Sobel Imports In Montreal Now Carries Flashtech

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MONTREAL, QUEBEC (06.17.26) – Sobel Imports now distributes Flashtech Lighting for Canadian dealers. Sobel Imports stocks the Patented F5 universal fit bulb type product, the innovative P Series Projector specific bulbs and the F3 bulbs for the cost conscious Car and Truck and UTV owners. In addition Sobel Imports has the Flashtech Triforge cubes light kits, with custom wire harness, in stock and ready to ship to dealers via 2-Day prepaid freight for $300 all over Canada!

Grant McFatter checked out the F5 at the recent Mobile Expo in Seattle.

The Triforge are the cubes with Projector Beams that have 12,000 lumens per pair and only draw 4 amps of current each making them effective on all types of vehicles. DRL’s are featured and the easy installation makes this pair of cubes the go to solution instead of a 32″ Lightbar!

Flashtech Lighting Canadian dealers through Sobel Imports have access to:

Bruce Gilsdorf representing FlashTech stated he thinks Canadian dealers will appreciate Flastech’s F5 multi fit approach. With one kit able to fit several bulb types you will always have the right one in stock. The Fanless high output will reliably light up long Canadian nights. Dealer like selling safety!

Grant McFatter is Sobel’s Western Canadian contact and can be reached at 604 240 7132.

For more see https://sobelimports.com/ and https://www.flashtechlighting.com/

Maxxsonics Welcomes Jason Billups as New Sales Representative for Midwest and Eastern Territories

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LIBERTYVILLE, IL (06.17.26) – Maxxsonics is pleased to announce the addition of Jason Billups to its Sales team, further strengthening support for dealers, distributors, and retail partners throughout the Midwest and Eastern United States. Jason will represent the complete family of Maxxsonics audio brands, including MB Quart, Hifonics, Crunch, and Autotek, across Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky, and Western Pennsylvania territories.

As demand continues to grow across the Mobile, Powersports, and Marine audio categories, Maxxsonics remains focused on supporting dealers with the knowledge, training, and expertise needed to drive success and business growth. Jason’s appointment reinforces that commitment by bringing experienced, territory-focused support directly to customers throughout the region.

Jason has built a reputation for developing strong partnerships, driving sales growth, and helping growth succeed through product expertise and hands-on support over the years. His understanding of the Mobile audio marketplace and commitment to customer success will further strengthen Maxxsonics’ presence throughout the region. In his role, Jason will work closely with dealers, distributors, and retail partners to support sales initiatives, provide product training, expand distribution opportunities, and promote the full portfolio of Maxxsonics brands that include MB Quart, Hifonics, Crunch, and Autotek.

“Jason brings extensive industry knowledge, strong dealer relationships, and a customer-first approach that aligns perfectly with the Maxxsonics culture. His experience and dedication to supporting retailers make him an outstanding addition to our sales network, and we’re excited to have him representing our brands throughout his territory,” said Eddie Ramirez, Maxxsonics National Sales Manager.

“I am confident Jason will make an immediate impact. His positive attitude, strong work ethic, and contagious energy make him a natural fit for our organization, and I have no doubt he will strengthen our partnerships while driving big success throughout the territory,” said Beata Wasilewski, Maxxsonics Eastern Regional Sales Manager / Strategic Accounts Manager.

“Success in this industry is built on relationships. My goal is simple: help dealers grow their business through honest support, quality products, and long-term partnerships. I’m excited to partner with Maxxsonics and represent such respected audio brands as MB Quart, Hifonics, Crunch, and Autotek set the bar in the aftermarket audio industry,” said Jason Billups.

“When dealers succeed, we all succeed. Maxxsonics has built a strong reputation for delivering innovative products and outstanding value to dealers and consumers alike. I look forward to working closely with customers throughout my territory to help grow businesses and continue expanding the reach of these brands,” concluded Billups.

Jason Billups looks to add an immediate impact and play a key, leading role in strengthening dealer relationships, increasing brand awareness, and supporting continued growth across his region. In addition — Jason will help dealers grow their businesses through top-quality support, showcasing them new and innovative products and solutions from Maxxsonics, while at the same time establish and grow long-term partnerships.

Bringing Jason onto the Maxxsonics team marks another step forward in Maxxsonics’ continued sales growth strategy over the last few years. By enhancing dealer support, expanding regional relationships, and creating new sales opportunities, Jason will help drive momentum for Maxxsonics, strengthen its market presence, and accelerate continued growth into 2026 and beyond.

Follow the link for complete details on Maxxsonics and their entire family of audio brands. https://maxxsonics.com/

Team Nutz Scored Big At The 2026 Bantam Jeep Festival

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BUTLER, PA (06.16.26) – The 15h Annual Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival took place June 12th thru 14th in historic downtown Butler PA and Campgrounds. Over 15,000 Jeepers attended the weekend and enjoyed off-road trails, obstacle courses and a huge vendor area filled with companies that offered aftermarket products for Jeep owners and enthusiasts. The downtown Butler Jeep Invasion witnessed over 1000 Jeeps parked along main street and parking areas in the town of approximately 13,000 located 35 miles north of Pittsburgh. Butler was named the 7th Best Small Town in America in a Smithsonian Magazine in 2012.

The busy Team Nutz booth on the campgrounds.
The Team Nutz Jeep positioned downtown for the Friday night event in Butler.

Team Nutz is a proactive 12volt retailer located in Pittsburgh and returned to the Bantam Jeep Festival for the 2026 run. Ed Nuttall related, “The Bantam Jeep Festival draws thousands of Jeepers, enthusiasts and their rides. That crowd is noted for adding aftermarket products to their rides. We do a lot of Jeep upgrades at the store, and being so close to our store in Pittsburgh, it makes perfect sense for our brand to be on site. We had a great crew on site with vendor support, a large booth area with multiple tents plus several demo vehicles. Sales this year were not strong bit our team made contact with so many enthusiast and promising prospects.

Team Nutz crew on site included Ed and Tina Nuttall along with Ryan Davis, Braxton Davis, Josh Nuttall and Mike Gosnik. OnFriday Vanessa and Suzette came out on Friday to help pass out Team Nutz yellow ducks.”

Main Street downtown Friday night was packed for hours.
Team Nutz had over 5,000 yellow ducks at the event.

Team Nutz also spotlighted the company’s DIYCustoms.store in addition to driving on site sales and at the retail store in Pittsburgh. A free DIYCustoms.store offer was under the tent for attendees that liked, followed and tagged DIYCustoms.store on social media. There were 1000 T shirts on site and over 300 attendees took one home. Team Nutz Nutz also participated on a vendor bingo card so Jeepers could come by the booth and have the card stamped for a chance to win a $200 gift card.

Continuing “We made 5000 custom yrllow rubber ducks for the event and gave out almost 4000. Downtown we went down along parked Jeeps and put ducks on hoods. The rubber ducks had the Team Nutz logo for all to see and remember. We also passed out 1000 stickers and over 200 lanyards” Nuttall related.

Concluding, Nuttall stated, “This was our 11th time to exhibit at the Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival. Based on our success at this year’s event expect to see us at the 2027 event and beyond.

Visit www.teamnutztechnology.com for more.

Industry Members Were JAMMIN’ N JUNE

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SHREVEPORT, LA (06.16.26) – From the 12volt Central Studios, we are JAMMIN’ N JUNE to showcase positives across the
12volt industry. Below spotlight exciting major events that happened this 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.

We lead-off in this JAMMIN’ N JUNE article with SLAMOLOGY 2026 that moved to a new venue, The Edgewater Sports Park in Cleves, OH outside of Cincinnati. This exciting new venue was Livin’Loud as an epic Car Show and music event that experienced festival fans loved which happened June 13 and 14th. Kicker was a SLAMOLOGY event partner. We started covering KICKER team members as they were making their way to the event.

Next up was Team Nutz, a very proactive 12volt retailer in Pittsburgh with Ed Nuttall and the Team at the Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival in Butler PA, which is only 30 miles from their store. With a decked JEEP, multiple tents and staff members Team Nuts connected with thousands of consumers at the event and had many promotions to drive consumers into their store in the coming days.

Houston-based House of Sound has been driving strong business with Slingshot experiences for a number of years. This year they’re traveling to Slingshot events across the country. This weekend they were site in Toledo Ohio for their fourth of these events this year as they continued drive slingshot business for their store across the country.

In today’s online an 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.

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.

After 29 Years Behind the Counter, a Pennsylvania Retailer Builds the Software He Always Wished He Had

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KUNKLETOWN, PA (06.17.26) – 1sixty8 media, inc. announced the upcoming public launch of 1sixty8 Manifold, a unified business operations platform built to replace the tangle of disconnected software that retail and service businesses rely on every day. 1sixty8 Manifold becomes available to the public on July 1, 2026, and is currently in an invite-only beta, with a select group of retailers coming aboard as founding testers.

The platform comes from an unusual place: not a software company, but the sales floor. Founder Mitch Schaffer started Mobile Edge, an award-winning mobile electronics retail store in Lehighton, Pennsylvania, in 1994, and ran it successfully for 29 years before selling the business in June 2023.

“For most of those years I used a well-known, industry-specific point-of-sale system,” said Schaffer. “It was great early on. But as the industry and the technology evolved, I found myself cobbling together more and more disjointed software just to do the things my business needed. 1sixty8 Manifold came out of that frustration.”

That frustration was specific. What began as a search for a quality vehicle check-in solution grew into a hunt for a unified inbox for every inbound and outbound customer conversation, then reputation management, then a way to manage his team. None of those tools talked to one another. The result was constant manual data entry, room for human error, and a tremendous amount of wasted time and energy.

1sixty8 Manifold is built to erase that tax. The platform unifies most aspects of shop management and customer communications in one place where everything talks to one another. Without getting into the technical details, the payoff is simple: more internal efficiency and accuracy, fewer things slipping through the cracks, and countless hours saved every single month.

“1sixty8 Manifold leverages modern technology to create the platform today’s retailers and businesses actually require,” Schaffer said.

While 1sixty8 Manifold has its roots in the automotive aftermarket, the platform is designed to work for nearly any consumer-facing business. Whether it is a bicycle shop, a plumber, or a bookstore, 1sixty8 Manifold streamlines the operations behind the counter.

The First 50

Businesses that join as one of the first 50 subscribers receive founding-customer pricing: 50 percent off for the first six months, and 20 percent off for life.

Interested retailers can request a demo by visiting ManifoldOS.co and completing the form at the bottom of the page.

Visit 1sixty8.com for more.

Industry Members Were JAMMIN’ N JUNE

Posted on by in Uncategorized.

SHREVEPORT, LA (06.15.26) – From the 12volt Central Studios, we are JAMMIN’ N JUNE to showcase positives across the
12volt industry. Below spotlight exciting major events that happened this 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.

We lead-off in this JAMMIN’ N JUNE article with SLAMOLOGY 2026 that moved to a new venue, The Edgewater Sports Park in Cleves, OH outside of Cincinnati. This exciting new venue was Livin’Loud as an epic Car Show and music event that experienced festival fans loved which happened June 13 and 14th. Kicker was a SLAMOLOGY event partner. We started covering KICKER team members as they were making their way to the event.

Next up was Team Nutz, a very proactive 12volt retailer in Pittsburgh with Ed Nuttall and the Team at the Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival in Butler PA, which is only 30 miles from their store. With a decked JEEP, multiple tents and staff members Team Nuts connected with thousands of consumers at the event and had many promotions to drive consumers into their store in the coming days.

Houston-based House of Sound has been driving strong business with Slingshot experiences for a number of years. This year they’re traveling to Slingshot events across the country. This weekend they were site in Toledo Ohio for their fourth of these events this year as they continued drive slingshot business for their store across the country.

In today’s online an 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.

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.

Mobile Solutions Announces Hot Rod Digital Design Master Class

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TEMPE, AZ (06.15.26) – Mobile Solutions is proud to announce a unique event designed for installers, fabricators, custom builders, and shop owners looking to elevate their interior fabrication skills through a blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern digital workflows.

From July 24–27, 2026 at the Mobile Solutions Training Center in Tempe, Ariz., the Hot Rod Digital Design Master Class will educate students on how to transform concepts into executable designs while reducing guesswork, increasing efficiency, and creating premium results that command higher profits. This four-day training experience explores how router templates, CAD design, laser cutting, CNC machining, and 3D printing work together as a unified fabrication system. Attendees will gain practical insight into designing interiors with greater precision, consistency, and scalability while maintaining the artistry that defines high-end custom installations.

A centerpiece of the event is a full-scale live Digital Trunk Build, where students will watch an iconic MasterTech installation come to life from start to finish. Every step of the process will be demonstrated in real time, including advanced routing techniques, multi-layer panel construction, aluminum insert fabrication, lighting integration, vinyl embossing, and premium finishing methods.

Special guest presenters Justin Kush and Phillip Cantu will join the program, sharing their proven approach to blending technology and craftsmanship for faster, more accurate, and more profitable builds.

Throughout the course, attendees will learn:
• Interior design planning and concept development
• Converting ideas into buildable, repeatable fabrication workflows
• Integrating CAD, CNC, laser cutting, and 3D printing into real-world projects
• Creating multi-layer panel layouts with depth and dimension
• Advanced routing and panel contouring techniques
• Aluminum insert fabrication and finishing methods
• Hidden magnetic attachment systems
• Professional vinyl, suede, and carpet seaming techniques
• LED lighting integration strategies
• Vinyl embossing and technical wrapping methods
• Workflow systems used by leading custom fabrication shops

In addition to the live build experience, every student will complete a hands-on Mini Trunk Build take-home project designed to reinforce the fabrication techniques, design processes, and workflow strategies taught throughout the class.

“Hot Rod Digital Design is about more than building a trunk,” said Bryan Schmitt, President of Mobile Solutions. “It’s about teaching a complete design-to-fabrication workflow that helps builders create better results, work more efficiently, and increase profitability. Students will leave with practical skills they can immediately apply in their shops.”

If you attended the Master Fab Track at MasterTech Expo, you’ll recognize the iconic trunk project that inspired this class. Now, for the first time, attendees will have the opportunity to see every detail of its design and construction process revealed live.

All skill levels are welcome.

This class will only happen once.

Registration is now open.

Visit mobilesolutions-usa.com for more.

Importel Ltd Is Now Carrying Image Dynamics!

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NORTH YORK, ONTARIO (06.15.26) – “Importel is proud to announce its partnership with Image Dynamics, bringing their complete lineup of premium audio products directly to authorized Canadian 12volt dealers. The inventory features Image Dynamics legendary hand-built USA subwoofers, high-performance amplifiers and precision component speakers” Geoff Theoret, Operations Manager Importel West stated.

Geoff Theoret shows an Image Dynamics woofer in the showroom.

Since 1992, Image Dynamics has been setting the benchmark for premium mobile audio. Renowned for its hand-built USA made subwoofers the brand has earned a loyal following among audiophiles and music lovers who demand exceptional accuracy, performance and sound quality. Image Dynamics subwoofers deliver powerful, controlled bass that stays true to the music, bringing every note to life with precision and clarity.

Importel stocks the wide selection from Image Dynamics.

Image Dynamics award-winning component speakers are celebratedfor their outstanding sound quality and clarity, making them a proven choice for installers and mobile audio enthusiast around the world.

Back by more than 30 years of innovation and engineering excellence, Image Dynamics continues to build products that combine quality, reliability, and performance… helping listeners experience music exactly the way it was to be heard.

Eric Harbour stated “Image Dynamics is happy to welcome Importel Ltd to the team of international distribution partners around the globe! We have had a lot of outreach from Canada and it was only natural that we looked to our friends at Importel Ltd to come along with us during our expansion to meet those demands. We are looking forward to working with Importel Ltd and their wonderful dealer base to bring them the same great made in the USA subwoofers they have loved since the 1990s.

For more see importel.com.

JAMMIN’ N JUNE This Weekend

Posted on by in Uncategorized.

SHREVEPORT, LA (06.12.26) – From the 12volt Central Studios, we are JAMMIN’ N JUNE to showcase positives across the
12volt industry. Below we will show exciting major events geared up to happen this 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.

We lead-off in this JAMMIN’ N JUNE article with SLAMOLOGY 2026 that has moved to a new venue, The Edgewater Sports Park in Cleves, OH outside of Cincinnati. This exciting new venue will be Livin’Loud as an epic Car Show and music event that experienced festival fans will love which runs June 13 and 14th. Kicker is a SLAMOLOGY event partner. We are covering KICKER team members as they’re making their way to the event.

Next up we have Team Nutz, a very proactive 12volt retailer in Pittsburgh with Ed Nuttall and the Team at the Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival in Butler PA, which is only 30 miles from their store. With a decked JEEP, multiple tents and staff members Team Nuts will connect with thousands of consumers at the event and have many promotions to drive consumers into their store in the coming days.

Houston-based House of Sound has been driving strong business with Slingshot experiences for a number of years. This year they’re traveling to Slingshot events across the country. This weekend they’re on site in Toledo Ohio for their fourth of these events this year as they drive slingshot business for their store across the country.

In today’s online an 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.

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 get JAMMIN’ N JUNE.

Stay tuned for more from the events above.

SEMA’s Landmark Right-to-Modify Bill Advances to House Floor

Posted on by in Industry.

WASHINGTON, DC (06.12.26) – In a groundbreaking first, legislation endorsed by the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) to protect vehicle owners’ right to modify their cars and trucks is advancing out of committee and heading to a full vote in the U.S. House of Representatives. The House Committee on Energy and Commerce passed H.R. 7389, Motor Vehicle Modernization Act of 2026, Section 221 of which is an amended version of the bipartisan, SEMA-backed ADAS Functionality and Integrity Act. The bill would ensure that vehicle owners and the automotive aftermarket industry have necessary information needed to ensure advanced safety systems continue to operate as intended after common modifications of cars and trucks, including the addition of wraps, bumpers with winches, or even bike racks.

  • The ADAS Functionality and Integrity Act (Section 221) directs the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to study the impact of common vehicle modifications on ADAS and empowers the agency to develop data-driven guidelines that specify how much a vehicle can be modified without compromising ADAS functionality.

“This is an important day for vehicle owners, the automotive aftermarket, and our collective efforts to ensure all vehicles are as safe as their technology intends,” said SEMA Senior Vice President-Public & Government Affairs Karen Bailey-Chapman. “Americans deserve the protection that advanced safety systems enable, especially when they modify their vehicles to support their businesses, family needs, and recreation choices. SEMA is thrilled that this bill will receive important consideration by the full House of Representatives, and we look to keeping it moving all the way to the Senate, and, eventually, President Donald Trump.”

ABOUT THE BILL

  • Sec. 221 of H.R. 7389 requires NHTSA to study the impact that common modifications have on ADAS calibration, and it empowers the agency to establish ADAS guidelines to create modification ranges and tolerances for new vehicles based on the results of the study.
  • Sec. 221 (a)(1) provides NHTSA with 18 months to complete a study and publish a report on its website that reviews the impact of vehicle modifications on ADAS functionality.
  • NHTSA’s study must look at the 10 most common vehicle modifications and look at how they impact a vehicle’s ADAS performance.
  • The report must provide information necessary to create industry guidelines, including allowable modification ranges and vehicle tolerances, taking into consideration ride height, wheel and tire dimensions, and sensor and camera function.
  • NHTSA also would be required to review the information necessary to develop guidelines for proper calibration procedures of ADAS and other vehicle dynamics systems following modification and customization.
  • Sec. 221 (b) of H.R. 7389 provides NHTSA with two years after publishing a report as required by (a) to issue ADAS guidelines if the agency determines that they are feasible and practical. It also enables NHTSA to develop a process for automakers to provide the agency with modification ranges for their vehicles.

BACKGROUND
As ADAS features become increasingly offered in new vehicles, they present both opportunities and challenges for vehicle owners and aftermarket businesses that modify vehicles in common ways, such as installing a wrap, an aftermarket bumper or winch, a bike rack, lifting a vehicle to navigate tough terrain, or installing larger tires to adapt to weather conditions. ADAS technologies, such as automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning and forward-collision warning, add complexity when vehicles are repaired or modified.

Currently, there are no standards to properly calibrate the sensors and cameras that support ADAS features after a vehicle has been customized or modified.

Beginning in model year 2029, all new passenger cars and light trucks must be equipped with certain ADAS technology, specifically automatic emergency braking under NHTSA’s FMVSS 127 rulemaking. The ADAS Functionality and Integrity Act is critical to ensure that these advanced safety systems continue to work properly, even after vehicles are repaired or modified, and that pathways to compliance are clear as ADAS becomes standard on every vehicle.

SEMA has invested over $25 million in its SEMA Garage program to help the aftermarket stay ahead of rapidly evolving vehicle technology. With facilities in Diamond Bar, Calif., and Plymouth, Mich., the SEMA Garages provide advanced tools, OEM data, and dedicated ADAS labs that support product development and groundbreaking research on how modifications affect modern safety systems.

To better understand the landscape of ADAS calibration and the impact of modifications on these systems, the SEMA Garage has hosted dozens of professionals from the customization, collision, and repair industries for a symposium to address the most growing and pressing challenges associated with ADAS calibrations, creating a clear, industry-wide roadmap to ensure ADAS functions safely and reliably in every vehicle.

Based on its rigorous research, SEMA released a series of white papers examining how aftermarket modifications affect ADAS performance across popular vehicles, including the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Ford F-150, Ford Bronco, Toyota Tacoma, and the Ram 1500. The research provides clear, data-driven insight into how changes such as lift kits, wheels, and suspension components influence sensor reliability. This research helps manufacturers, installers, and enthusiasts understand when recalibration is needed to preserve full ADAS functionality.

For more information, visit www.sema.org.