12Volt Central Studios (10.18.26) VOXX Team members were on site at the GoFast Solutions Winter Summit at the Sturbridge Host in Sturbridge MA on Wednesday, October 14. The annual event brought industry-leading training, exclusive dealer opportunities, and thousands in prizes to New England.

The event brought dealers and their teams together for practical training, live demonstrations, and manufacturer networking. Summit only specials and prize drawings were designed to help shops prepare for the winter selling season.

James Shutowich, Justin Gear and Daniel Bisceglia with VOXX and Matt Herold from the Trent Partners NE Rep Firm spent the day engaged with dealers in the booth. They spotlighted AVITAL, DIRECTED, VOXX ADAS and VOXX MOBILE VIDEO for attendees. Throughout the day team members connected with dealers with product countertop displays and shared promotional ideas with dealers to kick off the remote start season. Justin Gear also presented well attended training sessions.

A separate VOXX Team worked the Specialty Marketing 3-City events at Dave & Buster’s locations in Tampa, Orlando and Hollywood FL October 13th, 14th, and 15th. In Florida VOXX Team members included Scott Hines, Al Fontane, and Seth Hallstead who were joined by Paul Trueman from SiriusXM.

VOXX and SiriusXM had booth setups at each location. The displays were packed up and transported following each event and set up at Dave & Buster’s the next day. Seth Halstead, VOXX Director of Marketing, related “Specialty Marketing has hosted events at Dave & Buster’s previously and each location provided a great environment to connect with dealers. The turnout of dealers at each location was strong and there was a lot of engagement at each event with the wide selection of products that we offer to the 12volt industry. AVITAL, DIRECTED, VOXX ADAS and VOXX MOBILE VIDEO were presented.”

Bill Dolsen, Specialty VP of Sales, stated “It was terrific to have such a strong participation from the VOXX crew and Paul Trueman as they showed the latest products and provided us with great specials for attendees. In-person events offer industry members so many opportunities to network factories and fellow retailers. At Specialty we thank all for their support.”

Stay tuned for more positive news from the 12volt Central Studios.

DIAMOND BAR, CA (10.16.26) – The 2026 SEMA Show, coming to Las Vegas Nov. 3-6, 2026, will expand its ADAS Showcase to give automotive professionals direct access to vehicle engineers, technical specialists, late-model vehicles and calibration equipment as they examine real-world questions involving advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).
The rise of ADAS is among the most impactful developments for the automotive aftermarket, and SEMA has led the industry’s response through its substantial investment in its SEMA Garage program, impactful federal advocacy, and now, highly visible presence among SEMA Show programming.

• Developed with the Society of Collision Repair Specialists and its ADAS Council, the interactive experience will take place Nov. 3-6 in Upper South Hall, booth #31200, adjacent to the Collision Repair & Refinish section. Programming is scheduled throughout the Show; visit semashow.com/ADAS-showcase for the full schedule.

Representatives from Ford, General Motors and Rivian are scheduled to participate alongside collision repair and calibration specialists. Using two calibration bays, participating experts will demonstrate how cameras, radar, vehicle geometry, sensor positioning, mounting locations, replacement components and vehicle modifications can influence ADAS operation and calibration requirements.

“Advanced vehicle technologies are creating questions across the automotive aftermarket, and businesses need access to credible technical information they can apply to their work today,” said Tom Gattuso, SEMA vice president of events. “The SEMA Show brings vehicle engineers and aftermarket professionals together to examine these technologies in a practical setting, improve understanding and support more informed business decisions.”

Technology and equipment providers supporting the hands-on learning environment include AirPro Diagnostics, ALLDATA, Autel, Car ADAS Solutions, Hunter Engineering, John Bean, OEC, Opus IVS, Repairify and Revv. Enterprise and Rivian are among the companies supporting the Showcase through vehicle availability. By connecting automakers, technology and equipment providers, and collision repair professionals, the Showcase will allow attendees to examine how manufacturer requirements relate to the equipment, software, service information and processes used in automotive repair and calibration facilities.

“ADAS performance can be influenced by a range of interconnected factors, from vehicle geometry and sensor positioning to replacement component selection and repair process adherence,” said Aaron Schulenburg, SCRS executive director. “By exploring those variables through real-world vehicles and calibration scenarios, we can help attendees better understand not just what manufacturers provide as repair instruction, but the technical considerations of why those requirements exist, and how different factors can influence system performance and what that means for making informed service, repair and calibration decisions.”

Rather than relying on traditional classroom presentations, the Showcase will feature short technical discussions around vehicles, components and repair scenarios. Topics will include calibration troubleshooting, sensor alignment, the relationship among vehicle geometry, repairs and ADAS operation, and the equipment and facility considerations involved in servicing different vehicle makes, models and technologies.

Each programmed discussion will be followed by an open-engagement period during which attendees can ask questions, inspect equipment and discuss service, repair, vehicle modification and calibration scenarios with participating experts.

“Attendees will be able to observe work in two calibration bays, see equipment in use, examine vehicles and components, and engage directly with the engineers and technicians participating in the Showcase,” said Andy Tompkins, SEMA trade show director. “That interaction will help attendees better understand how vehicle manufacturer requirements connect with the tools, information and processes used in collision repair and calibration facilities.”

The Showcase is intended to provide technical education rather than promote a particular calibration product or solution. All registered SEMA Show buyers and exhibitors may participate in Showcase discussions and demonstrations.

Attendees interested in additional education related to advanced vehicle technologies may also register for the Society of Collision Repair Specialists’ OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit, a separate, fee-based program held during the SEMA Show on Thursday, Nov. 5.

The Summit will examine federal vehicle safety priorities through a presentation from the Deputy Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), followed by panel discussions featuring vehicle manufacturer engineers responsible for designing, developing and servicing advanced safety technologies. Together the sessions will examine how safety benefits are engineered into modern vehicles, how those systems function, and the technical considerations involved in preserving their performance through collision repair.

Additional registration is required. Attendees can register for the OEM Summit here.

The 2026 SEMA Show opens on Election Day, Nov. 3. SEMA’s Drive the Vote campaign encourages attendees to make a plan to vote before traveling to Las Vegas. Visit www.sema.org/vote for more information.

For additional information about the ADAS Showcase, the 2026 SEMA Show or to register, visit www.semashow.com.

FT. MYERS, FL (10.15.26) – GENEVO AMERICA has appointed Southwest Sales and Marketing to represent the brand in Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Arkansas. The agency will support specialty retailers and professional installers throughout the four-state TOLA territory.

Southwest Sales has worked in the region for more than 40 years. The business began as Electronic Lane Mobile and became Southwest Sales and Marketing in 2014. Today, its team includes four field representatives and an inside support specialist who manages the company’s stocking rep facility.

The partnership gives GENEVO AMERICA dealers a local team with established relationships across the territory and decades of experience in specialty automotive electronics. Southwest Sales will focus on dealer development, product education, and day-to-day sales support for GENEVO AMERICA’s radar detection and laser protection systems.

“When I think of Southern hospitality, I think of the Southwest Sales team,” said Dave McKee, Director of Sales at GENEVO AMERICA. “That same hospitality shows up in the way Scott and his team do business. They know the market, they show up for their dealers, and they take care of their customers. That’s exactly the kind of partner we want representing GENEVO AMERICA.”

The Southwest Sales field team includes:

• Scott Ringo, Principal — 44 years of experience; Border, West Texas, and Western Oklahoma
• Mark Sartain, Key Accounts Manager — 36 years of experience; Dallas/Fort Worth, Eastern Oklahoma, and Arkansas
• Tommy McClure, Key Accounts Manager — 22 years of experience; Houston, East Texas, and Northern Louisiana
• Taylor Williams, Key Accounts Manager — 8 years of experience; Austin, San Antonio, South Texas, and Southern Louisiana

“We’re excited to represent GENEVO AMERICA in the TOLA market,” said Scott Ringo, Principal of Southwest Sales and Marketing. “GENEVO AMERICA’s focused product line and value-added approach are well suited to today’s market, and its commitment to advanced technology makes the brand a natural fit within our manufacturer lineup. We look forward to working with dealers across the region and building shared success with the GENEVO AMERICA team.”

The appointment is part of GENEVO AMERICA’s continued effort to give specialty retailers knowledgeable local representation and dependable support as the brand grows in the United States.

Dealers interested in working with GENEVO AMERICA in the TOLA market may contact Scott Ringo at Southwest Sales and Marketing at (214) 212-9049 or sringo@swsalesmarketing.com. They may also contact Dave McKee at GENEVO AMERICA at (847) 208-5990 or david.mckee@genevo.com.

CERRITOS, CA (10.14.26) – SoundSkins Global used the 2026 ClassicParts.com C10 Nationals presented by Chevrolet Performance to announce its newest vehicle-specific kit: a precut sound deadening kit for the 1973-1987 Chevrolet C10. The kit was shown to truck owners on October 2-3 at Nashville Superspeedway and is now available for pre-order at www.soundskinsglobal.com, with kits shipping this fall.

Two days with the C10 community
C10 Nationals fills Nashville Superspeedway with classic Chevrolet and GMC trucks for a show-n-shine, autocross, dyno challenge, drag racing under the lights, a burnout contest and a Saturday night cruise on the oval. For SoundSkins, the best part was the people. The team spent both days at its booth on the vendor midway talking with owners and builders about road noise, heat and rattles in trucks that left the factory with very little insulation.

“We had a blast,” said Dalton Duckett, Marketing Director at SoundSkins Global. “We met so many great people who are deep into their builds and need quality sound deadening and a precut kit that actually fits their truck. That is exactly who we built this for.”

The new 1973-1987 C10 kit
The SoundSkins 1973-1987 Chevrolet C10 Sound Deadening Vehicle Specific Kit takes the measuring and cutting out of a square body install. Every piece is precut for the truck’s doors, floor and back cab wall, so it goes in clean without trimming sheets on the garage floor.

• 50.57 sq ft of coverage for the doors, floor and cab wall
• 3-in-1 material: foam, foil and rubber butyl in a single layer, so one pass handles vibration, road noise and heat
• Two versions, 1973-1980 (SSK-C1073) and 1981-1987 (SSK-C1081), because the under-seat pieces differ by year
• $495, pre-order open now, shipping this fall
• Step-by-step instructions and an install video

The kit drew steady interest at the booth from square body owners, many of them mid-build and planning the interior next.

Broke Dad Builds, ASPC10 and Truck for a Hero
A highlight of the weekend was time with Charlie Brown of Broke Dad Builds, who joined SoundSkins at the show. Charlie is the founder of the American Society for the Preservation of C10’s (ASPC10), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that restores classic GM trucks and gives them to veterans and other heroes who need reliable transportation. Its motto: “Restore a Truck. Restore a Hero.”

SoundSkins is a build partner on ASPC10’s Truck for a Hero program, supplying sound deadening and precut kits for its C10 builds. That starts with Truck #001, a square body known as “Beddy Wyte.” The same truck helped shape the new kit: Charlie worked with SoundSkins on templates and test fitting during development.

“When we hand a truck to a veteran, it has to be more than something that runs. It should feel finished and be comfortable to drive every day,” said Charlie Brown, founder of ASPC10 and Broke Dad Builds. “A quiet cab is a big part of that, and a kit that is already cut to fit the truck makes it a lot easier to get right.”

To learn more, donate or nominate a hero, visit aspc10.org.

Thank you, C10 Nationals, and thank you, BFGoodrich
SoundSkins thanks Ken and the C10 Nationals crew for hosting an outstanding event and taking care of vendors all weekend.

The team also took a turn in the BFGoodrich Share the Ride, where professional drivers take passengers around the autocross course. “It was great to get a taste of what a pro touring C10 feels like ripping around the track,” Duckett said. “These trucks are being built to be driven hard, and that is one more reason to get the cab right.”

What’s next
SoundSkins plans to return to C10 Nationals and to add more classic truck events to its calendar, including Dino’s Git Down in Glendale, Arizona, one of the largest GM truck shows in the country. At each stop the goal is the same: show owners what sound deadening does for a classic truck and what sets SoundSkins apart, from the 3-in-1 material to precut kits made for a specific vehicle.

A quieter cab, less heat coming through the floor and firewall, fewer rattles and a better-sounding stereo all start with the same step. The C10 kit is the first in what SoundSkins plans as a growing line for classic trucks.

For more information about SoundSkins Global and the 1973-1987 C10 kit, visit www.soundskinsglobal.com.

Read more on the SoundSkins blog: https://soundskinsglobal.com/blogs/sound-news/1973-1987-c10-sound-deadening-kit-debuts-at-c10-nationals

MECHANICSVILLE VA (10.13.26) 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

October 14 event in Sturbridge, Massachusetts, combines dealer education, manufacturer access, exclusive buying opportunities, and $3,300 in grand prizes.

STURBRIDGE, MA (10.12.26) – GoFast Solutions will host Winter Summit 2026 on Wednesday, October 14, at the Sturbridge Host Hotel & Conference Center in Sturbridge, Massachusetts. The event brings dealers and their teams together for practical training, live demonstrations, manufacturer networking, Summit-only specials, and prize drawings designed to help shops prepare for the winter selling season.

Registration opens at 8 a.m. Training runs from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., the expo floor is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Happy Hour and prize drawings take place from 5 to 6 p.m.

Training to Prepare Dealers for the Winter Season

Firstech, Fortin, Directed, and VOXX will offer remote start training covering new technology, installation techniques, smartphone control, security integration, and premium upgrade opportunities. GoFast Solutions’ 2026/2027 Remote Start Program session will address stocking strategies, cash flow, and responding to seasonal demand without overcommitting inventory budgets.

The training lineup also includes Memphis Audio’s live Listening Room experience; Diamond Audio’s DSP amplifiers and Harley-Davidson audio solutions; practical, brand-agnostic motorcycle DSP tuning with Anarchy Customs; lighting products and sales demonstrations from Lucas Lighting and XKGLOW; and Solar Gard window film, paint protection, and windshield protection opportunities.

Attendees can bring installation challenges and sales questions directly to product experts and explore ways to translate product knowledge into better installations and stronger customer conversations.

Exclusive Dealer Buying Opportunities

The expo floor will feature brands across mobile electronics, audio, lighting, vehicle protection, detailing, and automotive accessories. Manufacturer representatives will be available to discuss products and help dealers evaluate additions to their lineups. All vendor booths will offer Summit Specials available only during event hours.

Eligible early registrants can also shop the Outlet Room for additional savings opportunities. Blue wristbands provide access from 8 to 9 a.m. and from 3 to 5 p.m.; yellow wristbands provide access from 3 to 5 p.m. Dealers should confirm registration eligibility and wristband access with their GoFast Solutions sales representative.

Grand Prizes Totaling $3,300

Winter Summit 2026 grand prizes include a GoFast Solutions spending spree valued at $1,500, a second GoFast Solutions spending spree valued at $1,000, and a 75-inch 4K television valued at $800.

The spending sprees offer dealers an opportunity to add inventory that can generate future sales. Depending on product selection and retail pricing, a $1,500 spending spree could translate into approximately $3,000 in retail product revenue, plus installation fees.

To qualify, attendees must visit every booth on the Summit floor, collect stamps, and submit a completed Scavenger Hunt card to their GoFast Solutions sales representative by 4 p.m. Every stamp counts as an entry into the Summit giveaways, and each show-special purchase earns up to three additional stamps. Attendees must complete the Scavenger Hunt and be present at the drawing to win. Giveaways and prize drawings are scheduled for 5 to 6 p.m.

Territory restrictions may apply to spending sprees. Television brand is subject to availability and may change without notice.

Live Demonstrations and Industry Networking

Solar Gard will present a window tint demonstration at 3:30 p.m., followed by a Meguiar’s detailing demonstration at 4:30 p.m. The demonstrations give attendees opportunities to see techniques firsthand, ask questions, and explore additional services and product categories for their shops.

Throughout the day, dealers can connect with manufacturer representatives, the GoFast Solutions team, and fellow industry professionals. The schedule includes a Caffeination Station at 8:30 a.m., lunch from noon to 1:30 p.m., and Happy Hour from 5 to 6 p.m.

Event Details and Registration

Winter Summit 2026 takes place Wednesday, October 14, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Sturbridge Host Hotel & Conference Center, 366 Main Street, Sturbridge, MA 01566. On-site registration opens at 8 a.m.

Dealers can register and view event information at https://summit.gofst.com/ or contact their GoFast Solutions sales representative for registration assistance and access details.

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.