CLEVES, OH  (06.17.26) – Luxury Motorsports, with Peter Ashby behind the wheel, rolled into the Edgewater Sports Park on Thursday June 11th. KICKER was front and center at SLAMOLOGY 2026 from Thursday through Sunday the 10th-14th. Luxury Motorsports is the East Coast Brand Ambassador for KICKER and shows their builds at many the East Coast events.

Two of the most legendary KICKER demo vehicles were on site and Livin’Loud at SLAMOLOGY 2026. The ‘Nemesis’ Toyota Supra and the ground-shaking custom-built LITENLOUD Toyota LiteAce were like magnets drawing attendees to the large KICKER  booth area.

“From the opening bell attendees filled the grounds of The Edgewater Sports Park and the attendees were enthusiasts for car shows and music lovers. There were probably 50 12volt companies exhibiting but none came close to the presence KICKER had as an event sponsor with a very wide selection of demo vehicles plus the KICKER XRV that is 84 feet in length. KICKER also showed a wide variety for products for vehicles, bikes and powersports” Ashby related.

Continuing “Our #Nemesis Toyota Supra and Toyota LiteAce show vehicles are both award-winning custom builds.The Supra had a line waiting for demos throughout the event. Also attendees were taking selfies to share on social media that their friends will also share. The LITENLOUD is just that and ground shaking. Also speakers can be demoed individually….like just hearing the tweeters or mids”. At the event the LITENLOUD draws attention from far away as speaker wings fold outward….and then crank it up”!

Ashby has retuned to Luxury Motorsports in North Carolina and is planning the event schedule for the remainder of 2026.

For more see kicker.com.

STILLWATER, USA – KICKER has been a long-time sponsor of national SkillsUSA, and this year was no different at the Championships held in Atlanta last week.

KICKER Tech Force manager Aaron Malin and Tech Force trainer Jacob Luckey judged the car-audio installation portion during SkillsUSA’s 60th annual National Leadership and Skills Conference.

The Mobile-Electronics Installation category tests competitors’ abilities to perform standard installation practices used by certified, professional installers.  The competition includes a written exam, interviews, and multiple hands-on applications.

SkillsUSA contains more than 115 contests and over 6000 competitors in high-school and college levels. KICKER provided six prize packages. Gold for high school and college get $1500 at KICKER.com. Silver gets $1000 and Bronze gets $500. 

For consecutive years, KICKER has been involved with SkillsUSA’s mission on national and local levels, and this year the brand is donating more than $5,000 in prizes to the winners of the 12-volt competitions.

Visit www.kicker.com for more.

OLATHE, KS (06.10.26) – Garmin (NYSE: GRMN) today announced the JL Audio® Pavilion™ thin-line subwoofers, easy-to-install, premium subwoofers that deliver incredible performance and durability with a subtle and discreet aesthetic. Sleek and inconspicuous, the 8-inch subwoofers are designed to fit nearly anywhere in the home, providing clear and powerful bass to a wide variety of sound systems.

Best sound anywhere
The JL Audio motor, suspension and cone modeling systems provide tight, clean, booming bass at all power levels. This includes the unique Concentric Tube Suspension™ design that allows for a more compact fit without sacrificing premium sound performance.

Simple installation
Uniquely designed, the JL Audio Pavilion thin-line subwoofers are perfect for in-wall or in-ceiling installation, with a shallow 3.8-inch mounting depth to allow for seamless placement and fit without needing a dedicated enclosure. The dog-leg mounting system gives users the freedom to place the subwoofers in a variety of materials and locations, inside or outside the home, without needing a backplate.

Pavilion speakers are built to last and provide amazing sound year after year, utilizing marine-grade materials, specifically constructed to withstand harsh environments. They meet or exceed ASTM standards for salt-fog and UV exposure, giving listeners peace of mind when installing outdoors.

Matching the home
Homeowners have several design details to choose from, as the flush-mount grille is available in square or circular shape, and white or black color options that can also be painted to fit any home’s décor. The ultra-thin, fine-mesh grille attaches magnetically and matches the look of the Pavilion outdoor in-ceiling speaker. New construction brackets are also available to help with preparing mounting locations during the framing and drywall process of a new home build or renovation.

JL Audio Pavilion thin-line subwoofers have a suggested retail price of $1,000.00. For more information, visit garmin.com/jlaudio.

POMPANO BEACH, FL (06.09.26) – RDVFL is proud to introduce the new GM-1520-8T, a premium 15.6-inch Tesla-style screen upgrade designed specifically for Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra owners seeking a modern infotainment experience without sacrificing factory functionality.

Engineered for easy installation and superior performance, the GM-1520-8T features a sleek vertical display that integrates seamlessly into the vehicle’s interior, delivering both a striking appearance and enhanced usability.

With its expansive touchscreen interface, drivers can enjoy a modernized Tesla-style experience while maintaining complete access to the vehicle’s original systems and controls.

Key Features

15.6-Inch Vertical Touchscreen

A high-definition capacitive touchscreen delivers crystal-clear visuals, intuitive controls, and a responsive user experience.

Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto

Enjoy wireless connectivity for navigation, music, messaging, and hands-free communication without the need for cables.

Plug-and-Play Installation

Designed for simplicity, the GM-1520-8T installs using a true plug-and-play architecture, eliminating the need for complex wiring or vehicle modifications.

Three-Year Warranty

Every RDVFL GM-1520-8T is backed by a comprehensive three-year warranty, providing long-term confidence and peace of mind.

Retains All OEM Features

Unlike replacement radio systems, the GM-1520-8T works alongside the factory radio while maintaining complete functionality of critical vehicle systems, including:

• OnStar
• SiriusXM Satellite Radio
• 360° Camera System
• Rear Camera
• Trailer Camera
• Camera Zoom Functions
• Camera Viewing Angles
• Audible Warning Signals
• Visual Warning Indicators
• Full Use of the OEM Radio

Important Notes

The RDVFL GM-1520-8T is a screen upgrade only and does not replace the factory radio. The OEM radio remains fully operational and is accessed directly through the RDVFL display.\

For cellular connectivity, the system requires the use of a T-Mobile SIM card or another GSM network SIM card.

Modern Technology Meets Factory Integration

The RDVFL GM-1520-8T delivers the best of both worlds: a modern Tesla-style interface with advanced smartphone integration while preserving the reliability, safety features, and functionality of the original vehicle systems.

For Silverado and Sierra owners looking to elevate their driving experience, the GM-1520-8T offers an impressive combination of style, technology, and convenience.

For additional information, product availability, or dealer inquiries, please contact your authorized RDVFL distributor.

For more information, click here.

DULUTH GA (06.06.26) Fernando Sainz is very well known across the window tinting industry. At the recent Film Fest Fernando continued to show all the skills he brings to a competition. Fernando took home trophies working with the MAXPro team throughout the event at the GAS South Convention Center in Duluth GA May 29-31.

Allison Parker, MAXPro Eastern Sales Manager, related “MAXPro was a sponsor at the event and Fernando, along and our team of competitors, excelled. Our team members worked to get everything ready to compete in various categories and showed their skills taking home trophies. A big thank you to all.”

Fernando‘s company Sainz Designs, on Staten Island in New York, is well known as the place to go for consumers across the area. With over 30 years of hands-on experience in the window tinting, graphics, paint protection film, and custom lettering Fernando he’s at the top of his game. After growing to Puerto Rico‘s largest tint shop Fernando and his wife moved to Staten Island and opened Sainz Designs 13 years ago.

After speaking with Fernando on the phone and checking out the company’s website Sainz Designs is certainly at the very top of the window tinting industry.

Stay tuned for more has Fernando continues to compete at window tinting competitions.

See Sainzdesigns.com for more.

MARIETTA, GA (06.04.26) – DOW Technologies hosted a KICKER training at Dave & Buster’s in Marietta GA Tuesday night, June 2nd. It was a packed house as dealers enjoyed the presentations from Aaron Malin and Jacob Lucky. During the evening dealers also enjoyed winning prizes, a great dinner with refreshments and discounts on purchases. Attendee also enjoyed the exclusive offer of 5% off for training attendee purchases with no exclusions.

Mike Blackwell, DOW Technologies was on site and related. “KICKER gave the dealers a sneak peek at the new Jeep JK/JL tailgate loaded enclosure… loaded with a 12” Solo Baric. This thing really gets down”. Blackwell also supplied super images from the event in this article.

Richie Holtzman, Tech Marketing Principal, was in the house and added. “I was excited for the dealers to see the new LX Amplifiers massive power output and how to dial them in using the LX control center. Support and turn out was awesome!”

Next on the busy schedule for Aaron Malin and Jacob Lucky is the short trip up to Atlanta to be on site making presentations and connecting plus judging at the Skills USA championship. The Skills USA championship is the premier showcase of America’s most highly skilled career and tactical education for students event.

Malin stated “We need these young men and women to join us in our quickly evolving industry” Malin, the Supervisor of KICKER’s Global Training, stated. Skills USA competitive categories stress various aspects of the real-world workplace so when students graduate they are positioned to immediately contribute on the job.

Stay tuned for more from KICKER at the Skills USA as the event wraps up on Friday, June 5.

Visit dowtechnologies.com and kicker.com for more.

12VOLT CENTRAL STUDIOS (06.04.26) – Jammin’ N June… It’s Summer Time and time to ‘Crank It Up’! Your store’s followers can get Jammin’ N June with great gear for their rides. Let them know your store has the HiTech in-dash media, powerful amps, speakers and more to get their rides Jammin’ N June. LED vehicle lighting too! Invite consumers to Crank Up their rides, bikes, boats and UTVs.

That theme can grab the attention of social media followers and consumers to create store traffic for 12volt retailers. Utilize this Jammin’ N June graphic for your social media posts. Screenshot the graphic and use it for social media posts… for free!

Online sales have been on a steady rise for the past several years. Inventory shortages, plus inflation and gas prices have slowed business for many retailers. Jammin’ N June themed activities, by proactive 12volt retailers, can drive consumer awareness and traffic into stores… and very importantly drive sales.

It’s imperative that 12volt retailers create a powerful in-store experience for consumers in the showroom. An impressive demonstration in the showroom will bring a smile to the consumer’s face and can raise the hair on their arms… making the cash register ring also.

In-person retail events and Sound-Off are creating excitement again in the marketplace. These facts indicate 12volt enthusiasts and consumers are ready to Crank It Up and get Jammin’ N June!

From the 12volt Central Studios we will continue to showcase positives across the 12volt industry. The 12voltSTP Tool makes that easier than ever. Snap an image with your smartphone. Txt that image to 318-469-2526 PRESTO! Your positive activities could be in The 12volt News.

As an industry ‘Let’s Get Our Shine On.’ Let’s get Jammin’ N June! Much more to come from the 12volt Central Studios.

PELHAM, AL (06.03.26) – Radio Active hosted an IASCA Sound Quality Challenge on Saturday, May 30th in Pelham AL. Andy Otwell, a sound-off competition competitor and now somewhat retired from the lanes, was on site to the judge the event. Registration was at 9 AM and judging began at 10.

The Radio Active store sets up perfectly for a competition, with a large well-done showroom with adequate area for the judging. Plenty of space for a delicious lunch from the grill outside. Wesley Fields and Kevin Hill, and the staff, were terrific hosts for the event.

Andy relayed “It was great judging this competition to really get the season rolling. The vehicles judged were of high-quality and well designed. A special guest on site was Bryan Gary who was on his way to the Skills USA event happening this week in Atlanta, GA. Bryan is a serious competitor who had on his T-shirt from the recent KICKER SQ@HQ event in Stillwater OK.”

“It was super to engage in the IASCA competition in Pelham, to talk with other competitors plus talking with Andy about his history as a competitor. It was great to stop on Saturday as I was on my way to Atlanta to be involved with the Skills USA event which encourages young students and enthusiasts to get involved with mobile electronics” Bryan Gary related.

To wrap the day on Saturday the Radio Active staff provided a delicious lunch that included burgers from the grill. The lunch
time also provided an opportunity for all on site to connect about their next competition and possible system upgrades.

As the competition season is kicking off in 2026 it appears that all is lining up for a great season.

Radio Active has been serving the Pelham/Birmingham area since 1986.

For more see radioactivebirmingham.com

AUBURN HILLS, MI (06.02.26) – Alps Alpine North America, Inc. (“Alpine”) is excited to announce the integration into the DAS Companies distribution ecosystem. This new strategic partnership will assist in delivering exclusive Alpine products to DAS Companies’ Mid-Atlantic Territory.

“Alpine is thrilled to be partnering with DAS Companies; we are optimistic that this partnership will continue to strengthen our current distribution system for our dealers,” said Dan Sparks, National Sales Director at Alps Alpine North America. “As a former rep myself, I know firsthand how important it is to have reliable inventory access and logistical support for our dealers. We are confident that having DAS Companies as a resource will help day to day operations streamline exponentially.”

DAS Companies has been a leader in the supply chain sector for decades and specializes in a wide variety of industries such as travel equipment and auto products. Alpine is aligned with DAS Companies on their commitment to supporting on-the-go active lifestyles and a passion for the mobile electronics market. DAS Company sets the standard for customer satisfaction by offering same-day pick-up and next-day delivery as well as an acute knowledge of market trends and insights to help dealers succeed.

“DAS looks forward to representing Alpine as everything our dealers seek in a premium mobile electronics partner,” said Ken Litten, CE/HD Sales & Marketing Manager at DAS Companies, Inc. “This partnership kicks-off a new chapter for our dealer network and reinforces our commitment to bringing the right brands to the right markets at the right time. That’s always been the DAS way.”

For those interested in learning more about the onboarding process through DAS Companies, Alpine’s rep firm, OPUS Marketing, and DAS Companies will be exhibiting at Knowledge Fest Atlantic City 2026 and will have resources available to help facilitate the onboarding process. Details of this partnership were communicated earlier this month through internal channels.

Visit alpsalpine.com and dasinc.com for more.

SEATTLE, WA (06.01.26) – Lucas Lighting had a prominent position in the Team Progressive area on the show floor at the Pacific Northwest expo. Barry Lightfoot was very busy during the Expo spending time in the booth showing the Lucas product lineup and conducting two training sessions. “Connecting with dealers in-person at the Pacific Northwest Expo was a terrific opportunity to learn how consumers are engaging with aftermarket lighting upgrades.”

Lightfoot continued “Even though LED lights have been around for a long time, it’s even more important now to understand current market conditions, and succeed in this emerging category. Lucas Lighting has the tools to help all retailers find new opportunities without trading dollars for other products in their stores.”

Lightfoot conducted well attended Lucas lighting trainings on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings. “At booth trainings dealers were engaged and asked how other retailers are driving business in the lighting category? We have in-store displays plus POP materials that show benefits of LED upgrades on the road at night. Having a booth in Seattle worked out very well for Lucas Lighting” Lightfoot concluded.

For more see lucas.lighting.com