DIAMOND BAR, CA (08.27.26) – The 2026 SEMA Show is building momentum across key categories, including collision repair and vehicle restyling. For repair and refinishing professionals, this year’s Show will deliver a comprehensive look at the latest products, equipment, and technologies shaping the industry.

The SEMA Show’s dedicated Restyling and Collision Repair & Refinish sections will feature hundreds of exhibiting brands, giving shop owners, technicians, and builders access to solutions designed to improve efficiency, quality, and turnaround times. From advanced repair equipment to refinishing components, attendees will find a full spectrum of products designed to meet the evolving needs of modern repair and car care facilities.

The recently released SEMA Market Report estimates the repair and refinishing-related aftermarket represents roughly $9 billion in annual consumer spending, driven by demand for body upgrades, appearance products, paint and refinishing materials, wraps, window tint, and lighting products. The report underscores the strength of these categories within the broader automotive aftermarket and highlights their importance to repair, refinishing, and customization businesses.

Within that broader market, exterior restyling remains a major growth area, exceeding $6 billion in annual consumer spending, reflecting sustained consumer demand for vehicle personalization through products such as grilles, body upgrades, wraps, graphics, lighting, running boards, exterior trim, and other appearance enhancements.

The Restyling and Collision Repair & Refinish sections are anchored by long-standing industry brands, including 3M, Avery Dennison, Katzkin Automotive Leather, Pro Spot, Rust-Oleum, SATA, Snap-on, Sonax Premium Car Care, and XPEL. Their continued participation highlights both the heritage and innovation that drive this critical segment of the aftermarket.

“The collision repair and restyling segments are essential to keeping vehicles safe, functional, and looking their best,” said SEMA Vice President of Events Tom Gattuso. “From cutting-edge repair technologies to craftsmanship-driven restyling and car-care products, these sections demonstrate how the industry continues to evolve. Long-standing leaders and new innovators alike reinforce the strength, expertise, and forward momentum of this category.”

Overall, exhibitor commitments for the 2026 SEMA Show have surpassed 1 million net square feet, with more than 2,000 brands preparing to connect with a global audience Nov. 3-6 in Las Vegas. The event remains one of the largest and most influential trade shows in the country, reflecting sustained growth and investment across the automotive aftermarket.

In addition to collision repair and restyling, the 2026 SEMA Show will feature strong participation across performance, trucks, powersports, mobile electronics, tools, and emerging technologies. Major OEMs, including Toyota, Ford, Honda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, and Stellantis, will also return, strengthening the connection between factory engineering and aftermarket solutions.

Attendees can also explore signature features such as the New Products Showcase, Battle of the Builders, and FutureTech Studio, offering valuable insights into the trends, skills, and technologies shaping the future of vehicle repair and car care.

The 2026 SEMA Show will take place Nov. 3-6 in Las Vegas as part of the broader “SEMA Week” experience, which includes public access on Friday and the high-energy SEMA Fest.

For more information or to register, visit www.semashow.com.

LIBERTYVILLE, IL (08.27.26) – ALL-NEW Hifonics x Kawasaki NAV® 4e LIMITED audio systems deliver an upgraded, fully integrated sound that hits HARD, plays CLEAN, and KEEPS UP with every task — innovated by POWER FROM THE GODS.

Featuring a 7-inch waterproof touchscreen source unit, four 6.5-inch waterproof 2-way speakers, and a 320-watt Class-D amplifier, the Kawasaki NAV® 4e LIMITED OEM Hifonics Audio System cuts through every outdoor environment with a clean and immersive soundstage that brings out more detail from your audio.

Add the dedicated Hifonics Subwoofer Kit for deeper, low-impact bass that includes an 8-inch subwoofer and subwoofer enclosure with a200-watt Class-D amplifier, and feel BIGGER BASS on any terrain.

For more information, click here.

STILLWATER, OK (08.26.26) – KICKER/Stillwater Designs looked internally to name its newest National Sales Director, and company veteran Matt Matheson will now fill that role for the mobile-audio manufacturer.  Matheson has worked as KICKER’s Northeast Regional Sales Manager for the past 11 years and will continue to serve in that role while taking on his newest duties.

“Matt has done an outstanding job shaping (the Northeast) region into a top performer for the KICKER brand,” said Tom Heath, KICKER Vice President of Global Sales and Marketing.  “He’ll do a great job in this new position of leadership.”

“This is a good move for the brand,” said Steve Irby, KICKER President.  “Matt has always impressed during his 19 years here, and his dedication and energy will continue to inspire colleagues who appreciate his skills and hard work.”

Matheson began his 12-volt career as a diligent 16-year-old, working nights after school and weekends as an installer.  He eventually worked his way into retail sales and management leading to the 2008 hiring at KICKER in OEM product design and development.  He held that position until 2015 when he was promoted to Regional Sales.

“Matt has always prided himself in taking care of all customers, including the people with which he works,” Heath continued.  “His sales reps, dealers and distributors can attest to his commitment and attention to detail.”

Visit kicker.com for more.

LOS ANGELES, CA (08.26.26) – Massive Audio is proud to announce the launch of the BOA82R, an 8-inch subwoofer engineered to deliver deep, controlled bass output in vehicles where enclosure space is limited.

The BOA82R pairs a carbon fiber cone assembly with an oversized triple-stack magnet motor structure, allowing the driver to move air with authority while maintaining the cone control and accuracy that serious listeners expect.

“Compact subwoofers usually ask the customer to give something up, whether that is output, control, or long-term durability,” said John Velez, Sales Manager at Massive Audio. “With the BOA82R we focused on the motor structure and the cone materials, so an 8-inch driver can hit hard and still stay clean.”

Built for Output and Control

The BOA82R is built around a die-cast frame basket and an oversized triple-stack magnet assembly, providing the rigid foundation and magnetic force required for consistent performance under demanding power levels.

Key features include:

• 8-inch subwoofer platform
• Die-cast frame basket
• Oversized triple-stack magnet motor structure
• Dual 2-ohm voice coil configuration
• CCAR flat-wire voice coil windings
• Carbon fiber cone
• Foam surround
• Carbon fiber dust cap
• Aluminum gasket
• Premium wooden box packaging

The dual 2-ohm voice coil configuration gives installers flexibility in wiring single and multiple subwoofer systems, allowing final impedance to be matched to the amplifier driving them.

Advanced Materials, Controlled Motion

The carbon fiber cone and matching carbon fiber dust cap resist flex under high excursion, helping the driver reproduce low frequencies without the distortion that comes from cone deformation. The foam surround supports long, repeatable excursion while allowing the assembly to return accurately to rest.

CCAR flat-wire windings sit more densely inside the motor gap than conventional round wire, placing more conductor material where the magnetic force is applied. Combined with the oversized triple-stack magnet structure, the result is strong, well-controlled cone motion.

The die-cast frame basket resists the flex and resonance associated with stamped baskets, keeping the motor and cone assembly in proper alignment. An aluminum gasket finishes the mounting surface and supports a secure, clean seal against the enclosure baffle.

Every BOA82R ships in premium wooden box packaging, protecting the driver in transit and presenting well on the shelf and at the counter.

Designed for Enthusiasts and Professionals

Whether the goal is adding real low-end to a factory system, building a compact sealed enclosure behind a truck seat, or running multiple drivers in a custom install, the BOA82R delivers output and durability from a footprint that fits where larger subwoofers cannot.

Big bass, compact footprint.

For product specifications, availability, and authorized Massive Audio dealers, visit the Massive Audio website or contact the company directly.

Visit MassiveAudio.com for more.

BOCA RATON, FL (08.25.26) – Upgrade your Audi without replacing the Factory Experience

“A customer loves their Audi, but the technology feels dated.”

What if you could give your customers’ Audi the technology of a brand-new vehicle—without sacrificing the factory look, controls, or functionality?

In our newest product demonstration, Steve Cope, ZZ2 Sales Manager, walks through one of our most popular upgrades: transforming a 2016 Audi A6 equipped with the factory 6″ display into a modern 10.25″ DIZZPLAY HD touchscreen.

During this hands-on demonstration, Steve explains why DIZZPLAY Screen Replacement is much more than just another aftermarket screen. Designed specifically for BMW, Audi, and Mercedes-Benz vehicles, DIZZPLAY preserves the factory systems your customers already trust while delivering the modern connectivity they expect.

In this video, you’ll learn:
✔ Replacement without being too intrusive, while preserving the factory aesthetics.

✔ How DIZZPLAY Screen Replacement retains factory Bluetooth, microphone, steering wheel controls, and OEM integration.

✔ The benefits of the ultra-fast zOS operating system and MFI Certified Chip made for iPhone.

✔ Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto functionality.

✔ Why dealers are choosing DIZZPLAY Screen Replacement over generic Android screen solutions.

✔ How a simple upgrade can completely transform the driving experience.

The result is a larger, high-definition touchscreen that looks like it belongs in the vehicle from the factory—only smarter, faster, and more connected.

DIZZPLAY Screen Replacement combines OEM integration with wireless smartphone connectivity, HD touchscreens available in multiple sizes, front and rear camera support on select models, USB media playback, and a 3-year warranty backed by U.S.-based technical support.

Whether you’re introducing DIZZPLAY Screen Replacement to your showroom, adding it to your installation catalog, or helping customers modernize older luxury vehicles, this video is an excellent resource for learning how to present its value with confidence.

▶ Watch the Full Product Walkthrough on YouTube
Explore the features and discover why DIZZPLAY Screen Replacement is becoming the premium screen replacement solution for Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz owners

To learn more, click here.

DIAMOND BAR, CA (08.25.26) – The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) has announced that Brian Pagel has joined the organization’s executive leadership team as Chief Revenue Officer, a strategic role focused on strengthening SEMA’s ability to serve its members, support industry growth, and advance the association’s long-term mission.

In this role, Pagel will work closely with SEMA CEO Mike Spagnola, the Board of Directors, and the executive leadership team to align business strategy with mission delivery, operational excellence, and long-term organizational sustainability. His responsibilities include supporting SEMA’s marketing, sales, membership, events, and revenue management functions, while helping ensure the association continues to invest in programs, services, and initiatives that benefit members and the broader specialty-equipment industry.

“Brian brings the experience, industry knowledge, and strategic mindset needed to help SEMA deliver even greater value to our members and the broader specialty-equipment community,” said Spagnola. “As a nonprofit association, our focus is on reinvesting in programs, advocacy, events, research, education, and services that help our industry succeed. Brian’s leadership will help ensure we are building the resources, partnerships, and opportunities needed to support our members today and into the future.”

Pagel brings extensive experience leading business development, strategic partnerships, events, media brands, and growth initiatives across the trade association and B2B event sectors. Most recently, he served as Executive Vice President at Emerald, where he was responsible for business development tied to strategic association partnerships, new acquisition opportunities, and the management of a portfolio of 64 B2B trade shows, hosted buyer events, conferences, and companion assets. In that role, he managed a 200-person portfolio with 10 direct reports and $130 million in P&L responsibility, while driving sustained improvements in portfolio performance, including double-digit EBITDA growth in three of the past four years.

“I’m honored to join SEMA and support its work on behalf of the specialty-equipment industry,” said Pagel. “SEMA has a powerful mission, a passionate membership, and an important role in helping businesses innovate, grow, and succeed. I look forward to working with Mike, the Board, and teams across the association to strengthen member value, build meaningful partnerships, and ensure SEMA continues investing in programs and opportunities that move the industry forward.”

Pagel will help develop and implement a multi-year strategy aligned with SEMA’s organizational goals, establish performance metrics, support membership growth and retention, and work with department leaders on planning, goal development, and operational priorities. He will also help align member engagement and business-development efforts with SEMA’s marketing, communications, and brand positioning.

The appointment reflects SEMA’s continued commitment to strengthening its leadership team and ensuring the association is positioned to meet the evolving needs of its members and the industry. Pagel will report to Spagnola and serve as a key member of SEMA’s senior leadership team.

For more information, visit www.sema.org.