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

SHREVEPORT LA (01.19.26) – 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. Custom QR Codes, the 12voltSTP Tool and 12volt Central Studio 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.

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 mids and highs on a smartphone or laptop.

Many 12volt industry members only use a QR Code to scan a restaurant menu. QR Codes have so many positive ways for 12volt industry members to utilize this positive technology.

The 12volt Central Studios staff has created a new tool that works across the board. A high-quality glasses and screen cleaning microfiber cloth, with a custom QR Code, is the answer. Screens on mobile devices tend to collect smudges of all kinds. With this cleaning cloth a custom QR Code linking to a company’s website can be created and printed on the cloth to be seen by users several times a day as they clean their screens. The 6” by 6” cloth fits in a pocket or rests on an office desk. Even used by an installer in the install bay during a head unit installation.

Trade shows and consumer events are terrific venues to hand out the cleaning cloth to attendees. Driving pre-event attention to an exhibitor’s booth is also an option. The cloth is also much less expensive, and easier to ship than T-Shirts. Reps on the road could give a dealer his cleaning cloth to continue visibility for his company’s website and brands.

Your 2026 marketing ball can get in play with the staff member holding a product and sending a few words. Presto, we can make it happen.
In-Studio examples.

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 companies in their customized studio to connect and deliver their important marketing messages.

This actual post was made as Sean Davis stood in his office at Mid-Stare in Chicago in front of the XK Glow wall display and sent an image. 12volt staff members created this setting.

Industry members must realize marketing in a 24/7 journey. Budweiser and Coke spent millions with TV ads over the Holidays. Again, a SMARTPHONE and utilizing The 12voltSTP Tool, can put a company’s marketing ball in play!

Please email mike@12voltnews.com for more details.

Wayne Harris to Feature Legendary “Terminator” Hearse During 2026 MasterTech Expo

TEMPE, AZ (01.19.26) – Automotive audio pioneer Wayne Harris will feature his world-famous Terminator vehicle during a special live interview during MasterTech Expo 2026, held March 12-15, 2026 at the Mesa Convention Center in Mesa, Ariz., offering attendees a rare look into one of the most iconic builds in car audio history.

Open to all MasterTech attendees and exhibitors, the Terminator will be on hand and the featured session will take place March 12 from 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM in the Delta AZ Ballroom.

Harris has been a driving force in the 12-volt automotive audio industry since the early 1980s. A designer, engineer, entrepreneur, and innovator, he has earned multiple Design & Engineering awards, he holds several patents for audio technology innovations, and was named one of the Top Ten Most Influential People in Car Audio from 1987–1992.

Originally built in the mid-1980s – well ahead of its time – the Terminator featured groundbreaking concepts including one of the first true symmetry-based system layouts, including six Power 1000 amplifiers and a rotating amplifier rack that redefined what was possible in mobile audio design. The vehicle pushed extreme power levels for its era and became a benchmark for competitive audio builds.

The Terminator Vehicle
The Terminator began life as a 1960 Cadillac hearse before Harris transformed it into one of the most legendary show vehicles in automotive audio history. Packed with massive subwoofers, multiple drivers, and staggering power output for the time, it helped shape early competition culture and left a lasting impression on anyone who experienced it in person.

Today, Harris has been carefully modernizing, refurbishing, and rewiring the Terminator, preserving its original spirit while ensuring it remains period-correct. Decades later, the vehicle remains a cultural icon, still talked about by competitors and enthusiasts who remember seeing – and hearing – it dominate early car audio events.

Live Interview & Walk-Through
Attendees will have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to hear directly from Harris as he walks through the history, design philosophy, and technical innovation behind the Terminator.

The session will be hosted by Matt Schaefer and Gary Bell of the Old Fashion Podcast.

For anyone passionate about car audio history, innovation, and legendary builds, this is a moment not to be missed.

Register today at www.mastertechexpo.com.

JRS_Security Wins PowerBass Prize On The 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel 353

12VOLT CENTRAL STUDIOS (1.17.26) The 12volt Spin-to-Win Wheel was created to bring an element of fun to the 12volt industry. The weekly 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel is now spinning in Year 7.

The 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel rolled for the 353rdntime on Friday morning on January 16th. The Wheel landed on the PowerBass space and the JRS_Security slip was drawn from the jar. An Instagram post of the winning spin slip was posted. A video of the Wheel spin was also posted.

We reached out to the winning retailer via Instagram message. We will let them know a PowerBass prize will be headed their way.

Spinning out a winner each Friday, a lucky 12volt retailer can win a cool prize and top brands receive visibility across the 12volt industry.

12volt brands with a space on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel include KICKER, RDV, PowerBass, CRUX, JBL, Kenwood, JVC, EBS Audio, King Boxes, Massive Audio, Q Power and VIPER. 12volt News and 12voltBeat $100. cash awards also have spaces on the 12volt Spin-To-Wheel for the winning 12volt retailer.

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

Congratulations to all.

WTF……Win This Friday……See the next 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel on Friday, January 23rd.

HARMAN Ready Display Achieves Industry-First HDR10+ Automotive Certification, Setting New Benchmark for In-Vehicle Visual Quality

STAMFORD, CT – November 12, 2025 – Imagine stepping into your car and feeling as if you’ve stepped into a home theater. Until now, that kind of immersive, true-to-life visual experience was reserved for living rooms. But as vehicles rapidly evolve into digital hubs, consumers no longer settle for second best—they expect their vehicles to be as visually rich and adaptive as their homes. HARMAN, the automotive technology leader and subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., is answering that call. Today, the company announces that its Ready Display product is the first to achieve the HDR10+ Automotive certification, setting a new industry benchmark for in-vehicle display performance. With this milestone, HARMAN transforms the car ride from a simple mode of transportation into a cinematic journey, redefining how passengers see, feel, and connect with content on the move.

A New Standard in Automotive Visuals
HARMAN collaborated with Samsung and Panasonic in establishing the HDR10+ Automotive technology specification, helping define how high dynamic range content should be experienced in vehicles. Developed by HDR10+ Technologies LLC, the certification ensures that in-vehicle displays reproduce High Dynamic Range (HDR) content with fidelity—even under the challenging lighting conditions of a car cabin.

To earn certification, displays must pass several comprehensive evaluations. These tests confirm that the display can deliver cinematic-quality visuals with consistent brightness, contrast, and color accuracy across varying lighting conditions and viewing angles. The certification also validates HDR10+ “Adaptive” capabilities, which dynamically adjust brightness and color based on ambient light, ensuring a consistent viewing experience whether driving under midday sun or city lights.

With this milestone, HARMAN boasts the industry’s first HDR10+ Automotive certified display, allowing drivers and passengers to enjoy lifelike visuals with cinematic depth, detail, and consistency in any lighting condition.

The HARMAN Difference

“We’ve long envisioned bringing the living room experience into the car,” said Shilpa Dely, Vice President and Ready Display Business Lead, HARMAN International. “Earning the world’s first HDR10+ Automotive certification is how we’re delivering on that commitment—setting a new benchmark for immersive, in-cabin display quality that automakers and consumers can trust.”

HARMAN Ready Display, powered by Samsung’s cutting-edge Neo QLED technology, is designed to be both visually brilliant and dynamically intelligent. The lineup includes the NQ3, NQ5, and NQ7 series, each engineered to thrive in the ever-changing lighting environments of a car cabin, from blazing midday sun to the shifting glow of city lights. With intelligent image algorithms, these displays dynamically optimize contrast, brightness, and color in real-time.

Benefits for Automakers and Consumers

For automakers, the certification provides a trusted path to differentiation with world-class in-cabin experiences that resonate with consumers. For consumers, the benefit is simple yet powerful: uncompromised visual quality on every drive. Whether it’s catching up on a favorite show while charging, entertaining kids in the backseat, or navigating safely with enhanced clarity, Ready Display transforms the car into a destination for immersive experiences—making every moment in the cabin as compelling as the content itself.

Beyond entertainment, these advances pave the way for adaptive displays that elevate safety, usability, and comfort behind the wheel, ensuring every moment in the car feels effortless and extraordinary.

For more information, visit https://hdr10plus.org.

SEMA Issues Call for Speakers for 2026 SEMA Show

DIAMOND BAR, CA (01.16.26) – SEMA has issued a call for speakers for the 2026 SEMA Show, taking place Nov. 3-6, 2026, in Las Vegas. Organizers are seeking experts who can present new ideas, trends, technologies, and expertise at sessions that will help industry members take their businesses and careers to the next level. The Show will host education days Tuesday, Nov. 3, through Thursday, Nov. 5.

Innovative thought leaders and dynamic presenters who can share new skills and ideas targeted to the automotive aftermarket are invited to apply at www.semashow.com/speakers.

The educational sessions are a key pillar of the SEMA Show, where thousands of industry professionals gather to learn new business strategies and best practices. The SEMA Show education program provides relevant, engaging, and inspiring information on the industry’s complex issues and topics.

Topics of focus for 2026 include:

  • Aftermarket updates and future trends
  • Emerging and executive leadership
  • Legislative and regulatory
  • Sales and marketing
  • Small-business strategy
  • Talent management
  • Vehicle technology
  • Industry segment-specific topics

Speaker proposals for the 2026 SEMA Show must be submitted by Friday, Feb. 13, at www.semashow.com/speakers.

For more details, contact SEMA Senior Manager of Professional Development Gary Vigil at garyv@sema.org or 909-978-6738.

The 2026 SEMA Show is set for Nov. 3-6 in Las Vegas. Interested exhibitors can buy a booth and learn more at http://www.semashow.com/exhibitor. Attendee and buyer registration opens on May 4; to sign up for notifications, visit here.

For more information, visit www.semashow.com.

Clean Power and Sharper Sound from Autotek Street Machine Amplifiers

LIBERTYVILLE, IL (01.16.26) – STREET MACHINE amplifiers bring an enhanced audio experience that delivers higher sound quality with minimum distortion levels while remaining more compact with a tighter footprint in size. The line of STREET MACHINE amplifiers feature monoblock, 2-channel, and 4-channel models. Feed your sound with SM POWER!

Durability matters! STREET MACHINE features a higher-efficiency aluminum heat sink design, ensuring that every amplifier stays cool during extended use. This means less risk of overheating, allowing you to enjoy long drives without sacrificing performance or sound.

UPGRADE YOUR GAINS with STREET MACHINE amplifiers!

To learn more, click here.

PowerBass On Site At The Monster Energy SuperCross A1 In Anaheim

ANAHEIM, CA (1.15.26) – PowerBass was on site at the AMA Supercross event at Angel Stadium in Anaheim on Saturday January 10th in the Privateer Paddock. Erik Harbour, along with Juan Quintana and PowerBass models Serra Amanda and Morgan were set up in a large booth that attracted a lot of traffic at the family friendly event. PowerBass sponsored the Privateer Paddock area and had a display set up underneath the large tent.

The Monster Energy AMA SuperCross Round 1 Angel Stadium in Anaheim took place in front of a sold out crowd. The consumer event was on the grounds adjacent to the stadium where many people also enjoyed the vendor booths.

Action on the track.
The event packed throughout the day on the Angel Stadium grounds.

Erik Harbour, PowerBass VP, related “We were back at the event in Angel Stadium again this year and the turnout was terrific. We want to do as much as we can this year to maximize PowerBass’s presence at these events that provides so many branding opportunities for us.”

PowerBass portable Bluetooth products were spotlighted in the booth.
This winner is all smiles with his prize.

Continuing “The PowerBass Bluetooth product category was a huge hit as PowerBass did live Instagram posts to find winners for product giveaways in the booth during the day. The winners wore their PowerBass lanyards with big smiles walking around the event. We had tunes rockin’ in the booth too.”

Serra connecting with attendees.
Morgan is flanked in the booth by Serra and Amanda (R).

This event followed the AIM EXPO help the previous 3 days at the Anaheim Convention Center that was the largest Powersports Trade Expo in North America. Powersports is a growing category for 12volt industry members.

A happy family that visited the PowerBass booth.

For more see powerbassusa.com

2026 SEMA Hall of Fame Nominations Now Open

DIAMOND BAR, CA (01.15.26) – The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) is accepting nominations for its Hall of Fame, honoring individuals whose career-long contributions have enhanced the automotive aftermarket industry.

The SEMA Hall of Fame has a long-standing tradition of recognizing individuals whose creativity, dignity, integrity, industriousness, and accomplishments have left a profound mark on the specialty-automotive market. Established in 1969, it pays tribute to business leaders, innovators, media members, and volunteers across the SEMA ecosystem who have shaped progress and created opportunities for future generations.

“The SEMA Hall of Fame represents those who have dedicated their careers to making a difference, both on and off the road,” said SEMA Manager of Recognition Programs Joe Escobar. “Without their passion and commitment to progress, the industry would not be where it is today.”

Nominations are open until Friday, March 13, at http://www.sema.org/hof. Nominations should provide detailed examples of the nominee’s impact on the industry, including specific achievements, leadership roles, and contributions that demonstrate long-term influence and distinction.

Nominee qualifications include:

  • The candidate must have made contributions that extend beyond the local level and reach throughout the national and/or international level.
  • The candidate is and/or has been involved in the automotive specialty industry and/or SEMA for a minimum of 10 years, although 15 years is preferred.
  • The candidate must have made outstanding contributions toward enhancing technology, professionalism, dignity, and/or general stature and growth of the automotive specialty-equipment industry.
  • The candidate must have conducted him/herself with a high degree of integrity both within and outside of the automotive specialty-equipment industry.
  • The candidate must be 50 years of age or older by the 2026 SEMA Show or they may be any age if deceased and the nomination is presented at least one year posthumous.

The Hall of Fame inductees will be announced in May and honored during the SEMA Leaders & Legends Gala in July. Contact SEMA Manager of Recognition Programs Joe Escobar at josee@sema.org for more information.

Visit sema.org for more.

All-New Brutus BRL Elevates Your Amplifier Game

LIBERTYVILLE, IL (01.15.26) – The flagship amplifier line will push your playback into new boundaries of BIG POWER and CLEANER PERFORMANCE — while creating unmatched audio detail and concert-like soundstage quality.

Get ready to experience your sound like never before.

With cutting-edge amplification technology and a modern chassis footprint, the ALL-NEW BRUTUS BRL amplifier series is engineered to maximize power efficiency while providing raw, clean power to drive subwoofers and speakers to their full potential output.

Every BRUTUS BRL amplifier is innovated with a built-in VU Meter —whether it’s the BRL1200.4D for high-fidelity multi-channel setups or the thunderous BRL3000.1D for bass-heavy builds, the Hifonics BRUTUS BRL series is built to dominate your audio setup.

Click here to level up.

Join Our DIRECTED BP1 GM Global B Interface Training!

ORLANDO, FL (01.14.26) – Join Directed for a targeted training session designed to help you get up to speed on the new DIRECTED BP1 GM Global B Interface. This session provides practical guidance on system integration, installation efficiencies, and programming workflows.

Register for Training:
Tuesday, January 20th, 11:00am EST

Key Takeaways:
☑️ How the BP1 integrates with DIRECTED digital remote start and security systems
☑️ How the interface simplifies installations on GM Global B vehicles
☑️ Plug and play functionality and digital immobilizer communication through D2D2.0
☑️ How the BP1 eliminates the need for a customer to give up a key on newer GM models
☑️ Step-by-step programming overview using the DKPROG tool

To learn more, click here.