November 3rd, 2025 – Orlando, FL – VOXX By Gentex Corporation is proud to announce the next evolution in its telematics experience. Visit VOXX Booth #10809 at SEMA to get an exclusive preview of what’s coming with the next generation of VIPER and DIRECTED SMARTSTART apps.

With a completely refreshed user experience (UX), the new apps deliver faster response times, enhanced vehicle control feedback, and a more intuitive interface for a truly connected car experience. The first phase of the rollout—featuring the new UX—is scheduled for January 2026, with additional feature enhancements to follow throughout the year.

Key App Highlights:

• All-New Interface: Clean, modern design with real-time feedback and enhanced controls.
• Redesigned Vehicle Status Page: Improved layout for a more intuitive experience.
• Streamlined Menu Structure: Simplified navigation and quicker access to key functions.
• Updated Vehicle Imagery: Optimized image placement for improved clarity.
• More details to be announced at launch.

New Feature: Standalone Starter-Kill Support for VIPER and DIRECTED SMARTSTART DSM550/VSM550

VIPER and DIRECTED SMARTSTART systems have long supported Starter-Kill when paired with compatible security systems such as the 3108V, 5908V, or DS4. However, with this latest update, Starter-Kill functionality can now be activated in standalone configurations of the VSM550 and DSM550, providing a critical new layer of theft deterrence—even for vehicles without a full security system installed.

What This Means for Dealers

This is more than a feature release; it’s a rethinking of how flexible, secure, and user friendly VIPER and DIRECTED SMARTSTART can be. Your inventory just became more valuable overnight. The upgrade is available via an over-the-air update – no new hardware required!

For more information about VOXX By Gentex Corporation, VIPER, and its range of automotive aftermarket solutions, please visit us at www.voxxelectronics.com and www.viper.com.

VANCOUVER BURNABY BC (10.03.25) The Importel Drive Forward 2025 brought a special 2-Day event dedicated to empowering BC and surrounding area dealers with the latest in Car Audio, both electronics and OEM integration. The event was Importel’s premier training and vendor showcase in British Columbia.

On Sunday, September 21st and Monday the 22nd the display area and training rooms were filled with dealers wanting to see the latest from Importel’s brands featuring exhibitors Kenwood JVC, Metra, iDataLink APX,VOXX and Avital.

Ricky Lima, National Sales Manager, related “Events like our Drive Forward 2025 are so terrific as there’s an in-person experience with attendees connecting with exhibitors, learning the latest that we have for them from Importel and interacting with dealers across their area.”

Airon Ayala, VOXX West Coast Regional, presented a very informative training session. During that session, Ayala provided dealers with the latest from VOXX highlighting cutting-edge firmware solutions, expanded T-Harness coverage, new hardware innovations and expert installation tips. With the fast approaching remote start season interest from dealers was high as Avital is a key brand with Importel.

Lima concluded, “We certainly thank our exhibitor partners and our dealers for attending this 2-day event to drive business forward as 2025 is wrapping up.”

The event took place at the Executive Suites Hotel and Conference Center in Metro Vancouver Burnaby BC. The training sessions were held in the Pavilion Room with the vendor showcase in the Centennial Room.

For more see importel.com

CERRITOS CA (10.02.25) As part of its continued commitment to expanding dealer support and regional coverage, SoundSkins Global has named Driven Marketing, LLC as its independent manufacturer’s rep firm for Northern California, Central California, and Northern Nevada, effective 10/1/25.

Driven Marketing, based in Angels Camp, CA, was launched this year by industry veterans Greg Douglas and Pete Bobsin, who bring extensive experience and a dealer-first mindset to their new venture. With their proven track record in sales, product development, and dealer support, the firm is positioned to accelerate SoundSkins’ growth across the region.

“We are excited to partner with Driven Marketing to strengthen our presence in these key territories,” said Dennis Garcia, COO of SoundSkins Global. “Greg and Pete’s expertise and reputation for responsiveness align perfectly with our mission to deliver not only premium products, but also meaningful value, training, and support to our dealer network.”

Driven Marketing noted that its focus will be on helping SoundSkins dealers expand their business through high-quality product representation, territory expertise, and hands-on support, including assistance with marketing initiatives, product showcases, and training programs.

“SoundSkins’ reputation for premium sound deadening and enclosure solutions makes it an ideal fit for our team,” said Greg Douglas, Co-Founder of Driven Marketing. “We’re excited to introduce these products to more retailers and help them succeed with the solutions their customers are asking for.”

For more information about SoundSkins Global, visit www.soundskinsglobal.com.
For more information about Driven Marketing, visit www.drivenmarketing.pro.”

–– Foundation opens public voting to crown two grand prize winners in the 2025 Techs Rock Awards, celebrating the students and working techs who keep America moving —

DIAMOND BAR CA(10.01.2025) – With a nationwide technician shortage threatening key sectors from transportation to energy, one nonprofit is turning the spotlight toward the young men and women stepping up to keep America running.

TechForce Foundation and the SEMA Show announce the 2025 Techs Rock Awards public vote, inviting Americans to help crown the top student and working technicians in the country. Voting is open now through Oct. 15 at TechForce.org/Vote.

“This vote is about more than prizes,” said Jennifer Maher, CEO of TechForce Foundation. “It’s about showing the next generation of techs that the country is behind them. We talk a lot about the technician shortage, and this is a chance to support the solution.”

Two Grand Prize Winners – one aspiring student technician and one working professional technician – will be chosen by public vote and honored live at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas on Nov. 5, the largest automotive event in the United States.

“Part of the future of the automotive aftermarket depends on the dedication and passion of today’s technical students,” said SEMA Vice President of Marketing RJ de Vera. “It’s an honor to celebrate these emerging technicians through our collaboration with the Techs Rock Awards and inspire them to continue moving the industry forward.”

A national panel of judges – including ChrisFix, YouTube’s most-followed automotive DIY expert; Melissa Scoles, President & CEO, QA1 Precision Products, Inc.; Emily Reeves, YouTube personality; Charles “Humble Mechanic” Sanville; Rick Love, President of Vintage Air; Myles Kovacs, Co-Founder & CEO of TIS & Dropstars Wheels; and Mary Culler, President of Ford Philanthropy – selected 12 category winners from hundreds of nominations submitted. Each finalist has already earned over $3,000 in prizes and now competes for a $15,000-plus grand prize package that includes Carlyle tools, travel, and national recognition.

NATIONAL FINALISTS

Future Techs (Students)

Automotive & Motorsports – Marcello Dean, McPherson College (KS)
Diesel – Nathaneal Watkins, Big Sandy Community and Technical College (KY)
Collision, Restoration & Welding – William Morrison, Northwood University (MI)
Aviation, Motorcycle & Marine – Sabrina Marrero, Aviation Institute of Maintenance, Hasbrouck Heights Campus (NJ)
Emerging Technologies – Caleb Marc, Lincoln Technical Institute, Union Campus (NJ)
HVAC, Home & Buildings – Dylan Matjazic, Universal Technical Institute, Canton Campus (MI)

Working Techs (Professionals)

Automotive & Motorsports – David Borer, Reineke Family Dealerships (OH)
Diesel – Cristian Trasandes, San Diego Miramar College (CA)
Collision, Restoration & Welding – Jose Caballero-Vallejo, Team Toyota (PA)
Aviation, Motorcycle & Marine – Mia Jackson, Hinckley Yachts Chesapeake (MD)
Emerging Technologies – Trevor Burgin, Pinnacle Career Institute (MO)
HVAC, Home & Buildings – Bryan Baker, Cool Breeze Heating & Air (FL)

The Techs Rock Awards were created to celebrate students and working techs who go above and beyond, not just in technical skill, but in character, leadership, and drive. Since its inception in 2018, the program has awarded 77 students and working techs. It’s one of many TechForce initiatives focused on building respect and visibility for high-tech, hands-on careers.

OXNARD, CA (09.30.25) – Modus, is taking its marine audio innovations to IBEX 2025 in Tampa, Fla. where they’ll prove that boat audio doesn’t have to be a compromise. From October 7-9 at the Tampa Convention Center, the premium audio company will showcase technologies designed specifically for marine environments, because boats deserve better than repurposed car stereos.

Modus will exhibit at two locations during IBEX: interior booth 3-2112, showcasing the full marine product portfolio, and an exterior demonstration area near the sail pavilion featuring the company’s award-winning Tesla Cybertruck with live audio demos, featuring Mezzo Marine DSP amplifiers. This dual presence allows attendees to experience both the technical specifications and real-world performance of Modus marine audio systems.

“IBEX is exactly where we need to be, it’s where the marine industry comes to see what’s next,” said Rob Osheaski, Director of OEM Marine Sales for Modus. “Look, we’re all here because we love boats. We know what it’s like when you’re out there with friends and the music just isn’t cutting it, or when you’re worried about blowing your speakers because someone cranked the volume. We built Modus to solve those real problems.”

The Modus marine lineup reflects a deep understanding of boating culture and the technical challenges unique to marine environments. Unlike adapted automotive systems, Modus marine products are purpose-built to handle saltwater exposure, power constraints, and the social nature of boating while delivering high-quality sound reproduction. The company’s marine-focused technologies address critical challenges faced by boaters, including power limitations, environmental durability, and multi-zone audio control.

Modus will highlight three key innovations at IBEX:

PREACT™ Technology delivers intelligent power management specifically engineered for marine 12V systems where power resources are limited. The current-averaging innovation maximizes audio performance while preventing battery drain and electrical system overload, critical considerations for extended time on the water.

ACTEQ™ Technology provides real-time anti-clipping and audio system protection that adapts to changing conditions, safeguarding equipment regardless of volume levels or environmental conditions. This technology allows boaters to enjoy their audio systems without concern for speaker damage or system failure during active use.

Party Mode™ Technology enables seamless audio synchronization across multiple zones of a vessel, allowing boaters to create unified sound experiences from boat to boat. This technology transforms how audio is managed in large group outings and events, providing intuitive control for shared experiences on the water with a low-hassle interface.

IBEX 2025 marks a significant milestone in Modus’s marine market expansion, following successful demonstrations at recent Electrify Expo events. The company’s presence at North America’s premier boat-building exhibition underscores its commitment to the marine industry and positions Modus as a serious contender in the premium marine audio market.

“The three-day exhibition provides an ideal platform for Modus to engage with boat builders, marine dealers, and industry professionals who demand the highest standards of performance and reliability,” Osheaski concluded. “Attendees can experience live demonstrations of Modus marine technologies and learn how these innovations address real-world boating scenarios.”

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

SALEM, OR (9.29.25) IASCA Worldwide kicked off the 2025 World Finals beginning at the Oregon State Fair and Exposition Center on September 28th, 2025 with SPL and continuing at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Center on October 11th and 12th, 2025. ISPLL, MASQ, EMMA, MECA SQ. dB DRA will also join IASCA Worldwide at the BJCC, offering its competitors multiple events to compete in. MOB INC of Birmingham will also co-host with a custom car show.

The success of the IASCA World Finals depends on the support of our valued sponsors. Their dedication to the audio community enables us to deliver a polished, compelling event. We extend our deepest thanks to the many sponsors, including Kicker, JL Audio, B2, Sundown, XS Power, SoundQubed, Florida Sound Quality and Busy Bee Audio.

“This year’s World Finals event will be exciting” said Travis Chin, President of IASCA Worldwide “This is where craftsmanship, innovation, and competition converge — and we know attendees and participants alike will experience an unforgettable weekend.”

For more information on IASCA Worldwide and the 2025 IASCA World Finals, visit iasca.com or contact President Travis Chin at travis@iasca.com.

Major North American Expansion

Chicago, IL July 7, 2025— Lucas Lighting, the two-time MEA lighting vendor of the year, announced the appointment of Saskatchewan based Compustar Canada as its Master Distributor for Canada. Compustar Canada will be the country manager for all matters related to the Lucas Lighting brand in Canada. Steve Rogers, Lucas Lighting’s vice president said, “The synergies between the two companies are quite remarkable. Both Lucas Lighting and Compustar Canada deliver innovative, upscale reliable products backed by best-in-class technical support which then earns the loyalty of customers. It made tremendous sense to join forces in growing our brand in Canada.”

“We’re proud to add Lucas Lighting, one of the top-performing and most trusted brands in aftermarket automotive lighting,” said Bryan Sack, President at Compustar Canada. “Known for its uncompromising quality, cutting-edge technology, and vehicle-specific LED solutions, Lucas Lighting perfectly aligns with our mission to deliver premium products that meet the demands of today’s installers and drivers. This launch reinforces our commitment to supporting Canadian dealers with best-in-class brands and unmatched local service. We couldn’t be more excited!”

You can explore the full lineup of Lucas lighting products at https://www.myfirstech.ca/

COSS BAY OR (07.03.25) MB Quart had a strong presence at the 2025 UTV Takeover on the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. The UTV Takeover rolled in Coos Bay from June 24 through the 29th.

MB Quart had a large booth with staff members Chris Brinkley and David Kotewa in the house. Additionally Pacific Rim Marketing”s Mark and Valentina were assisting activities in and around the booth. Area retailer CarTunes from Grant Pass OR was set up close to their booth and worked with MB Quart to make installations for their on-site sales.

“This was a terrific event for MB Quart. We had a lot of activity in our booth with sales plus installs from Fermin Sanchez and his CatTunes team. No doubt about it our Pro RZR kits were hot sellers. Having Mark and Valentina in the booth connecting with area retailers and UTV enthusiasts was terrific” Brinkley, Regional Sales Manager, stated.

“This was our first UTV Takeover and was an amazing to see the UTV community members and families rolling across the dunes. Round trip for us it was an 800 mile drive but well worth it to connect with Chris and David. Since CarTunes is in the area we work with Fermin and his team” Mark Giovannetti commented.

CarTunes owner Sanchez stated “We were very busy with sales out of our booth plus a lot of installations for MB Quart.” CarTunes staff members included Sanchez along with Lalo and Chris. They also had three helpers make the trip to the UTV
Takeover to help with installations and booth set up. Over the course of the event they did over a dozen MB Quart installations in addition to activities in the CarTunes booth.

Fermin added “Our retail store is a couple of hours away and is so important for us to let people throughout the area know to the great products that we sell and offer for UTV enthusiast. We have been on site at a number of UTV Takeovers and this event was the best to date.”

Concluding Brinkley added “MB Quart will continue UTV Takeover presence in August and look forward to a great in Winchester.”

For more see mbquart.com

SWEET ID (07.02.25) Dear Valued Clients, Customers, Manufacturer Partners, and Representatives,

It is with mixed emotions that I announce my retirement and the closing of Cardoza and Company, Inc. after 35 fulfilling years serving the Northern California and Nevada regions. Our last day of operations is July 31, 2025.

Throughout the years, it has been a privilege to work alongside you. Your support, trust, and collaboration have been the cornerstone of our success. We set out to make a meaningful impact in our industry, and we could not have achieved this without each of you.

I extend my deepest gratitude to all our clients and customers for your loyalty and confidence in our services. To our manufacturer partners and representatives, your dedication has been instrumental in our ability to deliver quality and excellence.

Beyond professional relationships, I cherish the friendships we’ve built over time. The connections formed through shared successes and challenges have made this journey truly special, and those friendships will remain close to my heart.

As we transition, I’m excited to share that my wife and I have launched a business brokerage career with First Choice Business Brokers – Idaho. This new venture has already been rewarding, and we look forward to continuing to provide exceptional service in this capacity. https://markcardoza.fcbb.com

While Cardoza and Company, Inc. will be closing its doors, the memories and relationships we’ve created will always hold a special place in my heart. If you ever need assistance or wish to reconnect, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Thank you once again for being a part of our journey. It has been an honor to work with each of you.

Warm regards,
Mark Cardoza

President/ Principal Marketing Director

WORCESTER MA (07.01.25) Enzo Motoring is known in Worcester as the placed for all things 12volt with a great selection of wheels, rims, tires along with audio systems. Owner Orlando Garrastegui recently made a post that caught the eye of 12volt staff members.

The Righthand drive Nissan GTR was made for the road in Japan but it’s also street legal in the US. Massive Audio products are featured in the custom trunk area of the vehicle.

“We have done work for several vehicles owned by this customer. He recently had this new vehicle delivered in the US and brought it to us to do another install. We are strong Massive Audio dealer so we chose to install Massive Audio speakers, subs and amplifiers in the Nissan GTR” Orlando stated.

Continuing “Brick and mortar retailers certainly have to focus on getting consumers into their stores. Making customers happy so they will tell their friends and continue to bring in new projects. It’s very important in the marketplace today.”

For more see enzomotoring.com