Author: 12VoltNews

Metra Electronics Brings Expert Training to Las Vegas KnowledgeFest

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HOLLY HILL, FL (01.26.26) – Metra Electronics is heading to Las Vegas, Nevada to host training sessions at KnowledgeFest, February 3-5 at the Paris Hotel. Metra will showcase their latest aftermarket installation products at booth #401. A fully customized Ford Lightning featuring Heise LED, Metra, and VIBE Audio products will also be showcased at the booth. Metra’s training sessions will cover new products launched at the 2025 SEMA Show, including all-in-one premium vehicle-specific audio kits with VIBE speakers, Metra’s next-generation radio platform, PROSCENIUM, new and updated dash kits, Heise LED vehicle accent lighting, and much more!

Training sessions include:

“Metra’s 2026 New Products Overview” on February 3rd at 1:30 PM

This session offers an overview of Metra’s 2026 product lineup, highlighting new and updated dash kits, speaker adapters, harnesses, and integration solutions. Attendees will explore the latest Install Bay accessories, iBeam camera enhancements, Heise Lighting innovations, Vibe Audio speakers and plug-and-play kits, Axxess category expansions, the new AXRSC category, and recent updates to the Metra Online website.

“Metra & Vibe Audio Kits” on February 3rd at 2:45 PM & February 4th at 5:30 PM

This session highlights Metra and Vibe Audio’s vehicle-specific audio solutions, featuring new direct-replacement speaker kits for BMW, Mercedes, and Tesla. It also explores plug-and-play audio kits for select trucks and SUVs, and provides an overview of RTA-based tuning concepts used with Axxess DSP and Vibe DSP amplifiers.

“PROSCENIUM: The Car Radio, Re-Imagined” on February 4th at 4:15 PM & February 5th at 10 AM

This session introduces PROSCENIUM, Metra’s next-generation radio platform. Topics include OEM-quality materials, dual screen sizes, compatibility with Metra 95-style dash kits, built-in programmable interfaces, custom GUI design, wireless and wired CarPlay and Android Auto, HD Radio, SiriusXM readiness, and vehicle CAN system communication.

Metra’s customers can register for the KnowledgeFest event at no cost using Metra’s VIP code, available by request from their sales representative. Once registered for the event, attendees will also need to register online at KnowledgeFest.com for each training session they will attend.

Rydeen Mobile Electronics Appoints 35-Year Industry Veteran Rex Berfield as National Sales Manager to Drive Strategic Expansion

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TORRANCE, CA (1.23.26) – Rydeen Mobile Electronics, a global leader in advanced vehicle safety and solution-based technologies, is proud to announce the promotion of Rex Berfield to National Sales Manager. This strategic appointment marks a new commitment in Rydeen’s mission to jump-start a new era of brand growth, sales organization and market leadership.

With over 35 years of deep-rooted experience in the 12-volt sector, Berfield brings an experienced track record of managing large-scale manufacturing and distribution networks. Previously serving as Strategic Sales Manager, his promotion to a national leadership role reflects Rydeen’s commitment to the 12-Volt industry and accelerating market penetration within established and emerging sales channels.

Rex Berfield

“Rex’s profound understanding of the mobile electronics landscape is an important asset that aligns perfectly with our high-intensity growth plans,” said Phil Maeda, CEO of Rydeen Mobile Electronics. “By elevating Rex to our National Sales Manager, we are installing a proven architect of sales networks who understands how to translate cutting-edge technology into tangible value for our partners and consumers nationwide.”

In his expanded role, Berfield will oversee Rydeen’s national sales initiatives; focusing on solidifying the existing sales network and building new communication frameworks. His primary objective is to eliminate market friction and ensure Rydeen remains the definitive choice for vehicle safety and driver-assist solutions.

“I am honored to lead Rydeen’s national sales efforts at such a perfect moment for the brand,” said Rex Berfield. “Our focus is on constructing a “sales engine” that empowers our existing dealer network and delivers responsive, customer-first solutions. We are not just selling products; we are engineering a safer driving experience through innovation.”

Berfield’s promotion is effective immediately as part of Rydeen’s broader strategy to enhance internal capability and mentor the next generation of industry leaders.

Visit rydeenmobile.com for more.

Modus Conducts Trainings During 2026 KnowledgeFest Las Vegas

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OXNARD, CA (1.23.26) — 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.

SEMA Applauds Rescaling of Federal Enforcement for Emissions Tampering

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WASHINGTON, DC (1.23.26) – The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) is applauding the Jan. 21 announcement by the U.S. Department of Justice that it will exercise its enforcement discretion for Clean Air Act violations related to tampering with onboard diagnostic (OBD) devices on vehicles and no longer pursue criminal charges in such cases.

  • This announcement only reflects the enforcement discretion of the current administration. The statutes of limitation for such violations goes beyond the term of any single president or administration, and future administrations may view such enforcement differently.

“This is a welcome end to overly harsh penalties for violations that are otherwise addressed through civil enforcement,” said SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola. “SEMA believes in following the law, and federal law is clear with regards to tampering of emissions systems or profiting from the sales of products that enable such behavior. SEMA remains committed to working with federal regulators at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to ensure our industry has a voice in the development of policies impacting compliance with federal and state laws with regards to emissions and safety, and creating a path for our industry to continue its innovation.”

BACKGROUND

  • OBD tampering involves altering a vehicle’s electronic systems or software, primarily to defeat emissions controls or commit mileage fraud, both of which are illegal under federal and state laws in the U.S.
  • Violators are subject to significant civil penalties (up to $37,500 for each part or component) and, until this announcement, even criminal prosecution, with the potential for prison terms.
  • SEMA has invested heavily through its SEMA Garage program to provide its members with pathways to navigate federal and state emissions.
  • The SEMA Certified Emissions (SC-E) program is a documented pathway for demonstrating that an aftermarket part doesn’t increase the emissions of a vehicle on which it’s installed. The program was designed around the guidance of the EPA’s Tampering Policy as a means to offer aftermarket companies:
    • An accelerated path to emissions compliance, allowing products to be legally sold in 49 states prior to receiving a California Air Resources Board (CARB) EO
    • Create an industry-wide standard for “reasonable basis”
    • Create a centralized database for compliant products
    • Provide legitimacy to the claim “EPA compliant”
    • Establish a path to compliance for certain products that are unable to receive a CARB EO

For more information, visit www.sema.org.

Cancelled: This Weekend’s FIM North America Arenacross Championship

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MEMPHIS, TN (1.22.26) – Due to the impending winter storm and the potential hazardous conditions heading toward Memphis, the Agricenter has made the difficult decision that they are unable to host the FIM North America Arenacross Championship event this weekend. The primary concern is the safety of everyone involved, including travel to and from the venue and safely hosting the event itself.

We deeply regret having to share this news and understand the disappointment it may cause. We are actively working with the venue to identify an alternate date that fits both the series schedule and their availability, and we’ll provide updates as soon as possible.

In the meantime, all ticket holders and event participants will receive automatic refunds within the next 7-10 business days. For any immediate questions, please reach out to our team at info@jetwerx.ca.

Thank you for your understanding and continued support of Arenacross.

SiriusXM Was Spotlighted In The Importel Booth At The TIBS

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TORONTO, ON (1.22.26) – On Tuesday, Day 4 in the Importel booth, it was all about SiriusXM to feel every moment with the widest selection of entertainment always playing what all want to hear. SiriusXM subscribers can discover something new every day, including exclusive music channels curated by the biggest names in the business, once in a lifetime events, live sports coverage and more. The vast percentage of consumers are not aware of the possibilities. 12volt retailers need to take advantage of this opportunity to drive business.

Ricky Lima, Importel National Sales Manager stated “Some of our dealers do well with the BoomBox bundle. At a retail of $199. CND it is certainly affordable. All retailers need to take a look at stocking this product to enjoy SiriusXM even more.”

SiriusXM had a great display set up in the Importel booth with Howard Stern grabbing your attention.

In the Importel booth attendees could see and hear first hand the positives.There’s always something new at SiriusXM. Consumers, looking for complete portability and versatility, need look no farther than the SiriusXM Onyx EZR Boombox bundle. The Onyx EZR, with vehicle kit, is a dock and play radio that lets all enjoy SiriusXM satellite radio not just in their car but in their boat and beyond. The radio includes options to select from 2 display formats to view artist names, show titles, song titles plus channel information. With parental controls, all can easily lock or unlock channels that contain mature content.

Kelly Holley, Director of Sales & Marketing, shows the SiriusXM Boombox Bundle ready to go.

Additionally, listeners can save up to 10 of their favorite SiriusXM channels or create a personalized music channel using TuneMix. The Boombox features a sporty design and great sound for all SiriusXM and XM plug-and play-radios with universal docking capability. The BoomBox Bundle can help consumer enjoy music 24/7 anywhere.

The Toronto International Boat Show wraps Sunday January 25th after the 9 Day run.

MasterTech Expo 2026 Expands Hotel Availability

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TEMPE, AZ (1.22.26) – MasterTech Expo is proud to announce that due to year-after-year growth, it has increased hotel availability at Delta Hotels Phoenix Mesa for MasterTech Expo 2026, held March 12-15, 2026 at the Mesa Convention Center in Mesa, Ariz. Event registration is also now open and attendees can take advantage of early bird pricing for a limited time.

“The 2025 MasterTech Expo experienced remarkable growth in all facets of the event, and during planning for the 2026 Expo, we realized quickly that more local hotel availability for attendees was needed,” explained Bryan Schmitt, founder, CEO, and president of Mobile Solutions. “This was a direct result from the feedback we had received from both manufacturers and attendees after our immensely successful 2025 Expo, and so we want to ensure all attendees and manufacturers have the opportunity to take advantage of great lodging pricing and close walking proximity to the Mesa Convention Center.”

As one of the main reasons for MasterTech’s continued growth the past year, the 2026 Expo will also include the “Dino’s Git-Down Show & Shine Car Show”. Taking place on Saturday, March 14 from 12:30pm – 5:00pm at the Mesa Convention West Parking Lot, the event is open to top hot rod builders, automotive customizers, and hardcore enthusiasts.

MasterTech is more than a trade show, it’s a community. The event combines hands-on training, industry insights, and product innovation in a way that connects directly with what professionals want and need. That’s why manufacturers and attendees alike choose MasterTech as their go-to event.

Don’t miss out on four days of high-value training, networking, and inspiration. Secure your spot now and lock in early bird pricing.

Register today at www.mastertechexpo.com.

Importel, Wet Sounds And SiriusXM On Day 3 And Day 4 At The 2026 Toronto Boat Show

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TORONTO, ON (1.21.26) – The 68th Annual Toronto International Boat Show is happening January 17th through the 25th at the Enercare Centre in Toronto’s Exhibition Place. Importel and Wet Sounds are in the center of the action in booth G561. Importel’s Ricky Lima and Bill Truax, along with Paul Zlatar from ATG, are in the booth connecting with attendees.

On Day 3 it was time for product highlights as Wet Sounds unleashed the power of the Wet Sounds Portable Speaker engineered to deliver premium, high-performance audio for any environment. Whether hosting a poolside party, enjoying a beach day or embarking on an outdoor adventure this rugged, portable ensures music sounds incredible every time.

The large booth spotlights Wet Sounds’ wide selection of marine products including amplifiers, speakers and marine receiver along with wake tower speakers and IP67 rated portable radio. Wet Sounds catalogs and swag items are also available. In the adjoining booth SiriusXM Canada brand partner is spotlighting the SXV300 Connect Tuner.

Key features of the Wet Sounds Portable Speaker include powerful audio performance which boosts 126dB of rich, crystal clear sound to fill any space indoors or outdoors. Pro-grade SKAA wireless audio to experience minimal latency and professional grade audio quality for the ultimate listening experience. Bluetooth connectivity streams music seamlessly from your device with a 60 foot range for uninterrupted play.

With an IP67 weatherproof and dustproof rating, the Wet Sounds Portable Speaker thrives in marine, powersports and outdoor environments. The Portable Speaker is a stackable design weighing 25 pounds so this speaker features an ergonomic handle for easy transport and interlocking stackable capabilities. The integrated LED lighting adds vibrant atmosphere to events with customizable LED lights that can be adjusted to the listeners’s liking. Listeners can connect up to 4WS-L units for an incredible outdoor concert experience.

On Day 3 Ricky Lima spotlighted the Wet Sounds Portable Speaker in the booth.

On a huge show floor there are over 500 exhibitors and 1000 boats available for attendees to check out the latest products to get ready to make waves during the marine season 2026.

Importel is focused on the 12volt installation car audio and electronics including marine, powersports and motorcycle. With locations in Toronto and Edmonton the company supplies everything retailers and installers require to run a successful business. For over 40 years Importel staff members have shopped the world to find their customers the very best values available anywhere…. price comparisons will prove this to be correct.

On Day 4 Kelly Holley, Director of Sales & Marketing, spotlights the SiriusXM Onyx EZR Boombox bundle. Check out the cool hat swag available in the booth.

“This is one of the largest shows in North America and next year we want to go even bigger” Lima, National Sales Manager, related.

Watch for much more to come from Importel. For more info, visit www.importel.com.

BOSS Elite Conducts Trainings, Features New Look and Expanded Line at KnowledgeFest (Las Vegas) 2026

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OXNARD, CA (1.21.26) – BOSS Audio Systems is proud to announce it will exhibit during KnowledgeFest Las Vegas, held at The Paris Hotel & Convention Center from Feb. 3-5, 2026. During the event, BOSS Elite will conduct a training on its revolutionary audio technologies as well as feature a number of its new and expanded line of speakers, amplifiers, and source units.

“KnowledgeFest 2025 in Atlantic City was an extraordinary success for our Elite line, and we can’t wait to showcase the brand in Las Vegas,” said Colin Ross, BOSS Elite Associate Brand Manager. “For the past couple years, Elite has continued to gain traction and a dedicated following across the country as we continually roll out new products across our speaker, amplifier, and source unit lines. KnowledgeFest is about connecting with installers and industry pros so that we can continue to learn from them and innovate in both the short and long term.”

The BOSS Elite product lineup will be spotlighted on the KnowledgeFest show floor.

This year in Las Vegas, Elite is featuring its new 6.5-inch BE652C and 6×9-inch BE692C speakers. Ready to order, these two-way coax speakers are the latest in the Elite lineup, and perfect complements to the line’s amplifier and source unit lines also featured during the show. Available in Q2 2026, Elite will also feature its new BE452C 4-inch and BE275C 2.75-inch 2-Way coaxial speakers, the 1.4-inch Tweeter Kit, the BE692K 6×9-inch Component Speaker Kit, and 6.5-inch Component Speaker Kit.

On display during the show and now available, Elite’s lineup will also showcase its powerful amplifier lineup, including the 5-channel 830W BE830.5D, 4-channel 600W BE600.4D, mono 600W BE600.1D, and mono 400W BE400.1D.

Lastly, Elite’s highly popular source units will take center stage during KnowledgeFest, as well.

Also during the show, Boss Elite will lead an in-depth car audio training focused on the engineering and technology behind the Elite lineup. Explore advanced amplifier architecture, speaker design, and system integration that align with high-end competitors. Learn how Elite delivers consistent power output, refined acoustics, and durable construction, equipping your team with confident, informed product knowledge for elevated system recommendations.

The training will be conducted:
• Location: Palace 6
• Date & Time: Tuesday, February 3 at 2:45 PM

KnowledgeFest stands as a cornerstone event for the mobile electronics industry, offering more than 50 hours of educational sessions, hands-on workshops, and networking opportunities. The event draws hundreds of industry professionals eager to explore the latest technologies and advance their technical expertise through manufacturer training sessions.

Visit BOSS Elite during KnowledgeFest 2026 in Las Vegas at booth # 511.

For more information about B.I.G. or to become a dealer, please visit sales.bossinternationalgroup.com.

High-Impact, Performance-Driven Discus DA2 Amplifiers

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LIBERTYVILLE, IL (1.21.26) – Discus DA2 amplifiers set a new standard for Mobile, Marine, and Powersports applications, featuring top-mounted controls for quick access and effortless tuning. Feel the difference in power that innovative engineering brings to your MB Quart system.

The Discus DA2 lineup uses Class-D amplification for efficient, powerful, and ultra-clean output. Rugged construction keeps your sound strong in harsh Marine and Powersports environments, while the streamlined top-panel layout makes tuning simple even in the most challenging installations. Embrace Discus innovation TODAY!

To learn more, click here.