MECHANICSVILLE VA (10.09.26) Specialty Marketing and Vendor partners will be hosting 12-volt specialty retailers at 3 different Florida Dave & Buster’s locations next week. Please see below, event information and list of participating Vendors. The goal is to provide a convenient destination for retailers and manufacturers to showcase existing and new products. Bringing the event closer to their stores will allow retailers to save on thousands of travel expenses and lost revenue from being away from their stores. Manufacturers get to see over 100+ dealers in 3 days in 3 different markets allowing great penetration. Dealers will benefit from exclusive show specials, prize giveaways, Multiple Vendor display demos and stronger Vendor and Dealer in person networking opportunities. Dave & Buster’s will provide the event space and dinner buffet for all 3 locations in Tampa, Orlando and Hollywood FL.

6–10pm | Three Locations
RSVP Required

Dinner provided
Meet our brands
Prizes and giveaways
Vendor specials
Grand prize each location

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

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 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.

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.”

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.

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.

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”.

“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.

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

For more see kicker.com.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

OXNARD, CA (10.02.26) – DSP Solutions Inc. is proud to announce it will showcase Modus’ full marine product line and provide interactive technology demonstrations during the 2026 International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition & Conference (IBEX), held Oct. 6-8 at the Tampa Convention Center in Tampa, Fla. During the show, Modus will feature its largest display to date, more than 10x the size of its 2025 predecessor, in Showroom 3.

“Modus will make a major statement during IBEX, bringing our entire marine audio product lineup together in one location for the first time,” said Director of Sales, Rob Osheaski. “We will also be creating an immersive experience for boatbuilders, industry professionals, and marine audio enthusiasts with our massive new display so they can experience what Modus can do for the modern boating industry.”

During IBEX, Modus Marine will provide visitors an exclusive environment so that they may explore the company’s expanding product portfolio, experience its innovative technologies firsthand, and meet directly with the Modus team. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the company’s latest marine amplifiers, speakers, subwoofers, source units, infotainment systems, and advanced audio control technologies.

The expanded showroom will also highlight Modus’ capabilities in OEM audio system development, including custom engineering, DSP tuning, integrated infotainment, and complete audio system solutions designed specifically for boat manufacturers. “Our expanded exhibit reflects Modus Marine’s continued investment in marine audio technology and our commitment to supporting OEM boatbuilders with complete, integrated audio and infotainment solutions,” added Co-CEO, Navid Farhand.

Experience the Power of PREACT™ Technology “A centerpiece of the Modus exhibit will be an interactive boat display featuring two Mezzo MZA-8M eight-channel DSP amplifiers equipped with Modus’ patented PREACT™ current averaging technology,” explained Vice President of Marketing, Joz Wang. “Visitors will have the opportunity to experience a complete marine audio system while watching live demonstrations of amplifier current draw under real-world listening conditions.”

Unlike traditional amplifiers that require large amounts of instantaneous current from a boat’s electrical system, PREACT technology uses internal energy storage and intelligent current management to deliver powerful audio performance while limiting current demand on the vessel’s electrical system.

The Mezzo MZA-8M delivers up to 2,000 watts of total audio output while limiting maximum current draw to just 25 amps at 12 volts.

“The interactive demonstration will allow attendees to experience the system at various listening levels while observing live current consumption, providing a firsthand look at how Modus technology can reduce electrical system demands without sacrificing the listening experience,” Wang continued.

Daily Prize Giveaways for Demo Participants Attendees who visit Showroom 3 and participate in a live product demonstration will have the opportunity to enter the daily prize giveaways each day of the show. Demos will be occurring at 11am, 1pm, and 3pm daily with in-person giveaways including Modus products, swag, and more to conclude each demonstration. A grand-prize giveaway will also include an iPad Air with eligible entry for all demo attendees.

“Whether experiencing the Mezzo amplifier current draw demonstration, exploring the complete marine audio lineup, or learning about Modus’ latest technologies, visitors will have an opportunity to discover what sets the Modus approach to marine audio apart,” Osheaski concluded.

For more information about Modus products and partnership opportunities, request more information on the web at www.modusglobal.com.

KEARNEY, NE (09.30.26) – The Fuel Your Future SEMA Councils and Networks Regional Series event was a very positive success and exceeded expectations as the premier event. Friday and Saturday, September 25th & 26th were the dates.

“Norris Marshall-Blueprint Engines, Rich Butler and Kelle Oeste-V8 Speed & Resto and I planned this event to use as a prototype for SEMA Regional Networking & Education Event. We anticipate doing more of these across the country in 2027” Tim McCarthy, Founder/CEO of HushMat and ZyCoat stated. McCarthy is also on the SEMA Board of Directors and SEMA HRIA Council IPC.

This event was hosted by Blueprint Engines, in the company’s Kearney NE facility, and SEMA ARMO & HRIA Councils. There were over 80 attendees. The event started with a fantastic plant tour of Blueprint Engines on Friday afternoon and then a networking gathering at the local Kearney NE Automotive Museum. Visitors state this automotive museum features an extensive and varied collection of beautifully restored classic cars, including unique vehicles and rotating exhibits.

Saturday started promptly at 8AM with a vendor hour and then the first education session at 9Am put on by Jason Noel – CEO Fat Fender Garage in Phoenix AZ. Three more vendor hours and education sessions were held and sandwiched around an excellent Midwest USA BBQ lunch. The event wrapped up at 4PM.

“This event more than proved out the concept that we developed less than 45 days ago. The value of networking among peers in the industry cannot be underestimated. The feedback from those that participated was overwhelmingly positive. Stay tuned for more in 2027” McCarthy concluded.

AUBURN HILLS, MI (09.29.26) – Alps Alpine North America, Inc., steward of the iconic ALPINE aftermarket mobile electronics brand, today announced a strategic partnership with VOXX By Gentex Corporation, a leading provider of aftermarket vehicle technology, remote start systems, driver safety solutions, commercial and fleet technology, and vehicle entertainment products.

Under the agreement, VOXX will become ALPINE’s exclusive U.S. distributor effective January 1, 2027, leading U.S. market operations including sales, distribution, marketing, support, and service. VOXX and ALPINE will also collaborate on U.S. market-driven product planning, while ALPINE remains the brand owner and continues to lead product development and production management.

The partnership is designed to strengthen ALPINE’s position in the U.S. market, expand support for dealers and consumers, and provide a strong platform for future growth while preserving the innovation, performance, and premium brand heritage that have defined ALPINE for decades.

For more than 40 years, ALPINE has earned a reputation for delivering premium audio, multimedia, navigation, and vehicle integration solutions to automotive enthusiasts and consumers alike. Through this partnership, ALPINE will leverage VOXX’s extensive distribution network, aftermarket expertise, and dealer relationships to further enhance its market presence and customer support throughout the United States.

“This partnership represents an important milestone for the future of the ALPINE brand in the United States,” said Kunihiko Sato, Executive Director, Brand Business Unit, Alps Alpine North America, Inc. “VOXX has established a strong reputation for supporting premium automotive technology brands and maintaining deep relationships throughout the aftermarket industry. By combining ALPINE’s heritage of innovation and premium audio performance with VOXX’s sales, marketing, and distribution expertise, we are creating a stronger foundation for our dealers and customers while enhancing the overall ALPINE experience in the U.S. market.”

“ALPINE is an iconic brand with tremendous history and a loyal following,” said Aron Demers, Senior Vice President of VOXX. “Our goal is to honor everything that made this brand special while providing the investment, dealer support, marketing strength, and operational capabilities needed to accelerate its future growth in the United States.”

Together, ALPINE and VOXX are committed to delivering the premium products, technologies, and support that dealers and consumers expect while combining the strengths of both organizations to further enhance the ALPINE experience in the United States.

Visit alpine-usa.com and voxxintl.com for more.

CERRITOS, CA (09.28.26) – SoundSkins Global, a leading innovator in high-performance sound dampening and insulation solutions for the 12V and automotive industries, is proud to announce DAS Companies as a national distribution partner. Effective immediately, independent 12V retailers and installers across the country can order the full SoundSkins product line through DAS.

DAS Companies is a family owned distributor that has served the automotive aftermarket since 1981. From distribution centers in Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania and Franklin, Kentucky, DAS supplies mobile electronics, vehicle security, integration, and accessory products to thousands of retail storefronts nationwide.

Adding SoundSkins gives DAS dealers a single source for the brand’s complete catalog: vehicle-specific pre-cut sound deadening kits, universal sound deadening and insulation materials like SoundSkins Pro, Classic, Heat Shield, Wavy Foam and more, and vehicle-specific and universal SoundSkins enclosures. Because each kit is pre-cut for an exact vehicle, shops can stock fast-moving applications, cut install time, and reduce material waste.

“DAS has the reach, the logistics, and the dealer relationships to put SoundSkins in front of thousands of shops that want a better sound deadening option,” said Dennis Garcia, COO at SoundSkins Global. “This partnership makes it simple for those retailers to buy the full line, including our SoundSkins enclosures, from a distributor they already trust.”

For more information about SoundSkins Global and its product lineup, visit www.soundskinsglobal.com.

OCEAN CITY, MD (09.28.26) – The E-Volution Expo and TEDx events were held at the Roland E Powell Convention Center in Ocean City MD September 19th and 20th. The events showcased electric vehicles, AI, robotics, smart homes, sustainability, health and wellness along with future focused solutions.

Jamie White and TEDx partners aligned the two groups for the dynamic event that concluded with a huge TESLA Light Show in the Convention Center parking lot Saturday night.

“We used the TEDx Butterfish Cove event to bring on the demographic we wanted at the E-Volution Expo event. The idea was to bring “like minded” people together. We had 19 speakers from around the world, the furthest speaker came from India. Speakers spoke about wellness, sustainability, smart home, EV lifestyle and AI robotics. The demographic TEDx brings to the table is the exact demographic that ALL businesses want…52% female, college educated with an income 100K plus per year. TEDx is the number one storytelling platform in the world” White related.

With the EV focus of the event there was a booth setup with 2 Tesla vehicles present to spotlight Alpine’s position with TESLA specific products at the event. Alpine was one of the sponsors in the EV lifestyle pillar. Alpine’s Dan Sparks, Roy Meyer and Colin Vargo were managing the Alpine booth. One of the TESLA demos was Chuck Ottati’s OPUS Marketing TESLA. Opus Marketing’ Team members Ottati, Todd Ess and Greg Boylan were on the front line.

White also enlisted the support of Audioworks of Delaware. Darren Thomas assembled a great selection Alpine Tesla products and other accessories under a large tent booth with the help of the OPUS Team members.

Darren Thomas commented “There was a lot of traffic at our booth and we showed people the Alpine TESLA specific products plus accessories and more. It was very positive for me to get a better idea of what upgrades TESLA owners are interested in for their rides.”

The 2-Day event wrapped with the TESLA Light Show that had a huge turn out in the convention center parking lot. They created the shape of a light bulb to look like the E-Volution Expo logo that was spotlighted in the amazing light show.

Seeing organizations along with vendors, reps and retailers working to connect with enthusiasts and consumers is very positive and encouraging for the 12volt industry.

LightShow courtesy of Simon Pollock