Mobile Solutions Announces Door Panel – Master Class

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TEMPE, AZ (10.07.26) – Mobile Solutions is proud to announce Advanced Door Panel – MasterClass, a four-day immersive, hands-on training experience for fabricators, builders, installers, and designers ready to take their skills to the next level, scheduled Nov. 19-22 at Mobile Solutions HQ in Tempe, Ariz.

“Built around the Future Fab mindset, this class is about bringing together craftsmanship with today’s digital fabrication technologies,” said Bryan Schmitt, President of Mobile Solutions. “Attendees will receive hands-on experience with Peel 3D scanning, Autodesk Fusion 360, CNC routing, laser fabrication, and 3D printing, and advanced finishing in order to create a more efficient and professional workflow from concept and design through final assembly, while building a complete door panel project to take home.”

DIGITAL FABRICATION & ADVANCED WORKFLOW

CAD fundamentals are taught in a practical, beginner-friendly format, making the class valuable for both experienced builders and those beginning their digital fabrication journey.

Training also includes advanced shape creation, layered design, accent lighting, custom trim techniques, aluminum and acrylic fabrication, pressed-metal grilles, veneers, vinyl wrapping, specialty coatings, and professional backside finishing.

UPHOLSTERY & INTERIOR CRAFT

Attendees will also learn material selection, patterning, complex stitching, accent stitching, sculpted detailing, and techniques for achieving a professional, OEM-quality fit and finish.

FOUR DAYS. ONE COMPLETE PROJECT.

“Throughout the MasterClass, students will apply these techniques to a complete hands-on door panel project, gaining real-world experience they can immediately take back to their shops,” Schmitt continued. “They will leave with a finished take-home project, a more efficient professional workflow, expanded fabrication capabilities, and the confidence to design, build, and sell higher-level custom work.

With more than 20 years of industry training experience, Mobile Solutions continues to push professional fabrication education forward by combining craftsmanship, technology, and real-world application.

The four-day program includes continental breakfast and lunch daily. Class size is limited to maximize hands-on instruction and individual attention.

For registration, class dates, pricing, and additional information, visit www.mobilesolutions-usa.com

Don’t Miss Your Dealer Pricing – How to Login to the ZZ2 Website

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BOCA RATON, FL (10.07.26) – As a valued ZZ2 Dealer, we want to make sure you’re always receiving your approved ZZ2 dealer pricing when ordering online.

Before browsing products or checking out at ZZ2.com, please make sure you are logged in using the email address associated with your dealer account. (if you do not know it please feel free to email us at sales@zz2.com)

When you’re not logged in, the website may display standard pricing instead of your dealer pricing which can result in wrong pricing.

It’s simple:

  • Visit ZZ2.com
  • Log in with your approved dealer email
  • Shop with your dealer pricing displayed
  • Add your products to the cart and check out
  • As always you may use the authorized card on file.

LOG IN TO YOUR DEALER ACCOUNT

Thank you for being a valued ZZ2 Dealer and for your continued partnership with ZZ2. If you need any further assistance with this feel free to reach out to us to help out in any way.

Get in touch with our sales team today at 929-220-1212 or sales@zz2.com.

2026 SEMA Show Education Program To Deliver Expert Insights And Practical Learning Opportunities

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DIAMOND BAR, CA (10.07.26) – Attendees at the 2026 SEMA Show, held Nov. 3-6 in Las Vegas, can develop new skills, connect with industry leaders, and gain practical insights to help grow their businesses through this year’s SEMA Education Program. More than 90 sessions will take place Tuesday, Nov. 3, through Thursday, Nov. 5, covering key topics and trends impacting professionals across the automotive and powersports industries.

Sessions will cover business, technical, and industry-specific subjects, including leadership, emerging technologies, off-road, powersports, and career development. The Off-Road Business Association (ORBA) will present Driving Change: Women Shaping the Future of Off-Road, bringing together female leaders to discuss leadership, innovation, mentorship, and opportunities ahead. In the Emerging and Executive Leadership track, Dale Carnegie sessions will cover practical listening and leadership skills, along with how leaders can use AI while maintaining trust and engagement.

“Time away from your business must deliver real value. The SEMA Show Education Program gives attendees practical insights and strategies they can apply immediately to make smarter decisions about where to invest and how to grow,” said SEMA Vice President of Events Tom Gattuso. “SEMA Education, combined with the opportunity to discover products and connect with suppliers, makes the Show an essential business-planning tool.”

As part of the broader SEMA Education offering, marquee partners will offer targeted education for a variety of aftermarket communities. For the first time, the Auto Film Mastery Conference will take place at the Show. Designed for window tinters, paint protection film installers, automotive detailers, and other restyling professionals, the one-day conference will be held Monday, Nov. 2, in the North Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center, one day before the Show opens.

Other partner-led programs from the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR), Tire Industry Association (TIA), and Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) will provide specialized training for collision repair and installation professionals. The Collision Repair Stage (booth No. 32145) in South Hall Upper, along with learning centers such as the FutureTech Studio (Central Hall No. 24401), and ADAS Showcase (South Hall Upper No. 31200), will highlight the latest in repair, ADAS, alternative propulsion, and mobility.

“SEMA Show Education reflects the breadth of the automotive aftermarket and the wide range of professional fields that make up this industry,” said SEMA Trade Show Director Andy Tompkins. “Whether attendees are looking for business strategies, technical information, leadership development, or insights into the future of the industry, our education program gives them another way to make the most of their time at the Show.”

Most sessions are first come, first served and free of charge. Attendees can build a customized schedule and register for paid sessions through the Show Planner tool. Explore the full 2026 SEMA Show Education Program at www.semashow.com/education.

For more information about the 2026 SEMA Show or to register, visit www.semashow.com. The 2026 SEMA Show floorplan is available at www.semashow.com/floorplan.

The IASCA SPL Championship Season Kicked Off With A Successful Event in Salem

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SALEM, OR (10.06.26) – The International Auto Sound Challenge Association (IASCA) kicked off its 2026 SPL Championship season with a successful championship event in Salem OR, October 26th and 27th. The event brought together more than 40 SPL competition vehicles, competitors, vendors, and car audio enthusiasts from across the region.

The Salem event delivered an exciting weekend of competition and showcased the continued growth of the IASCA SPL Competition scene. More than 40 vehicles battled for championship honors, while multiple vendor booths gave attendees the opportunity to see the latest products and technology from the car audio industry.

The IASCA Finals venue in Salem OR was filled with competition vehicles and competitors.
The vehicles set for the judging to begin.

The event also featured a special giveaway that generated excitement throughout the weekend. Car Toys Oregon, KICKER and Crossover Marketing teamed up to give away a complete KICKER system that provided one lucky winner, Stephanie Robey, with a major upgrade for her vehicle. “That Special GiveAway featured industry members working together. A Special Thank You” IASCA said.

The Car Toys Oregon giveaway was a partnership with KICKER and Crossover Marketing.
Winner Stephanie Robey, is flanked by family and Car Toys Oregon Team members.

Rob Sutton related for Car Toys Oregon, KICKER and Crossover Marketing “So happy for Stephanie. The prize consisted of (1) KICKER LX1650.1, (2) KICKER 49L7X102 and (1) KICKER 46PKD 1/0 gauge amp kit. Once installed Stephanie will be Livin’Loud with KICKER! Sam Sutton had a great time working with the Team Car Toys Oregon representing both KICKER and Pioneer.”

“Salem was an incredible way to get the 2026 SPL Championship underway,” said IASCA. “The turnout from competitors, manufacturers, vendors, sponsors, and spectators demonstrated the passion that continues to drive the car audio competition community. We are extremely grateful to everyone who helped make Salem such a success.”

When the IASCA Finals wrapped in Salem, all gathered for group image.

The 2026 SPL Championship continued in Indianapolis. The action from Salem moved east as IASCA prepared for the 2026 IASCA SPL Championship Event in Indianapolis IN October 3 & 4.

IASCA Thanks Its Sponsors. IASCA would like to extend a special thank-you to the companies and organizations whose support helped make the Salem championship event possible and continues to support the 2026 IASCA SPL Championship season.

For more see iasca.com.

CRUX Ships RFM-MB3 Multi-View Camera Interface for 2024-Up Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and V-Class with MBUX 2G (NTG7)

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CHATSWORTH CA (10.06.26) CRUX Interfacing Solutions announced that the RFM-MB3 Multi-View Integration Interface is now in stock and ready to ship.

The RFM-MB3 is a built-in multi-view integration interface for Mercedes-Benz’s latest MBUX 2G (NTG7) infotainment system. It fits 2024-and-up Sprinter vans (W907/W910) and V-Class (W447) models equipped with the 10.25-inch display.

Sergei Cuba spotlights the new RFM-MB3 interface.

The interface retains the factory infotainment system and factory rear-view camera. It then adds aftermarket front, left, right and rear camera inputs, all viewed on the vehicle’s own screen. Customers can use the factory steering wheel control (SWC) buttons to force and toggle between available camera views.

For van upfitters, fleet operators and mobile-office or camper builds, that means full-perimeter visibility without replacing or compromising the OEM head unit.

“This is a product our dealers have been asking for,” said Hamza Khalid, Operations Manager at CRUX Interfacing Solutions. “Many of them do a high volume of 12-volt work on Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans for Amazon delivery fleets. Our RFM-MB1 and RFM-MB2 interfaces have been strong sellers for 2019–2023 Sprinters with the first-generation MBUX system. Ever since the new MBUX 2G NTG7 vans arrived, we’ve had a steady stream of installers asking us for a solution — and the RFM-MB3 is it.”

Screenshot

Key Features

  • Adds front, right, left and rear camera inputs to the factory MBUX 2G (NTG7) screen.
  • Turn signals automatically trigger the matching side camera.
  • Factory steering wheel control buttons toggle between camera sources.
  • CAN data can be accessed, configured and programmed through the CRUX website or mobile app.
  • Two independent +12V switching outputs for triggering accessories.
  • USB update port for easy firmware updates in the field.
  • Plug-and-play harness included — no cutting or splicing of factory wiring.

Availability

The RFM-MB3 is in stock at CRUX’s Chatsworth, California facility and shipping now to dealers and distributors. Installers can find product details and installation resources at www.cruxinterfacing.com or by calling 1-818-609-9299.

Oracle Lighting Expands Sales Team to Support Growth into Fleet, Motorcycle, Powersports and International Markets

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METAIRIE, LA (10.06.26) – Oracle Lighting  announced the appointment of Johnny Johnson as Strategic Account Manager. Johnson will grow the company’s core aftermarket LED business while leading its expansion into fleet, motorcycle and powersports, and into new international markets.

The hire is part of a broader expansion of Oracle Lighting’s sales organization, driven by sustained growth in both its wholesale distribution network and its emerging business segments. As the company builds out new verticals, it is adding leaders who bring deep aftermarket relationships and a proven record of building dealer channels from the ground up.

Johnny Johnson

“We’re growing, and that growth means we need people who can strengthen the business we’ve built and open doors in markets that are new to us,” said Jaclyn Bradham, Chief Revenue Officer of Oracle Lighting. “When we defined this role, we were looking for someone who knows the aftermarket from the inside, understands how dealers and distributors actually buy, and has built channels both here and overseas. Johnny is exactly who we were hoping to find. He’ll add value to our core LED customers from day one, and his experience in powersports and international distribution makes him the right person to take our newest lines and markets from opportunity to core business.”

Johnson brings more than 15 years of sales and business development leadership across the automotive and powersports aftermarket. Most recently, he served as Vice President of Sales and Business Development at Derive Systems, a global provider of automotive performance tuning technology. There he rebuilt the sales organization, grew the domestic dealer business, revived the international dealer channel, and launched a dealer win-back program that brought dormant accounts back into the business.

Previously, as National Sales Director at Dynojet Research, Johnson led the expansion of the company’s powersports dealer network, adding hundreds of new dealer accounts through a structured dealer sales program. He helped implement new MAP and ARP policies and account reclassification to strengthen brand position and profitability. Earlier in his career, he served as Senior Account Manager at Derive Systems, where he managed hundreds of accounts and led new dealer acquisition. He also held sales and management roles at Cycle World and Bill Heard Chevrolet, which gave him firsthand experience on the dealership side of the business.

In his new role, Johnson will work with Oracle Lighting’s core aftermarket LED distributors and resellers while building the company’s presence with fleet operators and upfitters, motorcycle and powersports dealers, and the partners who serve them. He will also play a central role in expanding Oracle Lighting’s international distribution, drawing on his experience rebuilding international dealer channels.

“Oracle Lighting has built a strong reputation for innovation and quality that dealers and enthusiasts already trust,” said Johnson. “My focus is to build on that with the customers who got Oracle here, and to take the brand into fleet, motorcycle, powersports and international markets where that reputation can go a long way.”

Visit oraclelights.com for more.

Mid-State Distributing Co. – Sales Specialist (Mobile Electronics)

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We are looking to hire an enthusiastic and driven Sales Specialist to generate leads and drive sales. The Sales Specialist’s responsibilities include submitting regular sales reports to management, informing potential and existing customers of product features and benefits, and resolving customer complaints. You should also be able to create as well as present persuasive sales proposals to customers to encourage sales and repeat business. A Sales Specialist should be able to demonstrate effective communication and customer service skills to continually meet or exceed sales targets.

Sales Specialist Responsibilities:

  • Building and sustaining long-lasting relationships with new and existing customers based within an assigned sales territory.
  • Continually meeting or exceeding sales targets by selling company products to new and existing customers.
  • Developing and implementing an effective sales strategy to drive sales.
  • Collaborating with the marketing department to expand brand presence through the creation of suitable marketing materials.
  • Researching competitors’ products and pricing as well as market conditions.
  • Keeping abreast of the latest industry developments by attending meetings, training workshops, and industry events.
  • Strategically negotiating with potential and existing customers to close sales.

Sales Specialist Requirements:

  • High school diploma or GED
  • Proven inside sales experience.
  • Proficiency in all Microsoft Office applications.
  • Strong consultative sales skills.
  • Excellent organizational skills.
  • Effective communication and negotiation skills.
  • Exceptional customer service skills.
  • Detail-oriented.

Mid-State Distributing Co. offers a competitive salary and commission plus full benefits to include health, life, disability, vision and dental insurance; vacation, holiday and sick leave; annual profit sharing, 401k and employee purchase program. More importantly, you can become a member of a driven and successful Sales team as well as an associate of an exceptionally-managed, growth-oriented, profitable and financially stable organization.

EnduroCross Kicks Off the 2026 Championship Series In Las Vegas

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LAS VEGAS, NV (10.05.26) – The EnduroCross brought the action to the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday, October 3rd.

The EnduroCross is one of the wildest sports on two wheels, combining the challenging obstacles of an Enduro with the tight confines with a family friendly event in a stadium setting. Riders race over rock beds, huge logs, tractor, tires and other extreme rock obstacles making it the most unprecedented motorsport event on 2 wheels.

The EnduroCross track being prepared.

KICKER was on site as an event sponsored with Lorin Morrell, KICKER Events, setting up the KICKER booth and product display in the lobby showcasing KICKER products for auto and motorsports. The action in the Orleans Arena was intense on Saturday night with the excited crowd.

Morrell shared, “There was so much energy in the arena. The KICKER booth was set in the lobby and foot traffic was strong as attendees came in. Many bikers at the booth relayed are certainly making plans to upgrade their rides. With KICKER upgrades they’ll be Livin’Loud”.

When the doors opened at 5:30 attendees headed to the KICKER booth.
Riders ready to head to all the obstructions on the track
Riders trying to navigate a tight turn.

“The preparation to set the track for EnduroCross events is nothing short of crazy. Bulldozers and cranes on site place rocks and huge logs on the track along with tractor tires for the riders to navigate through the tight turns and launch over ramps. The on track action was absolutely amazing and riders were careful not to crash into fallen riders” Morrell added.

“Attendees saw KICKER products in the booth along with KICKER signage on the track ensuring that many attendees left as new KICKER fans” Morrell concluded.

This rider struggling to get over the wall of the logs.
Saturday afternoon qualifiers and amateurs were set to take practice runs on the track.

The EnduroCross 2026 Series continues with events in Nampa ID, Everett WA, Salt Lake City UT, Idaho Falls ID.

For more see kicker.com.

Keeping The Marketing Ball in Play for Decades

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SHREVEPORT, LA (10.05.26) In today’s AI driven and social media world it is more important than ever for companies and members of the 12volt industry to connect with other industry members and consumers.

For parts of 6 decades the 12volt industry has been home on this end. Working retail in the 60s and 70s, SONY distributor in the 80s, dB Speaker Works in the 90s and the 12volt News for over 30 years.

The 12 Volt Advertiser magazine from August 1995 featuring articles on aftermarket sales and security in the mobile electronics industry, along with an image of the Trade shows and an advertisement for Speakerworks.
Vintage promotional image of a Sony Road Show van from the 1980s, featuring a scenic highway background and a person pointing. Text overlay includes 'ON THE ROAD' and information about the tour through Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Arkansas.

As an award winning SONY distributor for the TOLA region in the 1980s, the Schuster Distributing SONY Road Show was on the road. Decades ago 12volt Central Studios staff recognized Marketing is a 24/7 process.

A Sony Road Show trailer parked in a lot, decorated with blue and white triangular flags, alongside a red car and a shop with a sun mural.
The Sony Road Show setting up at Sun Coast Sound Station in Monroe LA.

Today, with the the 12volt Marketing Ball, the 12volt Central Studios makes it easier that ever for members of the industry to showcase their products and activities across the industry.

A person stands behind a table displaying various JENSEN audio products at a distribution center, holding a black ball with '12 Volt' written on it.
Example of Marketing Ball in play.

In-person trade and distributor shows are perfect to connect and show new products in a one-on-one setting. However, trade and distributor shows attendance over the last several years has diminished significantly. The 12volt Central Studios can work with you by putting a company in their own customized booth using the 12voltSTP Tool and deliver their message to the 12volt industry with the 12volt Central Studios Marketing Ball. Industry members, including retailers must realize marketing is a 24/7 journey.

Graphic showing a smartphone with text promoting the '12volt STP TOOL' service, instructing to snap and text an image with a few words to the number 318 469 2526.

A smartphone is all it takes to put the 12volt Central Studios Marketing Ball in play. The number is 318-469-2526. Simply standup holding the product to be spotlighted. Hand your phone to someone to snap the image. Txt that image, with a few words and Presto! The 12volt Central Studios can put your company’s marketing ball in play.

A cartoon-style illustration featuring three characters: a speaker character on the left, a cool character wearing a black leather jacket in the center holding wires, and a stereo character on the right, all grouped together under the text 'ROCKTOBER' in bold, orange letters.
Let’s get RockTober off to a great start by putting your company’s Marketing Ball in Play.

Team Nutz At The Rosedale Technical College Fall Career Fair

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PITTSBURGH, PA (10.05.26) – Ed Nuttall was spotlighting the Team Nutz message at the Rosedale Technical College Fall Career Fair on Thursday October 1. The event was held in Kennedy Township area of Pittsburgh and Team Nutz has been on site at previous events.

“At the Career Fair there were hundreds of skilled students looking for their next fit in the work world. The students have been studying a wide variety of automotive, carpentry, collision repair, HVAC, truck driving and welding categories. At Team Nutz we work across several business platforms and we offer a wide offering of possibilities for these students. During the event we handed out hundreds of stickers, lanyards and even some yellow jeep ducks connecting with students at the event. It sure sure terrific day as we connected with many students plus other companies that participate in the automotive aftermarket industry” Nuttall related.

Team Nutz had a large table filled stickers, lanyards and company handouts to connect with students.
The Rosedale Technical College Fall Career Fair took place in a very large venue with many companies connecting with students.

Ed Nuttall and the Team Nutz crew is a standout example of a proactive 12volt retailer connecting with community members. All of the students are also potential customers in the Team Nutz retail location.

For more see teamnutz.com.