Author: 12VoltNews

2026 MasterTech Expo Sells Out Show Floor; Expands Hotel Partnerships

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TEMPE, AZ (2.4.26) – MasterTech Expo 2026 is shaping up to be its biggest and most impactful year yet, proudly announcing a completely sold-out show floor and expanded hotel partnerships to accommodate record attendance. MasterTech Expo 2026 is scheduled March 12-15, 2026 at the Mesa Convention Center in Mesa, AZ.

“With exhibit space officially sold out, attendees can expect an elevated show floor experience featuring a top-tier mix of technology innovators, fabrication leaders, and major audio manufacturers, creating one of the most diverse and hands-on learning environments in the industry,” said Bryan Schmitt, founder, CEO, and president of Mobile Solutions. “Selling out our exhibit space is a huge milestone. It allows us to curate a higher-quality experience for attendees — more brands, better education, and better connections across every segment of the industry.”

Due to overwhelming demand, the MasterTech Expo host hotel has officially sold out. To support the growing attendee base, new hotel partners and room blocks have been secured, offering convenient options close to the venue. Attendees are encouraged to book early as availability continues to move quickly.

Hotel information and booking links are available at:
www.MasterTechExpo.com/hotel

Register today at www.mastertechexpo.com

Canadian Distributors Supported Brands At The Toronto International Boat Show

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TORONTO, ON (02.03.26) – The 68th Annual Toronto International Boat Show took place, January 17th through the 25th, at the Enercare Centre in Toronto’s Exhibition Place. Once again, it was a very well attended show and an opportunity for boating enthusiast to see the latest products. Over 500 exhibitors were on the event floor with over 1000 boats. Canadian Distributors Importel, GEMSEM and Automobility were on site supporting brands that were looking to connect and make waves this summer.

Importel had a full booth, where they were spotlighting the Wet Sounds and SiriusXM brands. In the booth, the Wet Sounds wide selection of marine products, including amplifiers, speakers and marine receiver, along with wake tower speakers and new portable speaker were spotlighted. There were also Wet Sounds catalogs and swag items available as Ricky Lima connected with attendees.

In the adjoining booth SiriusXM Canada brand partner was spotlighting the wide selection subscribers can discover new every day, including exclusive music channels. The Sirius XM Onyx EZR Boombox bundle vehicle kit is a dock and play radio that let’s all enjoy SiriusXM satellite radio not just in their car but in their boat and beyond. Kelly Holley, Director of Sales & Marketing for Importel was in the booth showing the latest during the event.

GEMSEN Sales Rep with WIT Marketing Dave Maslen introduced Branden Sega to one of the new JL Audio Marine Amplifiers. Sega Marine and Powersports had a booth at the event connecting with consumers.

GEMSEM was on site with a booth showcasing the latest JL Audio Marine products. Dave Singh, National Sales Manager, was in the booth along with Duane Lee the GEMSEN North East Ontario sales rep spotlighting the latest. In addition GEMSEN supported local dealer Sega Marine and Powersports. Dave Maslen with WIT Marketing worked with Brenden Sega to present the new JL Audio AP200/4BT compact powerhouse and features build-in Bluetooth streaming. A KICKER display was also featured in the Sega Marine and Powersports booth.

Dave Singh and Duane Lee ready to show new JLAudio products in the booth.
Automobility’s Jeremy Glover sent this image of the Hertz booth backdrop as the final up was being completed.

Automobility Canada was also on site to show the very latest from Hertz Marine products. The large display really grabbed attention and gave boating enthusiasts plenty to check out.

Seeing distributors, reps and dealers working together at consumer events is a great for make waves on the water in 2026 and beyond.

For more see 12voltnews.com.

Wayne Harris to Feature Legendary “Terminator” Hearse During 2026 MasterTech Expo

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TEMPE, AZ (02.03.26) – Automotive audio pioneer Wayne Harris will feature his world-famous Terminator vehicle during a special live interview during MasterTech Expo 2026, held March 12-15, 2026 at the Mesa Convention Center in Mesa, Ariz., offering attendees a rare look into one of the most iconic builds in car audio history.

Open to all MasterTech attendees and exhibitors, the Terminator will be on hand and the featured session will take place March 12 from 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM in the Delta AZ Ballroom.

Harris has been a driving force in the 12-volt automotive audio industry since the early 1980s. A designer, engineer, entrepreneur, and innovator, he has earned multiple Design & Engineering awards, he holds several patents for audio technology innovations, and was named one of the Top Ten Most Influential People in Car Audio from 1987–1992.

Originally built in the mid-1980s – well ahead of its time – the Terminator featured groundbreaking concepts including one of the first true symmetry-based system layouts, including six Power 1000 amplifiers and a rotating amplifier rack that redefined what was possible in mobile audio design. The vehicle pushed extreme power levels for its era and became a benchmark for competitive audio builds.

The Terminator Vehicle
The Terminator began life as a 1960 Cadillac hearse before Harris transformed it into one of the most legendary show vehicles in automotive audio history. Packed with massive subwoofers, multiple drivers, and staggering power output for the time, it helped shape early competition culture and left a lasting impression on anyone who experienced it in person.

Today, Harris has been carefully modernizing, refurbishing, and rewiring the Terminator, preserving its original spirit while ensuring it remains period-correct. Decades later, the vehicle remains a cultural icon, still talked about by competitors and enthusiasts who remember seeing – and hearing – it dominate early car audio events.

Live Interview & Walk-Through
Attendees will have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to hear directly from Harris as he walks through the history, design philosophy, and technical innovation behind the Terminator.

The session will be hosted by Matt Schaefer and Gary Bell of the Old Fashion Podcast.

For anyone passionate about car audio history, innovation, and legendary builds, this is a moment not to be missed.

Register today at www.mastertechexpo.com.

MAXPRO Window Films Is Shipping MAX Armor Professional PPF Installation Solution

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WHITEVILLE, NC (02.03.26) – As the season is set to begin meet MAX Armor. MAX Armor Professional PPF Slip Solution is built for installers who demand precision. MAX Professional PPF Slip Solution delivers the perfect slip-to-tack balance with smooth foam generation…. making installs cleaner, faster and more controlled.

MAX Armor features professional-grade performance, gentle on skin and lungs, has no harsh additives and is eco-friendly plus 100% biodegradable. A small container of MAX Armor armor makes 7.5 gallons of solution.

The MAXPRO Window Films staff just wrapped presenting their latest products at the Mobile Tech Expo in Orlando and is now ready for the PPF Film season to begin.

For more see maxprofilms.com

The KICKER Monster Truck Event Filled The National Center In Amarillo

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AMARILLO, TX (02.02.26) – The KICKER Monster Truck Series was Livin’Loud in the Amarillo National Center of Friday and Saturday January 30th and 31st. Lorin Morrell, Maddog_Media, orchestrates the KICKER Monster Trust events and arrived on Thursday for set up activities.

Early Friday Monster Trucks began to park on the event floor.

The National Center seats 10,000 and the arena floor is 45,000 square feet that’s terrific setting for fans to look down on the action on the track. “Several rows of the bleachers were moved back for safety. Once the doors opened the action was non-stop for the 3 Pit Parties that preceded the Monster Truck action on the track” Morrell related.

The Friday evening pre-race Pit Party attracted attendees as soon as the doors opened.
Soon the stands would be filled as a racing action was set to begin.

Fans on the track for the pre Monster truck action Pit Parties viewed the Monster Trucks up close, met the drivers and took photos. For an additional fee fans could also take a ride in a Monster Truck. Bigfoot 4X4x4X, Troublemaker, Veteran, Monster Moose, American Scout and Outlaw Wrangler were top Monster Truck on the schedule.

Fans were ready for the Monster Truck action.
The Saturday night Pit Party had hundreds of fans checking out the rides.

“You could feel the excitement and energy at the event. The area’s audience members get around in trucks, side by sides, boats and golf carts and KICKER offers options for all. When Monster Trucks began flying over cars and doing tricks the cheers rang out and echoed across the National Center” Morrell added.

Flying over rows of cars.

“I also had a surprise visit from Bobby Crawford from JD Glassworks in Lubbock. We have spent time at previous events and they do great work. Super he made the 300+ miles to hook up at the Monster Truck event in Amarillo. On the PA system the audience was totally engaged in track action and there was Livin’Loud branding from Kicker. Looking forward to the next Monster Truck event” Morrell concluded.

For more see kicker.com.

RDVFL Unveils New Screen for Silverado and Sierra

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POMPANO BEACH, FL (02.02.26) – RDVFL, a leader in innovative car-infotainment solutions, unveils the GM-1318, a 15.6-Inch Tesla-Style Screen for 2013-2019 Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra Pickup Trucks With 4”, 7” and 8” OEM Screens.

Rich De Sclafani, the CEO of RDVFL stated – With the extreme success of our screen upgrade for the 19-26 Silverado & Sierra, we migrated that concept over to the 13-19 vehicles. The concept is the same, this is a SCREEN UPGRADE ONLY. This IS NOT a full radio replacement. The OEM radio stays fully functional through the new screen. This allows ALL, 100% of the OEM features to be retained. We are the only 12volt company taking this approach to upgrading the infotainment in GM and FORD vehicles. We are so confident in the performance, stability and reliability that we have an industry leading 3 YEAR WARRANTY on all our screen upgrades and radio replacement products.

 The best and easiest way to find out if we have a screen to fit your vehicle is to use the vehicle selector on the website, just put in the year, make and model of the vehicle and the upgrades available will be there to click on.

These are screen upgrades only, they do not replace the radio itself. The OEM screen is removed and the new screen comes with vehicle specific mounting brackets and plug  n’ play harness for the screen. The OEM radio works and functions 100% through the new screen.

Key Features of the RDVFL GM-1318 15.6-Inch Tesla-Style Screen:

  • 15.6-Inch Vertical Touchscreen: A high-definition, capacitive touchscreen that delivers a crystal-clear display and responsive user experience.
  • Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto: Equipped with wireless connectivity, allowing drivers to seamlessly connect their smartphones for access to music, apps, navigation, and hands-free communication without the hassle of cables.
  • Plug-and-Play Installation: Designed for simplicity, this system offers a fully plug-and-play setup, meaning no complex wiring or modifications are required—just an easy, straightforward installation process.
  • Three-Year Warranty: RDVFL backs this product with a comprehensive three-year warranty, ensuring peace of mind and customer satisfaction.
  • Retains ALL of the OEM Features: Keeps 100% of the OEM features, ONSTAR, SAT RADIO, 360 CAMERA, REAR CAMERA, TRAILER CAMERA, CAMERA ZOOM, CAMERA ANGLES, ALL WARNING SIGNALS (AUDIBLE & VISUAL) and FULL USE OF THE OEM RADIO

This is a screen upgrade. This DOES NOT replace the OEM radio. The OEM radios stays intact and can be used through the RDVFL screen.

Works with BOSE and NON-BOSE systems

CHECK OUT THE OPTIONS HERE à GM-1318 SCREEN UPGRADES

Rydeen to Unveil New Product, Set for Booth #1005 at KnowledgeFest Las Vegas

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TORRANCE, CA (01.30.26) – Rydeen Mobile Electronics, the industry benchmark for safety-focused vehicle technology,
has announced it will use KnowledgeFest Las Vegas this February to debut a proprietary product category.
The mystery, backed by exclusive patented architecture, offers an expanded direction for the 12-Volt industry.
Rydeen is keeping the specific details of the upcoming announcement close to the chest. Show attendees
are invited to the Rydeen Booth #1005, where the brand will reveal how their latest patent integrates and
creates the new Rydeen category offerings.

Leadership Perspectives on the “New Era”

“Innovation without Integrity is just noise. At Rydeen, we’ve spent our years perfecting the technology that
respects the installer’s time while delivering a premium experience every consumer needs,” said Phil Maeda,
CEO of Rydeen Mobile Electronics. “This year at KnowledgeFest, we aren’t just showing a new product;
we’re creating a new Rydeen category.”

Rex Berfield, a 35-year industry veteran and Rydeen’s newly appointed National Sales Manager, highlighted
the business advantage of the unveil. “My mission continues to ensure our dealers have the most definitive
solutions to offer,” said Berfield. “This new product supports my ‘sales engine’ strategy for 2026.”

Deep-Dive Training with our Gurus

To complement the unveiling, Rydeen will host two high-impact training sessions at the Paris Resort & Casino.
Our sessions offer an opportunity to interact with our gurus and experience Rydeen’s product lineup.

Session 1:
Integrations: Digital Mirrors & The Safety Advantage
Gurus: Ruben T. & Johnathan G.
When: Feb. 4, 2026 (Day 2), 4:15 PM – 5:15 PM
Where: Palace #6

Session 2:
Integrations: Digital Mirrors & The Safety Advantage
Gurus: Johnathan G. & Ruben T.
When: Feb. 5, 2026 (Day 3), 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Where: Palace #6

Experience the Mystery

KnowledgeFest attendees are encouraged to visit Booth #1005 to witness our new technology, innovation,
and category launch; Rydeen remains dedicated to the 12-Volt industry through superior engineering.

Visit rydeenmobile.com for more.

Modus Conducts Trainings During 2026 KnowledgeFest Las Vegas

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OXNARD, CA (01.30.26) — Modus is proud to announce it will be exhibiting during KnowledgeFest Las Vegas, one of the mobile electronics industry’s largest educational events and trade shows, held at The Paris Hotel & Convention Center from Feb. 3–5, 2026. During the event, Modus will conduct multiple trainings on its revolutionary audio technologies.

“This training session features Modus’ patented PREACT™ Current Averaging Technology, a unique approach to managing amplifier current for improved efficiency, consistency, and real-world performance,” explained Jason Digos, Senior Sales Trainer at Modus. “Designed for installers and sales professionals, the class explains how PREACT adapts to varying vehicle electrical conditions, maintains stable output under load, and differs from traditional power management designs. Attendees will gain practical insight into system benefits, application considerations, and how to clearly communicate PREACT’s value to customers.”

Modus will conduct two training sessions:
• Session 1

  • Location: Palace 6
  • Date & Time: Tuesday, February 3 at 1:30 PM
    • Session 2
  • Location: Palace 6
  • Date & Time: Wednesday, February 4 at 5:30 PM

Digos is a veteran car audio professional with more than 30 years experience in installation, system design, product development, and technical training. He has held leadership roles across the mobile electronics industry and is widely respected for bridging technical expertise with real-world performance.

For more information about Modus products and partnership opportunities, request more information on the web at www.modusglobal.com.

Deliver More Power with CRA Amplifiers from Crunch

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LIBERTYVILLE, IL (01.30.26) – CRA amplifiers set the bar in powerful performance, bringing out the best in audio gains. Whether you’re building your first car audio system or upgrading to pro-level performance, the CRA amplifier series delivers the power and precision your music demands.

CRA amplifiers bring clean, efficient power to every installation —from 2-channel amp setups to monster monoblocks. Fully adjustable crossovers, MOSFET efficiency, and electronic equalizers help tune sound to deliver cleaner highs, richer mids, and BIGGER bass.

Level up to CRA.

The 12voltCentral Studios Marketing Ball Puts Your Company’s Marketing In Play

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SHREVEPORT, LA (1.29.26) – The 12volt Central Studios offers multiple ways for 12volt industry members to connect across the 12volt community and with consumers while delivering fresh industry news. The Marketing Ball is the latest way. The 12voltSTP Tool, Custom QR Codes and 12volt Central Studios offer easy to use opportunities to connect with industry members and consumers. A SMARTPHONE is all it takes!

With a SMARTPHONE the 12voltSTP Tool works with an image txt, plus a few words, and PRESTO it can happen.

The number is 318-469-2526. The 12volt Central Studios Marketing Ball. Industry members must realize marketing in a 24/7 journey.

This image of Mike Femino in the N&H Eectronics warehouse in Hattiesburg MS shows the KICKER products in stock for their dealers plus spotlights the KICKER brand across the 12volt industry.

In today’s AI driven and social media world it is more important than ever for members of the 12volt industry to connect with industry members and consumers. These activities are more important than ever to drive in-vehicle automotive upgrades awareness and business for brick and mortar retailers. Consumers can’t feel the bass in their chest or appreciate the separation of mid range and highs on a smartphone or laptop. The in-store experience is more important than ever!

The Specialty Marketing Ball is in play with Ryan Hawkin spotlighting RYDEEN products in the Jacksonville FL warehouse.
Sean Davis has the Mid-State Distributing Marketing Ball in place showcasing a XK Glow motorcycle lighting kit.

In person trade and distributor shows are terrific to connect and show new products in one-on-one settings. Trade show and distributor show attendance over the last years has diminished. The 12volt Central Studios can put a company in their own customized booth using the 12voltSTP and deliver the message to the 12volt industry with The 12volt Central Studios Marketing Ball. Industry members must realize marketing in a 24/7 journey.

Please email mike@12voltnews.com for more details to get your company’s ball on play!