AUBURN HILLS, MI (10.02.26) – Alps Alpine North America, Inc. (“Alpine”) is attending the Specialty Equipment Marketing Association Show 2026 (SEMA 2026). The event will be held at the Las Vegas Convention Center from Tuesday, November 3rd – Friday, November 6th, 2026. Alpine will be exhibiting in Booth 10373 in the North Hall.

Alpine will be showcasing the all new Alpine Marine Lineup, a 2026 Ford F-150 TSport Alpine Edition, and a 2019 CanAm Maverick within the booth.

“Alpine’s return to SEMA has been long anticipated, and we’re thrilled to once again be part of this incredible gathering of industry leaders, innovators, retailers, installers, and enthusiasts,” said Dan Sparks, Director of National Sales & Marketing for the Alpine Brand Division at Alps Alpine North America, Inc. “SEMA is more than a showcase of products. It is an opportunity to connect with our dealers, reps and customers, strengthen relationships, exchange ideas, and celebrate the passion that drives the automotive aftermarket industry forward. While visitors will see some exciting Alpine solutions throughout the show, we are equally excited about being back among the industry community and sharing what’s ahead for the brand. And, as always, we may have a few surprises in store.”

Marine Product Line
The 2026 Marine Audio Product Line combines Alpine’s legendary sound quality with the durability and reliability demanded by life on the water. Featuring an all-new family of marine speakers, amplifiers, subwoofers, and head units, the lineup was designed to stand apart with a distinctive aesthetic unlike anything else in the marine audio category.

Every speaker in this new collection features integrated RGB lighting, delivering a premium visual experience to match its exceptional acoustic performance. Engineered for powerful, detailed sound and built to withstand harsh marine conditions, the new speakers embody Alpine’s commitment to high-fidelity audio and long-term reliability. Complementing the lineup are compact, high-output amplifiers that provide impressive power from a small footprint while maintaining consistent performance in demanding environments.

Bailment F-150
Slated to be featured at SEMA, the 2026 Ford F-150 TSport Alpine Edition brings together bold exterior styling and Alpine premium audio in a distinctive performance-inspired package. The vehicle recently served as the official pace truck for the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series event at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park on July 24, 2026, showcasing the TSport Alpine Edition on one of motorsports’ most visible stages.

This F-150 incorporates a new TSport Alpine Edition graphics package, an Alpine grille, a Alpine two-piece hood scoop, the PSS-23F150 8-speaker, and 600-watt plug-and-play premium sound system. The new Alpine grille gives the F-150 a more aggressive, stylized appearance while retaining the factory 360-degree camera system. Constructed from UV-protected ABS with a factory-matched matte-black texture, the grille is engineered as a direct replacement using existing factory mounting points with no cutting or vehicle modification required.

The Alpine grille is scheduled to become available in October 2026 as part of a vehicle upfit package offered through Ford dealerships, with fulfillment through Timberline Upfitters.”

2019 CanAm Maverick
2019 Can-Am Maverick X3 MAX X RS Turbo will round out the featured vehicles within Booth # 10373. This vehicle is outfitted to showcase Alpine’s performance-driven powersports audio and lighting solutions. The vehicle features the Alpine PSS-CMAV sound system, GP-RGB-SBAR soundbar, and Alpine Style Off-Road Lighting, creating an immersive combination of premium sound, visibility, and rugged styling. Built for demanding off-road environments, the Maverick demonstrates how Alpine products can elevate the driving experience both on the trail and at the show.

Show Hours & Information
Tuesday, November 3rd: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday, November 4th: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday, November 5th: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday, November 6th: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Las Vegas Convention Center
3150 Paradise Rd Las Vegas, NV 89109

All SEMA 2026 attendees are welcome to visit the Alpine booth to learn more about the products being exhibited, receive in-person demos, and speak with staff members from the Alpine Sales, Marketing, and Product Engineering teams. Attendees are encouraged to visit https://semashow.com/ for more information and to purchase tickets for the event.

DANIA BEACH, FL (10.02.26) — HKI USA announced the promotion of Jacob Brown to Chief Operating Officer, effective October 1, 2026. In his new role, Brown will oversee day-to-day operations, streamline core processes, and strengthen the company’s procedures and inventory controls.

Brown has been with HKI USA for seven years and most recently served as Director of Operations. During his tenure, he helped guide the company through significant change, including refinements to its product portfolio, upgrades to back-office systems, and the evolution of its team.

“Jacob has earned my trust through his leadership and commitment to HKI USA. His promotion to COO reflects that confidence, and I look forward to working alongside him as we continue to grow,” said Diogo Iannaccone, Chief Executive Officer of HKI USA.

“I’m honored to take on this role and build on the strong foundation our team has created,” said Brown. “We have exceptional people, outstanding products, and a shared passion for music. I’m excited to turn those strengths into smarter operations, stronger partnerships, and continued growth for HKI USA.”

Visit https://hki-usa.com for more.

SASKATOON, SK (10.01.26) – Firstech Canada is proud to announce its appointment as the exclusive Canadian distributor for Netvio, strengthening Firstech Canada’s Residential and Commercial AV portfolio with a complete ecosystem of professional video distribution, AV-over-IP, control, networking and software solutions.

Founded by an experienced leadership team with deep roots in the professional AV industry, Netvio was established by Derek Hulbert following a decade as CEO of WyreStorm Technologies, where he helped transform the company into a globally recognized video distribution brand. Together with co-founder and Technical Director James Meredith, Hulbert and the Netvio team have focused on rethinking how professional AV systems are designed, deployed and controlled—combining high-performance hardware with intuitive, license-inclusive software under the company’s core philosophy of “Simplifying Complexity.”

Under the new agreement, Firstech Canada will stock and distribute Netvio’s complete hardware and software portfolio across Canada, providing dealers and integrators with product availability, sales expertise, training and technical support. The partnership combines Netvio’s rapidly expanding technology platform with Firstech Canada’s established dealer relationships and commitment to dependable Canadian inventory and support.

Netvio brings together AV-over-IP, HDBaseT video distribution, audio and USB solutions, touch panels, system controllers and professional networking. Its software ecosystem—including Netvio360, AppBuilder and NetvioGo—is designed to simplify system discovery, configuration, deployment and end-user control, helping integrators deliver increasingly sophisticated AV systems with streamlined workflows.

The partnership also introduces Canadian integrators to Netvio’s latest innovations, including new 4K60 AV-over-IP solutions and the N1 Series network switches. Designed for professional AV and IT applications, the N1 platform supports AV-over-IP, Dante, control, lighting, security and conventional data applications, with management through Netvio360.

“We’re very pleased to welcome Netvio to the Firstech portfolio,” said Phil Maczuga, Director of Brands and Supply Chain at Firstech Canada. “Netvio brings together AV-over-IP, video distribution, control and networking solutions with a powerful software platform, giving our dealers a complete ecosystem that is both technically advanced and straightforward to deploy. By stocking the complete Netvio range and providing sales and technical support, we can give Canadian integrators the products, knowledge and availability they need to confidently specify Netvio for their projects.”

Derek Hulbert, Managing Director and Co-Founder of Netvio, commented on the partnership: “Spending time with the Firstech team and talking directly with their dealers reinforced why we believe this is the right partnership for Netvio. Firstech understands that successful distribution is about much more than supplying products. It requires technical knowledge, strong dealer relationships and a genuine commitment to helping integrators deliver better projects. We saw all of those qualities during the visit.”

Hulbert added: “Canada is an important market for Netvio and we want to develop it properly. Our time with the Firstech team demonstrated a shared enthusiasm for what Netvio can bring to Canadian integrators. With stock and support now in place, and a significant programme of new product and software launches underway, we are looking forward to building the business together and supporting dealers as they begin deploying Netvio solutions.”

Netvio hardware and software solutions are available now to professional AV dealers and integrators throughout Canada exclusively through Firstech Canada.

Netvio hardware and software solutions are available now to professional AV dealers and integrators throughout Canada exclusively through Firstech Canada.

To learn more, visit https://www.myfirstech.ca/brand-page-netvi.

DETROIT, MI (10.01.2026) – You know that blue button? This year marks the 30th anniversary of OnStar, and it does a lot more now than just call for help after an accident. GM’s connected services portfolio includes several OnStar plans built for different kinds of drivers. Together, they cover safety, remote commands, connectivity, navigation, entertainment, and advanced driving aids.

OnStar isn’t just in your car, either. Many features work with apps from each of our brands: MyBuick, MyCadillac, MyChevrolet, and MyGMC. They’re available to download for Android and iOS.

Here’s a look at what OnStar can do, including a few capabilities that might surprise you:

Safety

Safety is at the heart of what OnStar does, whether you’re behind the wheel or your kid has borrowed the car for the night.

• Automatic Crash Response: After a collision, OnStar automatically checks on you and alerts first responders to your location and situation.
• Roadside Assistance: If you have an issue on the road, like a flat tire, a dead battery, or the need for a tow truck, we’ll send help directly to your location and get you back on your way.
• Stolen Vehicle Assistance: OnStar works with law enforcement to track a stolen vehicle and can slow it to a stop or prevent it from starting.
• Safety Services: In any emergency, press the red button to reach one of GM’s 24/7 Emergency Advisors, who can assist and send help to you or someone else on the road. OnStar Crisis Assist also provides special routing help during severe weather events or natural disasters.

Remote Commands

Having control of your car when you’re not in it grants some peace of mind. It’s also convenient, like when you want to send navigation directions directly to your car.

• Remote lock and unlock: Forget to lock up? Check and do it from your vehicle app. You can also unlock remotely for someone else, honk the horn, or flash the lights to find where you parked. EV owners can start or stop charging, too.
• Remote start: Start your engine or turn on your EV and set the climate so the cabin is ready when you are.
• Send directions: Choose a destination in your app and send it directly to your vehicle’s navigation system before you even get in.
• Vehicle status: Check the fuel level, the battery charge, tire pressures, and more. You also get the odometer reading, remaining oil life, and EV charging status.
• Vehicle location: Forget where you parked? The app shows your vehicle’s current location.

Connectivity

When you need to communicate or navigate, OnStar’s connected services are there to make things simpler.

• In-vehicle Wi-Fi hotspot: Connect up to 18 devices, with signal reaching up to 50 feet away, good enough to cover the whole tailgate or get you online from your campsite.
• Navigation: Live traffic information helps you find the best route right now, and built-in navigation can help you pick a destination if you need some ideas.
• Google Gemini: Vehicles with Google built-in get the Google Gemini, which offers AI assistance in your vehicle. With Gemini, you can get hands-free help using natural, free-flowing conversation like setting the cabin temperature or planning a more efficient route.”
• Over-the-air updates: OnStar delivers the latest software for your vehicle. You can get new features and refinements while your car sits in the driveway.

Entertainment

Everyone gets bored from time to time. OnStar features can offer some more fun for the driver and passengers.

• Audio streaming: A variety of music, podcasts, audiobooks, and news is available directly to your speakers.
• News: Stay informed with real-time news updates that OnStar sends directly to your vehicle’s center display.
• Video Streaming: Passengers can watch movies and shows in high quality through the infotainment system.
• Games: Interactive games keep everyone entertained, whether it’s a short trip to the store or an epic road trip.
• Internet browser: You can surf the web directly from your car, which can be helpful if you need to look something up on the go.

Advanced driver assistance

OnStar supports GM’s goal of bolstering driver safety by delivering the infrastructure for different advanced driver aids.

• Super Cruise: Vehicles equipped with Super Cruise hands-free driving assistance hardware receive the most up-to-date map data through OnStar, so your car or truck knows where you’re able to take hands off the wheel.
• Hands-free trailering: GM trucks and SUVs with Super Cruise let you tow a trailer hands-free, taking into account the length of the trailer for lane changes.
• Turn signal-activated lane change: Just activate your turn signal, and the system will find a clear spot, smoothly changing lanes without any further action needed from you.
• Automatic lane change: If enabled, your car will automatically pass slower vehicles in your lane without you having to touch any controls.

Every new Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC vehicle comes with an OnStar trial. Just press the blue button to get started. Available plans include Connect, Connect Plus, Protect, and Super Cruise, with pricing from $14.99 per month once the trial ends.

Article Source: GM.com

DIAMOND BAR, CA(09.30.26) – The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) has officially re-launched its Drive the Vote campaign to mobilize the employees of SEMA’s member businesses, along with the nation’s 70 million automotive enthusiasts, to cast ballots in this November’s midterm elections.

Employers and voters can visit sema.org/vote to access resources for registering and voting this November, and to educate your people on the issues facing the automotive aftermarket industry. Because the 2026 SEMA Show begins on Election Day, those planning to attend should review their state’s laws on casting ballots in advance of Nov. 3.

“Voting is a fundamentally American act, and we need everyone in the automotive aftermarket industry to get to the polls during this pivotal election and lend their voices to the political process,” said Karen Bailey-Chapman, SEMA’s senior vice president for public and government affairs. “In 2024, our community showed up in a big way by delivering a clear referendum on EV mandates and reminding lawmakers that our industry is a powerful force to reckon with. This year, we have new issues and new names on the ballot, but our mission remains the same: send pro-automotive legislators to Washington, D.C., to ensure we can deliver pro-automotive legislation and policies that support our industry and the small businesses who drive our culture.”

For 2026, Drive the Vote has again developed resources to ensure that every American is fully knowledgeable about where their candidates stand on automotive, racing, and off-roading issues. These resources include the development of a 2026 Voter Guide led by SEMA’s Driving Force Foundation voter education initiative. The guide presents information on every single elected official in Congress and how they have voted on SEMA-backed issues.

To learn more about Drive the Vote, visit sema.org/vote.

LIBERTYVILLE, IL (09.30.26) – More DETAIL. More LOUD. More SOUND. Now tuned specifically for your Ford® Maverick® vehicle. Give your Ford® Maverick® the audio it deserves with ALL-NEW Ford Maverick Tuned Audio Kits, now tuned for the Maverick lifestyle and designed to deliver a powerful, immersive listening experience.

From complete STAGE 4 Tuned Audio Packages to a dedicated 10″ Tuned Subwoofer Upgrade and 6.5″ Component Speaker Upgrade, the MB Quart Maverick lineup gives you the flexibility to build the system that fits your Maverick ride and your sound.

Featuring vehicle-specific components, powerful amplification, and OEM-style plug-and-play integration, these systems are built
to bring an immersive soundstage that elevates your entire audio experience within your Maverick vehicle while making setup simple.

To learn more, click here.

TORONTO, ON (09.29.27) – CMA EXPO will return to the Toronto Congress Centre from April 9–11, 2027, celebrating its five-year anniversary with three action-packed days designed to help Canadian professionals learn, connect, discover new opportunities and grow their businesses.

Education will once again be a major focus of CMA EXPO. Renowned fabricator and educator Bryan Schmitt returns in 2027 to lead an intensive Fabrication Masterclass, sharing the techniques, processes and knowledge that have made him one of the industry’s most respected fabrication experts.

The 2027 Sales Track will feature Educar trainer Ken Ward, with sessions focused on helping retailers sharpen their sales process, develop stronger teams, improve profitability and ultimately win more business.

Attendees will also have access to Skills Workshops, Manufacturer Training Sessions and popular In-Vehicle Sessions, providing opportunities to gain hands-on knowledge, discover the latest products and technologies, and experience real-world installation and integration techniques inside actual vehicles.

The CMA EXPO show floor will bring together many of the industry’s leading brands and Canadian distributors while showcasing the latest products and technologies across car audio, marine audio, motorcycle audio, powersports and other emerging 12-volt categories. An extensive lineup of demo vehicles will give attendees the opportunity to experience these technologies first hand.

For Canadian shop owners, VIP Business Hours will provide an exclusive opportunity to meet one-on-one with many of Canada’s top distributors. These dedicated business hours are designed to create an environment where retailers and suppliers can strengthen relationships, discuss opportunities and conduct meaningful business away from the crowds.

Networking will remain an important part of the CMA EXPO experience in 2027. SiriusXM returns with the SiriusXM Networking Lounge, providing a dedicated gathering place throughout the event. On Friday, the SiriusXM Cocktail Hour will bring the industry together to reconnect with longtime colleagues, meet new people and build valuable relationships.

New for 2027, every three-day CMA EXPO registration will include lunch each day, allowing attendees to stay on-site, continue networking and make the most of their time at the event.

For five years, CMA EXPO has provided a dedicated national gathering place for Canada’s 12-volt industry. The 2027 event will celebrate that milestone while continuing to expand the education, networking, business development and hands-on experiences available to Canadian retailers and industry professionals.

Early Bird Registration is now open. Visit CMAEXPO.ca to register today.

LOS ANGELES, CA (09.29.26) – In a historic moment for California’s automotive heritage and enthusiasts, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Leno’s Law (Senate Bill 1392) at the garage owned by the bill’s namesake, entertainer, and noted automotive enthusiast Jay Leno. The bill signing delivers to the state significant, much-needed reform to smog check requirements to appropriately balance environmental stewardship with cultural reverence.

The bill was sponsored by Leno and the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA).

Gov. Newsom was joined at the signing ceremony by Leno, SEMA CEO Mike Spagnola, Sen. Dave Cortese, and advocates who participated in the effort to preserve California’s automotive heritage, including Francine Mata, co-founder and president of the Sacramento Lowrider Commission and a founding member of the California Lowrider Alliance, and Carmen Vera, co-owner of acclaimed restoration shop Pasadena Classic Car.

• Leno’s Law, authored by Sen. Cortese with principal coauthor Sen. Shannon Grove, creates a narrow, phased-in pathway to exemptions from California’s smog-check requirements for qualifying collector vehicles manufactured between 1976 and 1985. Leno’s Law was crafted to provide a carefully limited solution for vehicles typically preserved for shows, parades, charitable functions, and historical exhibitions, rather than vehicles used for everyday transportation.

The collaborative and fruitful effort to pass Leno’s Law united Democrats and Republicans and mobilized a diverse set of stakeholders, including lowrider groups and car clubs, collectors, preservationists, automotive businesses, and enthusiasts.

“SEMA applauds Governor Newsom for putting his signature on a historic win for California’s automotive community and for every family, enthusiast, and small business working to keep this culture alive,” Spagnola said. “Leno’s Law shows that California can protect clean air while also showing the appropriate reverence for the vehicles that connect generations and tell an important part of our state’s story. We are grateful to Senators Cortese and Grove, Jay Leno, our member companies, and the thousands of advocates whose energy fueled this effort with an unrelenting passion for our shared automotive heritage.”

BACKGROUND
Leno’s Law establishes a narrow, phased-in, collector-only pathway to a smog-check exemption for certain older vehicles. Under the bill, beginning Jan. 1, 2028, qualifying collector vehicles (manufactured before model year 1981) would be exempt from smog-check requirements. The exemption would annually expand by one model year until 2033, when it would apply to vehicles manufactured before model year 1986. To qualify, vehicles must meet the bill’s collector-use requirements, and owners must either carry collector-car insurance or, via a future DMV process to be established by 2030, verify that the vehicle is driven fewer than 1,000 miles per year. The bill does not change California’s existing exemption for pre-1976 vehicles.

The effort to pass this bill gained support from California’s automotive community and international enthusiasts. California’s lowrider groups sent over 1,700 letters, and FIA’s International Historical Commission endorsed it, praising its balance of preservation and environmental goals.

California is widely recognized as a key cultural hub for America’s automotive history, instantly identifiable through countless images of classic cars and trucks cruising across its roads—from desert to coast and the urban landscapes in between. Appropriately, the state is home to more than 1,500 SEMA member businesses, and its automotive aftermarket sector sustains nearly 150,000 jobs. It annually generates over $40 billion in economic activity, provides $13 billion in wages and benefits, and contributes $6 billion in taxes.

For more information, visit www.sema.org.

BIRMINGHAM, AL (09.28.26) – For 50 years AED USA has helped Southeast dealers build stronger line cards… not one-off SKUs. This past week’s 12volt Brand spotlighted the ZAPCO’s innovative, high-performance amplifiers, analog processors and DSP options for shops that take 12volt HiFi seriously.

“ZAPCO and AED have been in business the same amount of time since 1974. Today over 50 years later, we both remain focused and eager to help dealers grow by offering products that are thoughtfully designed, sound amazing and solve today’s audio problems” Blake Potts stated for AED.

ZAPCO has a lineup that can bring any system forward in sound. We love the Harmony DSP/Amp series. AED is seeing more dealers learning about DSP and growing their integration opportunities every day. Get in gear and add ZAPC to your store for the fall season. The best Sound and affordability is easy! Five easy letters… Z.A.P. C. O. “ Potts concluded.

For more see aedusa.net

CERRITOS, CA (09.24.26) – SoundSkins Global, a leading innovator in high-performance sound dampening and insulation solutions for the 12V and automotive industries, is proud to announce ABT Electronics as an authorized SoundSkins dealer. The full SoundSkins product line is now available to purchase and have professionally installed at ABT, both at its
Glenview, Illinois showroom and online at abt.com.

Family owned and operated since 1936, ABT Electronics is the largest independent single-store retailer of electronics and appliances in the United States. Its Vehicle Technology Department performs every installation in house, working on everything from daily drivers to exotics, RVs, boats, and powersports vehicles.

The partnership covers the complete SoundSkins catalog: vehicle-specific pre-cut sound deadening kits, universal sound deadening and insulation materials like SoundSkins Pro, Classic, Heat Shield, Wavy Foam and more, and vehicle-specific and universal SoundSkins enclosures. Every SoundSkins kit is cut to fit an exact vehicle, which removes the measuring, trimming, and guesswork from a sound deadening install and delivers consistent, repeatable coverage.

“ABT has spent nearly 90 years earning its customers’ trust by doing things the right way, including keeping installation in house,” said Dennis Garcia, COO at SoundSkins Global. “That is exactly the kind of retailer we want representing SoundSkins. Their team can now offer a cleaner, faster sound deadening solution backed by real fitment.”

For more information about SoundSkins Global and its product lineup, visit www.soundskinsglobal.com.