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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.”

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.

For more see powerbassusa.com

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.

SHREVEPORT LA (1.11.26) 2026 is off to a very fast start in the 12volt Central Studios and The 12volt News. In this Special Sunday Edition we will spotlight activities from CES 2026 in Las Vegas along with the AIM EXPO in Anaheim CA, The 50th Annual North American Motorcycle Super Show in Toronto, PowerBass at the AMA ArenaCross in Anaheim CA along The Offroad Products Expo in Hot Springs AR plus the GS Distributing dealer show in Livermore, CA.

CES 2026 had over 4000 exhibitors across the 2,000,000 ft.² of the LVCC exhibit hall space. Over the years the 12volt community has continued to shrink in size. This year‘s event showed that that trend is still in place. VOXX Electronics and Pioneer Audio had very large presentations. VOXX was spotlighting products supporting OEM’s in the high-end golf cart segment in the traditional Central Hall Booth. Pioneer Audio was focused with the introduction of the new SPHERA product launch with a large presence in the West Hall.

The AIM Expo took place in the Anaheim Convention Center running January 7-9. JBL Audio had a large presence spotlighting their power sports category. Shawn Spedding and Fred Isensee showcased the new products along with live demos in the booth with a Polaris 2-door Ranger and the hot loaded bike. The company’s Polaris Expedition was spotlighted in the 4 Wheel Hall. Scott Hochmuth, Real Performance Marketing rep Principal, traveled from the Southeast to support JBL in the booth.

The 50th Annual North American Motorcycle Super Show took place at the in the Toronto Centre located in the Toronto suburb of Mississauga. Distributors GemSen and Importel were on site working with a number of their brands that had exhibits on the Show floor. In addition in a large adjacent Hall the Kicker AMA ArenaCross was also underway.

PowerBass was on site at an AMA SuperCross event at Angel Stadium in Anaheim CA. Erik Harbour, along with Juan Quintana and PowerBass models Serra, Amanda and Morgan were set up in a large booth that attracted a lot traffic at the family friendly event. PowerBass sponsored the Privateer Paddock and had a display set up under the large tent.

Hot Springs AR was home to the Offroad Products Expo. The large arena was filled with dozens of exhibitor tents and Powersports demo vehicles. Chuck Holey, Trail Star Audio, traveled down from up North and was on site with demos and worked a booth spotlighting JBL Powersports products including RallyBars.

Lastly, GS Distributing had a very well attended dealer show at their facility in Livermore CA on Tuesday, January 6th. KICKER dealers from across Northern California and Nevada. This was the first KICKER training in the area for 10 years. “The strong turnout highlighted the demand for in-depth product knowledge and the commitment dealers have to continue growing their businesses with industry-leading brands” Shams Nabi, President Nabi Industries Inc, related.

The 12volt News is celebrating 32 years and is set to continue delivering more fresh, positive news than any other industry platform.

12VOLT CENTRAL STUDIOS (1.10..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 352nd time on Friday morning on January 9th. The Wheel landed on the King Boxes space and the Island Audio 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 in southern Louisiana. Left a message with the great news. We will contact Jaysam at King Boxes to get the King Boxes prize ball rolling. Looking forward to Nick Compton receiving the prize!

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.

Congratulations to all.

WTF……Win This Friday……See the next 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel on Friday, January 16th!

SHREVEPORT, LA (01.09.2026) – 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 into 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.

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

SHREVEPORT, LA (01.01.26) – January 1st 2026 marks the beginning of a New Year filled with opportunities. Happy New Year 2026 to all across the 12volt industry!

The New Year 2026 presents all with opportunities to start with a clean slate and implement a fresh set of goals for the year ahead.

There is an old saying “Nothing is more constant than change.” The fact that online commerce continues to capture sales from brick and mortar retailers has become a constant that won’t change – unless brick and mortar retailers change their approach to the marketplace. E-commerce sales during the 2025 holiday season were up nearly double digits over 2024. Between Black Friday and Christmas eve FedEx, UPS, Amazon and the US Postal Service combined to deliver over 2 billion packages. To be sure, not all of those packages were Christmas gifts. However, as online ordering surged, the majority were Christmas gifts. Estimates are over 18% of those gift packages will be returned.

Brick and mortar retailers of all categories across the U.S. closed thousands of stores in 2024.

In the evermore digital marketplace, all brick and mortar retailers must change their mindset and marketing approach to engage the consumer marketplace. To be successful retailers must create an overall experience consumers can not get from an online retailer. Hearing crisp highs, and feeling bass in the chest, just can not be experienced online. Experiencing in-vehicle lighting plus power sports and marine installations first-hand will drive sales. Safety and convenience products, along with in-vehicle connectivity, are also categories where an exciting in-store experience can drive sales for brick and mortar retailers.

Social media outreach is an extremely powerful vehicle through which 12volt retailers can develop a legion of loyal followers and engage consumers. Mobile devices are in the hands of virtually all consumers today. The smartphone is such a valuable tool for 12volt retailers to showcase their respective message to their followers and engage consumers.

New product arrivals, hot installations, new in-store displays and proactive staff members represent ideal content to highlight through planned social media posts. By the time the morning coffee is brewed a far sighted 12volt retailer could have made an engaging Instagram post for his followers to checkout. That post could feature a new product with an invitation to come into the store for an exciting demonstration. As that Instagram post was made that content could have been shared to Facebook also.

The Instagram Business Profile, which is free, features a contact tab. A follower can tap the contact tab and call the store from their smartphone as they view the post. Also, a follower can send an email to the store as well as get a map to the store. Making a post, with the opportunity to get an immediate response from a follower, is an amazing outreach 12volt retailers can’t pass up in today’s marketplace.

For the good of our 12volt industry, the community of suppliers must endeavor to inform the world of the benefits mobile electronics products offer consumers. It’s is well known the price driven “Race to Zero” has stripped marketing budgets. Recent emphasis on high end in-vehicle audio, in-vehicle connectivity, dash cams, power sports, motorcycles and marine plus lighting upgrades provide terrific
product categories to kick off the New Year 2026.

We look forward to seeing your company’s brand and positive activities showcased in the 12volt Central Studios in 2026.

LIVERMORE CA (12.31.25) – GS Distributing Company, a 12-volt and automotive aftermarket distributor serving Northern California and Northern Nevada, announced today that it has joined the Elite Distributor Alliance (EDA) as a distributor partner. The partnership significantly expands GS Distributing’s product offerings and reinforces its commitment to supporting dealers with premium brands, strong inventory, and dedicated regional support.

“Joining the Elite Distributor Alliance is an important milestone for GS Distributing,” said Shams Nabi,
President, GS Distributing Company. “EDA brings together some of the most respected vendors in the
industry, as well as the most sophisticated group of distributors in 12 Volt. This partnership allows us to
deliver a broader, more competitive product portfolio to our dealer network across Northern
California and Northern Nevada.”

Over the past several months, GS Distributing has worked closely with the EDA team to align product
strategies and prepare for the rollout of new vendor lines.

“We’ve spent a great deal of time working with Josh and other EDA members to truly understand the
depth of the vendor lineup,” Nabi added. “Our young, energetic team is built around hands-on
dealer support, and these new partnerships allow us to better serve our dealers with the products,
training, and responsiveness they need to grow their businesses.”

“We are excited to add GS Distributing to the Elite Distributor Alliance. The attention to detail and
dealer support that Shams and his team have created makes them a perfect fit for our like-minded
group” said Josh Eatherly, Executive Director, EDA.

GS Distributing has already expanded its inventory to include products from Firstech, Kicker, and
Wavtech. Products from JVC and Kenwood are expected to be available to dealers as early as the
first week of January, with additional brands scheduled to follow in the coming months.

“This is not just about adding brands—it’s about strengthening relationships,” Nabi said. “Our goal is to
ensure dealers have consistent access to trusted products while knowing they have a distributor
partner fully invested in their success.”

Through its partnership with the EDA, GS Distributing now serves as the authorized distributor for
Northern California and Northern Nevada for a range of leading brands, including Alliance, ADS
Maestro, Firstech (Arctic Start, DroneMobile, Momento, and NuStart), JVC, Kenwood, Kicker, Limitless,
Metra family of brands, Nufilm, RDV, Triton, Vinland, and Wavtech.

Looking ahead to 2026, GS Distributing plans to continue expanding its reach and reinforcing its
position as the premier distributor in the region.

“We’re incredibly excited about what’s ahead,” Nabi concluded. “As we move into 2026, our focus
remains on building long-term partnerships with both new and existing dealers while delivering bestin-
class products and service throughout the region.”

For dealers needing support or for questions on the addition of these lines, we ask that you reach out
to your area sales manager. To learn more about GS Distributing Company, please visit
www.gsdistributingcompany.com or call (925) 925-0025.

SHREVEPORT, LA (12.30.25) – WTF… Win This Friday. The 12volt Spin-to-Win Wheel was created to bring an element of fun to the 12volt industry. We are now celebrating 351winners and 7 years of the weekly 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel.

CRUX Interfacing Solutions was the first brand to award a prize and Stereo & Video Center was the first winner. The date was December 19th 2018. The latest 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel Winner, Number 351, was J&A Electronics. The Wheel landed on the Massive Audio space Friday morning December 19th,

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

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

WTF… Where’s the Fun. On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel Friday, January 9th 2026.

Stay tuned to 12voltnews.com on the web and @12voltnews on Instagram and Facebook for 12volt Spin-To-Win winner announcements every Friday!