The 12volt News Celebrates 32nd Anniversary

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SHREVEPORT LA (2.01.26) Delivering Fresh, Positive industry news across the 12volt industry is Job 1 at the 12volt News and the 12volt Central Studios.

These past 32 years went by very quickly in hindsight. In February 1994, we mailed the first 12volt Advertiser which transitioned to the 192 page 12volt News newspaper that weighed 10 tons to mail 20,000 copies when the 12volt News transitioned to digital in 2008. Today, 32 years later, we still put out more fresh industry news than anyone, utilizing digital platforms for web and social media posts.

In 1995 Security was a hot new category.

In today’s world, everything is continually changing. The 12volt industry was founded on music. Music is still very important and the way consumers connect with music, in this continually growing AI and digital world, is extremely important. In-store experiences for consumers in brick and mortar retailer stores is extremely important. Activities of industry members connecting at events and on the road is also extremely important.

The 12volt News grew to 3 sections and 192 pages

12volt Central Studios staff members utilize today’s digital technology to showcase positives across our industry, including in-store, at shows, and with industry members on the road.

Today the 12volt Central Studios delivers the latest news by scanning the QR Code with a smartphone.

As we begin a new year, we will re-double our efforts to deliver fresh news in a very timely manner.

We encourage industry members to utilize the 12voltSTP tool. With a smart phone simply snap an image and txt it with a few words to 318-469-2526. Your company’s positive activities could be spotlighted by the 12volt Central Studios.

A big thank you to all across the 12volt industry from the 12volt Central Studios!!

The 12voltCentral Studios Marketing Ball Puts Your Company’s Marketing In Play

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SHREVEPORT, LA (1.29.26) – 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 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!

With a SMARTPHONE the 12voltSTP Tool works with an image txt, plus a few words, and PRESTO it can happen.

The number is 318-469-2526. The 12volt Central Studios Marketing Ball. Industry members must realize marketing in a 24/7 journey.

This image of Mike Femino in the N&H Eectronics warehouse in Hattiesburg MS shows the KICKER products in stock for their dealers plus spotlights the KICKER brand across the 12volt industry.

In today’s AI driven 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 upgrades 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!

The Specialty Marketing Ball is in play with Ryan Hawkin spotlighting RYDEEN products in the Jacksonville FL warehouse.
Sean Davis has the Mid-State Distributing Marketing Ball in place showcasing a XK Glow motorcycle lighting kit.

In person trade and distributor shows are terrific to connect and show new products in one-on-one settings. Trade show and distributor show attendance over the last years has diminished. The 12volt Central Studios can put a company in their own customized booth using the 12voltSTP and deliver the message to the 12volt industry with The 12volt Central Studios Marketing Ball. Industry members must realize marketing in a 24/7 journey.

Please email mike@12voltnews.com for more details to get your company’s ball on play!

Rydeen to Unveil New Product, Set for Booth #1005 at KnowledgeFest Las Vegas

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TORRANCE, CA (01.30.26) – Rydeen Mobile Electronics, the industry benchmark for safety-focused vehicle technology,
has announced it will use KnowledgeFest Las Vegas this February to debut a proprietary product category.
The mystery, backed by exclusive patented architecture, offers an expanded direction for the 12-Volt industry.
Rydeen is keeping the specific details of the upcoming announcement close to the chest. Show attendees
are invited to the Rydeen Booth #1005, where the brand will reveal how their latest patent integrates and
creates the new Rydeen category offerings.

Leadership Perspectives on the “New Era”

“Innovation without Integrity is just noise. At Rydeen, we’ve spent our years perfecting the technology that
respects the installer’s time while delivering a premium experience every consumer needs,” said Phil Maeda,
CEO of Rydeen Mobile Electronics. “This year at KnowledgeFest, we aren’t just showing a new product;
we’re creating a new Rydeen category.”

Rex Berfield, a 35-year industry veteran and Rydeen’s newly appointed National Sales Manager, highlighted
the business advantage of the unveil. “My mission continues to ensure our dealers have the most definitive
solutions to offer,” said Berfield. “This new product supports my ‘sales engine’ strategy for 2026.”

Deep-Dive Training with our Gurus

To complement the unveiling, Rydeen will host two high-impact training sessions at the Paris Resort & Casino.
Our sessions offer an opportunity to interact with our gurus and experience Rydeen’s product lineup.

Session 1:
Integrations: Digital Mirrors & The Safety Advantage
Gurus: Ruben T. & Johnathan G.
When: Feb. 4, 2026 (Day 2), 4:15 PM – 5:15 PM
Where: Palace #6

Session 2:
Integrations: Digital Mirrors & The Safety Advantage
Gurus: Johnathan G. & Ruben T.
When: Feb. 5, 2026 (Day 3), 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Where: Palace #6

Experience the Mystery

KnowledgeFest attendees are encouraged to visit Booth #1005 to witness our new technology, innovation,
and category launch; Rydeen remains dedicated to the 12-Volt industry through superior engineering.

Visit rydeenmobile.com for more.

Modus Conducts Trainings During 2026 KnowledgeFest Las Vegas

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OXNARD, CA (01.30.26) — Modus is proud to announce it will be exhibiting during KnowledgeFest Las Vegas, one of the mobile electronics industry’s largest educational events and trade shows, held at The Paris Hotel & Convention Center from Feb. 3–5, 2026. During the event, Modus will conduct multiple trainings on its revolutionary audio technologies.

“This training session features Modus’ patented PREACT™ Current Averaging Technology, a unique approach to managing amplifier current for improved efficiency, consistency, and real-world performance,” explained Jason Digos, Senior Sales Trainer at Modus. “Designed for installers and sales professionals, the class explains how PREACT adapts to varying vehicle electrical conditions, maintains stable output under load, and differs from traditional power management designs. Attendees will gain practical insight into system benefits, application considerations, and how to clearly communicate PREACT’s value to customers.”

Modus will conduct two training sessions:
• Session 1

  • Location: Palace 6
  • Date & Time: Tuesday, February 3 at 1:30 PM
    • Session 2
  • Location: Palace 6
  • Date & Time: Wednesday, February 4 at 5:30 PM

Digos is a veteran car audio professional with more than 30 years experience in installation, system design, product development, and technical training. He has held leadership roles across the mobile electronics industry and is widely respected for bridging technical expertise with real-world performance.

For more information about Modus products and partnership opportunities, request more information on the web at www.modusglobal.com.

Deliver More Power with CRA Amplifiers from Crunch

Posted on by in Industry.

LIBERTYVILLE, IL (01.30.26) – CRA amplifiers set the bar in powerful performance, bringing out the best in audio gains. Whether you’re building your first car audio system or upgrading to pro-level performance, the CRA amplifier series delivers the power and precision your music demands.

CRA amplifiers bring clean, efficient power to every installation —from 2-channel amp setups to monster monoblocks. Fully adjustable crossovers, MOSFET efficiency, and electronic equalizers help tune sound to deliver cleaner highs, richer mids, and BIGGER bass.

Level up to CRA.

The 12voltCentral Studios Marketing Ball Puts Your Company’s Marketing In Play

Posted on by in Featured.

SHREVEPORT, LA (1.29.26) – 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 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!

With a SMARTPHONE the 12voltSTP Tool works with an image txt, plus a few words, and PRESTO it can happen.

The number is 318-469-2526. The 12volt Central Studios Marketing Ball. Industry members must realize marketing in a 24/7 journey.

This image of Mike Femino in the N&H Eectronics warehouse in Hattiesburg MS shows the KICKER products in stock for their dealers plus spotlights the KICKER brand across the 12volt industry.

In today’s AI driven 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 upgrades 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!

The Specialty Marketing Ball is in play with Ryan Hawkin spotlighting RYDEEN products in the Jacksonville FL warehouse.
Sean Davis has the Mid-State Distributing Marketing Ball in place showcasing a XK Glow motorcycle lighting kit.

In person trade and distributor shows are terrific to connect and show new products in one-on-one settings. Trade show and distributor show attendance over the last years has diminished. The 12volt Central Studios can put a company in their own customized booth using the 12voltSTP and deliver the message to the 12volt industry with The 12volt Central Studios Marketing Ball. Industry members must realize marketing in a 24/7 journey.

Please email mike@12voltnews.com for more details to get your company’s ball on play!

INZZIDER 12V PODCAST Announces Episode #3:ZWAGZ Applications for Emergency Lighting

Posted on by in Industry.

BOCA RATON, FL (01.29.26) – Emergency and fleet lighting installs demand reliability, simplicity, and OEM-level control. In Episode #3 of the INZZIDER 12V PODCAST, ZZ2 turns the spotlight on ZWAGZ and its real-world applications in emergency vehicle lighting.

This episode features Ali Bhojani, Director of Sales at HG2 Emergency Lighting, a company actively using ZWAGZ solutions in professional emergency and fleet builds. The conversation focuses on how HG2 integrates ZWAGZ into their lighting systems to deliver clean installs, consistent performance, and intuitive OEM-style activation.

Listeners will gain practical insight into:

  • How ZWAGZ simplifies emergency lighting control
  • Why OEM-based activation matters in mission-critical vehicles
  • How dealers and installers can add ZWAGZ to their offerings to improve efficiency and create new revenue opportunities

This episode goes beyond product talk—sharing real experience from the field and lessons other shops can apply immediately.

Premiering January 30th, 2026 at 8:00pm EST

Stay tuned to watch the episode and learn how ZWAGZ is being used by industry professionals.

Tint World Makes Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 Ranking for 13th Consecutive Year

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BOCA RATON, FL (1.29.26) – Tint World® Automotive Styling Centers™, was recognized as one of the top 500 franchises in Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500®, the world’s first and most comprehensive franchise ranking. For 47 years, The Franchise 500® has been recognized as an invaluable resource for potential franchisees, and placement in the ranking has been a highly sought-after honor within the franchise industry. In the 2026 Franchise 500®, Tint World earned the #1 ranking in the Window Tinting category and ranked #206 overall—climbing 24 spots from last year. This achievement showcases the brand’s outstanding performance in areas including unit growth, financial strength and stability, operational and marketing support, and brand power.

“Being ranked for the 13th consecutive year in Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500® is an incredible honor, especially being recognized as #1 in our category,” said Charles Bonfiglio, Founder and CEO of Tint World. “We wouldn’t be where we are today without the dedication of our franchise owners, the trust of our customers, and the strong relationships we’ve built along the way. This accomplishment reflects the strength of our model, the passion behind our brand, and our continued commitment to supporting our franchisees as we grow.”

In Entrepreneur’s continuing effort to best understand and evaluate the ever-changing franchise marketplace, the company’s 47-year-old ranking formula continues to evolve as well. Each franchise is thoroughly evaluated and given a cumulative score based on an analysis of more than 150 data points in the areas of costs and fees, size and growth, franchisee support, brand strength, and financial strength and stability. The 500 franchises with the highest cumulative scores become the Franchise 500® in ranking order.

“For 47 years, the Franchise 500 has been the gold standard for identifying franchise excellence. This year’s ranking proves that the best brands don’t just survive changing markets; they thrive in them,” says Jason Feifer, Entrepreneur magazine’s editor in chief. “These 500 companies represent some of the most reliable pathways to business ownership in America, each one vetted through our rigorous analysis of what actually drives franchisee success.”

Over its 47 years in existence, the Franchise 500® has become both a dominant competitive measure for franchisors and a primary research tool for prospective franchisees. Tint World’s position on the ranking is a testament to its strength as a franchise opportunity.

Tint World® has consistently been recognized among the top automotive styling franchise brands, with a reputation for high-quality service, multiple revenue streams, and a systems-driven business model that supports long-term franchisee success.

To view Tint World in the full ranking, visit http://www.entrepreneur.com/franchise500. Results can also be seen in the January/February 2026 issue of Entrepreneur, available on newsstands January 13th. For more information on Tint World® and available franchise opportunities, please visit www.tintworld.com/franchise-opportunities.

Team Nutz Had A Very Strong Showing At The 65th Annual World Of Wheels In Pittsburgh

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PITTSBURGH, PA (01.28.26) – Team Nutz, a very proactive 12volt retailer in the Pittsburg area, had a very strong showing at the 65th Annual World of Wheels at the David Lawerence Convention Center in downtown Pittsburgh January 23-25. This year Team Nutz had an even larger footprint than at the 64th Annual World Of Wheels. The massive snow event across the US prompted the last day, Sunday, to be cancelled. Team Nutz has been on the World of Wheels event in Pittsburg since 2003.

Attendees were welcomed to the very large Team Nutz booth to see a large selection of demos and displays.
The Fuel Required booth was also packed throughout the event.

The Team Nutz 70’ x 90’ booth was filled with demo vehicles, tents, product displays, live installations and importantly attendees. Several demo vehicles were experienced by attendees in the passenger seat non-stop every hour of the event.

Also new this year was a sister company Fuel Required with a very large space that spotlighted 20 classic vehicles plus a dozen more Team Nutz demo vehicles. This year a booth was set up spotlighting Women Of The Show Car World. Nina Nuttall’s decked out Jeep with ‘I’m Trash’ on the license plate was in the special booth.

Attendees are lined up to scan QR Codes, pick up swag and a Team Nutz T-shirt.
Nina Nuttall’s ‘I’m Trash’ Jeep in Women of the Show Car World booth.

Ed Nuttall, for Team Nutz, stated, “The attendance this year was reported to approach 20,000 and members of the crowd were really interested automotive enthusiasts. We had literally over 10,000 customized swag items including pens, stickers, screw drivers and lanyards to hand out to attendees. To drive engagement this year we printed custom QR Codes on handouts, graphics on banners and more to connect consumers with our website and DIY-Store along with Instagram, Facebook and Google platforms. We have tracked hundreds of QR Code scans and we gave out 600 custom Team Nutz T Shirts. Already we are blasting out responses and a load of social media posts highlighting action from Team Nutz from the event.

After completing his presentation to the 1600 high school students, Ed Nuttall pictured in the aisle, held up his phone as all of the students yelled “TEAM NUTZ”!!
This entry welcomed all to the Fuel Reuired area on the show floor.

Continuing, Nuttall relayed “On Friday morning area high school high students were bussed to the Convention Center. We met with 1600 high school students in an upstairs meeting room before the World Of Wheels opened where we highlighted our automotive upgrades they could check out in our booth plus potential career opportunities in the automotive industry.”

“All at Team Nutz and our partners certainly put a lot into pulling off this event. Our staff of 15 worked for over 3 days to set up our booths. We put our company and products in front a very large crowd reported to have topped 20,000. Literally thousands will go home with some swag with our name on it too….many memories too. I think the World Of Wheels will once again drive business going forward. We look forward to more big events at the David Lawrence Convention Center in the coming years” Nuttall concluded.

Visit teamnutztechnology.com for more.

Nacho Offroad Lighting Welcomes Bryatt Fischer as Key Account Manager

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MESA, AZ (01.28.26) – Nacho Offroad Lighting, an innovator in high-performance lighting solutions for the off-road industry, driven by ARB, is excited to announce the appointment of Bryatt Fischer as Key Account Manager. In this pivotal role, Bryatt will be responsible for managing strategic partnerships and driving growth across the expanding Nacho Offroad Lighting client portfolio.

Brian Hosford, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Nacho Offroad Lighting, stated, “Bryatt’s comprehensive understanding of our target markets and proven track record of expanding brands into new channels are precisely what is required as we continue our growth trajectory. We are confident he will achieve an immediate impact and enhance our relationships across all of our current and prospective customers.”

Bryatt Fischer brings a wealth of experience to the team, with a strong background in marketing, business development, and account management within the automotive and off-road sectors. Before joining Nacho Offroad Lighting, Bryatt held pivotal positions at JL Audio, where he was instrumental in developing the brand to significantly increase sales across all channels, fostered powersports OEM partnerships, and managed strategic business opportunities. His demonstrated expertise in the off-road sector and established success in cultivating enduring partnerships render him an invaluable asset to the Nacho Offroad Lighting team.

“Nacho has all the ingredients to win long-term in off-road lighting: serious performance, a product-first culture, and the kind of backing that helps partners scale with confidence,” said Bryatt Fischer, Key Account Manager at Nacho Offroad Lighting. “My focus is simple: earn mindshare with our key accounts by making it easier to spec, sell, and support Nacho in the real world, through tighter dealer relationships, better enablement, and a strong feedback loop from the field into product and go-to-market. I’m excited to be part of Nacho’s growth and look forward to strengthening the company’s key account relationships.”

Visit nachooffroadtechnology.com for more.