AMP’D UP IN THE OZARKS 2025 Presented by Creative Audio — What a Weekend!

SPRINGFIELD, MO (4.18.25) – The weekend of April 5th, Creative Audio hosted their second ever AMP’D UP IN THE OZARKS, and it was absolutely unforgettable. AMP’D UP UP IN THE OZARKS included a Car Show, Drifting, Armored Combat and more. The energy, the crowd, the sound—everything came together to create a powerful experience that celebrated car audio culture like never before in southwest Missouri – besides the rain.

Creative Audio had a booth at the event to connect with consumers and drive traffic to their stores.
KICKER went all out at the event with amazing demo vehicles and displays with John Myers and the team.

Despite the weather doing its best to slow everything down, thousands of enthusiasts, families, and fans rolled in from all over the region to witness some of the wildest demo vehicles, custom builds, and industry-leading audio technology in action. There was no shortage of rumbling bass, head-turning installs, and next-level craftsmanship on display from every corner of the fairgrounds.

From the moment the gates opened, there was a buzz in the air. People packed the demo lanes, checked out incredible show vehicles, connected with top-tier vendors, and competed in sound-offs. Whether you were there for the SPL competitions, the product demos, or just to see the latest gear—it was clear that the Ozarks were officially AMP’D UP.

The Creative Audio crew gave a massive shoutout to every person who came out to support, participate, and make this event such a success plus a huge thank you went out to their vendors and brand partners for showing up big and sharing their latest innovations, knowledge, and gear with attendees.

KICKER was the Title Sponsor of AMP’D UP IN THE OZARKS 2025. Their dedication to high-performance audio and unwavering support of the car audio community helped Creative Audio bring this event to life in a big way. From thunderous demos to eye-catching builds, KICKER’s presence was felt across the entire fairgrounds.

Randy Davis, new National Sales Manager with Hertz was in the booth connecting with consumers.
KENWOOD was in a house connecting with enthusiasts.

Event Partners and Vendors included KICKER, JL Audio, Memphis Audio, Rockford Fosgate, KENWOOD USA, JVC, HARMAN / JBL, Elettromedia / Hertz, Cicada Audio Wet Sounds and ORCA / Focal. Featured Exhibitors & Community Guests included The Iron Alliance, Celebrity Car Museum, Midwest SPL, 417 Race Place, Man Up Go, Drift Mansion plus Team demo vehicles, Local builders & installers, Car clubs from across the Midwest, Mobile audio pros & tuners and more.

Creative Audio was also proud to be part of The Man Show Expo, an all-encompassing weekend of power sports, custom cars, tools, and tech—adding even more horsepower to the experience. The Ozark Empire Fairgrounds is an incredible venue.

Chris Pace rolled the Arrowhead Sales JBL trailer down to the event from Kansas City.
Screenshot

Creative Audio is already brainstorming how to turn things up even louder next year, and promise you haven’t seen anything yet. If people didn’t make it this year—mark your calendars. AMP’D UP IN THE OZARKS is here to stay, and every year is only going to get bigger, bassier, and more badass.

Hats off to the entire Creative Audio Team for driving visibility for the 12volt industry across the territory.

Visit ampdupintheozarks.com for more.

Mid City Engineering Launches Expanded Remote Start, High Idle, & Alarm Coverage for 2025 Mercedes Benz Sprinter

CHICAGO, IL (04.18.25) – Mid City Engineering is proud to announce expanded remote start, high idle, and alarm coverage for 2025 Mercedes Benz Sprinter vans.

“Multiple options are now available along with the same renowned feature sets for these existing categories that Mid City Engineering has been providing for 2019-2025 model years,” explained Dan Ruby, owner, Mid City Engineering. “Our new SKUs offer a range of benefits*, including not affecting factory warranties, operation via factory key fobs, seamless 100 percent plug-and-play integration, compatibility with Compustar RF remotes, available with as a kit with alarm or with Drone Mobile smart phone integration, and more.”

A popular add-on that simply plugs directly into the SmartKey Starter is DAS II Compustar sensor integration that adds shock, tilt, glass break, and tow sensing.

New and existing coverage include:

Remote start and alarm (click for link):

Remote start, high idle and alarm (click for link):

Stand-alone high idle (click for link):

Alarm only (available as either alarm interface by itself or a full alarm kit with Compustar alarm):
• 907INTC: CAN interface only for Compustar, 2019-2025
• 907INTD: CAN interface only for Directed, 2019-2025
• 907INTK: CAN interface with full Compustar alarm, 2019-2025

Alarm interface only (click for link)

Full alarm kit (interface + Comustar alarm (click for link)

  • Mid City Engineering recommends professional installation and asks that you check the descriptions for each model to determine specific and complete individual specifications and pricing.

For more information, please visit www.midcityengineerinig.com, email sales@midcityengineering.com, or call (312) 421-1114.

Transform and Transcend Your Amplifier Game with TA from Autotek

LIBERTYVILLE, IL (04.18.25) – Elevate and redefine your sound with the TA Series amplifiers! Designed to push boundaries, TA amplifiers create crisp beats, sharper tones, and clean detail for a truly immersive listening experience. Built for both durability and performance, each TA amplifier brings out the best in your audio. Where innovation meets power — that’s the TA difference.

Showcasing an innovative and sleek design that presents every TA amplifier in a refreshing display of durability and build quality, easily blend every model into car interiors and installations while presenting Powered Forward quality.

With Sound Shield™ Technology assuring additional mass in the aluminum heat sink and keeping every TA amplifier running cool while shielding music from distortions that can be caused by heat — TA amplifiers produce sound in crystal clear playback that adds a refreshing layer of listening and power.

Learn more HERE about the complete line of TA amplifiers.

Let’s Drive The ROI With Distributor Dealer Shows And Events

12VOLT CENTRAL STUDIOS (04.07.25) – As April rolls there has been an uptick in business activity across the 12volt industry. 12volt distributor dealer shows and events are contributing to driving that uptick activity going forward.

On April 2nd the introduction of very significant new tariffs created a major bump in the road. That new heavy tariff cloud, along with devastative storms across the US, makes it very for difficult people to think about automotive aftermarket upgrades.

That said members of the 12volt industry must work together to drive business forward. The 12volt Central Studios staff, with assistance from proactive 12volt industry members, is working 24/7 to Drive the ROI and visibility for 12volt industry events.

The N&H Electronics team welcomed dealers from across the territory.

The recent CMA Expo, Man Show Expo in Springfield MO, Shiflet and Dickson Show and MasterTech Expo 2025 events demonstrated the desire of industry members to interact with peers, factory staffs, see new products, engage in product trainings plus consumer events. These industry members are setting plans to drive business going forward. The 12volt Central Studios staff will work 24/7 to Drive ROI on the investment all are making to connect with consumers.

Josh White conducted a Lucas Lighting training to a full house.
Team Nutz is a very proactive 12volt retailer in Pittsburgh. Crew members Josh Nuttall, Ben Bjerke,  Mike, Gosnik and Ed  Nuttall (LtoR) pictured on the main stage at the event on Tuesday tonight. They reported seeing a lot of new products, connecting with industry members plus meeting with several companies that they already spotlight in their store.

Presently 6 distributor shows are on the 12volt Central Studios calendar for April. The A&W Show is April 9th, N&H Electronics Show is April 12th, Tri-State Enterprises April 12th, Davis Distribution is April 15, D-Source 15 &16 and House Of Electronics is April 20th. A schedule for distributor shows in May is not complete. SSR Distributor is set for May 18th and the PNWCEE event is set for May 19-21.

Any additional distributor dealer shows that are in the planning stages can be added to the calendar with an email to mike@12voltnews.com.

Mobile Solutions’ Bryan Schmitt to Give Keynote Address at 2025 PNWCEE

SEATTLE WA (04.17.25) – Mobile Solutions’ Bryan Schmitt will give the Keynote Address at the 2025 Pacific NW Mobile Electronics Expo, to be held in Seattle from May 19th – 21st!

According to Mark Giovannetti, one of a group of Northwest representatives who helped put the event together, “We are excited to have Bryan Schmitt participate in this year’s exclusive Northwest Mobile Electronics Expo. I attended the Mobile Solutions MasterTech Expo last month and was blown away by all of its different facets. These have propelled the MasterTech Expo to become a “Must-Attend” event for Car Audio owners, salespeople, and techs, and it has an international reach!

Bryan Schmitt

Bryan will also be doing a Mobile Solutions Fabrication Training on Tuesday Evening from 5:30 PM -9:30 PM. Mark went on to say, “This is an excellent opportunity for anyone who has not had the opportunity to fly to Arizona and attend a Mobile Solutions Training.”

All of the information is on the website, and you can register for this directly from the website now at:
https://www.pnwcee.com/mastertech-training-event

This is expected to sell out quickly!

Deliver Deep and Powerful Bass with HEW Powered Subwoofer System from Hifonics

LIBERTYVILLE, IL (04.17.25) – Hifonics HEW Powered Subwoofer Systems deliver more than just loud, powerful sound — they elevate your entire audio experience. Featuring premium ELITE Series subwoofers, each HEW Powered Subwoofer System produces deep, impactful bass that you don’t just hear — but feel. Embrace rich, high-quality sound that brings every track to life with intensity and clarity!

Coming in 10, 8, and 6-inch Hifonics ELITE subwoofer sizes — HEW Powered Subwoofer Systems are designed for easy installation in smaller spaces and are perfect for those who seek high-quality sound without compromising vehicle room. With a built-in, powerful amplifier ready to pump out clean and high-impact bass straight out of the box, every subwoofer delivers on power, volume, and quality.

Each Hifonics HEW Powered Subwoofer System features Push & Insert-style terminals for easy installation with a universal compatible vehicle fitment for easy integration into your Hifonics car audio system or vehicle setup. Enjoy all of your bass with installation durability, flexibility, and complete ease.

ELITE Series subwoofers create concert levels of bass-layered performance with undistorted power while maintaining clean levels of crystal-clear lower sound gains in every song. Pressure-treated, double-stitched, innovated foam surround, along with a dual poly cotton spider helps keep the piston motion of every ELITE subwoofer linear and distortion-free.

Learn more details HERE on HEW Powered Subwoofer Systems.

GEMSEN & Morel Impress CMA Expo with 50th Anniversary Lineup and Launch of Supremo 63 Special Edition

CONCORD, ON (04.16.25) – Morel made a major impact in the GEMSEN booth at this year’s CMA Expo in Toronto, celebrating its 50th anniversary in spectacular fashion with an impressive display and the launch of several exciting new products. Attendees were treated to a showcase that blended cutting-edge technology with the brand’s signature commitment to high-fidelity sound.

The Morel display in the GEMSEN booth was busy with dealers checking out all of the new products Morel has launched to celebrate their 50th Anniversary.
Cory Stocklin meeting with dealers in the booth.

On hand for the event was Cory Stocklin of Morel, who engaged with Canadian retailers and helped walk them through the brand’s latest innovations. GEMSEN’s Morel booth was a hot spot throughout the show, thanks in part to a complete refresh of their subwoofer lineup—each model meticulously engineered using state-of-the-art FEA (Finite Element Analysis) software to push performance boundaries even further. However, the undisputed highlight of the display was the debut of the Supremo 63 Special Edition speaker system. Representing the most advanced, refined, and exclusive car audio solution Morel has ever produced, this new flagship product redefines what’s possible in mobile audio. Built in extremely limited quantities, the Supremo Special Edition is a statement piece—designed not only to perform but to inspire. Its sonic performance approaches, and in some cases surpasses, the finest high-end home systems, delivering a breathtaking listening experience crafted for true audio connoisseurs.

As one of the most expensive and exclusive car audio systems available today, the Supremo Special Edition is the culmination of Morel’s four-decade-long journey of innovation and passion for sound. It’s not just a speaker system—it’s a milestone.

The highlight in the booth was the new Flagship Supremo Special Edition.
The training done by Cory Stocklin on Saturday was packed and one lucky attendee, Mohammed Yakub from Soundsgood Auto in Vancouver, took home the Morel “BIGGIE” Wireless Bluetooth speaker.

Beyond the show floor, Morel’s training session proved to be another major draw, packed with Canadian dealers eager to get the inside scoop on the brand’s latest offerings. The session also featured a live demo of Morel’s “BIGGIE” Bluetooth portable speaker, which impressed attendees with its powerful, room-filling sound from a small compact package. As a bonus, one lucky dealer walked away with the demo unit—congratulations to Mohammed Yakub of Soundsgood Auto in Vancouver, who won the BIGGIE during the giveaway!

For more information on Morel products in Canada contact GEMSEN www.gemsen.com

Rydeen Mobile Partners with M.E.S.A.

TORRANCE, CA (04.16.25) – Rydeen Mobile is proud to announce its latest vendor partnership with Mobile Electronics Specialists of America (M.E.S.A.), the premier marketing and buying group in the 12-volt industry. This collaboration introduces Rydeen’s cutting-edge driver safety and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) solutions to M.E.S.A.’s extensive network of independent retailers.

Headquartered in Torrance, California, Rydeen Mobile Electronics has been at the forefront of automotive safety innovation for over a decade. Specializing in products such as digital mirrors, 360° surround-view systems, blind-spot detection, and dash cameras, Rydeen is dedicated to enhancing driver safety and convenience.

“We are thrilled to welcome Rydeen Mobile Electronics to the M.E.S.A. family,” said Ryan Gunter, Executive Director at M.E.S.A. “Rydeen’s commitment to product reliability and innovative engineering aligns with M.E.S.A.’s mission to empower our members with premium, high-performing solutions. This partnership gives our members access to advanced, in-demand technologies that address the ever-evolving expectations of today’s consumers.”

“We are proud to be a part of the M.E.S.A. network, this will boost our visibility among the professional installation specialists” said Phil Maeda, President/CEO of Rydeen. “Unified and Expandable” is the theme for the recent digital product lineup. “Experience the Rydeen Ecosystem with high-definition digital cameras and monitors! Rydeen digital products are adaptable and interchangeable with all digital cameras, HD mirror monitors, brackets and mounts that can seamlessly substitute for one another, allowing for a mix-and-match approach”, Maeda continued.

Rydeen’s mission is to provide the safest vehicle driving experience with solution-based products and technologies. By joining forces with M.E.S.A., Rydeen aims to expand its reach and offer its innovative solutions to a broader audience of independent retailers.

Visit rydeenmobile.com and mesadealer.com

ZZ2 Announces Strategic Partnership with The Progressive Group to Expand Distribution in the Southwest Region & So Cal

BOCA RATON, FL (04.16.25) – ZZ2 is proud to announce a new partnership with The Progressive Group, a respected name in automotive electronics distribution. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in ZZ2’s rapid growth and continued commitment to supporting dealers and installers across the United States.

With this partnership, dealers and installers in the Southwest / So Cal region will now have local access to ZZ2’s full product line, including industry-leading solutions such as wireless CarPlay/Android Auto kits, ZWAGZ, camera and A/V interfaces, Casting, Streaming, Screen Replacements, Motorcycle CarPlay & Android Auto and multimedia upgrades.

“We’re excited to welcome Kenny & The Progressive Group to the ZZ2 family,” said Steve Cope, Sales Manager at ZZ2. “As we expand our national footprint, it’s critical that we have strong regional partners who share our commitment to service, support, and innovation. The Progressive Group brings that and more.”

The Progressive Group will now serve as the go-to distributor for all ZZ2 products in the Southwest, offering:

Faster shipping and local inventory availability
Dedicated regional support and ordering assistance
Product training and technical expertise for installers
Responsive customer service and on-the-ground sales force

Dealers in the Southwest looking to place orders or inquire about ZZ2 products can now contact:

Kenny Partin and the team at
The Progressive Group
BRANCH MANAGER, PHOENIX
1917 E University Dr, Phoenix, AZ 85034
📞 602-621-4500
📧 kpartin@teamprogressive.com

The A&W Distributors KTP 2025 Show Delivered Wednesday April 9th

DALLAS, TX (04.15.25) – A&W Distributors invited dealers from across the territory to attend their KTP 2025 Show. KTP was the Key To Profit for 12volt retailers who attended to see new products from abroad selection of vendors, take advantage of exclusive KTP specials and free products with purchases plus food from the Italian Cafe to fuel their day.

Industry members working the show gathered for a group photo with Maher Awad 6th from the right.

Maged Awad, Executuve VP and CEO, offered “The heat of summer is just around the corner and our Apollo Window Film offered 12volt retailers a great lineup for products to keep their customers cool as they ride through the summer. Shipping from our Dallas warehouse provides quick delivers plus we deliver to Dallas area dealers.”

New high-performance Marine Tower Speakers were spotlighted in the Audiopipe booth.
Action in the Orion booth.

VRuben Torres traveled from the Rydeen HQ in Los Angeles to show the latest products with Alan Wojtas-Alan Wojtas Associates the territory rep firm. “Ruben was very busy doing Rydeen stuff and I sold a Lot of stuff… probably oversold them on Rydeen mirrors. The dealers that attended bought deep before the tariffs take effect. Overall it was a very good for Rydeen and me.”

Ruben Torres traveled from the Rydeen HQ in Los Angeles to show the latest products with Alan Wojtas-Alan Wojtas

Richard Young showed a wide selection of Diamond Audio products in the booth.
Rydeen Mirrors got a lot of attention at the event.

Associates the territory rep firm. “Ruben was very busy doing Rydeen stuff and I sold a Lot of stuff…probably oversold them on Rydeen mirrors. The dealers that attended bought deep before the tariffs take effect. Overall it was a very good for Rydeen and me.”

Visit awdistributors.com for more.