DIAMOND BAR, CA (02.18.26) – The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) is sponsoring legislation to provide more certainty in the process by which the California Air Resources Board (CARB) approves aftermarket emissions products seeking clearance to be sold in the state. Senate Bill 1069, authored by Sen. Tim Grayson, D-Concord, would provide specific timelines to which CARB must adhere when manufacturers navigate the board’s Executive Order (EO) process. EOs for aftermarket parts ensure companies are in compliance with CARB emissions standards and serve to greenlight the manufacturing, sale, or installation of an aftermarket product in California. Under the bill, companies would be refunded a portion of the application costs incurred if the time it takes to receive an EO becomes unreasonable.

• The application to receive a CARB EO was once free, with fees later added to help speed the process and enable the hiring of staff who could facilitate the review of these applications. But despite this administrative support provided via the monetary investment of applicants, the process continues to lag and deprive well-meaning companies of their opportunity to reach the California market with their innovative, emissions-compliant products.

According to SEMA data, it currently can take CARB 12-18 months to approve EOs, and sometimes up to two years. Businesses cannot afford to wait that long to bring products to market.

“This is a necessary bill for lawmakers to prove to their constituents that they’re serious about clean air in California and providing small businesses with a pathway to thrive. SEMA has invested heavily to support aftermarket businesses that seek to serve the California marketplace with innovative products that adhere to state and federal emissions laws. We have known for a long time that the CARB EO process is in sore need of reform; it is slow, costly, and wrought with administrative delays that are a disservice to companies and consumers. We thank Senator Grayson for authoring this bill, which encourages companies to continue their good-faith efforts to adhere to California laws, while improving compliance and ensuring that California consumers have access to the cleanest aftermarket products available,” said SEMA CEO Mike Spagnola.

“California’s automotive enthusiasts deserve the opportunity to buy these products for their cars and trucks, and the path must be cleared for businesses that have committed to work to meet our state’s standards,” said Sen. Grayson. “When I attend the SEMA Show, I always marvel at the innovation brought forth by the automotive aftermarket, highlighted by advanced, clean-emissions products for consumers’ vehicles. Supporting car culture is not a zero-sum game with environmental stewardship and this bill reflects that – a tangible path toward cleaner air, business success, and consumer satisfaction.”

ABOUT THE BILL
The legislation will provide the following reforms:

• After companies submit their applications for an EO, CARB would have 30 days to state whether the application is in order, and then 60 more days to approve or deny the application.
• If an application is denied, CARB is to provide the applicant a list of reasons for the denial; applicants will then have a 30-day “cure” period to keep an application on track.
• If CARB fails to adhere to this reasonable timeline, applicants are entitled to a 50% refund of their fees.

Fees for CARB EOs can reach the thousands of dollars. Currently, those fees are:

• $500 for companies with fewer than 100 employees, and
• $1,000 for companies with 100 or more employees.

Analysis conducted for 2025 by the SEMA Garage shows that aftermarket companies pay $1,600-$3,200 per product for which they seek an EO, based on an average of 3.2 application breakouts, which result in three distinct charges for the same product.

• In some examples, there are enough breakouts to cost companies well beyond $20,000 for a single product. Such cases force companies to make difficult decisions over whether to even apply for coverage on all their products.

BACKGROUND
SEMA has invested over $30 million in the past ten years to help the aftermarket industry with emissions compliance. SEMA has two emissions compliance centers – Diamond Bar, Calif., and Plymouth, Mich. – with each offering a suite of aftermarket product testing optimized with state-of-the-art testing equipment. SEMA has made it its mission to hire experienced professional emissions staff to educate the industry and its members on emissions issues and the need for compliance.

In California, SEMA works with CARB to issue EOs.

• SEMA’s Diamond Bar, Calif., Emissions Compliance Center, part of the SEMA Garage, is recognized by CARB as a Certification Ready Automotive Emissions Testing Laboratory. This facility is integral to SEMA’s work with CARB, offering SEMA members a complete product development resource, geared toward manufacturers and providing assistance in all aspects of securing CARB EOs and EPA emissions compliance to demonstrate that vehicles are emissions-compliant after a product is installed.

Over the last 10 years, SEMA has assisted with approximately 50% of all aftermarket EOs issued by CARB, and its compliance team has completed over 800 CARB EO applications for members. The SEMA Garage helps member companies and other aftermarket businesses to test and sell emissions-compliant products.

For more information, visit www.sema.org.

LAS VEGAS, NV (02.17.26) – Diamond Audio, the industry leader in high-performance motorcycle audio, proudly announced the debut of its groundbreaking 8×12″ Cut-In Lid Kit designed specifically for 2024 and newer Harley-Davidson touring models. Unveiled at KnowledgeFest Las Vegas, this kit represents a massive leap forward in output and integration for the new generation of Harley saddlebags.

At the heart of this innovation is a Patent Pending design (US Provisional Patent Application No.: 63/951,910) that utilizes a massive 8″x12″ HMXFB Series speaker. By opting for this unique oval format, Diamond Audio provides riders with the largest possible cone area for maximum sound pressure levels while strategically retaining usable storage space within the saddlebag—a feat previously thought impossible with drivers of this scale.

“On Day 2 at KnowledgeFest Nathan Larson, Director of Powersports, gave an in depth presentation on the show floor in the Cerwin Vega/Diamond Audio booth. The presentation covered the huge commitment for new products for both the Cerwin Vega and Diamond Audio brands in the Side-x-Side Market with over 160 new products combined in just this category” John Catalano, Director Product Development and Controlled Chaos, related.

Contunuing “Following Nathan’s well attended and very informative presentation we spent over 20 minutes fielding questions including inquiries about the new stuff. We just wish it was already in stock. Beginning in March-May we will see all the new products in inventory.”

The kit features the all-new HMXFB 2-way speakers, engineered for the harsh environment of the open road: Carbon Fiber Cone: Delivers intense impact and lightning-fast transient response.

1.5″ Compression Loaded Titanium Tweeter: Provides crisp, musical high-frequency detail and increased output to cut through wind and exhaust noise.

Neodymium Motor: A high-energy magnet structure that offers immense power handling while significantly reducing weight. Fiber-Reinforced Basket: Ensures rigid stiffness and durability without the bulk of traditional cast baskets. Rugged, Reliable Engineering

The Lid Kit is built for the long haul, featuring brass inserts to ensure the inner gasket and outer housing maintain a perfect, reliable, and water-tight fit. For riders seeking the absolute maximum in low-end punch, Diamond Audio is also offering an optional tunable port kit to further enhance bass impact and overall output.

“With the 2024+ Harley platform, we didn’t just want to make another speaker kit; we wanted to dominate the space. By utilizing the 8″x12″ format and our patent-pending housing, we are giving riders more air movement and more volume than anything else on the market, all while keeping their bags functional” Catalano concluded.

Availability: The Diamond Audio 2024+ Harley Cut-In Lid Kit is scheduled to begin shipping in April 2026.

For more see www.diamondaudio.com.

METAIRIE, LA (02.17.26) – ORACLE Lighting is proud to announce the launch of its latest innovation for Mercedes-Benz Sprinter owners: the all-new Dual In-Dash Switch Pod engineered specifically for the 2018+ W907/W910 Sprinter platform. This OEM-style solution seamlessly integrates dual accessory controls into the vehicle’s dashboard, delivering professional fit, refined aesthetics, and intuitive functionality designed for modern adventure van builds, professional fleets, and custom conversions. 

With demand accelerating for clean, efficient accessory control systems that preserve factory interior quality, ORACLE Lighting’s Dual In-Dash Switch Pod answers the call. This precision-molded pod installs directly into the Sprinter’s original dash switch location without modification, offering a finished look that blends with the vehicle’s interior architecture. 

“We designed this switch pod to deliver both form and functionality for Sprinter owners who want accessory control without compromising the dashboard’s factory look,” said an ORACLE Lighting spokesperson. “Whether you’re outfitting a campervan, overland rig, or work van, this solution provides intuitive access to your 12V accessories with OEM-quality styling.”

Key Features and Benefits

• Factory-Integrated Design: Precision-engineered for the 2018+ Mercedes-Benz Sprinter W907/W910 to install seamlessly in the OEM dash location — no cutting or custom trimming required. 
• Dual Accessory Control: Two dedicated switches allow independent operation of 12V accessories such as LED lighting, compressors, fridges, and more. 
• Universal 12V Compatibility: Ideal for a range of aftermarket 12V accessories, providing flexible electrical control in a compact, integrated package. 
• Straightforward Installation: Snap-in mount with detachable wiring ensures serviceability and tidy wiring management. 

This dual switch pod enables Sprinter owners to centralize electrical accessory controls in the most ergonomic and visually-cohesive way possible, preserving both the interior’s refined aesthetic and practical utility. 

Availability:
The ORACLE Lighting Dual In-Dash Switch Pod is currently available for pre-order exclusively through ORACLE Lighting’s online store.

For detailed product information, installation guidance, and high-resolution images, visit www.oraclelights.com.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (February 16, 2026) – The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) is celebrating the Trump Administration’s decision to rescind the 2009 Endangerment Finding and Greenhouse Gas Vehicle Standards, dubious policy positions that empowered regulators at the federal and state levels to override consumer choices on vehicles. Among those abuses were federal- and state-led efforts to ban internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles and impose nationwide electric vehicle (EV) mandates.

• By following through with its intent to repeal the GHG endangerment finding, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is unleashing innovation in a significant segment of the automotive aftermarket industry that is entirely dependent on ICE technology. That segment, which has a $100 billion annual economic impact and employs more than 330,000 Americans, is now free to rely on free-market solutions to our emissions challenges.

“This is a tremendous decision by the EPA to course-correct after nearly two decades of abuses by previous administrations at the federal and state levels, and instead return sanity to our nation’s environmental policies,” said SEMA CEO Mike Spagnola. “It was with great trepidation that SEMA watched our nation’s leaders demonize and ban the very motor vehicles that serve as the bedrock upon which the American people – families, small businesses, and automotive enthusiasts – rely to live their best, most prosperous lives. It was even more infuriating to watch these policymakers brazenly justify their actions with a dubious policy position that now rightly goes away, to be replaced with a common-sense, free-market view of what drives our nation’s prosperity.”

BACKGROUND

• The EPA’s decision will directly impact federal new car requirements and does not impact existing emissions laws established by the Clean Air Act. Instead, it will ensure that automakers produce vehicles driven by consumer demand, rather than greenhouse gas limits, that latter of which has significantly influenced the models of vehicles available to the American people since 2009. This policy shift will directly impact the range of new vehicle choices that exist in the coming years.

• In comments responding to the EPA’s rulemaking for Docket ID No. EPA–HQ–OAR–2025–0194 — Reconsideration of the 2009 Endangerment Finding and Greenhouse Gas Vehicle Standards, SEMA identified economic and cultural considerations for re-establishing a foundation of vehicle choice in the U.S. automotive market, which, because of recent GHG emissions policies, have experienced an erosion of affordability and innovation.

• SEMA and its 7,000 member businesses are the heart of the U.S. automotive aftermarket industry, which annually contributes more than $337 billion to the U.S. economy and supports more than 1.3 million American jobs.

• Most of the businesses that make up the aftermarket are small businesses, but there is nothing small about the innovation and ingenuity they show every day. The products that aftermarket businesses manufacture, sell, and distribute to automotive enthusiasts worldwide are a testament to our nation’s engineering superiority.

• The SEMA Show in Las Vegas, the largest trade show in North America, with 160,000 attendees expected, annually includes the centerpiece “FutureTech Studio” activation, where the organization showcases different propulsion technologies, including EV, hybrid, hydrogen, alternative fuels, and other technological advancements that represent the “what’s next, what’s possible” of the American automotive industry.

• SEMA is not anti-EV, nor will it ever be. Rather, SEMA is passionate about protecting the freedom of businesses to deliver the next groundbreaking product, and the American consumer’s freedom to choose whether that product fits their needs and lifestyle. Such innovation can only be delivered through technology-neutral government policy and by allowing the marketplace to drive demand for these products.

ORANGE CITY, FL (02.13.26) – On Tuesday, January 9th, PowerBass was on the road in Florida heading for a stop at LESCO Distributing in Orange City. Jeff Falk, National Sales Manager, and Territory rep Nelson Pierantoni, Tri-Srar Marketing were set for a day covering new products and a conduct a training session with the LESCO Team.

Their first stop was for fuel at Buc-cees and this was Nelson‘s first experience at the well-known truck stop chain. ‘He said it was incredible and he has now become Buc-ceeatized and is hooked on the Beaver Nuggets,’’ Falk commented.

Once they got to the LESCO location Scott Austin -Sales Manager had everything set to go and the meeting got underway.

In the meeting room, Jeff Falk led the presentation for the 7 staff members and used a monitor to highlight the products covered. Scott Austin commented, “The 2026 new products for Teslas, Proaudio, new PowerBass Marine Amps and marine products will be hot sellers for LESCO to supply to our dealers in the territory.”

LESCO and PowerBass have been business partners for many years and has earned several PowerBass distributor awards through the years.

LESCO has branches in Sound Bend IN, Carrollton TX and Miami FL in addition to Orange City.

For more see powerbass.com.

TAMPA, FL (02.13.26) – DOW Technologies was recently awarded Distributor of the Year 2026 at the Mobile Electronics Industry Awards. This is the eighth time that DOW has been honored with the award.

The Mobile Electronics association presents the awards annually to recognize and honor those in the mobile electronics industry. The Industry Awards are voted on by the retailers and vendors working in the 12Volt industry nationwide. The awards ceremony occurred Thursday night, February 5th, at the KnowledgeFest event in Las Vegas. The KnowledgeFest exposition, trainings and demo events were held at the Paris Las Vegas.

The DOW Technologies 12Volt team saw success over the past year with their focus on returning value to the independent dealer. DOW provides unique benefits and programs that support dealers to have healthy margins and sales practices.

• Smart Services program members receive freight credits when returning a defective product- accommodating a dealer for the shipping cost and time spent on return authorizations. 
• New freight program with an option to ship all the sub boxes on an order for as low as a $45 charge – acknowledges a dealer pain point with a program that allows them to be competitively priced and still maintain healthy margins.
• Black Friday and 12 Days of 12Volt Promotions- DOW exclusive promotions on high demand items that a dealer can advertise and sell through during the holiday sales season.
• Stable pricing during turbulent tariff uncertainty- made dealers aware of profitable opportunities on inventory that was brought in prior to tariffs
• Updated website for convenience and product awareness- better organization that highlights new product areas and makes it quicker to order installation solutions. 

“We’re really proud of the effort the team puts into providing the best customer service in the industry,” said Dave Elkin, senior vice president of sales and product management. “We put together these programs to help customers, but it’s the team that translates DOW’s value everyday that makes doing business easier for customers.”

“This award is recognition for the whole team that supports our customers, including our operations, marketing, and accounting teams,” said John Yodzis, president & ceo of DOW Technologies. “We are dedicated to making the process smooth at every touch point and giving the dealer more than just the product they ordered.”

To learn more about DOW Technologies, please visit http://www.dowtechnologies.com or call 1.800.627.2900.

To read more about the Mobile Electronics Awards, please visit https://meindustryawards.com/what-are-the-industry-awards/

BONIFAY, FL (02.12.26) – Prodigy Audio is proud to announce the recent appointment of its new National Sales Manager, Brett Barnes. Bringing over 30 years of elite experience in the technology and music reproduction sectors, he is leading the brand’s aggressive push to expand its dealer and distribution networks across the United States.

A Legacy of Excellence Prodigy Audio was founded by audio enthusiast Jonathan Demuth, whose journey in the industry began in 1988. From his early days as an installer to his success in retail, distribution, and manufacturing, Demuth’s vision has always been rooted in providing top-quality products for users seeking loud, reliable daily-use equipment. His previous venture, T3 Audio, was a dominant force in SPL competition from 2005 to 2011, and that same competitive DNA is now foundational to the Prodigy Audio brand.

Industry Veteran Joins the Mission Brett, the newly appointed National Sales Manager, brings a diverse background that perfectly complements this heritage. His career began in the car audio scene of the 1990s and evolved into custom installations for home entertainment and security. He has served as a manufacturer’s representative for prestigious brands, including Bryston, PMC, Proceed, Revel, Niles Audio, Canton, and Straightwire.

Beyond acoustics, he brings sophisticated technical expertise in IT and automation, with deep experience in systems from Ultimate, Cisco, AMX, and Crestron. This rare combination of high-fidelity audio knowledge and technical integration ensures Prodigy Audio’s partners receive unparalleled support.

“Prodigy Audio is aiming to offer amazing products and solutions in the car audio space,” said Brett Barnes. “Our focus is specializing in high-quality subwoofers and amplifiers at a competitive price structure. We aren’t just selling hardware; we are providing a sustainable business model for our partners.”

Building a Robust Dealer Network Prodigy Audio is committed to dealer success through aggressive incentives and a market-leading warranty program, including a 3-year dealer-installed woofer warranty. The brand’s expansion is already underway:

Current Representation: Represented in Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina by Vickers Distribution.

Expansion Pipeline: Potential partnerships are developing in Kentucky, Florida, and the Gulf Coast.
Future Growth: The company is executing a methodical expansion nationwide, prioritizing face-to-face evaluations to ensure dealers align with the brand’s high standards.

About Prodigy Audio Founded by Jonathan Demuth, Prodigy Audio delivers high-performance automotive audio solutions. With products optimized through computer simulations and rigorous field testing by renowned experts like Eric Stevens, the brand sets a new standard for value and quality in the mobile electronics industry.

For more see www.prodigyaudio.com.

TEMPE, AZ (2.12.26) – Mobile Solutions is proud to announce the official launch of FabKit™, an engineered Speaker Grille & Panel System designed to dramatically reduce fabrication time while delivering premium, layered 3D interior styling.

“Too many shops avoid custom work because they believe it’s not profitable,” said Bryan Schmitt, founder, president, and CEO of Mobile Solutions. “We’ve challenged the status quo in fabrication by asking one simple question: How can we build smarter and save valuable time? FabKit is the answer. It increases efficiency, raises consistency, and gives shops the freedom to focus on generating revenue instead of sanding and routing for hours. Wrap it in material, install it, and you’re done.”

FabKit was created to eliminate some of the most time-consuming stages of custom panel fabrication. The system allows shops to focus more on creativity and finishing, and less on layout, routing, and grille-frame construction.

Engineered Efficiency Meets Premium Design

FabKit features a precision-machined, layered construction that is ready for upholstery in leather, suede, or vinyl straight out of the box. Its integrated magnet system allows effortless grille removal and secure reinstallation.

The system is designed for universal flexibility across multiple custom audio applications and produces consistent, repeatable results across builds.

Real-World Results: Major Time Savings

Early adopters are reporting significant labor reductions.

“The MS FabKit system is easily the biggest time saver since the release of the original Smart Template system,” said Peter Riker of The Specialists in Tucson, Ariz. “We easily save 8–10 hours of fabrication time using the FabKit.”

Built for Profitability

FabKit helps shops:
• Save 4–6+ hours per project
• Deliver OEM-inspired layered depth styling
• Increase shop throughput and revenue
• Improve client satisfaction with faster turnaround

With time savings translating directly to billable hours, FabKit positions shops to take on more projects and improve margins.

Available Models

FabKit Speaker Grille Panel Systems are available in four configurations:
• FK-APEX – 34.75in. x 13in.
• FK-GT – 41.25in. x 13in.
• FK-Shadow – 37.25in. x 12.5in.
• FK-Covert – 42in. x 13.5in.

Visit www.FabKit.com for more information

For more information, please visit www.mobilesolutions-usa.com.

TORRANCE, CA (2.11.26) – Rydeen Mobile Electronics is proud to announce the expansion of its sales representative network across the Pacific region. By partnering with three premier manufacturer’s representative firms, Rydeen is ensuring that drivers across California, Nevada, and the Pacific Northwest have easier access to safety vehicle technology, including digital rear view mirrors and 360° view camera systems.

As vehicle safety continues to become a top priority for modern drivers, Rydeen is committed to “bridging the gap” between factory-installed tech and the aftermarket.

“These new partnerships will allow local car audio retailers and professional installers to provide expert support and stock for Rydeen’s most sought-after safety solutions,” says Rex Berfield, Rydeen’s National Sales Manager.

We are proud to announce the appointment of Amplified Sales, Crossover Marketing Group, and RPM Sales Group to help us expand our brand coverage.

Amplified Sales
Amplified Sales and Marketing, led by 26-year industry veteran Micah Boren, provides hands-on representation and technical support throughout Northern California and Northern Nevada. The firm operates with a “storefront-first” philosophy, treating each retail partner as their own to ensure premium brands like Rydeen are correctly positioned, supported, and successful at the store level.

Crossover Marketing Group
Crossover Marketing is a Manufacturer’s Rep Firm servicing the Pacific Northwest market. The company was founded by Rob Sutton and Paul Pilat, who have decades of combined experience in leadership roles within the consumer electronics industry. The company focuses on sustainable dealer development and incorporates innovative marketing strategies with a priority on customer service.

“Rydeen creates value on both the sales floor and in the bay,” added Paul Pilat, Principal Owner and Co-founder, Crossover Marketing Group. “Paired with The Crossover Way, our process-driven approach to Customer Service. We see a tremendous opportunity to grow profitability across the territory.”

RPM Sales Group
RPM Sales Group is a premier manufacturer’s representative firm specializing in the mobile electronics, motorcycle, and power sports industries across the Southwest. They serve as the strategic bridge between innovative brands like Rydeen and a professional network of retailers in Southern California, Arizona, and Southern Nevada. By providing expert technical training and market support, they ensure local installers are fully equipped to bring advanced vehicle safety solutions to their customers.

Visit www.rydeenmobile.com.

LIBERTYVILLE, IL (2.11.26) – With cutting-edge amplification technology and a modern chassis footprint, the ALL-NEW BRUTUS BRL amplifier series is engineered to maximize power efficiency while providing raw, clean power to drive subwoofers and speakers to their full potential performance.

Every BRUTUS BRL amplifier is innovated with a built-in VU Meter —whether it’s the BRL1200.4D for high-fidelity multi-channel setups or the thunderous BRL3000.1D for bass-heavy builds, the Hifonics BRUTUS BRL series is built to dominate your audio setup.

To learn more, click here.