KICKER Went Way Overboard At Desert Storm 2026

Posted on April 27, 2026 by slaytonja in Featured.

LAKE HAVASU AZ (04.27.26) KICKER and the team were onsite with the KICKER XRV, RZR and so much more as a presenting sponsor of the 2026 event. This was the 10th year with KICKER participating in Desert Storm. KICKER first started at Desert Storm with a 10×20 booth with River Dave and Wired 4 Sound. The last 7 years KICKER has been onsite as the Top Sponsor with a much, much larger presence at the downtown Street Festival and on the lake boat parades through the days and dockside evenings Friday and Saturday.

Jeremy Wynn related “The Desert Storm Party got off to a great start on a beautiful Thursday. All setup was done on Wednesday and the KICKER booth and area was packed with people until Saturday’s closing bell. The KICKER XRV is a magnet at events and the BoomRoom was full for demos non-stop. The evening street parades with amazing boats and dockside events lasted into the night.” Jeremy is Promotions and Event Manager.

A bright red boat displayed in front of a KICKER performance audio booth with promotional signage, surrounded by vehicles and under a clear blue sky. — ***Early morning setup began.***

Lorin Morrell, Maddog_Media, is on site at many KICKER consumer events…including Desert Storm. Morrell related “The attendance at this year’s Desert Storm definitely showed an increase from last year. This year the KICKER XRV was on a prime spot up people were talking about it across the huge venue. With the street parades and action on the water KICKER was definitely ‘Livin’Loud’!

Outdoor event with a red boat and a black truck, featuring Kicker branding. People are interacting near the display, with banners in the background. — ***When the event opened on Thursday morning soon, people were checking out the KICKER setup***

“Massive is the only word for Desert Storm 2026” Morrell stated.

A busy river scene with multiple boats and people enjoying a sunny day. Palm trees line the shore, and several tents can be seen on the banks. — ***This is just a small portion of the thousands of boat enthusiasts having fun.***

Aerial view of a crowded street filled with people walking, surrounded by vendor tents and parked vehicles. — ***Streets in Havasu were blocked off for thousands of people to check out the boats.***

Tracy Focht, Western Regional was on site with Bobby Flores from Murfco and they spent time across KICKER activities plus connecting with area retailers who attended Desert Storm 2026.

A group of men on a stylish black boat with red LED lights, set against a dusk background. One man is holding a phone while another stands beside him. — ***At dusk Lorin Morrell was filming the parade in the Elite Audio pontoon boat. The boat was playing the national anthem and people paused for blocks in honor.***

The Anderson Powersports Desert Storm 4-Day event schedule featured the Krusin’ 4A Kause & Kick Off Party, IHRA Street Party, Go Lake Havasu Parade Of Power Anderson Powersports Desert Storm Poker Run and Shugrue’s Shootout.

A large crowd of people walking along a street during the night, with palm trees and colorful lights in the background. — ***The street parades lasted into the night.***

From the first night kick-off vendor party, to the hustle of the street party and the family atmosphere throughout the event Desert Storm 2026 at Lake Havasu City was amazing. Lasting friendships were created with extended families at Desert Storm. At Desert Storm 2026 KICKER went overboard and was definitely Livin’Loud. The KICKER branding was very impressive for all at the event. All are looking forward to Desert Storm 2027.

Aerial view of a vibrant blue lake filled with numerous boats and recreational watercraft, surrounded by sandy beaches and palm trees. — ***This image from above shows the scope of the Desert Storm action that will return in 2027.***

Visit kicker.com for more.

IASCA Announces 2026 SPL World Finals in Indianapolis, West Coast Satellite Event, and Sound Quality World Finals at AXPONA

Posted on April 27, 2026 by slaytonja in Industry News.

East Wenatchee, WA (April 27, 2026)— The International Auto Sound Challenge Association (IASCA) is proud to announce the 2026 IASCA SPL World Finals, taking place October 3–4 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds Expo Hall in Indianapolis. This premier event will bring together the world’s top competitors in sound pressure level (SPL) competition for an action-packed weekend of record-breaking performances and elite-level car audio competition.

Front view of Exposition Hall, a brick building with large glass doors and a green roof, set against a partly cloudy sky.

The 2026 World Finals will feature IASCA SPL competition alongside dB Drag Racing Association (dBDRA) and ISPLL (International Sound Pressure League), creating one of the most comprehensive and competitive SPL events in the world. Competitors and fans alike can expect an electrifying atmosphere, cutting-edge builds, and some of the loudest vehicles ever assembled.

In addition to the main event, IASCA will host a West Coast Satellite Event on September 27, 2026, at the Oregon State Fairgrounds Expo Pavilion in Salem, Oregon. This satellite competition offers West Coast competitors an opportunity to qualify, compete, and showcase their systems ahead of the World Finals, while expanding access to IASCA’s global competition platform.

Front view of a modern building with a large arched entrance, flanked by two colorful flags and surrounded by greenery on a sunny day.

Looking ahead, IASCA has also confirmed that the 2026 IASCA Sound Quality (SQ) World Finals will take place during AXPONA (Audio Expo North America), April 9–11, 2027, at the Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel & Convention Center in Schaumburg, Illinois. This collaboration continues IASCA’s successful integration of in-car sound quality competition within one of North America’s premier high-end audio events.

A lineup of various cars displayed at an indoor event, featuring vehicles in different colors and styles, along with a promotional banner.

“These events represent the pinnacle of car audio competition,” said IASCA leadership. “By partnering with dB Drag Racing, ISPLL, and AXPONA, we’re creating unmatched experiences for competitors and fans while continuing to grow the global car audio community.”

IASCA SPL World Finals West Coast Satellite Event
September 27, 2026
Oregon State Fairgrounds –Pavilion
Salem, Oregon

IASCA SPL World Finals
October 3–4, 2026
Indiana State Fairgrounds – Expo Hall
Indianapolis, Indiana

IASCA Sound Quality World Finals (at AXPONA)
April 9–11, 2027
Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel & Convention Center
Schaumburg, Illinois

IASCA: www.iasca.com

dBDRA: www.termpro.com

ISPLL: www.ispll.com

NEW ZWAGZ Flash Safety Lighting for Ford Has Arrived

Posted on April 27, 2026 by slaytonja in Industry.

Palm Beach FL (4-27-2026) The ZW-FMV is a BCM-connected, plug-and-play module that allows installers to activate multiple flash patterns through the vehicle’s OEM lighting system, delivering a clean, factory-integrated solution without complex wiring.

Advertisement for the all-new ZW-FMV featuring a Ford Bronco with a play button overlay, set against a bright yellow background.

Announcement of the ZW-FMV lighting product release for select Ford vehicles by Z22.

Installed directly at the Body Control Module (BCM) with a simple power and ground connection, the ZW-FMV enables fast, efficient installs while maintaining OEM integrity. Flash patterns are easily controlled using the high-beam lever, with additional activation options including a push button or upfitter wire trigger for fleet and commercial applications.

Key features of a lighting system including multiple flash patterns, plug and play installation, push button and upfitter wire activation, easy control with OEM high-beam lever, outputs mimic flash patterns for external lighting, and a one-year warranty.

Image displaying Ford compatibility with various models: Escape (2020-2025), Bronco Sport (2021-2025), Maverick (2022-2025), Mach-E (2021-2025), and Transit Connect (2019-2025) on a yellow background.

The ZW-FMV is available now through ZZ2 and authorized dealers.

For ordering, dealer inquiries, or support, contact your ZZ2 sales representative or visit:

Enhance the driving experience by adding convenience and safety features that your customers will love.

Wishing Mike Beyersdoerfer Many Happy Years On The Retirement Road

Posted on April 26, 2026 by slaytonja in Featured.

SHREVEPORT LA (04.26.26) As many people know Mike Beyersdoerfer retired on March 31, 2026 capping a 56 year career that included time spent in four industries… Consumer Electronics, Motorcycle, Automotive Aftermarket and RV. Mike’s very successful 56 year career was built on connecting with members all across those industries.

Below are a number of images with Mike and friends in retailer’s stores… And all with a smile.

Two men shaking hands inside a retail store filled with audio equipment and accessories. The man on the left is wearing a yellow sweater, while the man on the right is in a black vest. Various products and displays are visible in the background.

Two men posing together at Greensburg Autosound, with a sign in the background displaying the business name and services offered.

Mike and Tom posing for a selfie at Xtreme Sound in Cincinnati, with audio equipment in the background.

Two men shaking hands inside a store, with a brown sofa in the foreground and sound equipment in the background. A banner with 'Exclusive Sounds' is visible.

Two men standing next to two audio speaker boxes at a retail store.

From the 12volt Central Studios, we wish Mike many happy years on retirement road.

Team Nutz At The Davis Distribution Show 2026

Posted on April 25, 2026 by slaytonja in Featured.

PITTSBURG PA (04.25.26) Team Nutz is a very proactive retailer in Pittsburgh that continually connects with consumers at local community events and charity fund raisers. In addition Team Nutz attends distributor shows and industry events in Las Vegas. Team Nutz definitely works as a team and team members travel to attend many events.

A group photo of attendees posing together in front of a stage with a 'Davis Distribution Systems' banner, featuring a diverse group of men and women, smiling and wearing name badges. — ***The Team Nutz crew and a great image with Kevin Taliani.***

Team Nutz, with Ed and Nina Nuttall, along with 10 team members spent the day at the Davis Distribution show in Pittsburgh on Tuesday April 7th . At events team members have a plan for the day as was the case of the Davis Distribution show. There was an opportunity for all team members to network with industry members at the event, attend any trainings and visit the booths of nearly 50 companies exhibiting. That evening all of the team members enjoyed the delicious dinner. Early the next morning, they were set up at a local consumer event.

Ed Nuttall related “By attending these in-person events we learn so much about actual activity that’s happening in brick and mortar retail stores, specials and promotions that dealers take advantage of as our team takes the opportunity to work as one. We have attended previous Davis Distribution shows and it is terrific to know the Taliani family members. The 2026 event raised the bar and we look forward to attending the 2027 Davis Distribution Show.”

A vendor at a trade show, standing behind a table displaying various audio equipment and speakers, with a laptop open in front of him and a backdrop of red curtains. — ***“We learned a lot about BEYMA as Jose Diaz was setting up the booth” Ed Nuttall***

CMA EXPO 2026 Marks the Most Successful Event to Date

Posted on April 20, 2026 by slaytonja in Featured.

TORONTO CANADA (04.20.26) The fourth annual 2026 CMA EXPO returned April 10th to 12th at the Toronto Congress Centre. This year’s event expanded to 60,000 square feet, delivering a reimagined experience. More than 100 leading manufacturer brands were showcased on the show floor, along with demo builds from marine, motorcycle, and powersports segments. The new 12V Retailer Resources Alley, provided dealers with tools, technology and support to keep shops ahead of the curve.

A crowded hallway filled with people attending an event, some engaging in conversation while others are walking. Various individuals are holding drinks and items, with colorful clothing and name tags visible. — ***The aisles were packed early on the first day of the CMA EXPO 2026 as all waited for the training room doors to open.***

Attendees participated in a two-day Mobile Solutions Fabrication Masterclass, presented by industry icon Bryan Schmitt. The three-day Sales Summit, led by award-winning expert Dan Bowman, delivered proven strategies to help dealers scale and succeed. The top industry trainers delivered 48 brand sessions alongside eight expert-delivered workshops covering everything from 3D scanning to DSP. In addition, six hands-on in-vehicle seminars also provided real-world training that could be applied directly in the bay.

A presenter speaking to a large audience in a conference room, with attendees seated and engaged. A table in front displays equipment and water bottles.

A group of attendees watching a presentation at CMA Expo, with two speakers demonstrating techniques on stage and a large screen displaying close-up visuals.

“We want to extend a sincere thank you to all of the Canadian distributors, trainers, and dealers who supported CMA EXPO 2026. The level of engagement, collaboration, and commitment from across the industry is what continues to drive this event forward each year,” said CMA President, Frank Spezzano.

A large group of people gathered in a hallway, many wearing matching pink shirts, smiling and raising their hands in the air. The setting features a modern interior with a blue carpet and decorative lighting.

A group of people engaging in conversation at a trade show, with a black motorcycle displayed prominently in the foreground and various vendor booths visible in the background.

With over 350 Canadian dealers attending, CMA EXPO 2026 became the most attended event to date, further solidifying its position as a must-attend gathering for the 12v industry.

For More Information

For additional information on CMA EXPO, visit CMAEXPO.CA or contact: cmaexpo@cmanetworks.com

JEEP BEACH 2026 – A Must-Attend Industry Opportunity

Posted on April 20, 2026 by slaytonja in Industry News.

DAYTONA BEACH, FL (4.20.26) – Jeep Beach 2026 is gearing up to deliver one of the most powerful consumer engagement platforms in the country for the mobile electronics and aftermarket industries.

This city-wide, exclusively Jeep-centric series of events culminates in a two-day Consumer Expo on April 24–25 at the Daytona International Speedway. The infield will be filled with vendors and tens of thousands of highly engaged Jeep enthusiasts actively seeking products, upgrades, and installations.

For manufacturers, distributors, and retailers, Jeep Beach presents a rare opportunity:

Direct-to-consumer sales
Immediate brand exposure to a concentrated enthusiast market
Onsite installations within the iconic NASCAR Garages
Strong collaboration opportunities between vendors and their dealer networks

A lineup of modified cars, including colorful Jeeps and SUVs, parked outside the Daytona International Speedway under a partly cloudy sky. — **Jeeps are spotlighted in front of the DaytonaI International Speedway at a previous Jeep Beach event.**

As a long-time dealer in the marketplace, Soundcrafters’ principal, Paul Papadeas, shares:
“Participating year after year has been an exceptionally positive experience. The Jeep Beach team is outstanding, and they work for a truly meaningful cause. The sales impact, brand exposure, and sheer volume of impressions are remarkable. In many ways, this event surpasses the industry impact we once experienced at Spring Break Nationals. Jeep Beach represents a real opportunity for the industry to move beyond the challenges of the past few years, re-engage dealer networks, and reenergize sales.”

A bright green Jeep vehicle on dirt terrain with a blue Jeep perched on a dirt mound in the background, surrounded by empty stadium seating. — **Jeepers will be able to show their skills on these mounds on the infield of the Daytona Internation Speedway.**

Vendor space is competitively priced relative to the nonstop foot traffic and high-intent audience. Beyond the business opportunity, Jeep Beach operates as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, having contributed over $5,000,000.00 to both Local and National Charities adding a meaningful philanthropic dimension to participation.

Sign welcoming visitors to Daytona Beach, featuring a palm tree and orange graphic, against a blue sky.

For brands looking to strengthen dealer relationships, increase market visibility, and generate immediate revenue in a high-energy environment, Jeep Beach 2026 is a strategic event to prioritize.

For additional information, visit www.jeepbeach.com.

SEMA SHOWCASES AFTERMARKET INNOVATION IN ONE-OFF ACURA MDX TYPE S CONCEPT

Posted on April 20, 2026 by slaytonja in Industry.

Overland Concept from the SEMA Garage to debut at the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach

LOS ANGELES (April 20, 2026) – The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), in collaboration with Acura, today revealed a one-of-one 2026 Acura MDX Type S Overland Concept, showcasing how modern OEM platforms can be thoughtfully reimagined through purposeful aftermarket upgrades to support off-road and overland adventure – without sacrificing daily comfort and refinement.

Designed and built at the SEMA Garage in Los Angeles, the MDX Type S Overland Concept showcases the innovation and technical expertise of SEMA-member companies. By pairing Acura’s high-performance SUV architecture with cutting-edge aftermarket components, the build demonstrates a growing shift in the enthusiast market: the desire for “go anywhere” capability without sacrificing refined “daily driver” performance.

“This project is a perfect example of SEMA’s mission in action — bringing OEMs and the aftermarket together to explore what’s possible,” said Luis Morales, SEMA’s Director of Vehicle Technology & Product Development. “The 2026 Acura MDX Type S Overland Concept shows how the aftermarket can responsibly and creatively expand vehicle capability while retaining the refinement and performance consumers expect from a premium OEM.”

Redefining the Modern Adventure Vehicle
Built on the performance-focused foundation of the 2026 Acura MDX Type S, the vehicle was transformed into an adventure-ready, overland-capable concept through the integration of off-road wheels and tires, functional lighting, cargo solutions, and camping equipment. The build is intended as a design and engineering exercise — not a production vehicle — to inspire enthusiasts and demonstrate fitment, function, and integration across a modern OEM platform.

A stylish gray SUV with a distinctive front design, equipped with off-road wheels and a roof rack featuring multiple lights, parked in a natural outdoor setting.

Multiple SEMA-member aftermarket brands contributed components to the project, including:

Baja Designs – XL Linkable Light Bar and Squadron Pro Ditch Lights
Black Rhino – Voll Wheels (18×8.5 ET25)
Falken – WildPeak A/T4W Tires (275/65R18)
Inspired Overland – Overland Stargazer Duo Rooftop Tent
NoLo Designs – Ditch Light Brackets
Prinsu – Roof Rack
RiG’d – UltraSwing Spare Tire Carrier

Each component was selected to support off-road durability, overland utility, and cohesive visual integration — illustrating how aftermarket innovation can extend vehicle capability beyond its original design intent.

Built at the SEMA Garage
The vehicle was assembled at the SEMA Garage–Los Angeles, SEMA’s OEM-agnostic facility dedicated to aftermarket testing, product development, and advanced vehicle technology. The Garage provided the tools, expertise, and environment necessary to develop and validate aftermarket solutions on the MDX Type S platform.

A gray SUV equipped with a rooftop tent parked in a sunny outdoor setting, surrounded by trees.

“Builds like this help SEMA and our members better understand new vehicle platforms and develop real-world solutions,” said Morales. “It benefits the aftermarket, OEMs, and ultimately the enthusiast.”

Public Debut at California’s 2026 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach
The 2026 Acura MDX Type S Overland Concept will make its public debut in the Acura display at the 2026 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, where attendees will have the opportunity to see the one-off build up close.

The SEMA Show: Where Aftermarket Trends Take Shape
At the 2025 SEMA Show, one standout trend was the growing number of performance-focused vehicles being outfitted for off-road and adventure use — a signal that enthusiasts increasingly want builds that don’t fit neatly into a single category. While the MDX Type S isn’t a supercar, this concept reflects the same go-anywhere mindset, translated into a premium SUV platform that many enthusiasts can realistically picture using every day.

Registration for the 2026 SEMA Show opens May 4, 2026. The Show remains the place where the industry gathers to spot what’s next across trucks, SUVs, off-road, performance, and lifestyle-driven builds.

For more information on SEMA, the SEMA Garage, and OEM partnership programs, visit www.sema.org. For more information on the SEMA Show, visit www.semashow.com.

Mike Beyersdoerfer Connected For 56 Years

Posted on April 19, 2026 by slaytonja in Featured.

SHREVEPORT LA (04.19.26) Mike Beyersdoerfer retired on March 31, 2026, capping a 56 year career that included time spent in 4 industries… Consumer Electronics, Motorcycle, Automotive Aftermarket and RV. The 56 years included time beginning on the retail sales floor, retail manager, territory manager for Pioneer Electronics in the Ohio Valley, VP of Rex TV retail chain, field manager for Phillips consumer electronics in the Ohio Valley plus National Sales manager for TEAC America before his company BEI.

The images below is a continuing reflection of Mike’s time on the road and how he connected with business partners:

Group photo of six men smiling together at an event, with promotional banners in the background.

Two groups of men posing for photos at a trade event. On the left, one man holds a product in front of a display. On the right, two men stand closely together, smiling.

Two men smiling next to a display of car audio equipment at B's Car Stereo in Elyria, OH, while another man works on a laptop in a trailer in the Rockies.

Selfie of Ceasar Olaes-MTX and Mike at Greensburg Autosound, featuring a service area with a sign in the background.

As President and Founder of BEI and Just In Time distributing Mike transitioned to marketing across the four industries. BEI served as a consultant, sales representative and brand manager during that time. BEI also participated in the launch of new companies like TOM TOM, CRUX Interfacing and directed companies into automotive channels of distribution.

Forefront in time spent during that 56 years was the personal connection that Mike established with people across those four industries.

12volt Central Studios staff members contacted a group of people that worked with Mike through those years and this article continues with some images and comments from those people and companies.

Each of the above companies thanked Mike for his ongoing support to provide information for the brands he represented and trends across the 12volt industry. Industry members across all of the 4 industries Mike served also thanks him.

KICKER Was Livin’Loud With Big Wins At The Auto Fair

Posted on April 18, 2026 by slaytonja in Featured.

CHARLOTTE NC (04.18.26) Luxury Motorsports, with Peter Ashby behind the wheel, rolled into the Charlotte Motor Speedway on Wednesday, April 8. KICKER was front and center at the Charlotte Auto Fair from Thursday through Saturday the 9th-11th. Luxury Motorsports is the East Coast Brand Ambassador for KICKER and shows their builds at many the East Coast events.

***Peter Ashby rolling into the Charlotte Motor Speedway Wednesday morning to set up for The Auto Fair.***

Two of the most legendary KICKER demo vehicles were on site and Livin’Loud at the Spring Auto Fair. The ‘Nemesis’ Toyota Supra and the ground-shaking custom-built LiteNLoud Toyota LiteAce were like magnets drawing attendees, whether JDM enthusiast or Car-Audio fanatics to the booth.

Two men pose with a trophy and a humorous mascot beside a red sports car at an automotive event, with large banners in the background. — ***Peter Ashby-R and Gerry Caulder, with the Speedway, are shown with the winning Supra and large trophy.***

After three busy days, with an attendance reported to close to 100,000, judging was complete. Peter Ashby‘s Toyota Supra captured the Walt Hollifield Best of Show honors. The build was highlighted by a custom KICKER Audio system that added a distinctive layer to the Supra’s overall presentation. Ashby noted “Without all the support we wouldn’t have made it this far. To be able to win this award this year just means everything to me.”

A customized small truck decorated with bright graphics, equipped with large speakers and a sound system, parked on a racetrack with stadium seating in the background. — ***The LiteZNLoud Toyota LiteAce with the Speedway in the background.***

In additional super news for L Motorsports the Hagerty Youth Judging Contest, with nearly 300 young judges, voted the L Motorsports amazing Toyota LiteAce the winner. “The kids voted and we are so honored to receive the blue ribbon award.

A group of children in yellow shirts gathered around a large sound system on wheels, with adults supervising them at a racetrack. The background features a grandstand and fencing. — ***Student judges are pictured checking out the LiteAce.***

“The week’s Charlotte Auto Fair was a tremendous experience and L Motorsports looks forward to returning in 2027” Peter
Ashby concluded with a very happy smile.

For more see kicker.com