Stereo King Scored Large At The UTV Takeover 2026

COOS BAY, OR (06.24.26) – Stereo King was on site with a huge presence on Vendor Row at the 2026 UTV Takeover in the Oregon Dunes National Recreational area for the 11th time. The UTV Takeover was in Coos Bay OR from June 16th-21st. Reports noted nearly 4,000 UTV’s were on site with the crowd of UTV enthusiasts topping 10,000.

The Stereo King truck and trailer rolling into Coos Bay.
As soon as the garage open each day, enthusiast headed to the Stereo King booth.

The UTV category is very strong for Stereo King day-in and day-out at their 5 locations. The Stereo King crew of 9 was very busy at the 2026 UTV Takeover and had strong sales and installations of Rockford Fosgate Stage Kits and more. Early during the event the installation area was expanded.

Stereo King Team members on site with Kevin Cornutt included 5 sales team members along with Corey Osterhoudt, Luke McBride and Brad Smith handling all the action in the install bays.

Each day project vehicles stopped at the Stereo King booth.
Installations took place through the day and into the evening lights each day of the show

“During the 5-day event run we did a ton of promoting with business cards, fliers, free stickers, shirts caps and more. We spent time with well over 1000 people in our booth and saw a lot of customers from previous years which is always great to see. We offered onsite installation and worked under the lights into the night to complete jobs. It was a strong mix of Can Ams, RZRs and RZR PRO’s that came through and were decked with Rockford Fosgate Stage Kits which were the biggest hits. We blew sales away plus we set some jobs back at the stores” Cornutt related.

Rockford Fosgate Stage Kits were stacked in the installation tents.
Smoky the Bear stopped by to see Kevin Cornutt at last year‘s event. “Smoky the Bear came by this year, but I did not get an image. I did play the old Smoky the Bear song when he came by the Jeep. And when the sheriffs came by, I played ‘bad boys bad boys’ and they got such a kick out of that. All of the patrons were definitely laughing.

Concluding “Our first booth at The UTV Takeover was a 10X10. Now 10 years later our booth was 20×80 with extra installation area and a 9 member team. We saw more enthusiasts from Utah this year. This year we also had customers from previous years doing upgrades. The loaded Jeep Gladiator continues to set the bar for Loud Bass and we ran out of Air Horns with 2 show days left. This was a very successful event and we can’t wait to do it again in August at Winchester!”

Stereo King operates 4 stores in the Portland area and one in Boise, ID.

For more see stereoking.com

New PV8-AX – Rydeen Mobile Updates Popular Aftermarket Digital Mirror

TORRANCE, CA (06.24.26) – Rydeen Mobile Electronics has announced the PV8-AX, a major upgrade to its best-selling PV8-A digital mirror system. Brighter display. Faster boot. A smarter camera. Available now at $369 MSRP.

The PV8-AX features a 2,200-nit ultra-bright display, clear in direct sunlight and sharp at night. The system boots in 3 seconds, putting a live rear view on screen before the customer leaves the parking spot.

Two new operating modes give drivers a choice the PV8-A never offered. Always-On delivers a continuous live rear feed while driving, while Classic Backup activates only when reverse is engaged. Dealers set the preference at install.

Always-On mode addresses a growing problem for dealers: vehicles with rear views that are partially or fully obstructed by design. With Always-On engaged, the PV8-AX gives drivers a continuous backup-camera perspective regardless of what the traditional mirror view can or can’t show – a great solution for vehicles like the Tesla Cybertruck, as well as vans and box trucks where the factory rear view is limited or blocked entirely.

The PV8-AX ships with the new CM-AHD5 cube-style camera, featuring a Sony sensor, IP67-rated waterproofing, 1920×1080 resolution, and bracket compatibility for trucks, vans, Jeeps, and commercial vehicles.

“This is the mirror dealers have been asking for. Better visibility, faster startup, and a camera that works on virtually any vehicle, including the ones with no usable rear view at all. For any specialty installs on box trucks, cargo vans, and work vehicles, we see customers asking for CM-V90 AHD, camera companion to the PV8-AX. The 90° field-of-view gives drivers both the rear approach and a clean look at the bumper – one mirror, one camera, problem solved,” says Phil Maeda, President and CEO of Rydeen Mobile Electronics.

The PV8-AX is fully compatible with Rydeen’s AHD Platform – turning a single install into a complete vehicle awareness system.

PV8-AX Key Features:

· Display: 2,200-nit ultra-bright TFT

· Boot Time: 3 seconds

· Operating Modes: Always-On + Classic Backup

· Camera: CM-AHD5 cube style, Sony sensor, IP67

· MSRP: $369

Available through Rydeen’s authorized distributor network and MESA buying group members. Contact Ruben Torres, Sales Manager, at (310) 787-7880.

See more at www.rydeenmobile.com.

Push Power to the Limit. Feel the Details Through Q Performance.

LIBERTYVILLE, IL (06.24.26) – ALL-NEW Q Series amplifiers are designed for audio enthusiasts and installers who expect the best in performance from their sound system. The Q-Series delivers the perfect balance of high-efficiency power, advanced signal processing, and precision tuning capability. Cleaner sound. Stronger gains. Total system control.

The QA1-900.6D Q‑Series 900-watt 6‑channel DSP amplifier is a powerful multi-channel amplifier built to run an entire system with integrated DSP control. With six channels of clean output and advanced digital tuning capability, get ready to maximize
overall sound quality and system performance.

For dedicated low-frequency authority, the QA1-1500.1D Q‑Series 1500-watt monoblock amplifier delivers massive power for subwoofer systems that demand serious output.

To learn more, click here.

The Rally X Was Livin’Loud At The Crandon International Raceway

CRANDON, WI (06.23.26) – The Rally X America’s Tour has returned to the US. The unique Rally X Tour includes a series of events held across the US with opportunities for both amateur and professional drivers to compete, with the emphasis on safety and skill development through training sessions plus engagement activities in the communities. Engagement opportunities include meet and greets with drivers plus promotions with local businesses and tourism in the host cities.

There was a lot of area in the paddock for the KICKER booth to setup. The KICKER Subaru is pictured in the back.
The KICKER Car won the 1st Heat Race on Friday.
The KICKER OEM Blue test truck was was on site.

Lorin Morrell, MadDog Media, was on the road with KICKER’s large presence at the Crandon international raceway in Crandon, WI.

“This was the first time for KICKER and myself to be on site at a Rally X event. The venue was so huge with the large crowd over the event run. We had KICKER booths set up in the paddock area which gave a lot of room for demos and to be able to spotlight various KICKER products. Wisconsin is real truck country so the under the seat loaded KICKER product got a lot of attention along with power bars. There was also interest in bikes as summer is here.”

Concluding “On site there was a terrific amount of KICKER branding plus we handed it out over 1000 lanyards and 800 koozies that will certainly extend the KICKER branding in the area throughout the summer” Morrell related.

For more see kicker.com.

DOW Technologies Hosted A Very Successful Memphis Training

TAMPA, FL (6.23.26) – The Memphis and DOW Technologies training session that DOW hosted on Wednesday evening, June 17th, at the Tampa location packed the house with 83 retailers on site… All interested in boosting their skills in order to drive sales forward.

The 9 member Car Stereo Team enters the DOW location with Pedro Castillo in the black shirt.

The 12volt Central Studios staff contacted two of the retailers that attended to get their thoughts on the event that featured a detailed Memphis training conducted by Ellis Mathis along with a terrific buffet dinner from The Brisket Shoppe along with time to spent with fellow retailers.

Mark and Chris from The Audio Shop outside with the shops 1998 OBS Chevy Silverado that was loaded with Memphis gear for demos.

The Car Stereo Store was on site with 9 members of the company’s team. Pedro Castillo was there leading Car Stereo Store team and gave the event a big thumbs up. Eddie Rivera related the members of the team were totally engaged and welcome the opportunity to learn the latest on the Memphis product lineup plus check out some of the other displays on site at the Tampa DOW location.

The custom installation in the OBS Chevy Silverado got a big thumbs up with all demos.

Mark and Chris were also on site at the event from The Audio Shop in Palatka FL. They were likewise very impressed with the Memphis presentation and the delicious barbecue buffet. They brought the shop’s1998 OBS Chevy Silverado loaded with Memphis products that they demoed outside. “All were very impressed with Memphis demos. All-in-all it was a great evening.

We thank Mike Barcia and all at DOW and Memphis for putting the evening together” Mike related.

The DOW Memphis training event is very important to bring industry members together to create excitement to drive the brick and mortar segment of the 12volt industry forward.

For more see dowtechnologies.com.

Sprinter Sound REDEFINED with Music. Defined.

LIBERTYVILLE, IL (06.23.26) – Van sound has a front stage. Time to make it LOUD. All-new MB Quart Mercedes-Benz Tuned Sprinter Kits are engineered to transform every ride — purpose-built for the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Van (W907 / 2019 – Current). Get ready for van audio that brings heavier bass and cleaner beats.

Feel an entire soundstage in your Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Van with the STAGE 6 audio system (MBQSV-STG6A-1), making 700 watts of Music. Defined. power and features: 6.5-inch, 2-way front component speakers, one 3-inch center channel dash speaker, and a BIG 10-inch, application-specific subwoofer system – powered by a 700-watt 5-channel Class-D amplifier.

Just want an MB Quart speaker system upgrade? The MS1-216C Speaker Upgrade includes the 6.5-inch, 2-way front component
speakers and one 3-inch center-channel dash speaker.

To learn more, click here.

Industry Members Were JAMMIN’ N JUNE This Past Week

SHREVEPORT, LA (06.22.26) – From the 12volt Central Studios, we are JAMMIN’ N JUNE to showcase positives across the 12volt industry. Below spotlighting exciting events that happened this past weekend. In the marketplace today it’s so important to showcase industry members doing positives to engage consumers, and enthusiasts, to drive business across the 12volt industry. Retailers need to play the in-store experience and professional installation cards in their deck every day.

In today’s online and AI driven world, it’s more important than ever the members of the 12volt industry to utilize tools available to connect with customers. Manufacturers need to connect with reps and retailers. Distributors need to connect with dealers and 12volt dealers need to connect with consumers to drive business.

DOW Technologies hosted a MEMPHIS Training at the company’s Tampa location on Wednesday evening June 17th. There were 83 dealers in the house along with DOW and Memphis Team members. Ellis Mathis conducted a well prepared meeting that engaged all in the audience. A delicious Brisket Shoppe buffet was enjoyed by all with time for industry members to connect and make plans to drive business forward.

The Rally X America’s Tour returned to the USA on June 20th and 21st at the Crandon International Raceway in Crandon WI. KICKER was on site with a large present with Lorin Morrell track side. KICKER had multiple displays tents plus demos set up on the huge Raceway grounds. The KICKER Car won the 1st race heat on Day 1.

Kevin Cornutt and the Stereo King crew had a very busy UTV Takeover at Coos Bay OR with many demos and tents set up for on site installations. Cornutt related “This event never disappoints and this year may be the best yet… and we can’t wait until 2027.”

Jack Bogard had another very successful Car Show at the company’s Sanford ME on Saturday, June 20th. The large layout of the store’s grounds allowd for vehicles out front, on the side and down behind the building. Jack and his team definitely connect with consumers and enthusiasts across the area. Next month the 30th Anniversary Show will definitely rock the town.

Team Nutz is definitely the most proactive retailer in the in the Pittsburg area. Ed and Nina Nuttall. along with the Team Nutz crew, are at an event every week plus connecting with enthusiasts. This last week a customers reached out for help with a special project. Felix, a retired Marine, was finishing a new custom Corvette CV8 and wanted help with installing vertical doors on the CV8. Ed and the team made it happen and Felix took home 2 top trophies!

Several years ago the 12volt Central Studios staff members created the 12volt STP tool. Today everyone has a smart phone in their pocket that they pick up 200 times a day. The 12volt STP Tool makes you so easy to connect by simply snapping an image, texting it to 318-469-2526 with a few words, and Presto that message can be delivered across the industry. The 12volt STP Tool is a perfect companion for JAMMIN’ N JUNE!

From the 12volt Central Studios staff will continue to showcase positives across the 12volt industry. Let’s all keepJAMMIN’ N JUNE. Stay tuned for more from the 12volt Central Studios.

BOSS Elite Harley-Davidson Headunit Now Shipping

OXNARD, CA (06.22.26) – BOSS Elite is proud to announce its new 7-inch capacitive touchscreen factory-fit headunit for 2014-2023 Harley-Davidson Street/Road/Electra Glide is now shipping.

“Featuring Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ (Wired, Wireless) platforms, the IP66-rated BE920WCPA.HD is the ideal multi-solution aftermarket headunit for Harley-Davidson enthusiasts,” explained Carolyn Jackman, Senior Brand Manager for BOSS Elite. “It is also SiriusXM-Ready® with built-in iDatalink® Maestro and has been designed specifically to withstand the elements and control on-the-road audio systems the way they were meant to be played.”

Additional BE920WCPA.HD features and specifications include:
• Built-In DSP with 13-Band EQ, Crossover Settings and Time Alignment
• High Resolution Audio Playback- FLAC
• Multicolor Illumination
• RDS/RBDS Tuner
• Switchable US/LATAM/EU Tuner Frequencies
• Push-To-Talk
• MSRP: $1,499.99

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

Happy Father’s Day 2026

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.

A whimsical illustration featuring a soldier in uniform and a woman standing together with a child in front of them. The text humorously expresses the soldier's impatience for something to happen, emphasizing 'Something to HAPPEN' and 'WHO'S WHO!'

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

Memphis Training At DOW Technologies In Tampa, FL

TAMPA, FL (06.19.26) – Memphis and DOW Technologies partnered for a training session that DOW hosted on Wednesday evening, June 17th at Tampa location.The training packed the house at DOW’s location with 83 retailers on site and all interested in boosting their skills in order to drive sales forward.

Ellis Mathis upfront conducting the training session.
There was a line of dealers waiting to register.
There was a line of dealers for the Brisket Shoppe buffet.

Mike Barcia, DOW Florida Territory Manager, was on site with other members of the DOW Team. Barcia provided information from the very successful event along with images for this article.

“The training session was a terrific event..one of the best I’ve seen in my years in the industry. Ellis Mathis conducted a very informative session and members of the audience were engaged with what Ellis had to say covering the Memphis line. Dealers were very focused and all were excited about the opportunity to win raffle items. The Memphis raffle items included 10 Memphis Flow wireless Bluetooth speakers, Memphis DSP, and Memphis PRX-5 Channel Amp along with a Memphis tent and 2 stools to take back to winners stores” Barcia related.

All said the buffet was well waiting for.
Attend, checking out the Memphis display use that trade shows.

 Following the training, there was a delicious buffet from The Brisket Shoppe. All dealers enjoyed brisket dinners from the buffet. There was a long line for the buffet. During the evening dealers were also able to connect with one another plus see different items that Memphis offers to help promote their brand. A live Memphis portable show display was a real attention getter.

Based on the success of the Memphis training in Tampa watch for more  trainings at other DOW locations.

For more see memphiscaraudio.com and dowtechnologies.com