2025 SEMA Board of Directors Election Candidates Announced

DIAMOND BAR, CA (03.28.25) – The following candidates are vying for a seat on the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Board of Directors:

Chair-elect (1 Seat)

  • Norris Marshall, BluePrint Engines
  • Les Rudd, Bob Cook Sales

Manufacturer (3 Seats)

  • Brian Herron, OPUS IVS
  • Tim McCarthy, HUSHMAT & ZYCOAT
  • Shane McNallie, Lippert/CURT
  • Cary Redman, PRW Power
  • Marcus Umlauff, Toyota Motor North America (Incumbent)

Manufacturers Rep (1 Seat)

  • Rich Butler, R&R Marketing (Incumbent)
  • Mark Taylor, KAM Marketing

Voting will take place online between May 19 and June 2 and is open to current SEMA-member companies. Votes must be cast by each company’s primary contact. Details on the upcoming election will be sent to the member company’s designated primary contact beginning May 19. Winners will be announced by June 9.

For more information, visit www.sema.org.

SiriusXM Announces Comprehensive Coverage, New Additions to Lineup for 2025 Major League Baseball Season

NEW YORK, NY (03.28.25) – The 2025 Major League Baseball season gets underway this week and SiriusXM delivers listeners the most comprehensive audio coverage of the league, offering access to every regular season and postseason game from Opening Day through the World Series presented by Capital One, plus daily in-depth talk on the exclusive MLB Network Radio channel, 365 days a year.

SiriusXM has added several new expert voices to MLB Network Radio this season. Fans will hear insight and analysis from former Marlins and Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez, and former major league players Stephen Piscotty, Ryon Healy, AJ Ramos and Cole Tucker, who all join the channel as hosts.

They join an MLB Network Radio roster that features former GMs Jim Bowden, Jim Duquette and Steve Phillips, former players David Aardsma, Kevin Frandsen, Chris Gimenez, Jensen Lewis, Trevor May, CJ Nitkowski, Eduardo Pérez, Xavier Scruggs, Ryan Spilborghs and Mike Stanton, and former manager Kevin Kennedy. The channel is also home to shows hosted by national baseball writers Tyler Kepner and Jon Morosi, as well as baseball insiders Robert Brender, Jenny Cavnar, Mike Ferrin, Dan Graca, Jeff Joyce, Jim Memolo, Grant Paulsen, Ed Randall and Dani Wexelman.

SiriusXM and MLB Network also recently announced that MLB Network will simulcast the final hour of SiriusXM’s daily morning show, “The Leadoff Spot,” which is hosted by Steve Phillips, Xavier Scruggs, and Eduardo Pérez. “The Leadoff Spot” airs live on SiriusXM weekdays from 7 to 10 am ET. MLB Network viewers can watch the show live each morning from 9 to 10am ET starting March 26.

As for the action on the field, with SiriusXM, fans can get every one of their team’s 162 regular season games, plus every playoff game, in their cars or anywhere they go with the SiriusXM app. 

Additionally, the SiriusXM app features 30 dedicated MLB team pages where fans can find their team’s official radio broadcast for each game, plus SiriusXM programming and podcasts that are specifically focused on that team. 

For a schedule of MLB games on SiriusXM go to SiriusXM.com/Sports.

Throughout the season, fans can also hear regularly scheduled interviews with several MLB managers on MLB Network Radio. These include: Torey Lovullo (Diamondbacks), Matt Quatraro (Royals), Stephen Vogt (Guardians), Ron Washington (Angels), Pat Murphy (Brewers), Rocco Baldelli (Twins), Brandon Hyde (Orioles), Alex Cora (Red Sox), Mark Kotsay (Athletics), Mike Shildt (Padres), Bob Melvin (Giants), Derek Shelton (Pirates), John Schneider (Blue Jays), AJ Hinch (Tigers) and others.

MasterTech Expo 2025 Features Unparalleled Growth

TEMPE, AZ (03.27.25) – MasterTech is proud to announce that MasterTech Expo 2025, held March 20-23, 2025 at the Mesa Convention Center in Mesa, Ariz., has continued its year-after-year growth, surpassing a 20 percent increase in attendees versus the 2024 event, and a record number of exhibiting manufacturers.

“The 2025 MasterTech Expo experienced remarkable growth in all facets of the event,” said Bryan Schmitt, founder, CEO, and president of Mobile Solutions. “The feedback from both manufacturers and attendees has been overwhelmingly positive. What sets us apart is that we don’t just lecture…we engage, listen, and deliver high-value trainings tailored to what attendees truly want. The interaction in our classes and at our exhibit booths is also second-to-none. We’re also incredibly proud that several companies chose MasterTech as the platform to launch not just new products, but entire brands. That speaks volumes about our standing in the industry.”

Vital numbers from MasterTech 2025 include:

  • The event occupied more than one city block and six hotels
  • Provided 14 hours of structured training and 14 different tracks
  • 52 industry-leading professional instructors; six hours of high-level training sessions from more than 40 renowned manufacturers
  • Attendees and manufactures were provided with complimentary on-site meals including dinners, lunches, and continental breakfasts each day of the expo
  • Attendees witnessed more than 20 competitors in the thrilling Build-Off and Clean Wire live competitions

MasterTech Expo 2025 Award Winners include:

  • Wayne Harris: 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award
  • Dave Hoag – JVC Kenwood: Legacy of Leadership Tribute
  • T.j. Carlson: 2025 Master Fabricator Award
  • Eduardo Moure: 2025 Master Clean Wire Award
  • David Koz: 2025 Best of Light Award
  • Tyler Hoover: 2025 Future MasterTech Award
  • Clean Wire – Winner 2025: Ben Freeman
  • Build Off Winner: Orange Team (Phil Cantu; Isaac Wood; Nick Frazier)
  • Manufacturer Awards:
  • Best Sounding Vehicle: Orca Designs – German Schulmeister
  • Best Booth Experience: MSC – Larry Penn
  • Best Training Experience: JVC Kenwood – Josh Bowen

“MasterTech Expo 2025 proved itself to be the premier event for professionals in the automotive, retail, and technology industries, providing a platform to learn, collaborate, and celebrate excellence,” Schmitt concluded. “We already have manufacturers and attendees asking for the dates of next year’s expo. We can’t wait to hear the stories from attendees of how they took what they learned at this years’ event and integrated it into their daily work environments.”

For more information, please visit mastertechexpo.com.

Maxxsonics Poised for More Business and Growth

LIBERTYVILLE, IL (03.27.25) – Maxxsonics is poised for more business and growth with a completely revitalized Sales team. Reinforcing Maxxsonics’ commitment to excellence, innovation, and customer satisfaction — the Sales team is looking to accelerate growth and expand its industry and market presence.

Eddie Ramirez (L)-National Sales Manager and Luis Larralde- International Sales Director are pictured at a recent event in Guadalajara Mexico.

Maxxsonics is entering an exciting new chapter with a revitalization effort being led by the entire Sales team. The Maxxsonics Sales team includes — Eddie Ramirez – National Sales Manager, Beata Wasilewski – Senior Director of Strategic Accounts & Customer Support, John Driscoll – Regional Sales Manager, Mark “Sarge” Schleipfer – Regional Sales Manager, and Luis Larralde – International Sales Director. This revitalized Sales team is aligned with Maxxsonics’ long-term vision of innovation and growth, ensuring that its brands — including MB Quart, Hifonics, Crunch, and Autotek — continue to lead in the Mobile, Marine, and Powersports audio industries.

Beata Wasilewski-Senior Director of Strategic Accounts and Customer Support pictured with HIFONICS gear in the HQ warehouse.

“The Maxxsonics Sales team brings together a wide range of industry expertise and a shared commitment to driving growth, strengthening partnerships, and delivering innovative products,” said Eddie Ramirez, Maxxsonics National Sales Manager.

John Driscoll-Regional Sales Manager is on site at a Powersports event.

With this newly energized Sales team, Maxxsonics is set to strengthen relationships with existing customers, forge new partnerships, and introduce innovative strategies that will propel the company to new heights in the audio industry.

Mark ‘Sarge’ Schleipfer-Regional Sales Manager on the road with MB Quart Powersports.

“The evolution of the entire Sales team reinforces our dedication to excellence — positioning us to better serve our partners, enhance customer relationships, and continue leading with cutting-edge solutions in the mobile electronic space,” concluded Ramirez.

Follow the link for complete details on Maxxsonics and their entire family of audio brands: maxxsonics.com.

Netflix’s Mark Towel Mentions ZZ2 MPPLAY

PALM BEACH, FL (03.27.25) – Mark Towel from NETFLIX’s Car Masters Rust to Riches give ZZ2 a shoutout on his social media channel Gotham Garage. View ZZ2’s caption and Mark’s video below:

Special thank you to Mark Towle from @gotham.garage Gotham Garage and the hit Netflix series @carmastersrusttoriches Car Masters: Rust to Riches! 🏁🚘 As big fans of the show, we’re honored to hear how much you love our MPPLAY product. Your creativity and passion for building one-of-a-kind automotive masterpieces inspire us here at ZZ2—keep pushing the boundaries!

We also want to send a shoutout to @audio.addiction Audio Addiction in Temecula, California, for getting us in touch with Mark & for their exceptional service and expert installations using ZZ2 products! Your dedication to quality and innovation never goes unnoticed—we’re proud to have you as part of the ZZ2 family. 🙌🔧

Be sure to follow @audio.addiction Audio Addiction and Mark Towle @gotham.garage to stay updated on their incredible work. We can’t wait to see what they do next! 💪✨

Learn more about the MPPlay below:

Visit zz-2.com for more,

Rydeen Launches New HD Wi-Fi Dash Cam OED-01

TORRANCE, CA (03.26.25) – Rydeen Mobile Electronics has announced the release of unique forward facing dash cam, the OED-01. This device features 1080P HD recording as well as video output using AHD high-definition video format. It has 140o wide-angle lens, APP-controlled recording via smartphone, loop recording for continuous coverage, and the ability to detect objects or human using optional proximity sensor.

OED-01 offers dual viewing capabilities, GPS tracking, and exceptional clarity both day and night. It can stream live video and serve as a digital video recorder (DVR), as well as a front camera for Rydeen’s PV8-A/B digital rearview mirrors (sold separately). OED-01 pairs seamlessly with the PV8-A/B Rydeen digital mirrors to maximize the video output functionality. It is an ideal solution for drivers who is looking for ad-vanced safety features and seamless integration into Rydeen’s AHD product ecosystem, offering premium quality without the premium price.

OED-01 dash cam connects to APP on your iOS or Android device via Wi-Fi, providing real-time monitoring, live viewing, and file management directly on your screen or smartphone. The APP can add up to ten (10) dash cams, including R10X-SPL, another model sold by Rydeen. “Ten devices are manageable using one APP, makes our system so versatile”, said Phil Maeda, president and CEO of Rydeen. “Downloading to your phone is so easy, can take the recorded HD video with you for share with your friends or even reporting to police along with GPS location is so convenient. We all know dash cameras are invaluable for reducing liability, but this device takes it to the next level with features like SOS emergency recording and minimal power consumption using proximity sensor (model PSS-001 sold separately)” Maeda continues.

The device is designed for quick and easy installation, making it suitable for any vehicle. Its compact size allows it to be mounted discreetly behind the rearview mirror, ensuring it does not obstruct the driver’s view.

MODEL #: OED-01 MSRP: $149
Product page: https://rydeenmobile.com/product/oed-01-forward-facing-dash-cam/

For more information or to place an order, please get in touch with us at 310-787-7880 or email us at sales@rydeenmobile.com.
Stay connected with us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, and TikTok for the latest updates and developments. https://www.facebook.com/rydeenmobile/ https://www.instagram.com/rydeenmobile/

New Parking Sensor Kit from Rostra

ORLANDO, FL (03.26.25) – We’re excited to introduce the Rostra 250-1903-BZFR Front/Rear Parking Sensor Kit, a simple yet highly effective solution for enhancing driver awareness and parking precision. Whether installed on the front or rear, this system provides real-time object detection to assist drivers in navigating tight spaces safely.

Key Features:
✔ Front or Rear Installation – Flexible placement based on vehicle needs
✔ 3-Color Display with Built-in Speaker – Provides visual and audible alerts
✔ (4) Paintable Sensors – Seamlessly blend with any vehicle color
✔ Works with Plastic and Metal Bumpers – Versatile and easy to install
✔ Self-Diagnostics – Quickly identifies any sensor faults

Enhance with Optional Accessories:
🔹 250-1903-GPS – GPS Accessory Kit
✔ Enables automatic system deactivation above 10mph, eliminating false alerts while driving

The Rostra 250-1903-BZFR is a must-have safety upgrade, providing reliable obstacle detection to help prevent collisions while parking.

Download the Sell Sheet here.

SEMA Statement on Emissions Restrictions

WASHINGTON, DC (03.26.25) – With the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the headlines of late, SEMA has noticed an uptick in misinformation regarding the Trump Administration’s actions on EV mandates and some members of the industry suggesting that the EV mandate rollbacks mean that defeat devices used to skirt emissions laws are allowed and/or will not be enforced against by the EPA. This is not true; defeat devices are illegal.

To ensure SEMA members and the aftermarket industry know what is true, SEMA created a Fact Sheet that sets the record straight on these and other issues. We encourage you to review the document and share with your audiences to help clear up any misunderstandings.

Visit sema.org for more.

Team Atlantic Travels To The MasterTech Expo in Phoenix AZ

PHOENIX, AZ (03.25.25) – The Atlantic Car Stereo team traveled from Dartmouth Nova Scotia to attend the MasterTech Expo 2025. The trip for Owners Sarah and Darryl Russell and Trevor Horning, Install Bay Manager, was 3200 miles each way.

Team Atlantic at the MasterTech Expo on the grounds outside. (RtoL) Owners Sarah and Darryl Russell and Trevor Horning-Install Bay Manager.

“We participated in sales training, business training, Master Fab and lots of awesome manufacturer trainings! Darryl was a Clean Wire Challenge competitor. The brand amps that he drew to do in the challenge were MTX. Clean Wire Challenge participants are given 3.5 hours to complete an amp board. They could bring props and tricks and tools from home. Although Darryl didn’t win the challenge he did a excellent job and completed his project on time” Sarah related.

Darryl Russell pictured with his Clean Wire Challenge MTX Board.
Clean Wire Challenge competitors gathered on stage with Darryl Russell 2nd L.

Continuing, “Team Atlantic can’t wait to implement all the awesome skills we learned into our business.”

The MasterTech Expo 2025 was held at the MESA Convention Center from March 20th-23rd in Mesa AZ. Attendees could transform knowledge, connect with the best in the industry and witness the future of technology unfold.

Sarah Russell checks out the new AV 3.0 II in the Audison booth.
Sarah’s ready at customs in the airport in Canada to begin the trip to Phoenix AZ.

“MasterTech Expo is a great event that is very organized, includes delicious meals and great information to be successful in our industry. Bryan and his team know how to put on an awesome event,” Sarah concluded for Team Atlantic.

Visit www.atlanticcar.ca and mastertechexpo.com for more.

The Keystone Big Show 2025 At The Gaylord Texan Resort And Convention Center.

GRAPEVINE, TX (03.25.25) – The Keystone Big Show filled the Gaylord Texan Convention Center March 21st and 22nd in Grapevine TX. The Big Show was an opportunity for automotive aftermarket industry professionals to connect with their industry peers, explore new brands and products plus learn about new opportunities.

Sarah Dulek and Steve Jergensen have the Race Sport Lighting and Stinger booth ready.
Sarah stayed busy showing dealers the wide variety of Race Sport Lighting products.

Race Sport Lighting and Stinger were on site with a very active booth as Steve Jergensen and Sarah Dulek spotlighted the new ColorTRAIL and NOVA LED plus handed out free high-fives all weekend.

Sarah answering questions about Stinger products on display.
Hundreds of attendees filled this hall during lunchtime at the event.

“The Big Show was vey well attended and action packed. Dealers were excited about our new ColorTRAIL and NOVA LED offerings. The saying is ‘everything is bigger in Texas’ and the Big Show 2025 was definitely an example of that saying,” Jergensen related.

The event floor was filled with vendor booths and a during noontime food and refreshments were available to hundreds of attendees.

“The feeling on the show floor was very positive as dealers are getting ready to drive business in the spring and summer of 2025. The wide selection of Race Sport Lighting and Stinger products drew a lot of interest as dealers saw new products and opportunities,” Jergensen concluded.

Visit keystoneautomotive.com for more.