DIAMOND BAR, CA (2.6.26) – The automotive performance world mourns the loss of a titan. Ed “Isky” Iskenderian, the legendary engine builder known globally as “The Camfather” and the first President (a role equivalent to today’s Chairman) of the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), has passed away at the age of 104.

Iskenderian was the last surviving founding member of the group that established SEMA in 1963. At its inception, SEMA was an all-volunteer organization; Iskenderian and his fellow founders took on the task of organizing the industry in addition to running their own burgeoning businesses. This selfless dedication transformed a hobby into a professional, $52 billion global industry.

Mike Spagnola, President and CEO of SEMA and PRI, issued the following statement:
“Today, the automotive world lost its North Star. Ed Iskenderian was not just a founder of SEMA; he was the soul of it. As our first President, he turned a hobby into an industry. He and the original founders were volunteers who recognized — at the height of their own careers — that our industry needed a unified voice to survive and grow.

“Long before there were data logs and computer modeling, there was Ed — a man with a slide rule, a cigar, and an uncanny ability to find power where others found limits. While we mourn the loss of ‘The Camfather,’ we celebrate a century of a life lived at full throttle. We are all driving in the tracks he laid down as a volunteer leader over 60 years ago.”

Under Iskenderian’s early leadership, SEMA was founded to provide a unified voice for manufacturers during a time of rapid growth and increasing regulatory scrutiny. His ability to unite competitors for the greater good of the industry remains the cornerstone of the Association’s mission today.

TORONTO, ON (02.03.26) – The 68th Annual Toronto International Boat Show took place, January 17th through the 25th, at the Enercare Centre in Toronto’s Exhibition Place. Once again, it was a very well attended show and an opportunity for boating enthusiast to see the latest products. Over 500 exhibitors were on the event floor with over 1000 boats. Canadian Distributors Importel, GEMSEM and Automobility were on site supporting brands that were looking to connect and make waves this summer.

Importel had a full booth, where they were spotlighting the Wet Sounds and SiriusXM brands. In the booth, the Wet Sounds wide selection of marine products, including amplifiers, speakers and marine receiver, along with wake tower speakers and new portable speaker were spotlighted. There were also Wet Sounds catalogs and swag items available as Ricky Lima connected with attendees.

In the adjoining booth SiriusXM Canada brand partner was spotlighting the wide selection subscribers can discover new every day, including exclusive music channels. The Sirius XM Onyx EZR Boombox bundle vehicle kit is a dock and play radio that let’s all enjoy SiriusXM satellite radio not just in their car but in their boat and beyond. Kelly Holley, Director of Sales & Marketing for Importel was in the booth showing the latest during the event.

GEMSEM was on site with a booth showcasing the latest JL Audio Marine products. Dave Singh, National Sales Manager, was in the booth along with Duane Lee the GEMSEN North East Ontario sales rep spotlighting the latest. In addition GEMSEN supported local dealer Sega Marine and Powersports. Dave Maslen with WIT Marketing worked with Brenden Sega to present the new JL Audio AP200/4BT compact powerhouse and features build-in Bluetooth streaming. A KICKER display was also featured in the Sega Marine and Powersports booth.

Automobility Canada was also on site to show the very latest from Hertz Marine products. The large display really grabbed attention and gave boating enthusiasts plenty to check out.

Seeing distributors, reps and dealers working together at consumer events is a great for make waves on the water in 2026 and beyond.

For more see 12voltnews.com.

AMARILLO, TX (02.02.26) – The KICKER Monster Truck Series was Livin’Loud in the Amarillo National Center of Friday and Saturday January 30th and 31st. Lorin Morrell, Maddog_Media, orchestrates the KICKER Monster Trust events and arrived on Thursday for set up activities.

The National Center seats 10,000 and the arena floor is 45,000 square feet that’s terrific setting for fans to look down on the action on the track. “Several rows of the bleachers were moved back for safety. Once the doors opened the action was non-stop for the 3 Pit Parties that preceded the Monster Truck action on the track” Morrell related.

Fans on the track for the pre Monster truck action Pit Parties viewed the Monster Trucks up close, met the drivers and took photos. For an additional fee fans could also take a ride in a Monster Truck. Bigfoot 4X4x4X, Troublemaker, Veteran, Monster Moose, American Scout and Outlaw Wrangler were top Monster Truck on the schedule.

“You could feel the excitement and energy at the event. The area’s audience members get around in trucks, side by sides, boats and golf carts and KICKER offers options for all. When Monster Trucks began flying over cars and doing tricks the cheers rang out and echoed across the National Center” Morrell added.

“I also had a surprise visit from Bobby Crawford from JD Glassworks in Lubbock. We have spent time at previous events and they do great work. Super he made the 300+ miles to hook up at the Monster Truck event in Amarillo. On the PA system the audience was totally engaged in track action and there was Livin’Loud branding from Kicker. Looking forward to the next Monster Truck event” Morrell concluded.

For more see kicker.com.

SHREVEPORT LA (02.02.26) Delivering Fresh, Positive industry news across the 12volt industry is Job 1 at the 12volt News and the 12volt Central Studios.

These past 32 years went by very quickly in hindsight. In February 1994, we mailed the first 12volt Advertiser which transitioned to the 192 page 12volt News newspaper that weighed 10 tons to mail 20,000 copies when the 12volt News transitioned to digital in 2008. Today, 32 years later, we still put out more fresh industry news than anyone, utilizing digital platforms for web and social media posts.

In today’s world, everything is continually changing. The 12volt industry was founded on music. Music is still very important and the way consumers connect with music, in this continually growing AI and digital world, is extremely important. In-store experiences for consumers in brick and mortar retailer stores is extremely important. Activities of industry members connecting at events and on the road is also extremely important.

12volt Central Studios staff members utilize today’s digital technology to showcase positives across our industry, including in-store, at shows, and with industry members on the road.

As we begin a new year, we will re-double our efforts to deliver fresh news in a very timely manner.

We encourage industry members to utilize the 12voltSTP tool. With a smart phone simply snap an image and txt it with a few words to 318-469-2526. Your company’s positive activities could be spotlighted by the 12volt Central Studios.

A big thank you to all across the 12volt industry from the 12volt Central Studios!!

SHREVEPORT LA (2.01.26) Delivering Fresh, Positive industry news across the 12volt industry is Job 1 at the 12volt News and the 12volt Central Studios.

These past 32 years went by very quickly in hindsight. In February 1994, we mailed the first 12volt Advertiser which transitioned to the 192 page 12volt News newspaper that weighed 10 tons to mail 20,000 copies when the 12volt News transitioned to digital in 2008. Today, 32 years later, we still put out more fresh industry news than anyone, utilizing digital platforms for web and social media posts.

In today’s world, everything is continually changing. The 12volt industry was founded on music. Music is still very important and the way consumers connect with music, in this continually growing AI and digital world, is extremely important. In-store experiences for consumers in brick and mortar retailer stores is extremely important. Activities of industry members connecting at events and on the road is also extremely important.

12volt Central Studios staff members utilize today’s digital technology to showcase positives across our industry, including in-store, at shows, and with industry members on the road.

As we begin a new year, we will re-double our efforts to deliver fresh news in a very timely manner.

We encourage industry members to utilize the 12voltSTP tool. With a smart phone simply snap an image and txt it with a few words to 318-469-2526. Your company’s positive activities could be spotlighted by the 12volt Central Studios.

A big thank you to all across the 12volt industry from the 12volt Central Studios!!

SHREVEPORT, LA (1.29.26) – The 12volt Central Studios offers multiple ways for 12volt industry members to connect across the 12volt community and with consumers while delivering fresh industry news. The Marketing Ball is the latest way. The 12voltSTP Tool, Custom QR Codes and 12volt Central Studios offer easy to use opportunities to connect with industry members and consumers. A SMARTPHONE is all it takes!

With a SMARTPHONE the 12voltSTP Tool works with an image txt, plus a few words, and PRESTO it can happen.

The number is 318-469-2526. The 12volt Central Studios Marketing Ball. Industry members must realize marketing in a 24/7 journey.

In today’s AI driven and social media world it is more important than ever for members of the 12volt industry to connect with industry members and consumers. These activities are more important than ever to drive in-vehicle automotive upgrades awareness and business for brick and mortar retailers. Consumers can’t feel the bass in their chest or appreciate the separation of mid range and highs on a smartphone or laptop. The in-store experience is more important than ever!

In person trade and distributor shows are terrific to connect and show new products in one-on-one settings. Trade show and distributor show attendance over the last years has diminished. The 12volt Central Studios can put a company in their own customized booth using the 12voltSTP and deliver the message to the 12volt industry with The 12volt Central Studios Marketing Ball. Industry members must realize marketing in a 24/7 journey.

Please email mike@12voltnews.com for more details to get your company’s ball on play!

TORRANCE, CA (01.30.26) – Rydeen Mobile Electronics, the industry benchmark for safety-focused vehicle technology,
has announced it will use KnowledgeFest Las Vegas this February to debut a proprietary product category.
The mystery, backed by exclusive patented architecture, offers an expanded direction for the 12-Volt industry.
Rydeen is keeping the specific details of the upcoming announcement close to the chest. Show attendees
are invited to the Rydeen Booth #1005, where the brand will reveal how their latest patent integrates and
creates the new Rydeen category offerings.

Leadership Perspectives on the “New Era”

“Innovation without Integrity is just noise. At Rydeen, we’ve spent our years perfecting the technology that
respects the installer’s time while delivering a premium experience every consumer needs,” said Phil Maeda,
CEO of Rydeen Mobile Electronics. “This year at KnowledgeFest, we aren’t just showing a new product;
we’re creating a new Rydeen category.”

Rex Berfield, a 35-year industry veteran and Rydeen’s newly appointed National Sales Manager, highlighted
the business advantage of the unveil. “My mission continues to ensure our dealers have the most definitive
solutions to offer,” said Berfield. “This new product supports my ‘sales engine’ strategy for 2026.”

Deep-Dive Training with our Gurus

To complement the unveiling, Rydeen will host two high-impact training sessions at the Paris Resort & Casino.
Our sessions offer an opportunity to interact with our gurus and experience Rydeen’s product lineup.

Session 1:
Integrations: Digital Mirrors & The Safety Advantage
Gurus: Ruben T. & Johnathan G.
When: Feb. 4, 2026 (Day 2), 4:15 PM – 5:15 PM
Where: Palace #6

Session 2:
Integrations: Digital Mirrors & The Safety Advantage
Gurus: Johnathan G. & Ruben T.
When: Feb. 5, 2026 (Day 3), 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Where: Palace #6

Experience the Mystery

KnowledgeFest attendees are encouraged to visit Booth #1005 to witness our new technology, innovation,
and category launch; Rydeen remains dedicated to the 12-Volt industry through superior engineering.

Visit rydeenmobile.com for more.

SHREVEPORT, LA (1.29.26) – The 12volt Central Studios offers multiple ways for 12volt industry members to connect across the 12volt community and with consumers while delivering fresh industry news. The Marketing Ball is the latest way. The 12voltSTP Tool, Custom QR Codes and 12volt Central Studios offer easy to use opportunities to connect with industry members and consumers. A SMARTPHONE is all it takes!

With a SMARTPHONE the 12voltSTP Tool works with an image txt, plus a few words, and PRESTO it can happen.

The number is 318-469-2526. The 12volt Central Studios Marketing Ball. Industry members must realize marketing in a 24/7 journey.

In today’s AI driven and social media world it is more important than ever for members of the 12volt industry to connect with industry members and consumers. These activities are more important than ever to drive in-vehicle automotive upgrades awareness and business for brick and mortar retailers. Consumers can’t feel the bass in their chest or appreciate the separation of mid range and highs on a smartphone or laptop. The in-store experience is more important than ever!

In person trade and distributor shows are terrific to connect and show new products in one-on-one settings. Trade show and distributor show attendance over the last years has diminished. The 12volt Central Studios can put a company in their own customized booth using the 12voltSTP and deliver the message to the 12volt industry with The 12volt Central Studios Marketing Ball. Industry members must realize marketing in a 24/7 journey.

Please email mike@12voltnews.com for more details to get your company’s ball on play!

PITTSBURGH, PA (01.28.26) – Team Nutz, a very proactive 12volt retailer in the Pittsburg area, had a very strong showing at the 65th Annual World of Wheels at the David Lawerence Convention Center in downtown Pittsburgh January 23-25. This year Team Nutz had an even larger footprint than at the 64th Annual World Of Wheels. The massive snow event across the US prompted the last day, Sunday, to be cancelled. Team Nutz has been on the World of Wheels event in Pittsburg since 2003.

The Team Nutz 70’ x 90’ booth was filled with demo vehicles, tents, product displays, live installations and importantly attendees. Several demo vehicles were experienced by attendees in the passenger seat non-stop every hour of the event.

Also new this year was a sister company Fuel Required with a very large space that spotlighted 20 classic vehicles plus a dozen more Team Nutz demo vehicles. This year a booth was set up spotlighting Women Of The Show Car World. Nina Nuttall’s decked out Jeep with ‘I’m Trash’ on the license plate was in the special booth.

Ed Nuttall, for Team Nutz, stated, “The attendance this year was reported to approach 20,000 and members of the crowd were really interested automotive enthusiasts. We had literally over 10,000 customized swag items including pens, stickers, screw drivers and lanyards to hand out to attendees. To drive engagement this year we printed custom QR Codes on handouts, graphics on banners and more to connect consumers with our website and DIY-Store along with Instagram, Facebook and Google platforms. We have tracked hundreds of QR Code scans and we gave out 600 custom Team Nutz T Shirts. Already we are blasting out responses and a load of social media posts highlighting action from Team Nutz from the event.

Continuing, Nuttall relayed “On Friday morning area high school high students were bussed to the Convention Center. We met with 1600 high school students in an upstairs meeting room before the World Of Wheels opened where we highlighted our automotive upgrades they could check out in our booth plus potential career opportunities in the automotive industry.”

“All at Team Nutz and our partners certainly put a lot into pulling off this event. Our staff of 15 worked for over 3 days to set up our booths. We put our company and products in front a very large crowd reported to have topped 20,000. Literally thousands will go home with some swag with our name on it too….many memories too. I think the World Of Wheels will once again drive business going forward. We look forward to more big events at the David Lawrence Convention Center in the coming years” Nuttall concluded.

Visit teamnutztechnology.com for more.

ANAHEIM, CA (1.27.26) – PowerBass was on site at the AMA SuperCross event at Angel Stadium in Anaheim on Saturday January 24th in the Privateer Paddock Booth. Erik Harbour, along with Juan Quintana and PowerBass models Jordan, Amanda and Serra were set up in the 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 A2 at 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. Attendance at SuperCross events across the country continues to grow.

Erik Harbour, PowerBass VP, related “We were back at the event in Angel Stadium again this year for the two evets and the turnout was terrific at both events.. 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. Attendees were checking out the e-bike giveaway and the XL-PS200 Bluetooth speaker pods as well entering to wins prizes. Scanning the QR Code was another way to win prizes. The winners wore their PowerBass lanyards with big smiles walking around the event. We had tunes rockin’ in the booth too.”

For more see powerbassusa.com.