momentum is just getting started.

Screenshot

🥈 2nd Place – Memphis Audio (Ellis Mathis & Chad Boone)
Ellis and Chad delivered on all fronts—closing deals, drawing crowds, and creating buzz. Their high-energy presence and booth design were a hit with attendees, earning Memphis Audio the title of “Best Booth” at Mobile Expo 2025.

Screenshot

🥉 3rd Place – Car Freshner Corporation (Pete Blumsack)
Representing the iconic Little Trees® brand, Pete kept it cool and classic. With product recognition that spans generations and appearances in movies, music videos, and road trips across America, Car Freshner showed how a legacy brand can still turn heads—and convert sales.

“Thank you to all our Vendors as we extend a heartfelt thank you to every vendor who supported and exhibited at Mobile Expo 2025. Your energy, creativity, and commitment are what continue to make this show special. And this is just the beginning. Get ready for an even bigger, bolder Mobile Expo in 2026. We’re raising the stakes, expanding the opportunities, and setting the stage for a new level of dealer engagement. See you at the top” Hernandez concluded.

Visit gofst.com for more.

Alpine Spotlighted Tesla Upgrades at the Electrify Expo 2025

SAN PEDRO, CA (06.24.25) – Alpine was on site at the 2025 Electrify Expo event at the port of LA in San Pedro CA Saturday, June 21 and Sunday, June 22.

Alpine was set up in the Electrify Expo Show-Off and Aftermarket Pavilion where attendees were the first to receive demos and take advantage of exclusive purchase opportunities of Alpine’s first plug-in play subwoofer and amplifier upgrade kit designed for the Tesla Model 3 Premium and Model Y.

Long Beach-based Alpine authorized retailer, PCH Custom Audio, was also on site in the Alpine booth with Tesla systems available for purchase at special, event only deals, PCH Custom Audio’s Andrew Chavez related there was so much enthusiasm at the event. “We made so many demos. When someone got into a Tesla for a demo they didn’t want to get out! We set a number of appointments for Tesla owners to come into our store for their upgrade installation.”

Continuing “This year there was something extra special in the Alpine booth with the Rebel Off Road ‘Peak Charge’ Tesla Model Y that featured a 2 inch lift kit, off-road ready tires and a roof rack to hold gear. That would certainly be a great vehicle for some off the beaten path adventures. Again, we thank Alpine for giving us the opportunity to be at their booth at the Electrify Expo.”

Visit alpine-usa.com for more.

Alpine Spotlighted Tesla Upgrades at the Electrify Expo

SAN PEDRO CA (06.23.25) – Alps Alpine North America, Inc. (“Alpine”) was on-site at the 2025 Electrify Expo event at the Port of LA in San Pedro, CA Saturday, June 21 and Sunday, June 22.

Alpine was set up in booths 103 and 105 in the Electrify Show-Off & Aftermarket Pavilion, where visitors were the first to receive demos and take advantage of exclusive purchase opportunities of Alpine’s first Plug-and-Play Subwoofer and Amplifier upgrade kit designed especially for the Tesla Model 3 Premium and Model Y.

ScreenshotThe Alpine booth had steady traffic both days.
The new Alpine 11 speaker sound system upgrade kit with powerful 10”subwoofer, 12 channel premium digital sound processor and amp was spotlighted at the event.

“We took the feedback we received during our last Electrify Expo event and turned it into a powerful, subwoofer upgrade package that we believe hit the mark,” said Dan Sparks, National Sales Director for the Alpine Aftermarket Division at Alps Alpine North America. “Our ‘boots-to-the-ground’ approach at these events allowed us to hear directly from the consumer and craft solutions that will get them excited about their audio system.”

Jason Hannon making a presentation on Sunday afternoon.
The 2024 Tesla Model Y was fitted in a partnership between Alpine and Rebel Off Road to showcase off the beaten road possibilities.

Alpine showcased a 2024 Tesla Model Y with the Complete 11-Speaker Sound System upgrade kit, designed to easily replace the front, rear, and center dash Tesla factory speakers with Hi-Resolution certified speakers from Alpine’s “Blue Series” speaker line. The package also included a powerful 10” subwoofer and a 12-channel Premium Digital Sound Processor with an ultra-efficient EV-optimized Amplifier that’s tuned for the unique cabin environment of the Tesla.

The ‘Peak Charge’ Tesla Model Y featured a 2” lift kit, off-road-ready tires and a roof rack to hold gear.

The 2024 Tesla Model Y was upfitted from a partnership between Alpine and Rebel Off Road, an off-road vehicle builder with locations in Lake Forest, CA, and Fort Worth, TX. The Tesla, called “Peak Charge,” featured a 2-inch lift kit and was outfitted with off-road-ready tires and a roof rack to hold gear. The Alpine x Rebel Off Road booth offered similar off-road upgrade packages, such as Peak Charge, that were available for purchase during the event.

Members of Alpine’s sales and marketing staff were be available during the event to answer product questions and provide vehicle demonstrations. Alpine team members on-site were Jason Hannon, Jason Fine, John Evens, Christopher Sinh and Allison Saunders. Long Beach-based Alpine Authorized Retailer, PCH Custom Audio, was also on-site with Tesla systems available for purchase at special event-only deals.

Electrify Expo is the #1 Electric Vehicle Festival in North America with a 1 million square foot outdoor festival that attracts over 30,000 attendees and pioneering brands in the electric mobility space.

Visit alpine-usa.com for more.

The Arrowhead Marketing JBL Trailer at Cruise Nights in Pleasant Hill

PLEASANT HILLS, MO (06.23.25) – Chris Pace rolled the Arrowhead Marketing JBL Trailer onto the Cruise Night grounds in Pleasant Hill MO on Friday night, June 20. The third Friday of every month from May to October the Pleasant Hill Downtown Association hosts a Cruise Night. All hot rods, bikes, muscle, cars, and engine powered rolling contraptions are welcomed. Cruise night features raffle 50-50 pot, live music and more. Pleasant Hill it’s a town of less than 10,000 some 30 miles from Kansas City.

Chris Pace getting set up on Friday night at the Cruise Nights venue in Pleasant Hill MO
A wide variety of vehicles grabbed eyes at the event.
The event stretched into downtown streets.

During the evening, Chris had a lot of good interaction with attendees as he was in the middle of the venue with the band to the right of the trailer. For several years, Chris has been on the road in the MINK states (MO/IA/NE/KS utilizing the trailer to showcase new JBL products events and be on site at retailers events. Over the years Chris continues to make upgrades to the trailer and now it is a rolling showroom for JBL, Infinity and Epsilon products which Chris represents in the territory.

Chris Pace answering a question for an attendee in front of the Arrowhead trailer product demo display.
Groups got together to talk about the cool rides at the event.
Shining Classics were spotlighted around the event.

During the evening, Chris presented the latest from JBL and Infinity speakers with demos as well as Epsilon motorcycle products that he has loaded on the trailer. The motorcycle category is very hot in the marketplace and one side of the trailer spotlights products designed for motorcycle applications.

Chris Pace shows one of the Custom Ts available for attendees.
This image from downtown Grand Island NE is an example of events Chris does with retailers in the MINK States.

Chris related “I’ve had the trailer on site at this event previously. Once again we provided countless live demos for attendees and also found out what they’re interest is in automotive upgrades. Speaking to the customers we can always let them know about a nearby dealer that they could go see to add audio products to the ride. On the trailer we actually have competitive products so we can A/B the JBL and Infinity speakers to show how they stand out delivering clean loud sound.”

Concluding “The real summer season is just now getting underway and we will certainly log some miles with the Arrowhead JBL trailer around the MINK states in the coming months.”