(07.19.2026) Over the weekend, the 12volt Central Studios Staff learned that George Wu passed away Friday night July 17th following a lengthy illness. With heavy hearts, we say goodbye to George, the heart and soul behind Atomic Loudspeakers.

A man of vision, passion, and integrity who dedicated his life to perfecting sound and building a brand respected worldwide.

He was an amazing engineer. A brilliant mind with an unmatched dedication to innovation, quality, and precision. He turned ideas
into performance- a true pioneer. He built Atomic Loudspeakers from the ground up with hard work, determination, and a love for music and performance. He was an innovator in the early years of the Car Audio research and development era. His legacy will live on in every speaker, in every note, and in every heart he touched.

George was a loving husband and father. He cherished his family above all else. His love, strength, and values will forever live in their hearts. He will be remembered for his kindness, humility, and unforgettable spirit

The 12volt industry thanks you George Wu!

DUQUOIN IL (07.06.26) The Progressive American Flat Track Series was set for Saturday night July 4th at the DuQuoin State Fairgrounds with the Memphis Shades DuQuoin Mile. KICKER was set up outside the main entrance to the DuQuoin State Fair Arena under large tents and loaded KICKER Subaru.. Lorin Morrell, KICKER Events, and the crew had all set. Unfortunately weather rolled in and action on the track was postponed until Sunday morning.

“American Flat Tack and bike enthusiasts all recognize the KICKER brand as KICKER has participated with American Flat Track events across the US for several years. At these events many attendees mention they enjoy KICKER products in their vehicles along with bikes, UTVs and boats.” Morrell related.

Morrell’s travel schedule required for departure Saturday night. Sunday’s race results will be updated @12voltnews.com.

The next event on the 2026 American Flat Tack Series is March 5th & 6th at the Royal Enfield Short Track Daytona Beach FL.

For more see americanflattrack.com

12VOLT CENTRAL STUDIOS (07.04.26) – Friday, July 4th 2026, marks the Celebration of Independence Day 250 across the U.S. Many businesses are enjoying a 3-Day 4th of July weekend by taking off Friday the 3rd along with Friday July 4th and Sunday for a 3-Day weekend.

July 4th 2026 is seeing the landscape across the US and around the world far from normal as turmoil fills the news. Inflation continues running high and air travel is a nightmare in many cases. Online sales continue to take away from the brick and mortar sales across the marketplace. In-person events have returned but everyday life is far from normal.

On the 12volt industry side store traffic remains lighter as consumers make decisions with allocating their disposable income. Uneasiness with regard to tariffs and inventory issues persist. With so many options visibility for 12volt products is not getting through to consumers. We must continue to work to connect with consumers and make music fun again!

The business year is divided into 4 quarters….much like a football game. The first quarter of 2026 was OK for many 12volt companies. As the second quarter wrapped the impact of mounting social issues cloud the future. Reports are 12volt industry business has definitely slowed. Worldwide unrest adds to the cloudy future.

Now, as the second half of 2026 gets underway, all businesses must evaluate their game plans and make appropriate adjustments. Importantly, businesses must adjust their shoulder pads and tighten the chin straps on their helmets. Now, as the clock for the second half of 2025 has started, all businesses must keep their eye on the ball, work their game plans and be prepared to quickly make necessary adjustments. Importantly, brick and mortar retailers must work to create excitement in their marketplace to drive in-store traffic and business.

The 12voltSTP Tool can be utilized by members of the 12volt industry to showcase positives for their brand and activities. Snap..Txt.. PRESTO. Snap an Image and Txt the image with a few words to 318 469 2526. PRESTO! Your company could be in the news. As an industry let’s utilize the 12voltSTP Tool and be… ’Jammin’ N July’.

From the 12volt Central Studios we will continue to focus on the positives and encourage all to work to ‘Get Our Shine On’ as an industry and let’s ‘Make Music Fun Again!’

SHREVEPORT LA (06.21.26) Happy Father’s Day 2026 to all across the 12volt industry and beyond. Father’s Day was first celebrated in 1910 in Spokane, WA and championed by Sonora Smart Dodd to honor her Civil War veteran Father who raised six children as a single parent. Today it is celebrated annually on the third Sunday of June across the United States.

My first Father’s memory began February 17, 1945. My father was a paratrooper in Germany during the World War II. My Father was a commercial artist and created the graphic below as he was writing a letter to my mother in Lincoln, NE. He actually drew this graphic on a brown paper bag as the cover of the letter he was writing to my mother after he heard that I had been born. In the graphic, on the bottom right, my Mother and Father look down at me in diapers.

It’s been many years since 1945, Still all need to remember and thank their Fathers. Happy Father’s Day 2026.

DULUTH GA (06.06.26) Fernando Sainz is very well known across the window tinting industry. At the recent Film Fest Fernando continued to show all the skills he brings to a competition. Fernando took home trophies working with the MAXPro team throughout the event at the GAS South Convention Center in Duluth GA May 29-31.

Allison Parker, MAXPro Eastern Sales Manager, related “MAXPro was a sponsor at the event and Fernando, along and our team of competitors, excelled. Our team members worked to get everything ready to compete in various categories and showed their skills taking home trophies. A big thank you to all.”

Fernando‘s company Sainz Designs, on Staten Island in New York, is well known as the place to go for consumers across the area. With over 30 years of hands-on experience in the window tinting, graphics, paint protection film, and custom lettering Fernando he’s at the top of his game. After growing to Puerto Rico‘s largest tint shop Fernando and his wife moved to Staten Island and opened Sainz Designs 13 years ago.

After speaking with Fernando on the phone and checking out the company’s website Sainz Designs is certainly at the very top of the window tinting industry.

Stay tuned for more has Fernando continues to compete at window tinting competitions.

See Sainzdesigns.com for more.

12VOLT CENTRAL STUDIOS (06.01.26) – Jammin’ N June… It’s Summer Time and time to ‘Crank It Up’! Your store’s followers can get Jammin’ N June with great gear for their rides. Let them know your store has the HiTech in-dash media, powerful amps, speakers and more to get their rides Jammin’ N June. LED vehicle lighting too! Invite consumers to Crank Up their rides, bikes, boats and UTVs.

That theme can grab the attention of social media followers and consumers to create store traffic for 12volt retailers. Utilize this Jammin’ N June graphic for your social media posts. Screenshot the graphic and use it for social media posts… for free!

Online sales have been on a steady rise for the past several years. Inventory shortages, plus inflation and gas prices have slowed business for many retailers. Jammin’ N June themed activities, by proactive 12volt retailers, can drive consumer awareness and traffic into stores… and very importantly drive sales.

It’s imperative that 12volt retailers create a powerful in-store experience for consumers in the showroom. An impressive demonstration in the showroom will bring a smile to the consumer’s face and can raise the hair on their arms… making the cash register ring also.

In-person retail events and Sound-Off are creating excitement again in the marketplace. These facts indicate 12volt enthusiasts and consumers are ready to Crank It Up and get Jammin’ N June!

From the 12volt Central Studios we will continue to showcase positives across the 12volt industry. The 12voltSTP Tool makes that easier than ever. Snap an image with your smartphone. Txt that image to 318-469-2526 PRESTO! Your positive activities could be in The 12volt News.

As an industry ‘Let’s Get Our Shine On.’ Let’s get Jammin’ N June! Much more to come from the 12volt Central Studios.

SHREVEPORT, LA (05.26.2026) – Memorial Day is the Federal Holiday in the United States for honoring and mourning the military personnel who have died in the performance of their military duties while serving in the United States Armed Forces.

The exact origins are uncertain, but it came out of Civil War traditions of decorating the graves of soldiers with flowers. Many cities and individuals claimed to have been the first to celebrate the event. In 1868 General John A Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic called for a Decoration Day, which was widely celebrated. By 1890 every Northern state had adopted it as a Holiday. The World Wars turned it into a generalized day of remembrance, instead of just for the Civil War. In 1971, Congress standardized the holiday as Memorial Day and changed its observance.

This Holiday is observed on the last Monday in May. Memorial Day is also considered the unofficial beginning of the Summer in the United States.

We trust all across the 12volt industry who have lost a loved one in conflict will remember those lost on this Memorial Day 2026.