BOCA RATON, FL (01.29.26) – Emergency and fleet lighting installs demand reliability, simplicity, and OEM-level control. In Episode #3 of the INZZIDER 12V PODCAST, ZZ2 turns the spotlight on ZWAGZ and its real-world applications in emergency vehicle lighting.
This episode features Ali Bhojani, Director of Sales at HG2 Emergency Lighting, a company actively using ZWAGZ solutions in professional emergency and fleet builds. The conversation focuses on how HG2 integrates ZWAGZ into their lighting systems to deliver clean installs, consistent performance, and intuitive OEM-style activation.
Listeners will gain practical insight into:
How ZWAGZ simplifies emergency lighting control
Why OEM-based activation matters in mission-critical vehicles
How dealers and installers can add ZWAGZ to their offerings to improve efficiency and create new revenue opportunities
This episode goes beyond product talk—sharing real experience from the field and lessons other shops can apply immediately.
Premiering January 30th, 2026 at 8:00pm EST
Stay tuned to watch the episode and learn how ZWAGZ is being used by industry professionals.
BOCA RATON, FL (1.29.26) – Tint World® Automotive Styling Centers™, was recognized as one of the top 500 franchises in Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500®, the world’s first and most comprehensive franchise ranking. For 47 years, The Franchise 500® has been recognized as an invaluable resource for potential franchisees, and placement in the ranking has been a highly sought-after honor within the franchise industry. In the 2026 Franchise 500®, Tint World earned the #1 ranking in the Window Tinting category and ranked #206 overall—climbing 24 spots from last year. This achievement showcases the brand’s outstanding performance in areas including unit growth, financial strength and stability, operational and marketing support, and brand power.
“Being ranked for the 13th consecutive year in Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500® is an incredible honor, especially being recognized as #1 in our category,” said Charles Bonfiglio, Founder and CEO of Tint World. “We wouldn’t be where we are today without the dedication of our franchise owners, the trust of our customers, and the strong relationships we’ve built along the way. This accomplishment reflects the strength of our model, the passion behind our brand, and our continued commitment to supporting our franchisees as we grow.”
In Entrepreneur’s continuing effort to best understand and evaluate the ever-changing franchise marketplace, the company’s 47-year-old ranking formula continues to evolve as well. Each franchise is thoroughly evaluated and given a cumulative score based on an analysis of more than 150 data points in the areas of costs and fees, size and growth, franchisee support, brand strength, and financial strength and stability. The 500 franchises with the highest cumulative scores become the Franchise 500® in ranking order.
“For 47 years, the Franchise 500 has been the gold standard for identifying franchise excellence. This year’s ranking proves that the best brands don’t just survive changing markets; they thrive in them,” says Jason Feifer, Entrepreneur magazine’s editor in chief. “These 500 companies represent some of the most reliable pathways to business ownership in America, each one vetted through our rigorous analysis of what actually drives franchisee success.”
Over its 47 years in existence, the Franchise 500® has become both a dominant competitive measure for franchisors and a primary research tool for prospective franchisees. Tint World’s position on the ranking is a testament to its strength as a franchise opportunity.
Tint World® has consistently been recognized among the top automotive styling franchise brands, with a reputation for high-quality service, multiple revenue streams, and a systems-driven business model that supports long-term franchisee success.
To view Tint World in the full ranking, visit http://www.entrepreneur.com/franchise500. Results can also be seen in the January/February 2026 issue of Entrepreneur, available on newsstands January 13th. For more information on Tint World® and available franchise opportunities, please visit www.tintworld.com/franchise-opportunities.
MESA, AZ (01.28.26) – Nacho Offroad Lighting, an innovator in high-performance lighting solutions for the off-road industry, driven by ARB, is excited to announce the appointment of Bryatt Fischer as Key Account Manager. In this pivotal role, Bryatt will be responsible for managing strategic partnerships and driving growth across the expanding Nacho Offroad Lighting client portfolio.
Brian Hosford, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Nacho Offroad Lighting, stated, “Bryatt’s comprehensive understanding of our target markets and proven track record of expanding brands into new channels are precisely what is required as we continue our growth trajectory. We are confident he will achieve an immediate impact and enhance our relationships across all of our current and prospective customers.”
Bryatt Fischer brings a wealth of experience to the team, with a strong background in marketing, business development, and account management within the automotive and off-road sectors. Before joining Nacho Offroad Lighting, Bryatt held pivotal positions at JL Audio, where he was instrumental in developing the brand to significantly increase sales across all channels, fostered powersports OEM partnerships, and managed strategic business opportunities. His demonstrated expertise in the off-road sector and established success in cultivating enduring partnerships render him an invaluable asset to the Nacho Offroad Lighting team.
“Nacho has all the ingredients to win long-term in off-road lighting: serious performance, a product-first culture, and the kind of backing that helps partners scale with confidence,” said Bryatt Fischer, Key Account Manager at Nacho Offroad Lighting. “My focus is simple: earn mindshare with our key accounts by making it easier to spec, sell, and support Nacho in the real world, through tighter dealer relationships, better enablement, and a strong feedback loop from the field into product and go-to-market. I’m excited to be part of Nacho’s growth and look forward to strengthening the company’s key account relationships.”
LIBERTYVILLE, IL (01.28.26) – Feel the difference in your audio game through an upgraded speaker sound stage within Colossus Classic speaker innovation. Colossus Classic speakers bring out deeper details of your sound while maintaining the core of higher quality playback – undistorted music. Transform audio levels to BIGGER sound with COLOSSUS!
Delivering highs that are more defined and consistent mids throughout every song, your music will feel new, fueled through Colossus Classic speaker technology. A lightweight blue woven fiber cone enables every Colossus Classic speaker to have a fast midrange response, for a cleaner and more precise soundstage of listening.
SASKATOON, SK (01.27.26) – Firstech Canada is pleased to announce the appointment of Phil Maczuga as Director of Brand and Supply Chain, effective January 26, 2026. This appointment supports the company’s continued growth and reinforces its commitment to delivering strong operational and brand support to partners across Canada.
“Phil is a proven leader with a deep understanding of both brand strategy and supply chain operations,” said Bryan Sack, President of Firstech Canada. “Having worked together previously, I am confident in his ability to contribute meaningful insight and execution as we continue to evolve as an organization.”
Phil Maczuga
Phil brings extensive experience in strategic planning, supply chain management, and operational alignment. His background will play an important role in supporting Firstech Canada’s long-term objectives, enhancing efficiency, and strengthening consistency across the organization.
Commenting on his appointment, Phil Maczuga stated, “Firstech Canada continues to demonstrate strong leadership within the industry through innovation and a clear partner-focused approach. I am excited to join the team and contribute to its continued growth while supporting the company’s partners nationwide.”
In his role, Phil will be responsible for aligning brand initiatives with supply chain strategy to support scalability and sustained growth.
LIBERTYVILLE, IL (01.27.26) – Engineered for accurate, clean sound and optimized power delivery, DA2 amplifiers elevate your customer’s entire MB Quart audio experience. With top-mounted controls for quick and easy tuning, the DA2 series delivers legendary Discus power and precision in a sleek, compact design that’s perfect for tight installations.
Every single model in the Discus DA2 amplifier line features Class-D amplification for efficient, clean output, rugged construction to handle Marine and Powersports environments, and top-mounted controls that make tuning a breeze — even in tighter or compact spaces.
Feel the difference in power today with DA2 innovation!
OXNARD, CA (1.23.26) — Modus is proud to announce it will be exhibiting during KnowledgeFest Las Vegas, one of the mobile electronics industry’s largest educational events and trade shows, held at The Paris Hotel & Convention Center from Feb. 3–5, 2026. During the event, Modus will conduct multiple trainings on its revolutionary audio technologies.
“This training session features Modus’ patented PREACT™ Current Averaging Technology, a unique approach to managing amplifier current for improved efficiency, consistency, and real-world performance,” explained Jason Digos, Senior Sales Trainer at Modus. “Designed for installers and sales professionals, the class explains how PREACT adapts to varying vehicle electrical conditions, maintains stable output under load, and differs from traditional power management designs. Attendees will gain practical insight into system benefits, application considerations, and how to clearly communicate PREACT’s value to customers.”
Modus will conduct two training sessions: • Session 1
Location: Palace 6
Date & Time: Tuesday, February 3 at 1:30 PM • Session 2
Location: Palace 6
Date & Time: Wednesday, February 4 at 5:30 PM
Digos is a veteran car audio professional with more than 30 years experience in installation, system design, product development, and technical training. He has held leadership roles across the mobile electronics industry and is widely respected for bridging technical expertise with real-world performance.
For more information about Modus products and partnership opportunities, request more information on the web at www.modusglobal.com.
WASHINGTON, DC (1.23.26) – The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) is applauding the Jan. 21 announcement by the U.S. Department of Justice that it will exercise its enforcement discretion for Clean Air Act violations related to tampering with onboard diagnostic (OBD) devices on vehicles and no longer pursue criminal charges in such cases.
This announcement only reflects the enforcement discretion of the current administration. The statutes of limitation for such violations goes beyond the term of any single president or administration, and future administrations may view such enforcement differently.
“This is a welcome end to overly harsh penalties for violations that are otherwise addressed through civil enforcement,” said SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola. “SEMA believes in following the law, and federal law is clear with regards to tampering of emissions systems or profiting from the sales of products that enable such behavior. SEMA remains committed to working with federal regulators at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to ensure our industry has a voice in the development of policies impacting compliance with federal and state laws with regards to emissions and safety, and creating a path for our industry to continue its innovation.”
BACKGROUND
OBD tampering involves altering a vehicle’s electronic systems or software, primarily to defeat emissions controls or commit mileage fraud, both of which are illegal under federal and state laws in the U.S.
Violators are subject to significant civil penalties (up to $37,500 for each part or component) and, until this announcement, even criminal prosecution, with the potential for prison terms.
SEMA has invested heavily through its SEMA Garage program to provide its members with pathways to navigate federal and state emissions.
The SEMA Certified Emissions (SC-E) program is a documented pathway for demonstrating that an aftermarket part doesn’t increase the emissions of a vehicle on which it’s installed. The program was designed around the guidance of the EPA’s Tampering Policy as a means to offer aftermarket companies:
An accelerated path to emissions compliance, allowing products to be legally sold in 49 states prior to receiving a California Air Resources Board (CARB) EO
Create an industry-wide standard for “reasonable basis”
Create a centralized database for compliant products
Provide legitimacy to the claim “EPA compliant”
Establish a path to compliance for certain products that are unable to receive a CARB EO
TORONTO, ON (1.22.26) – On Tuesday, Day 4 in the Importel booth, it was all about SiriusXM to feel every moment with the widest selection of entertainment always playing what all want to hear. SiriusXM subscribers can discover something new every day, including exclusive music channels curated by the biggest names in the business, once in a lifetime events, live sports coverage and more. The vast percentage of consumers are not aware of the possibilities. 12volt retailers need to take advantage of this opportunity to drive business.
Ricky Lima, Importel National Sales Manager stated “Some of our dealers do well with the BoomBox bundle. At a retail of $199. CND it is certainly affordable. All retailers need to take a look at stocking this product to enjoy SiriusXM even more.”
SiriusXM had a great display set up in the Importel booth with Howard Stern grabbing your attention.
In the Importel booth attendees could see and hear first hand the positives.There’s always something new at SiriusXM. Consumers, looking for complete portability and versatility, need look no farther than the SiriusXM Onyx EZR Boombox bundle. The Onyx EZR, with vehicle kit, is a dock and play radio that lets all enjoy SiriusXM satellite radio not just in their car but in their boat and beyond. The radio includes options to select from 2 display formats to view artist names, show titles, song titles plus channel information. With parental controls, all can easily lock or unlock channels that contain mature content.
Kelly Holley, Director of Sales & Marketing, shows the SiriusXM Boombox Bundle ready to go.
Additionally, listeners can save up to 10 of their favorite SiriusXM channels or create a personalized music channel using TuneMix. The Boombox features a sporty design and great sound for all SiriusXM and XM plug-and play-radios with universal docking capability. The BoomBox Bundle can help consumer enjoy music 24/7 anywhere.
The Toronto International Boat Show wraps Sunday January 25th after the 9 Day run.
OXNARD, CA (1.21.26) – BOSS Audio Systems is proud to announce it will exhibit during KnowledgeFest Las Vegas, held at The Paris Hotel & Convention Center from Feb. 3-5, 2026. During the event, BOSS Elite will conduct a training on its revolutionary audio technologies as well as feature a number of its new and expanded line of speakers, amplifiers, and source units.
“KnowledgeFest 2025 in Atlantic City was an extraordinary success for our Elite line, and we can’t wait to showcase the brand in Las Vegas,” said Colin Ross, BOSS Elite Associate Brand Manager. “For the past couple years, Elite has continued to gain traction and a dedicated following across the country as we continually roll out new products across our speaker, amplifier, and source unit lines. KnowledgeFest is about connecting with installers and industry pros so that we can continue to learn from them and innovate in both the short and long term.”
The BOSS Elite product lineup will be spotlighted on the KnowledgeFest show floor.
This year in Las Vegas, Elite is featuring its new 6.5-inch BE652C and 6×9-inch BE692C speakers. Ready to order, these two-way coax speakers are the latest in the Elite lineup, and perfect complements to the line’s amplifier and source unit lines also featured during the show. Available in Q2 2026, Elite will also feature its new BE452C 4-inch and BE275C 2.75-inch 2-Way coaxial speakers, the 1.4-inch Tweeter Kit, the BE692K 6×9-inch Component Speaker Kit, and 6.5-inch Component Speaker Kit.
On display during the show and now available, Elite’s lineup will also showcase its powerful amplifier lineup, including the 5-channel 830W BE830.5D, 4-channel 600W BE600.4D, mono 600W BE600.1D, and mono 400W BE400.1D.
Lastly, Elite’s highly popular source units will take center stage during KnowledgeFest, as well.
Also during the show, Boss Elite will lead an in-depth car audio training focused on the engineering and technology behind the Elite lineup. Explore advanced amplifier architecture, speaker design, and system integration that align with high-end competitors. Learn how Elite delivers consistent power output, refined acoustics, and durable construction, equipping your team with confident, informed product knowledge for elevated system recommendations.
The training will be conducted: • Location: Palace 6 • Date & Time: Tuesday, February 3 at 2:45 PM
KnowledgeFest stands as a cornerstone event for the mobile electronics industry, offering more than 50 hours of educational sessions, hands-on workshops, and networking opportunities. The event draws hundreds of industry professionals eager to explore the latest technologies and advance their technical expertise through manufacturer training sessions.
Visit BOSS Elite during KnowledgeFest 2026 in Las Vegas at booth # 511.
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