Unique Sounds Wins VIPER Prize On The 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel 357

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12VOLT CENTRAL STUDIOS (02.21.26) The 12volt Spin-to-Win Wheel was created to bring an element of fun to the 12volt industry. The weekly 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel is now spinning in Year 7.

The 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel rolled for the 357th time on Friday morning on February 20th. The Wheel landed on the VIPER space and the Unique Sounds slip was drawn from the jar. A social media post of the winning spin slip was made as well as the Spin video.

Click to view.

We have reached out to the Lucky winning retailer in Carson City NV to let them know the exciting news that a VIPER prize will be heading their way. No contact yet but we will continue to connect with the winner.

Spinning out a winner each Friday, a lucky 12volt retailer can win a cool prize and top brands receive visibility across the  12volt industry.12volt brands with a space on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel include KICKER, RDV, PowerBass, CRUX, JBL, EBS Audio, King Boxes, Massive Audio, Q Power and VIPER. 12volt News and 12voltBeat $100. cash awards also have spaces on the 12volt Spin-To-Wheel for the winning 12volt retailer. A custom QR Code has been added as a prize on the wheel.

Past winners of the 12volt Spin-To-Win include…Stereo & Video Center-Tyler TX, The Outlaw Garage-Franklin TN, Exotic Sounds-West Palm Beach FL, Endless Possibilities-Aurora IL., Go Auto Sound in Union City NJ, Al&Ed’s South Bay CA, No Limitz Car Audio in Upland CA, Neil’s Specialty-Eureka CA, Sturgess Customs-Lexington SC, Audio By Art-San Antonio TX, SMS Car Audio in Marreo LA and Sweet Wheelz in Mississauga Ontario Canada, Cartronics in Biscayne FL, The CarAudio Shop in St Louis MO, Exotic Sounds in West Palm Beach FL, High North Customs in Grand Prairie Alberta Canada and AMS Audio in Bakersfield CA, Team QRT in Abbeyville LA and California Sound in Fontana CA and Jackie Cooper Electronics, Oklahoma City OK, MARS Audio-Orlando FL, All American Audio in Nutley NJ, Proline Car Stereo in Brooklyn NY, Custom Shop Miami, Tunes and Tint in Lakeland FL, Mobile Concepts Inc in Mokena IL, Seismic Auto Sound in Concord CA, Brooklyn Car Audio in Brooklyn NY, Audio Solutions in Florence MS, Enhanced Customs in Largo FL, Rayco Auto Clinic, Audio Design in San Jose CA, Go Bass Mode in Florida, Avenue Sound in Freeport NY, Audio Plus in Riverview FL, Stereo Zone in Whittier CA, In-Phase Car Audio in Omaha NE, AutoLife Group, N&H Electronics, SK Customs, Land & Sea, The Audio One, NC Custom Shop,Tint World Orlando, Ricky Smith’s Audio, VIP Custom Woks, Mobile Audio Concepts, Audio Lad, Sound Sensations, Dave’s Stereo, Stereo Design, Badlands Customs, Custom Audio-Erie PA, Voltz Autosports-Bridgeport CT, Infinity Sound and Security-Kissimmee, Autosport Plus-Canton OH, Stereo City Pros in Carmichael CA, Devine Concepts in Naples FL, The Sound Shop in Indian Trail NC, Extreme Performance Audio in Fresno CA, Audio Depot in Arlington TX, Audio Security in Houston TX, Earmark Car Audio and Marine in Lewisville TX, Audio Jam in Bear DE, Stereo City Ontario, Ontario CA, Audio By Art, San Antonio TX, Code Zero Customs in Tulsa OK, Ken’s Car Tunes in Mobile AL, Soundz Plus in Naperville IL, Markland Designs in Lithonia GA, Electronics Plus in Salinas CA, Xtreme Autosports in Santa Clarita CA, Superior Audio Sounds in San Angelo TX, Model Electronics in Ramsey NJ, Texas Dreamz Customs in Spring TX, Wired Electronics in Linden NJ and Intense Car Audio in OKC, OK, Underground Auto in Sarasota FL, Car Toys Tulsa in Tulsa OK,  Real Audio in Erie PA, Go Autosound in Union NJ, DFM Stereo in Ukiah CA, Impact Tint and Audio in Tyler TX, Mobile Sound Systems in Arlington TX, Redline Audio and Performance In Spindale NC, Car Audio Land in San Diego CA, Audio X Custom Car Audio in Florence AL, River Oaks Car Stereo in Houston TX, American Radio Orlando in Sanford FL, Illustrious Customs in Woodbridge VA, Remote Start Pros in Lawrence MA, HiPro Audio in Victoria TX, AudioPlanetNY in Huntington Station NY, Endless Possibilities in Aurora IL, Audio Finesse in Santa Monica, Drive Customs in San Luis Obispo CA, Custom Works, Noblesville IN, AtoZ Detail in West Haven CT, Cars 843 in Charleston SC, CarTunes Atlanta in Atlanta GA, Mobile Concepts in Garwood NJ, Duke’s Car Stereo in Flint MI, Infinity Auto Sound, King Car Audio in Norwalk CT, PopTronics in Baltimore MD, Sanford Sound in Sanford ME,  Angelvip2474 in Draper UT, Dynamic Car Audio in Baltimore MD, Hi-Pro Audio in Victoria TX, Car Stereo Max in Houston, Pro Audio Center in Richland MS, Rhodes Off-Roads in Farmington MO, Model Electronics in Ramsey NJ, Class A Sounds in Athens OH. Just Audio Video in North Providence RI, CT_Custom in Philadelphia, Audio Solutions in Florence MS and The Audio Shop RC in Rapid City SD, DG Motorsportz in High Point NC, ST Mobile in Texarkana TX, AR Custom OC in Orange CA, Temecula Mobile Sound in Temecula CA,  Unique Auto Sound in Lindenhurst NY, D’s Garage in Corona CA and DS2 Mobile Solutionz in Tomball TX, C G Car Audio in Kissimmee FL, California Audio in West Valley City UT and The Action Audio Store in Wethersfield CT, Eclipse Car Audio in Vancouver WA, Electronics Depot Car Audio in Altamonte Springs FL. Car Audio Garage in Pearland TX, Pinnacle Autosound in Lake City FL, J H Audio in Bowling Green VA, The Car Audio Shop StL in High Ridge MO, Anthonys Car Stereo in North Highlands CA, Flynn Audio in Middleton WI, Living Loud Car Audio in Pelham AL, Trail Star Audio in Minnesota, On The Spot Audio in Pennsauken NJ, Animated Car Audio in Essex MD, West Coast Car Audio in Citrus Heights CA, Modified Auto Sound in East Alton IL, Star Car Audio in Hermiston OR, VapeNAudio in Clovis CA, SoundWorks in Millersville MD Eclipse Car Audio in Vancouver WA, J A Custom Audio in Houston TX Jose Electronics in North Hills CA,  Sound Proof Car Stereo in Douglasville GA, Auto Additions in Springfield IL, Elite Car Audio in Hollywood CA, Masters Car Stereo in Greenville SC, Audio Plus in Eden NC, Seismic AutoSound in Novato CA, Car Audio Addicts in Pittsburgh PA and AudioKing Tinting in Yakima WA, Arias Tint and Alarms in Duncanville TX, Odeh Car Audio in Gadsden AL, 12volt Specialist in Newark DE, Cutting Edge Audio in San Diego CA, Southern Auto Fab in Lafayette LA, California Sound in Fontana CA, Big Boyz Toyz in Florence SC, 740 Audio in Athens OH and 12volt Outfitters in Hollywood FL., High Quality Auto Sound, Lawrence MA, Custom Car Stereo SC in Spartanburg SC, Zier Box in Dallas TX, Maximum in Manville NJ, Audio Car Stereo in Miami FL, Mach 1 Audio in Washington MO, Doren Car Stereo in Queens Village NY, Side-x-Side Audio in South Charleston WV, Sound Concept in Nanuet NY, Pda Road Gear in Littleton CO and A-Plus Audio and Tinting  Newington CT, Audio Electronics in Indianapolis IN, Tint and Sound in Frederick MD, Tint World Wilmington DE, VIP Autoworks in Mentor OH, All Out Audio in Killeen TX, Yong’s Audio in Indianapolis IN, Custom Audio Concepts in Lima OH, Clear Vibrations in Quakertown PA, The Outlaw Garage in Columbia TN, Xpert Car Audio in Layton UT, No Doubt Window Tint in Ardmore OK, San Diego Car Stereo in San Diego CA, Smart Audio in Lawrence MA, Car Audio One in Chula Vista CA, Audio Excellence in Orlando FL, Ultimate Sounds 1 in Wilmington NC, King Kong Custom Audio in Albuquerque NM. Manny’s Customs in Stockton CA, OD Car Audio in Pasco WA, Car Tunes on Line in Largo FL, INOV8 Audio in Houston TX, Kartel Mobile Electronics in Waterbury CT, Pro Auto Sound in Hialeah FL Mobile AVC in Brunswick ME, Fabulous Auto Alarms in Passaic NJ, Jimmy_Sound_System in Lawrence MA, American Audio Concepts in Houston TX, Arias Tint and Alarm in Duncanville TX, Big Papas Car Audio in Cincinnati OH, Houston Audio Lab in Houston TX, 901 Sound in Memphis TN, Kurtz Car Stereo in Traverse City MI, Sound By Stephen, Music In Motion in Alsip IL, Current Automotive Design in Sparta NJ, Prestige Sounds in Pompano Beach FL, Mobile AVC in Brunswick ME, Telza Audio in Columbia SC, Limelight Automotive in Webster NY, Victory Lap Auto Restyling East Moline IL, Unique Audio VA in Lorton VA, Builds by Paul in Litchfield AZ, Voodoo Customs in Haltom City TX, Elevated Design in Phoenix AZ, Mobilework/Tintworks in Santa Maria CA, Nappo Car Audio in Houston, Platinum Car Audio in Washington, Ballistic Audiowerks in Smithsburg MD,  Xteme-Car Audio in Bremerton WA, Beltline Motors in Decatur AL, Ultimate Sounds in Chattanooga TN, Santa Fe Auto Sound in Overland Park KS, Soundelux Car Audio in Chula Vista CA, Kartele Mobile Electronics in Waterbury CT, BK Audio in Pasco WA, CenCal Audio in Madura CA, Xtreme Auto Sound in Louisville KY,  Victorylap Auto Styling in East Moline IL, Car Trendz in Alexandria VA, BLVD Customs in Lakeland FL, Audio Systems in Montclair CA, Fitment_nyc_shop in Jamaica NY, King Audio in Norwalk CT. Foss Audio in Tukwila WA, OG Car Audio in Kissimmee FL, Tint and Tunes in Sacramento CA, Dr Dashboard in Evansville IN, The Sound Shop in Chino CA, Extreme Concepts in Albertville AL,The-King of Custom in Longwood FL, Car Audio Depot in Modesto CA and Audio Dreams in Acworth GA, PCH Custom Audio in Long Beach CA, Crazy Ralph’s Car Stereo in Gonzales LA,  Joe’s Cycle Therapy in Somerset MA, Cal Custom Audio in Tracy CA, NWA Audio in Bentonville AR,  XT Audio in Miami, Tim’s Audio in Newport OR, Build’s By Paul in Litchfield AZ, DAW Discount Audio in Paramount CA and M12 Audio in Bluefield WVA,  Jam City Pros in Caddo Mills TX, Finishline Shop in Lumberton NJ, Genuine Custom Audio in Riverside CA,Ballistic Autowerks in Hagerstown MD, Jeff’s Custom Car Audio in Royce TX, Pitbull’s in Houston, Aspen Sound in North Spokane WA, CP Designs in Jarrell TX and D&B Sales in Ft Wayne IN, Precision Custom Audio in Riverview FL, The King of Custom, Active Sound in NC,  Car Stereo Plus in Sumter SC,  Audioworks DE in Newark DE, Active Sounds in NC  Speed Car Audio in Dallas, Voodoo Customs in Luling LA,  BK Customs 616 in Grand Rapids MI, TPD HiFI in Broken Bow OK, HiFi Crusin’ in Hattiesburg MS, Superior Audio Sounds in San Angelo TX Intense Kustom Audio in Brentwod NY, California Audio in West Valley UT, H A  Ross Entertainment, Voodoo Customs in Haltom TX, Absolutely Creative Customs in Boulder CO, Mobile Sound in Temecula CA, Redline Auto Sports in Hicksville NY, Sparked Innovations in Knoxville TN, Boosted Build in Warrenton OR, Prodigy Car Audio iManteca CA, Snow’s Auto in Spokane WA and PMC Customs, White Oak PA, InTune in Redmond OR, Tint Wrap Audio Guys in Fresno CA, Ultimate Sounds and Tinting in Chattanooga TN, MetJoe Auto Electronics in Kenilworth NJ, Pyramid Customs in Fort Worth TX, California Audio in Salt Lake Valley City UT, Sinewave in Grayslake IL, Team Nutz in Pittsburg PA and 3P Off Road in Tomball TX, Next Level Audio in Cadallic MI and Sound Master in Roswell GA and JA Electronics in Florida City FL, Island Audio and JRS_Security, Heath Moore Interiors,  569 Kustoms in Sonora CA and Broken Silence in Greenwich CT.

Congratulations to all.

WTF……Win This Friday……See the next 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel on Friday, February 27th. 

JEEP BEACH 2026 – A Must-Attend Industry Opportunity

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DAYTONA BEACH, FL (02.20.26) – 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
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.”

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.

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.

Lucas Lighting Unveils M-Series Mini Bulbs

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ITASCA, IL (02.20.26) – Lucas Lighting is pleased to share details of the new standard in mini bulbs, M-Series. Vice President Steve Rogers reports, “After more than three years of development and more prototypes than any other project in our history, we have delivered what I believe are the finest automotive mini bulbs available today. Our design criteria were significant, and we were able to achieve everything we set out to accomplish.” 

Lucas bulb installation in a 2019 Ford Escape

Highlights of the line include: 

Position matching of LED chipsets to the original halogen bulb to optimize light pattern and amplification from the original factory housing. 

Custom tooled 31 and 74 series connectors to ensure a tight click in fit. 

These utilize headlight chipsets to optimize output using fewer chips (light sources) than typically found on mini bulbs. 

Addition of red single and dual output bulbs to optimize visibility with proper color retention for braking. 

Optimized current draw eliminates the need for resistors on turn signals and better than 90% of bulb checking systems. 

Advanced heat dissipation for prolonged life. 

“While all the bulbs are fantastic, the T15 style may be the one I am most proud of. The style is exclusively used as a reverse bulb and for truck bed lighting. This compact model has nearly double the output of a halogen headlight bulb and 5 times that of a standard T15! Our first recommendation when upgrading lighting is the low beam position, the second is reverse lights. If you have a backup camera, it will work more effectively in the dark. If you have tinted windows, you will see significantly better through the glass,” Rogers added. 

19 of the 26 new models are available now. 

For additional information, please visit www.lucas-lighting.com.

Rydeen Mobile Electronics Strengthens Midwest Presence with Two Strategic Rep Firm Partnerships

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TORRANCE, CA (02.20.2026) – Rydeen Mobile Electronics has announced key additions to its Midwest sales representative network. Through partnerships with two established manufacturer’s representative firms, Rydeen is bringing premium vehicle safety solutions closer to retailers and installers across Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, and Western Pennsylvania, making advanced safety technology like digital rear view mirrors and 360° view camera systems more accessible throughout the region.

With the aftermarket playing an increasingly vital role in vehicle safety, Rydeen continues to invest in strong regional partnerships that deliver superior support and service to local dealers.

“Expanding our Midwest territory with these experienced partners ensures that car audio retailers and professional installers have the resources and inventory they need to meet growing consumer demand for advanced safety technology,” says Rex Berfield,

Rydeen’s National Sales Manager.
We are proud to announce the appointment of Midwest Sales and Online Representatives
to help us expand our brand coverage.

Midwest Sales
Midwest Sales, a leading manufacturers’ representative firm in Michigan, is proud to announce the addition of Rydeen Mobile Electronics to its portfolio of innovative brands. This new partnership strengthens Midwest Sales’ commitment to delivering technology driven mobile electronics solutions to the marketplace.

“This brand is an exciting addition to our line card, and we are happy to partner with the Rydeen Team,” said Michael Schafer. “Rydeen Mobile brings a strong reputation for innovation and reliability, and we’re thrilled to represent a brand that aligns so well with our vision and the needs of our customers. “With this new representation, Midwest Sales will provide sales, support, and market development for Rydeen Mobile’s product line, ensuring strong visibility and growth across the region.

Online Marketing
Online Marketing is a rep firm committed to your success. We strengthen and support our dealer partners by representing multiple manufacturers across Ohio, Western Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Indiana, Kentucky, and Michigan.

“Online Marketing is looking forward to working with the Rydeen Mobile team. Rydeen has proven to be a trusted and reliable manufacturer for many years, and one that we look forward to helping support and grow with independent dealers in our market.”

For more information, visit: www.rydeenmobile.com.

Boomers Audio Marine Made Big Waves At The 2026 Tulsa Boat Show

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TULSA, OK (02.19.26) – The SageNet Center at Expo Square in Tulsa OK was packed for the 2026 Tulsa Boat Show. Boomers Audio had a very active booth in the facility that totals 466,000 ft.². February 2nd thru 8th were the dates of the show. The massive show floor is filled with boats, RVs, carts and companies showing marine accessories.

Mike Hudson, the Captain of Boomer Audio Marine, reported it was one of the best shows ever. Their booth was set up to spotlight new products and projects with displays that provided all attendees are real understanding of the products and quality of services that Boomers offers. Sandy Hudson, Mike’s wife, was also on deck.

This floor plan shows the scope of the event size.
This is the Boomer Audio Marine booth with ProDek as set up was nearing completion.

“We have been having a booth at this event for years and each year the take away from being at the show drives business. We have a great shell of a boat that we’re working on that will be completed in the next couple of months. Once finished, we will hit the road and visit the seven lakes around the Tulsa area with our demo boat. Spending a weekend at a lake participating in the poker runs and activities at the docks will drive even more business for our crew to get out and do on site installation at lake facilities.

The Wet Sounds lineup was spotlighted.
This image shows the quality of custom work.

The first night of the talk show was terrific with a community type VIP night we were able to provide food and refreshments for attendees which increased the time that they spent in our booth looking at products.

ProDek did the work on this Boomer Audio Marine display counter with show floor in the background during setup.
ProDek’s Logan Buxton ready to roll in the Boomer Audio Maine booth.

Our booth set up at the show was terrific with 3400 ft.² location next to a main entryway with the restroom facilities right down the hall. At the event we made appointments for future installations at our facility in Tulsa. ProDek, one of our business partners that we work with was also in our booth showing the high-quality decks that his company installs on boats.

“We have been at the Tulsa Boat Show with Boomer Audio Marine several years and it is such a great opportunity to show marine enthusiasts in person the upgrades we offer for their boats” ProDek’s Logan Buxton related.

Stay tuned for more from Boomers Audio Marine to see how this proactive retailer will drive marine business.

Visit www.boomersaudio.net for more.

BOSS Elite Announces Rep Firms of the Year

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OXNARD, CA (02.19.26) – BOSS Audio Systems is proud to announce it has named its Elite Regional Rep Firms of the Year during the recent KnowledgeFest Las Vegas, held Feb. 3-5, 2026.

The Elite Rep Firms of the Year are:
• Eastern: 12 Volt Marketing Group
• Central: Echo Sales
• Western: Ovation

BOSS Elite recently awarded Echo Sales its Central Region Rep Firm of the Year. (l-r) Nick Sugino (Elite Sales) with Echo Sales’ Don Geiger, Adrian Manrique, Doug Hanson, Chris Hilbert, and Justin Sura.
BOSS Elite recently awarded Ovation its Western Region Rep Firm of the Year. (l-r) Colin Ross (Elite Brand Manager), Greg Orlando (Elite Sales Manager), with Ovation’s Clay Nelson and Rick Nissenson.

“BOSS Elite has worked overtime the past few years to continually gain traction and a dedicated following across the country as we continually roll out new products across our speaker, amplifier, and source unit lines,” said Matt Delgado, BOSS Elite Director of Sales. “It takes a dedicated group of partners to help us achieve these goals out in the market. We are proud to present our annual awards to 12 Volt Marketing Group, Echo Sales, and Ovation for their exemplary dedication and performance as we look forward to another exciting year ahead.”

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

Visit www.bossaudio.com for more.

Meet Dan Bowman – A Consummate Sales Strategist and Devoted Business Catalyst

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(02.19.26) – With a career built on exceptional sales acumen and an enduring passion for automobiles, Dan represents the perfect balance of strategy and drive. His approach transforms every negotiation into an art form and every sale into a calculated success.

Join Dan as he shares proven techniques and forward-thinking strategies designed to help you unlock new levels of profitability, customer engagement, and long-term growth. Experience the synergy between strategic brilliance and automotive passion — and discover how to turn opportunity into achievement.

What You’ll Learn:

  • Day 1 – Attachments & Upsells: Master the art of value expansion and maximizing every customer interaction.
  • Day 2 – Diversified Revenue Streams: Learn how to build multiple pathways for sustained business growth.
  • Day 3 – Social Media & Marketing as a Sales Tool: Leverage modern platforms to amplify your reach and drive results.

Don’t miss this powerful three-day Sales Summit that will redefine how you sell, connect, and succeed in today’s competitive marketplace.

Register at www.cmaexpo.ca

Let’s Put Your 12volt Central Studios Marketing Ball In Play

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SHREVEPORT, LA (02.18.26)– 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 12volt Central Studios 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….318 469 2526 IS THE NUMBER!

Mike Femino spotlights a KICKER product and shows the large inventory available in the N&H warehouse in Hattiesburg, MS.

In-person trade shows, consumer and distributor shows are terrific venues to connect and show new products in one-on-one settings. Tradeshow and distributor show attendance over the last years has diminished. The 12volt Central Studios can put a company in their own custom studio utilizing the 12voltSTP Tool and deliver their message to the 12volt industry with the 12volt Central Studios Marketing Ball. Industry members must realize successful marketing is a 24/7 journey.

The Team Nutz Marketing Ball in play at the Pittsburgh Auto Show.
This Custom QR Code put together for Brett Barnes, Sales Manager at Prodigy Audio.

In today’s AI driven digital 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 upgrade 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!

Sean Davis spotlights XK Glow products at Mid-State in Chicago.

A 12volt industry member can be out a show trade show, consumer show or a rep on the road calling calling on dealers. With the 12voltSTP Tool all it takes is for that industry member to snap and txt and Image, with a few words, to 318-469-2526 and we can put the 12volt Central Studios Marketing Ball in play showcasing your activities.

See 12voltnews.com for more.

2026 MasterTech Expo Sells Out Show Floor; Expands Hotel Partnerships

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TEMPE, AZ (02.18.26) – 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

SEMA Sponsors California Bill to Reform Carb

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DIAMOND BAR, CA (02.18.26) – The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) is sponsoring legislation to provide more certainty in the process by which the California Air Resources Board (CARB) approves aftermarket emissions products seeking clearance to be sold in the state. Senate Bill 1069, authored by Sen. Tim Grayson, D-Concord, would provide specific timelines to which CARB must adhere when manufacturers navigate the board’s Executive Order (EO) process. EOs for aftermarket parts ensure companies are in compliance with CARB emissions standards and serve to greenlight the manufacturing, sale, or installation of an aftermarket product in California. Under the bill, companies would be refunded a portion of the application costs incurred if the time it takes to receive an EO becomes unreasonable.

  • The application to receive a CARB EO was once free, with fees later added to help speed the process and enable the hiring of staff who could facilitate the review of these applications. But despite this administrative support provided via the monetary investment of applicants, the process continues to lag and deprive well-meaning companies of their opportunity to reach the California market with their innovative, emissions-compliant products.

According to SEMA data, it currently can take CARB 12-18 months to approve EOs, and sometimes up to two years. Businesses cannot afford to wait that long to bring products to market.

“This is a necessary bill for lawmakers to prove to their constituents that they’re serious about clean air in California and providing small businesses with a pathway to thrive. SEMA has invested heavily to support aftermarket businesses that seek to serve the California marketplace with innovative products that adhere to state and federal emissions laws. We have known for a long time that the CARB EO process is in sore need of reform; it is slow, costly, and wrought with administrative delays that are a disservice to companies and consumers. We thank Senator Grayson for authoring this bill, which encourages companies to continue their good-faith efforts to adhere to California laws, while improving compliance and ensuring that California consumers have access to the cleanest aftermarket products available,” said SEMA CEO Mike Spagnola.

“California’s automotive enthusiasts deserve the opportunity to buy these products for their cars and trucks, and the path must be cleared for businesses that have committed to work to meet our state’s standards,” said Sen. Grayson. “When I attend the SEMA Show, I always marvel at the innovation brought forth by the automotive aftermarket, highlighted by advanced, clean-emissions products for consumers’ vehicles. Supporting car culture is not a zero-sum game with environmental stewardship and this bill reflects that – a tangible path toward cleaner air, business success, and consumer satisfaction.”

ABOUT THE BILL
The legislation will provide the following reforms:

  • After companies submit their applications for an EO, CARB would have 30 days to state whether the application is in order, and then 60 more days to approve or deny the application.
  • If an application is denied, CARB is to provide the applicant a list of reasons for the denial; applicants will then have a 30-day “cure” period to keep an application on track.
  • If CARB fails to adhere to this reasonable timeline, applicants are entitled to a 50% refund of their fees.

Fees for CARB EOs can reach the thousands of dollars. Currently, those fees are:

  • $500 for companies with fewer than 100 employees, and
  • $1,000 for companies with 100 or more employees.

Analysis conducted for 2025 by the SEMA Garage shows that aftermarket companies pay $1,600-$3,200 per product for which they seek an EO, based on an average of 3.2 application breakouts, which result in three distinct charges for the same product.

  • In some examples, there are enough breakouts to cost companies well beyond $20,000 for a single product. Such cases force companies to make difficult decisions over whether to even apply for coverage on all their products.

BACKGROUND
SEMA has invested over $30 million in the past ten years to help the aftermarket industry with emissions compliance. SEMA has two emissions compliance centers – Diamond Bar, Calif., and Plymouth, Mich. – with each offering a suite of aftermarket product testing optimized with state-of-the-art testing equipment. SEMA has made it its mission to hire experienced professional emissions staff to educate the industry and its members on emissions issues and the need for compliance.

In California, SEMA works with CARB to issue EOs.

  • SEMA’s Diamond Bar, Calif., Emissions Compliance Center, part of the SEMA Garage, is recognized by CARB as a Certification Ready Automotive Emissions Testing Laboratory. This facility is integral to SEMA’s work with CARB, offering SEMA members a complete product development resource, geared toward manufacturers and providing assistance in all aspects of securing CARB EOs and EPA emissions compliance to demonstrate that vehicles are emissions-compliant after a product is installed.

Over the last 10 years, SEMA has assisted with approximately 50% of all aftermarket EOs issued by CARB, and its compliance team has completed over 800 CARB EO applications for members. The SEMA Garage helps member companies and other aftermarket businesses to test and sell emissions-compliant products.

For more information, visit www.sema.org.