SHREVEPORT, LA (05.09.25) – 12VOLT CENTRAL STUDIOS (05.09.25) From the 12volt Central Studios our staff works to showcase positives across the 12volt industry. New products, events and the activities of 12volt industry members on the road are showcased. Now it’s the end of Week 1 of May 2025 and members of the 12volt industry are battling Tariffs, inflation and uncertainty.
The 12volt STP Tool makes it easier than ever to showcase a company’s positive activities and products. Snap and Txt an image….PRESTO your company’s positive news and activities could be in the news. 318 469 2526 is the number. With the advent of social media, Facebook and Instagram platforms became key vehicles to deliver information and news. The fact remains people still need, and look forward to, receiving positive news. That is also true for the business realm that includes the 12volt Industry.
To deliver fresh industry news to members of the mobile electronics industry the 12volt Central Studios posts articles on 12voltnews.com each business day and makes multiple posts on Instagram and Facebook each day. The 12volt STP Tool was created in 2020 for members of the 12volt industry to send their news to the 12volt Central Studios. Snap and Txt an image to 318 469 2526. PRESTO, your positive news could be delivered to members of the 12volt industry.
On Instagram and Facebook @12voltnews has over 14,000 followers on each platform. Those followers are dedicated members of the 12volt industry.
Look forward to seeing your company’s brand and positive activities in the 12volt Central Studios.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (05.09.25) – Registration is officially open for the 2025 SEMA Show, the world’s leading automotive aftermarket event. Returning to Las Vegas, Nev., November 4-7, 2025, the Show brings together the most influential minds, innovative brands, and trend-setting builders, making it the ultimate destination for anyone serious about the business of the automotive aftermarket industry.
Filling every square foot of indoor and outdoor space at the Las Vegas Convention Center and featuring more than 2,000 exhibitors, the SEMA Show is where groundbreaking products debut, game-changing ideas take shape, impactful business relationships are made, and custom vehicles steal the spotlight. From performance and restoration to off-road and advanced technologies, this is where the industry’s future comes alive.
The 2025 event builds on the incredible momentum of the 2024 SEMA Show, which drew tremendous support from every corner of the industry. From packed exhibit halls and dynamic activations to the popular SEMA Fest concert and the open-to-the-public Friday Experience, the 2024 Show reaffirmed SEMA’s role as the industry’s most vital and unifying platform. That strong foundation sets the stage for an even bigger and more impactful experience this year.
“For businesses navigating a rapidly changing market, the SEMA Show offers more than inspiration—it offers stability and an unmatched environment to future-proof your business,” said SEMA Vice President of Events Tom Gattuso. “In times of uncertainty, SEMA delivers clarity, confidence and opportunity, fueling connections that matter and growth that lasts.”
Pricing: Online registration for qualified professional attendees is $50 per person through Friday, June 27. Starting June 28, the rate increases to $75, and as of September 27, registration online or onsite will be $100. A SEMA Show badge includes access to both the SEMA Show and AAPEX.
The 2025 Show will feature immersive activations throughout the campus, giving attendees a deeper, more hands-on experience across every segment of the industry. Education seminars and networking functions will also take place throughout SEMA week, providing attendees with an unmatched opportunity to learn from and connect with industry experts.
Enthusiasts Welcome: While the SEMA Show is the go-to business hub for automotive professionals, it continues evolving to welcome the broader car culture community—enthusiasts, consumers, and fans who power the passion behind the industry. Through new programs and experiences, SEMA is welcoming automotive aftermarket enthusiasts more than ever.
SEMA Show Friday – Open to the Public takes place on Friday, November 7, giving car culture fans a unique opportunity to explore the excitement of the SEMA Show. With access to the Show floor, curated feature vehicle displays, outdoor demonstrations, and crossover experiences with SEMA Fest, Friday attendees get a rare behind-the-scenes look at the trends and talent shaping the future of the marketplace.
Also open to the public, SEMA Fest returns in 2025 with even more energy and entertainment. Featuring live music, motorsports action, vehicle displays, and lifestyle experiences, this celebration connects the enthusiast community with the creative spirit of the aftermarket. As part of open registration for the SEMA Show, SEMA Fest is releasing a limited number of tickets for both SEMA Show Friday – Open to the Public and the SEMA Fest concert, offering fans and industry insiders the opportunity to purchase tickets at the lowest possible cost. The SEMA Fest artist lineup will be announced later this summer.
“SEMA continues to evolve to serve not only the industry’s professionals but also the passionate enthusiasts who drive the market forward,” said Andy Tompkins, SEMA Trade Show Director. “With expanded experiences like SEMA Fest and SEMA Show Friday – Open to the Public, we’re creating access for people to engage with automotive culture in meaningful and exciting ways and in turn, a growing enthusiast base will help create a stronger industry.”
From product launches to unforgettable live experiences, the SEMA Show brings together everyone who lives and breathes the automotive lifestyle.
Register now and be part of the global gathering that drives the automotive world into the future. Visit www.semashow.com to secure your badge. For updates on SEMA Fest, including musical acts and times, or to purchase SEMA Show Friday – Open to the Public tickets, visit www.semafest.com.
LIBERTYVILLE, IL (05.09.25) – Innovation that’s compact. Sound that’s clean. Feel more from your audio system setup with STREET MACHINE innovation. Autotek STREET MACHINE amplifiers deliver a listening experience that brings out higher sound quality with minimum distortion levels while remaining more compact with a tighter footprint in size. The entire line of STREET MACHINE amplifiers features monoblock, 2-channel, and 4-channel models. Dive deeper into your sound!
Whether you are seeking crisp sound quality or someone who craves powerful playback for a dynamic ride, STREET MACHINE amplifiers offer the perfect blend of power, precision, and reliability. The STREET MACHINE series is built to provide a high-octane audio experience, perfect for audio enthusiasts who want to get the most out of their sound system with compact performance.
SACRAMENTO, CA (05.08.25) – Windshield Skin, the original windshield protection brand, Is making an entrance into the 12volt marketplace. Windshield Skin was an exhibitor at the recent GoFast Mobile Expo 2025 and was welcomed by dealers who attended the event.
Bob Hernandez, GoFast VP, related “Windshield Skin was a hit… Their first time out of the gate at one of our events and they were extremely well received by our dealers. Miya Bray and the Windshield Skin team sold dozens of starter bundles including display stands at our show. Attendees voted Windshield Skin ‘The Best New Opportunity’ exhibited at the Mobile Expo 2025 in a post show survey.”
The Windshield Skin tent offering live demos and products was very busy at the GoFast Expo.
Windshield Skin, the original creators of windshield protection film is proudly reflecting on over 20 years of industry defining progress. First developed in 2004 and officially introduced at SEMA in 2007 Windshield Skin has remained at the forefront of automotive glass protection continuing to set the bar for quality, durability, and performance. With multiple US Patents and a growing list of high profile partnerships Windshield Skin is redefining how drivers protect what matters.
Nick Craig shows a variety of Windshield Skin in-store POP product display items in the Sacramento office.
With distributor expansion across key markets, like the 12volt industry, Windshield Skin is welcoming a new wave of partners. The super stretch universal kits ensure a broad compatibility across vehicle types, combining performance with convenience. Windshield Skin continues to offer hundreds of pre-cut vehicle specific kits. Universal options provide an affordable, high performance solutions that are easy to install thus redefining accessibility for windshield protection. This opportunity fits perfectly with independent 12volt brick and mortar retailers. In addition, the company offers high-quality showroom POP options.
Miya Bray, who traveled from Sacramento to be on site at the GoFast Expo, related “Go Fast Expo CEO Dave Prinz reached out to us a few weeks before their show. He had heard about our products and thought it would be great if we exhibited at the GoFast Expo 2025. All came together very quickly and we were able to send staff and tent along with products for display in time to have it on the floor at their GoFast Expo event. We did many live in booth demonstrations as we applied our Windshield Skin product to Dave’s car. Being on the floor at the GoFast Expo was a great introduction for our products to 12volt specialty retailers and they certainly saw the opportunity with many placing orders.”
Stay tuned for more as Windshield Skin continues to expand across the 12volt industry marketplace.
IRVINE, CA 05.08.25 -(BUSINESS WIRE) – Masimo Corporation (Nasdaq: MASI), a leading global medical innovator, today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell its Sound United consumer audio business to HARMAN International (“HARMAN”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., for an aggregate purchase price of $350 million in cash, subject to certain adjustments. The sale follows the previously announced review of Masimo’s consumer audio business and will support the Company’s strategic focus on driving innovation in its core professional healthcare segment. The transaction is expected to close by the end of 2025, subject to receiving necessary regulatory approvals.
Quentin Koffey, Vice Chairman of Masimo’s Board of Directors, stated, “Finding the right home for this business has been a stated priority of the new Board from day one, and this transaction represents an important milestone as we continue to position the Company to achieve our goals of accelerating revenue growth while delivering disciplined margins. Masimo has tremendous opportunities ahead and we are confident we have the right healthcare-focused strategy, experienced leadership team and culture of innovation in place to build on our significant positive momentum.”
Dave Rogers, President of HARMAN’s Lifestyle division, said, “This acquisition represents a strategic step forward in the expansion of HARMAN’s core audio business and footprint across key product categories such as Home Audio, Headphones, Hi-fi components, and Car Audio. It complements our existing strengths and opens new avenues for growth. Sound United’s portfolio of world-class audio brands including Bowers & Wilkins, Denon and Marantz, will join HARMAN’s iconic family of brands, including JBL, Harman Kardon, AKG, Mark Levinson, Arcam, and Revel. Built on a shared legacy of innovation and excellence in audio technology, this combined family of brands, together with the talented employees of both companies, will deliver complementary audio products, strengthen our value proposition and offer more choices to consumers.”
Katie Szyman, Chief Executive Officer of Masimo, said, “Since I took over as CEO, a key objective has been refocusing our business to ensure we are allocating time and resources to areas of unmet clinical need and driving growth and operational efficiencies. This transaction aligns with these objectives. Our consumer audio business and its talented team will be well positioned for growth and success under HARMAN’s leadership.”
The transaction is subject to the satisfaction or waiver of certain closing conditions, including the receipt of any required regulatory approvals.
Centerview Partners LLC and Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC served as financial advisors to Masimo and Sullivan & Cromwell LLP served as legal advisor to Masimo in connection with the transaction.
LIBERTYVILLE, IL (05.08.25) – Ready to feel a louder punch in your audio? Raise the bar with MB Quart Discus DS2 shallow subwoofers that bring unparalleled clarity in bass delivery while maintaining a shallow subwoofer profile design. The entire line of Discus DS2 shallow subwoofers includes 12-inch (DS2-304), 10-inch (DS2-254), and 8-inch (DS2-204) 4-Ohm DVC shallow subwoofer sizes. If you need more bass gains in those compact or tight vehicle spaces — Discus DS2 subwoofers deliver!
Discus DS2 shallow subwoofers are crafted with innovative precision, featuring a unique cone design and high-excursion capabilities that ensure accurate sound reproduction. The result is a subwoofer that not only delivers powerful bass — but also maintains clarity and fidelity across the entire audio spectrum in your MB Quart car audio setup. These subwoofers boast high-power handling performance, ensuring deep, resonant bass that can be felt as much as it is heard.
TORRANCE, CA (05.07.25) – Rydeen announced the launch of the 2025 digital Catalog; downloadable to your mobile device and PC, it can be projected on a flat panel screen at the office, store, and at home, allows you to browse our entire product line effortlessly. Simply visit our homepage and scan the QR code to explore our offerings at your fingertips without the hassle of carrying printed materials.
“We also want to share exciting updates about our product lineup based on feedback from our valued customers. Our best-selling item [TOMBO360X]. A new product [R10X-SPL] has been upgraded, featuring enhanced functionality and additional important features.”
Our catalog is available for download at the link below. We encourage you to take a look.
See Bruce Gilsdorf is shown with a selection of FlashTech products to be spotlighted at PNWCEE 2025.
METAIRIE, LA (05.07.25) – “FlashTech Lighting is bringing innovation to PNWCEE 2025, showcasing our latest cutting-edge lighting solutions—including our patent-pending Shockwave bulbs and versatile off-road lighting kits. Designed to help shops simplify inventory and boost sales. FlashTech products combine power, flexibility and ease of installation,” Stephen Gordon, company owner, related.
“Come meet our Northwest Sales Rep, Bruce Gilsdorf, to see firsthand how FlashTech is redefining the lighting game. Be sure to check out our ColorChase dynamic lighting line, featuring addressable RGB technology across underbody kits, halos, wheel rings, and more—all controllable via app for stunning visual effects and full customization” Gordon continued.
“Stop by our booth to experience the difference in performance, innovation, and real support that only FlashTech can deliver” Gordon concluded.
WASHINGTON, DC (05.07.25) – The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), on behalf of the nation’s automotive aftermarket industry and millions of automotive enthusiasts across the U.S., issued the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives’ 246-164 vote to overturn California’s Clean Air Act waiver for the state’s Advanced Clean Cars II policy (a.k.a. EV mandates or internal combustion engine vehicle ban):
If you’re going to force 40% of the nation to do your bidding, you better deliver a stronger policy than California’s Advanced Clean Cars II, which will cripple the economy, force families into vehicles they can’t afford, and saddle communities with an untenable, impractical edict with which to contend. California would have you believe there is a pot of gold at the end of the EV rainbow, in the form of millions of jobs installing chargers and expanding the grid, but in truth California would have on their hands the blood of an entire, legacy automotive industry that Americans have grown to rely upon and trust.
Lawmakers in the House on both sides of the aisle see through these lies and understand what’s at stake, and we thank them for slamming the door on EV mandates by voting in favor of a Congressional Review Act resolution to strike down California’s Clean Air Act waiver. Their bipartisan vote will preserve vehicle choice nationwide, particularly at a time when people are keeping vehicles longer, using them to transport their families, and kickstart businesses and careers.
We’re on to the Senate. It’s time for Senate Republicans and Democrats to stand up, declare that California does not speak for our nation, that the Golden State’s policies are not solutions to our country’s issues, and that it is not partisan to say, “I believe in American ingenuity, not mandates.” The Senate must now vote to reclaim what California has stolen: our nation’s ability to bring all options to the table in service of solving the carbon emissions conundrum.
BACKGROUND
SEMA represents the automotive aftermarket industry, a third of which are businesses that are entirely dependent on products for internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. To enact an ICE vehicle ban through EV mandates would represent a significant hit to the nation’s economy by causing irreparable harm to an industry that annually delivers a $337 billioneconomic impact and supports more than 1.3 million American jobs through domestic manufacturing and sales.
33% of the nation’s automotive aftermarket industry is ICE-dependent, representing over $100 billion in economic impact to the U.S. economy, and impacts roughly 330,000 jobs.
SEMA is not anti-EV; rather, it champions a technology-neutral approach that fosters innovation and ingenuity. The association will continue efforts to preserve Americans’ rights to vehicle choice and the automotive aftermarket industry’s ability to design, manufacture, and bring to market products that help solve the emissions challenge.
SEMA and a coalition of 335 small businesses from the automotive aftermarket in early April urged House of Representatives and Senate leadership to hold votes to put an immediate stop to the implementation of the Advanced Clean Cars II (ACC II) regulation.
During the 2024 presidential campaign, SEMA, through its Driving Force Action SuperPAC, educated voters about the damaging impact of EV mandates, and the profound importance of empowering the automotive aftermarket to develop innovative solutions to carbon emissions using American ingenuity.
LONG BEACH, CA (05.06.25) – KENWOOD USA Corporation is pleased to announce the promotion of Tim Hill to Director of Sales – KENWOOD, effective immediately.
Tim’s connection to the KENWOOD brand began in 1980, when he started his career as a retail salesperson selling KENWOOD products. With more than four decades in the mobile electronics industry, Tim has built a reputation rooted in trust, transparency, and a hands-on approach that continues to resonate with dealers across the country.
Tim Hill
Since joining the KENWOOD sales team in 2020 as Midwest Regional Sales Manager, Tim has strengthened key dealer relationships and helped align the region’s rep force around KENWOOD’s dealer-first mission. His ability to lead with integrity and communicate clearly has made a measurable impact across the territory.
“Tim’s ability to build strong, authentic relationships and his straightforward leadership style make him a natural fit for this next chapter,” said John Lucas, Senior Vice President. “He’s always been about doing what’s right for the brand and the dealer — and that mindset will continue to guide our strategy moving forward.”
In his new role, Tim will manage all regional sales teams and focus on identifying growth opportunities, filling gaps in distribution, and reinforcing KENWOOD’s commitment to doing the right thing — every time.
“I’m excited about this new opportunity because it will allow me to work with several of Kenwood’s key dealers throughout the country,” said Hill.
Tim steps into the role following the promotion of John Lucas to Senior Vice President.
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