SEMA Show Partners with TechForce Foundation to Host National Awards Honoring the Next Generation of America’s Skilled Workforce

DIAMOND BAR, CA (07.09.25) – TechForce Foundation, a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to building the pipeline of skilled technicians, has partnered with the SEMA Show, the automotive aftermarket industry’s premier trade event, to present the 7th annual Techs Rock Awards. For the first time in the program’s history, the Awards will be presented live on stage at the 2025 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

Each year, the Techs Rock Awards recognize standout students and working professionals in the technician field. This year marks a major milestone. Honorees/grand prize recipients will be celebrated live at the SEMA Show, the epicenter of the global automotive aftermarket. In front of thousands of manufacturers, employers, educators, and media, the nation’s top technicians will receive the recognition they have earned through their skill, dedication, and impact.

Winners will be honored on Nov. 5, 2025, during the SEMA Show. Finalists will be selected in six categories: Automotive and Motorsports, Diesel, Collision Restoration and Welding, Aviation Motorcycle and Marine, and Evolving Technologies and HVAC. This year’s judging panel will include well-known voices in the industry, including ChrisFix, YouTube’s most-followed automotive DIY creator, and Humble Mechanic, a trusted voice in technician education and culture.

Technicians are the workforce behind every vehicle on the road, every aircraft in the sky, and every delivery that reaches its destination. These careers are essential to our economy, but they are too often overlooked.

“Technicians don’t just fix things. They keep America moving,” said Jennifer Maher, CEO of TechForce Foundation. “The SEMA Show gives us a national platform to say, ‘We see you. We value you.’ And for the students preparing to join the workforce, it shows there is a future in this field that is respected and real.”

“The SEMA Show is where the automotive aftermarket industry’s future takes shape — through breakthrough products, new ideas, and rising talent,” said RJ de Vera, SEMA Vice President of Marketing. “Technicians play a critical role in that future, and with the TechForce Foundation, we’re proud to spotlight and support those who will carry the torch forward.”

Nominations open June 24 and close Aug. 11. Anyone can nominate a deserving student or technician at www.techforce.org/techsrock. A panel of judges will review submissions and select the finalists. From Sept. 24 through Oct. 15, the public will vote to determine one student and one working technician as Grand Prize Winners. Both will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to Las Vegas to be honored on stage during the SEMA Show.

Since 2018, the Techs Rock Awards have recognized 77 outstanding students and technicians. The program highlights the value of technical careers and helps lift up role models who are shaping the future of the skilled trades.

Visit www.semashow.com and www.techforce.org for more.

SSV Works Introduces Industry-First Rear-Seat Dual-Sub Add-on Kit for 2024-Up CanAm Maverick R Max Vehicles

ST. GEORGE, UT (07.09.25)SSV Works proudly announces the release of the first-ever rear-seat plug-&-play dual-subwoofer add-on kit for the 2024-2025 Can-Am® Maverick R Max.

This new kit adds two additional 10” subwoofers that mount under the rear seats, giving riders the ability to run up to four subs total in their Maverick R Max for maximum bass performance.

“This is the ultimate bass upgrade for anyone who already has an audio system and wants more output,” said Kelson Downes, Marketing Director of SSV Works. “With this add-on, you’re not replacing anything, you’re enhancing it. It delivers that chest-thumping bass you can feel whether you’re bombing through the dunes, crawling rocks, or blasting through the desert.”

True Plug-&-Play Expansion. Designed to work seamlessly as an add-on to an existing audio system, this kit integrates effortlessly with SSV Works V-Spec or K-Spec kits, other aftermarket setups, and even the factory JL audio system. It includes pre-loaded under-seat enclosures, a dedicated sub amplifier, and SSV’s signature plug-&-play wiring. No cutting, splicing, or guesswork required.

Built for the Ride. From rotomolded enclosures to marine-grade materials, every element is engineered to thrive in harsh off-road environments. The enclosures are specifically shaped to fit cleanly under the rear seats without interfering with passenger space or vehicle function.

Key product highlights:

  • Plug-&-Play: No Soldering, cutting or crimping! Designed to install as easy as possible. Simply bolt down the sub enclosures with the pre-installed speakers, mount the amp and run the vehicle specific plug-&-play wiring, turn the key and go!
  • F3™ – The Original Factory Fit & Finish: Each Maverick R Kit looks just the way it should, like it came straight from the factory. Purpose built, our enclosures match the factory styling and fits with seamless precision.
  • Trail Ready™: Built for the off-road environment, SSV Works’ audio components will withstand all the harsh riding conditions. From sand, dust, water or snow, you can ride your favorite trails without sacrificing premium audio from SSV Works.
  • Premium Quality: Our product is meticulously crafted with high-strength materials, epitomizing premium quality and durability.
  • Included Bass Level Control: Adding this kits means you’ll have two amplifiers. Our dual amp controller will allow you to control the bass to all subs. (Only compatible with PXA amps in SSV V-Spec and K-Spec kits.

Backed by a limited lifetime warranty, this innovative audio solution promises both superior sound and long-lasting reliability.

For more information, please visit www.SSVWorks.com, call 818-991-1SSV (1778), or email sales@SSVworks.com.

Feel Colossus Power Through Classic Inspiration

LIBERTYVILLE, IL (07.09.25) – Take your power to the Classic level of COLOSSUS AUDIO! Colossus Classic amplifiers set the standard for what clean and powerful audio should sound like. Known for sleek design and exceptional sound performance — Colossus Classic amplifiers include monoblock amplifiers and a 4-channel amplifier.

Click here to view a product video.

Whether upgrading your Hifonics car audio system with BIG POWERgains or building your install/setup for the first time, Colossus Classic amplifiers bring a classic size that delivers LOUD SOUND, clean clarity, and ULTIMATE durability.

To learn more, click here.

JVC Mobile Entertainment Appoints SMS as New Representative for TX/OK/LA/AR Region

LONG BEACH, CA (07.08.25) – JVC Mobile Entertainment is proud to announce the appointment of Special Market Sales (SMS) as its new manufacturer’s representative firm for the Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Arkansas markets. This strategic partnership reinforces JVC’s commitment to strengthening dealer relationships and expanding market presence in the region.

Mark Dombroski, Western Sales Manager for JVC Mobile Electronics, expressed confidence in the new alliance: “SMS is the perfect fit for JVC. Their dedication to dealer relationships and outstanding follow-through aligns seamlessly with how we do business. We’re excited about the opportunities this partnership brings.”

Based in the region they now represent, SMS brings decades of experience and a strong reputation for integrity and performance. Their core philosophy emphasizes long-term partnerships over short-term gains, with many of the brands they represent working with them for more than 15 years—a testament to the trust and consistent results they deliver.

The SMS team includes some of the most seasoned professionals in the 12-volt industry:

  • Dave Gill, who has been in the business since 1986
  • Gilliama “Yam” Domino, who began his career as an installer in 1984
  • Robert “Bob” Connacher, who entered the retail side of the industry in 1988

Each team member brings extensive experience across installation, sales, retail operations, and business development. Keeping everything on track is Whitney Tomlinson, SMS’s Director of Communications, who joined the team in 2021 and plays a vital role in client and brand communications.

With this partnership, JVC Mobile Entertainment looks forward to expanding its footprint in the region and delivering even greater value to its dealers and customers.

For more information, please visit www.jvc.com.

SkillsUSA Shined at the 2025 Nationals in Atlanta

ATLANTA, GA (07.08.25) – 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.

UTV Audio Roofs from MB Quart Set the Bar for Overhead Speaker Performance

LIBERTYVILLE, IL (07.08.25) – CLEAN detail. LOUD sound. OVERHEAD immersion. Feel it ALL with UTV Audio Roofs. Set out on the summer trails with MB Quart UTV Tuned Audio Roofs, exclusively engineered for Polaris RZR Trail and Polaris RANGER UTV vehicles. Get ready to embrace immersive overhead audio playback and redefine expectations.

With three Polaris RZR Trail and three Polaris RANGER UTV Tuned Audio Roofs to choose from in the MB Quart UTV Tuned Audio Roof lineup, you’ll be able to find that perfect audio roof companion for your Polaris RZR Trail or Polaris RANGER UTV vehicle.

To learn more, click here.

KICKER At The American Flat Track At The DUQUOIN Mile

DUQUOIN IL (07.07.25) The Progressive American Flat Track Series continued Saturday night July 5th with Round 8 at the DuQuoin State Fairgrounds with the Memphis Shades DuQuoin Mile. KICKER was set up outside the main entrance to the DuQuoin State Fair arena under a large tent. Lorin Morrell was joined by AFT Merchandise and Memphis Shades staff members. Memphis Shades was the Race Sponsor for Round 8.

The KICKER tent was set up right out front of the entrance.

The weather was hot and humid on the day after the 4th of July but all were Livin’Loud during the event on the track and in the booth. With the KICKER tent positioned right outside the entrance nobody missed the KICKER setup entering or leaving the event.

A wide selection of KICKER products was displayed.

“American Flat Tack and bike enthusiasts all recognize the KICKER brand and many stopped by the booth to see the latest products we had on display on the tables. At this event several people mentioned the KICKER gear they had on their bike or pickup. As a family event many children came along and were introduced to the KICKER brand. The racing was amazing too” Morrell related.

Racing on the track was amazing and intense.

Concluding “The racing on the mile track was action packed and we could hear the crowd cheering from the KICKER tent. The next race is at the Short Track at Lucas Oil Speedway Lucas Oil Speedway in Wheatland MO on July 18th. All will be Livin’Loud there as the 2025 American Flat Track series continues.”

Riders racing to the finish line!

For more see kicker.com

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