TEMPE, AZ (08.19.25) – Mobile Solutions, the global leader in professional automotive fabrication tools and training, proudly celebrates its 20th anniversary. Founded in 2005 by industry veteran Bryan Schmitt, Mobile Solutions has grown from a grassroots vision into a world-renowned brand, empowering fabricators, installers, and technicians across the globe.

“We’re celebrating two decades of fabrication tools and training, and it’s all thanks to you,” said Bryan Schmitt, founder and president of Mobile Solutions. “Looking back on our milestones, I’m incredibly proud of the community and family we’ve become. Thank you to everyone who has supported us on this journey.”

From the company’s iconic fabrication tools such as the Router tools – bits and Smart Templates, to its transformative hands-on workshops, Mobile Solutions has consistently raised the bar for quality, education, and innovation. At the core of its success is a world-class training program that has shaped the careers of thousands of professionals over the past two decades. Through immersive, in-person classes and real-world instruction, Mobile Solutions has become the trusted resource for advanced fabrication, audio system design, and interior customization training.

“Huge congratulations to my great friends, Bryan and Michele Schmitt, on 20 years of Mobile Solutions,” said Jeremy Carlson of Avant Guard Design, Palm City, Fla. “Your drive, dedication, and passion have brought the 12-volt community closer together while setting a new standard for education in our industry. For over 12 years, I’ve had the privilege of teaching classes at Mobile Solutions, and each visit reminds me how much I enjoy giving back to the industry that helped shape who I am today. Here’s to 20 incredible years of innovation, mentorship, and community, and to many more to come.”

Said Christerfer Pate of Mobile Toys Inc., College Station, Texas, “Congratulations to my close friend and brother from another mother, Bryan Schmitt, on 20 incredible years of innovation, mentorship, and education, and for creating a platform that continues to bring our industry together and drive it forward. All of us here at MTI are proud of everything you and your team have achieved. Thank you for all that you do.”

Added Phill Cantu of Mobile Toys Inc., College Station, Texas, “I want to congratulate my friend and mentor on 20 incredible years in business. You’ve pioneered countless innovative tools, techniques, and ideas, creating a home for like-minded individuals to collaborate, learn, and push the boundaries of what’s possible. What started as a place to build and grow turned out to be so much more. The skills gained and the friendships formed are part of a lasting legacy. I’m proud to have played even a small role in car audio history through my involvement with @mobilesolutionsfabrication. Thank you, Bryan, and the entire team, for shaping such a huge part of the industry I love.”

Concluded Justin Marks Team of Witt Customs, Nashville Tenn., “I want to congratulate Bryan, his amazing wife Michele, and the entire @mobilesolutionsfabrication team for the knowledge, opportunities, growth, and lifelong relationships I’ve gained through the incredible community they’ve built. Thank you for everything you’ve done.”

Join us in celebrating 20 years of craftsmanship, education, and innovation. Here’s to the next chapter!

For more information, visit www.mobilesolutions-usa.com.

LONG BEACH, CA (08.19.25) – KENWOOD and JVC Mobile Electronics are pleased to announce the addition of Phillip Patterson as the company’s new Digital Marketing Manager.

Phillip brings a fresh perspective to the mobile electronics industry, joining the team from outside the field with an impressive background in graphic arts, social media management, and creative brand development. His past experience includes producing impactful packaging and digital content for well-known consumer brands such as Skechers and Penguin Cases, where his innovative designs and marketing strategies helped elevate brand visibility and customer engagement.

In his new role, Phillip will focus on enhancing KENWOOD and JVC’s online presence, driving digital engagement, and providing new tools and resources to support the company’s network of dealers. With his strong creative skill set and proven track record in digital marketing, Phillip is uniquely positioned to help strengthen the connection between the brands and their customers while delivering fresh, engaging content across platforms.

“We are excited to welcome Phillip to the KENWOOD and JVC family,” said Scott Caswell Director of Marketing. “His creativity, experience, and passion for design will play a vital role in how we evolve our marketing efforts and deliver greater value to our partners and customers.”

Phillip Patterson officially joined the team in June. Please join us in welcoming him as he begins this new chapter with KENWOOD and JVC.

To check out the full lineup and compatibility details, visit:
👉 www.kenwood.com/usa

SEASIDE, CA (08.19.25) – Marina Auto Stereo hosted their 9th Annual SQ Showdown at the company’s location in Seaside on Sunday, August 10. EMMA, MASQ and WCA formats were offered.

Ryan Stacks, Shop Owner, related “The store has been here for 22 years and I’ve owned it for 10 years. We work with people and organizations in the community and that helps us drive business. We have worked with local families for years and they think of us for 12volt products in their vehicles. Our 9th Annual SQ Competition was very good and we’re looking forward to our 10th event next summer.”

Linda Kobayashi and Richard Papasin were on site judging the SQ Competition that took place in the parking lot adjacent to the store. Noted competitors, including Mark Bruno, were on site. Bruno was the big winner at the recent Steel Valley Regional in West Virginia. Papasin was also onsite judging at the SVR2025.

For more see marinaautostereo.com

12VOLT CENTRAL STUDIOS (08.16.25) The 12volt Spin-to-Win Wheel was created to bring an element of fun to the 12volt industry. The weekly 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel is now spinning in Year 7.

The 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel rolled for the 334th time on Friday morning on August 15th. The Wheel landed on the JBL space and the Snow’s Auto slip was drawn from the jar. An Instagram post of the winning spin slip was posted. A video of the Wheel spin was also posted. 

We reached out to the winning retailer to let them know the good news Shawn Spedding will be sending their JBL Prize. Steve answered the phone and was very happy to hear the news. Their business out there is rocking with a lot of lift kits, wheels and tires in addition to mainline 12volt products for consumers in the Spokane WA area..

Spinning out a winner each Friday, a lucky 12volt retailer can win a cool prize and top brands receive visibility across the 12volt marketplace.

12volt brands with a space on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel include KICKER, RDV, PowerBass, CRUX, JBL, Kenwood, JVC, Race Sport Lighting, EBS Audio, King Boxes, Massive Audio, Q Power and VIPER. 12volt News and 12voltBeat $100. cash awards also have spaces on the 12volt Spin-To-Wheel for the winning 12volt retailer.

Past winners of the 12volt Spin-To-Win include…Stereo & Video Center-Tyler TX, The Outlaw Garage-Franklin TN, Exotic Sounds-West Palm Beach FL, Endless Possibilities-Aurora IL., Go Auto Sound in Union City NJ, Al&Ed’s South Bay CA, No Limitz Car Audio in Upland CA, Neil’s Specialty-Eureka CA, Sturgess Customs-Lexington SC, Audio By Art-San Antonio TX, SMS Car Audio in Marreo LA and Sweet Wheelz in Mississauga Ontario Canada, Cartronics in Biscayne FL, The CarAudio Shop in St Louis MO, Exotic Sounds in West Palm Beach FL, High North Customs in Grand Prairie Alberta Canada and AMS Audio in Bakersfield CA, Team QRT in Abbeyville LA and California Sound in Fontana CA and Jackie Cooper Electronics, Oklahoma City OK, MARS Audio-Orlando FL, All American Audio in Nutley NJ, Proline Car Stereo in Brooklyn NY, Custom Shop Miami, Tunes and Tint in Lakeland FL, Mobile Concepts Inc in Mokena IL, Seismic Auto Sound in Concord CA, Brooklyn Car Audio in Brooklyn NY, Audio Solutions in Florence MS, Enhanced Customs in Largo FL, Rayco Auto Clinic, Audio Design in San Jose CA, Go Bass Mode in Florida, Avenue Sound in Freeport NY, Audio Plus in Riverview FL, Stereo Zone in Whittier CA, In-Phase Car Audio in Omaha NE, AutoLife Group, N&H Electronics, SK Customs, Land & Sea, The Audio One, NC Custom Shop,Tint World Orlando, Ricky Smith’s Audio, VIP Custom Woks, Mobile Audio Concepts, Audio Lad, Sound Sensations, Dave’s Stereo, Stereo Design, Badlands Customs, Custom Audio-Erie PA, Voltz Autosports-Bridgeport CT, Infinity Sound and Security-Kissimmee, Autosport Plus-Canton OH, Stereo City Pros in Carmichael CA, Devine Concepts in Naples FL, The Sound Shop in Indian Trail NC, Extreme Performance Audio in Fresno CA, Audio Depot in Arlington TX, Audio Security in Houston TX, Earmark Car Audio and Marine in Lewisville TX, Audio Jam in Bear DE, Stereo City Ontario, Ontario CA, Audio By Art, San Antonio TX, Code Zero Customs in Tulsa OK, Ken’s Car Tunes in Mobile AL, Soundz Plus in Naperville IL, Markland Designs in Lithonia GA, Electronics Plus in Salinas CA, Xtreme Autosports in Santa Clarita CA, Superior Audio Sounds in San Angelo TX, Model Electronics in Ramsey NJ, Texas Dreamz Customs in Spring TX, Wired Electronics in Linden NJ and Intense Car Audio in OKC, OK, Underground Auto in Sarasota FL, Car Toys Tulsa in Tulsa OK,  Real Audio in Erie PA, Go Autosound in Union NJ, DFM Stereo in Ukiah CA, Impact Tint and Audio in Tyler TX, Mobile Sound Systems in Arlington TX, Redline Audio and Performance In Spindale NC, Car Audio Land in San Diego CA, Audio X Custom Car Audio in Florence AL, River Oaks Car Stereo in Houston TX, American Radio Orlando in Sanford FL, Illustrious Customs in Woodbridge VA, Remote Start Pros in Lawrence MA, HiPro Audio in Victoria TX, AudioPlanetNY in Huntington Station NY, Endless Possibilities in Aurora IL, Audio Finesse in Santa Monica, Drive Customs in San Luis Obispo CA, Custom Works, Noblesville IN, AtoZ Detail in West Haven CT, Cars 843 in Charleston SC, CarTunes Atlanta in Atlanta GA, Mobile Concepts in Garwood NJ, Duke’s Car Stereo in Flint MI, Infinity Auto Sound, King Car Audio in Norwalk CT, PopTronics in Baltimore MD, Sanford Sound in Sanford ME,  Angelvip2474 in Draper UT, Dynamic Car Audio in Baltimore MD, Hi-Pro Audio in Victoria TX, Car Stereo Max in Houston, Pro Audio Center in Richland MS, Rhodes Off-Roads in Farmington MO, Model Electronics in Ramsey NJ, Class A Sounds in Athens OH. Just Audio Video in North Providence RI, CT_Custom in Philadelphia, Audio Solutions in Florence MS and The Audio Shop RC in Rapid City SD, DG Motorsportz in High Point NC, ST Mobile in Texarkana TX, AR Custom OC in Orange CA, Temecula Mobile Sound in Temecula CA,  Unique Auto Sound in Lindenhurst NY, D’s Garage in Corona CA and DS2 Mobile Solutionz in Tomball TX, C G Car Audio in Kissimmee FL, California Audio in West Valley City UT and The Action Audio Store in Wethersfield CT, Eclipse Car Audio in Vancouver WA, Electronics Depot Car Audio in Altamonte Springs FL. Car Audio Garage in Pearland TX, Pinnacle Autosound in Lake City FL, J H Audio in Bowling Green VA, The Car Audio Shop StL in High Ridge MO, Anthonys Car Stereo in North Highlands CA, Flynn Audio in Middleton WI, Living Loud Car Audio in Pelham AL, Trail Star Audio in Minnesota, On The Spot Audio in Pennsauken NJ, Animated Car Audio in Essex MD, West Coast Car Audio in Citrus Heights CA, Modified Auto Sound in East Alton IL, Star Car Audio in Hermiston OR, VapeNAudio in Clovis CA, SoundWorks in Millersville MD Eclipse Car Audio in Vancouver WA, J A Custom Audio in Houston TX Jose Electronics in North Hills CA,  Sound Proof Car Stereo in Douglasville GA, Auto Additions in Springfield IL, Elite Car Audio in Hollywood CA, Masters Car Stereo in Greenville SC, Audio Plus in Eden NC, Seismic AutoSound in Novato CA, Car Audio Addicts in Pittsburgh PA and AudioKing Tinting in Yakima WA, Arias Tint and Alarms in Duncanville TX, Odeh Car Audio in Gadsden AL, 12volt Specialist in Newark DE, Cutting Edge Audio in San Diego CA, Southern Auto Fab in Lafayette LA, California Sound in Fontana CA, Big Boyz Toyz in Florence SC, 740 Audio in Athens OH and 12volt Outfitters in Hollywood FL., High Quality Auto Sound, Lawrence MA, Custom Car Stereo SC in Spartanburg SC, Zier Box in Dallas TX, Maximum in Manville NJ, Audio Car Stereo in Miami FL, Mach 1 Audio in Washington MO, Doren Car Stereo in Queens Village NY, Side-x-Side Audio in South Charleston WV, Sound Concept in Nanuet NY, Pda Road Gear in Littleton CO and A-Plus Audio and Tinting  Newington CT, Audio Electronics in Indianapolis IN, Tint and Sound in Frederick MD, Tint World Wilmington DE, VIP Autoworks in Mentor OH, All Out Audio in Killeen TX, Yong’s Audio in Indianapolis IN, Custom Audio Concepts in Lima OH, Clear Vibrations in Quakertown PA, The Outlaw Garage in Columbia TN, Xpert Car Audio in Layton UT, No Doubt Window Tint in Ardmore OK, San Diego Car Stereo in San Diego CA, Smart Audio in Lawrence MA, Car Audio One in Chula Vista CA, Audio Excellence in Orlando FL, Ultimate Sounds 1 in Wilmington NC, King Kong Custom Audio in Albuquerque NM. Manny’s Customs in Stockton CA, OD Car Audio in Pasco WA, Car Tunes on Line in Largo FL, INOV8 Audio in Houston TX, Kartel Mobile Electronics in Waterbury CT, Pro Auto Sound in Hialeah FL Mobile AVC in Brunswick ME, Fabulous Auto Alarms in Passaic NJ, Jimmy_Sound_System in Lawrence MA, American Audio Concepts in Houston TX, Arias Tint and Alarm in Duncanville TX, Big Papas Car Audio in Cincinnati OH, Houston Audio Lab in Houston TX, 901 Sound in Memphis TN, Kurtz Car Stereo in Traverse City MI, Sound By Stephen, Music In Motion in Alsip IL, Current Automotive Design in Sparta NJ, Prestige Sounds in Pompano Beach FL, Mobile AVC in Brunswick ME, Telza Audio in Columbia SC, Limelight Automotive in Webster NY, Victory Lap Auto Restyling East Moline IL, Unique Audio VA in Lorton VA, Builds by Paul in Litchfield AZ, Voodoo Customs in Haltom City TX, Elevated Design in Phoenix AZ, Mobilework/Tintworks in Santa Maria CA, Nappo Car Audio in Houston, Platinum Car Audio in Washington, Ballistic Audiowerks in Smithsburg MD,  Xteme-Car Audio in Bremerton WA, Beltline Motors in Decatur AL, Ultimate Sounds in Chattanooga TN, Santa Fe Auto Sound in Overland Park KS, Soundelux Car Audio in Chula Vista CA, Kartele Mobile Electronics in Waterbury CT, BK Audio in Pasco WA, CenCal Audio in Madura CA, Xtreme Auto Sound in Louisville KY,  Victorylap Auto Styling in East Moline IL, Car Trendz in Alexandria VA, BLVD Customs in Lakeland FL, Audio Systems in Montclair CA, Fitment_nyc_shop in Jamaica NY, King Audio in Norwalk CT. Foss Audio in Tukwila WA, OG Car Audio in Kissimmee FL, Tint and Tunes in Sacramento CA, Dr Dashboard in Evansville IN, The Sound Shop in Chino CA, Extreme Concepts in Albertville AL,The-King of Custom in Longwood FL, Car Audio Depot in Modesto CA and Audio Dreams in Acworth GA, PCH Custom Audio in Long Beach CA, Crazy Ralph’s Car Stereo in Gonzales LA,  Joe’s Cycle Therapy in Somerset MA, Cal Custom Audio in Tracy CA, NWA Audio in Bentonville AR,  XT Audio in Miami, Tim’s Audio in Newport OR, Build’s By Paul in Litchfield AZ, DAW Discount Audio in Paramount CA and M12 Audio in Bluefield WVA,  Jam City Pros in Caddo Mills TX, Finishline Shop in Lumberton NJ, Genuine Custom Audio in Riverside CA,Ballistic Autowerks in Hagerstown MD, Jeff’s Custom Car Audio in Royce TX, Pitbull’s in Houston, Aspen Sound in North Spokane WA, CP Designs in Jarrell TX and D&B Sales in Ft Wayne IN, Precision Custom Audio in Riverview FL, The King of Custom, Active Sound in NC,  Car Stereo Plus in Sumter SC,  Audioworks DE in Newark DE, Active Sounds in NC  Speed Car Audio in Dallas, Voodoo Customs in Luling LA,  BK Customs 616 in Grand Rapids MI, TPD HiFI in Broken Bow OK, HiFi Crusin’ in Hattiesburg MS, Superior Audio Sounds in San Angelo TX Intense Kustom Audio in Brentwod NY, California Audio in West Valley UT, H A  Ross Entertainment, Voodoo Customs in Haltom TX, Absolutely Creative Customs in Boulder CO, Mobile Sound in Temecula CA, Redline Auto Sports in Hicksville NY, Sparked Innovations in Knoxville TN, Boosted Build in Warrenton OR and Prodigy Car Audio in Manteca CA.

Congratulations to all.

WTF……Win This Friday……See the next 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel on Friday, August 22nd.

WINCHESTER BAY, OR (08.15.25) – The UTV Takeover in Winchester Bay had an amazing turnout for the event running from August 5th through the 10th. UTV Stereo and area dealer The RP Store partnered for a strong presence at the event under the tent stacked with UTV Stereo gear with The RP Store’s Maverick K beside the tent.

Colby Boeser, Outside Sales Director, travel from the company’s HQ in Mesa AZ to support the key area retailer. “We like to come out and support our dealers and drive sales through them and give them product knowledge to drive sales with UTV enthusiast in throughout area. We attend many UTV events and want to show all how to…Be the loudest on the Trail!”

Matt Mann and Chris Rupherford joined Colby underneath the tent that included a wide selection of UTV Stereo products. In addition, The RP Store also had their decked out Maverick K loaded with UTV Stereo gear on display for enthusiast demos.

Mann related “Side-by-Side sales make up a lot of our business in Woodburn and participating at events like the UTV Takeover really creates excitement. Many customers want to upgrade their UTVs before the event to enjoy their sound on the trails. Others at the event learn about our products underneath the tent and set up appointments to come into the store make upgrades to their UTVs.”

The RP Store, in business since 2017, is nearly 200 miles from the event in Winchester Bay but enthusiast travel all across Oregon and beyond to attend the event. Woodburn is a town of about 26,000 but business is very strong at their store. Outside the store they place completed projects out front so people driving in the area can see their work and have a chance to come into the store and learn more.

UTV Stereo is definitely a large player in the UTV aftermarket upgrade area. The company’s HQ also features a large showroom sales area with UTV models on display from many brands.

For more see utvstereo.com.

OXNARD, CA (08.15.25) – BOSS Elite proudly announced it has named Dallas-based A&W Distributors its new partner for the Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Arkansas (TOLA) territory, effective immediately.

“We selected A&W Distributors because of their proven track record of performance, strong regional presence, and alignment with our core values,” said Nick Sugino, Regional Sales Manager. “Their commitment to service, dealer support, and market development made them a clear choice for driving our brand forward in a competitive landscape.”

A&W Distributors were drawn to partner with BOSS and Elite because of their strong brand recognition, commitment to innovation, and ability to consistently deliver high-value products at accessible price points. There’s a growing demand for affordable, feature-rich solutions that offer seamless integration with modern vehicles and consumer tech, especially CarPlay & Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, touchscreen displays, and smartphone compatibility. BOSS and Elite are ahead of the curve in this space, offering products that check all the boxes for today’s end users while maintaining an aggressive price-to-performance ratio.

“What truly sets them apart is their ability to merge modern design with reliable performance across a wide range of categories…from head units to marine audio,” said Kane Naghwai, A&W Distributors Sales and Purchasing Manager. “Their refreshed packaging and updated branding also position them well for success at the retail level. Our customers are looking for dependable products that deliver value, and our dealers want something they can confidently stand behind. BOSS and Elite strike that balance perfectly.”

Sugino concluded, “This partnership is a strategic step in strengthening our distribution network and enhancing our ability to deliver consistent value to our dealers and end customers. “It reflects our broader brand strategy of deepening market penetration, improving customer support, and positioning our products where they can have the greatest impact.”

For more information on A&W Distributors, please visit www.awdistributors.com.

For more information on BOSS Elite, please visit bosselite.com

RESEDA, CA (08.15.25) – Upgrade your Honda HR-V with ease. The CRUX SWRHN-62HV is a pre-programmed, plug-and-play radio replacement interface with built-in steering wheel control retention, designed for select 2015–2022 Honda HR-V vehicles. Engineered for seamless installation, it retains the factory multi-angle rearview camera, auxiliary input, and USB ports.

Key Features:

• Retains factory multi-angle rearview camera, steering wheel controls, auxiliary input, and USB ports.
• Pre-programmed SWC Retention for quick installation—no button mapping required.
• Includes outputs for reverse, illumination, parking brake, and vehicle speed sense.
• Complete kit includes antenna adapter and USB retention cable.

The Smarter, Cleaner Upgrade
Enjoy an aftermarket radio without losing your HR-V’s OEM features while being an all in one kit—no complicated programming or extra modules needed.

Available now through authorized CRUX dealers and distributors.

For more information, click here.