DANIA BEACH, FL(08.29.25) – HKI USA, the US importer for Ground Zero Car Audio, Resolut Technology, and Four Connect Wiring Products announces a New Member of the Team!
HKI USA is proud to have expanded their team, yet again. As has been made abundantly clear in recent announcements, HKI USA is solidifying its presence in the “high-end” and “SQ” realm with a solid mix of amazing products, an experienced team, and now a Mr. Nick Wingate.
Nick Wingate
“The concept of ‘We Are Car Audio’ is something that we believe deep into our core, and why we align so heavily with the brands we represent” says Jacob Brown, Director of Operations at HKI USA. “Our vendor partners have given us the ammunition to be able to provide the outstanding equipment needed to be able to put a smile on a customer’s face. The addition of Nick gives us more ammunition to accomplish this, which I feel is the ultimate and lost goal of this industry.”
Having the opportunity to work with Ground Zero Car Audio and Resolut Technologies, at this particular time, was something I could not turn down. Having known some of the people who work there for quite some time has made this transition very easy for me. The emphasis will be on reminding all of the 12 volt car audio dealers that it is about the music and having fun selling it!” stated Nick Wingate, the Director of Car Audio Development for HKI USA.
TAMPA, FL (08.29.25) – DOW Technologies, the leading independently owned technology distributor, announced today that Taylor Roberts has joined the company as an Account Manager for the 12Volt channel. Roberts brings hands on installation experience to bolster DOW’s 12Volt team.
Roberts spent eight successful years as an installation technician with Car Toys at two of their Dallas locations. Beginning as a 12Volt technician, Roberts grew her skills and knowledge as she completed outstanding audio upgrades and fabricated custom enclosures and panels. Roberts was promoted to Lead Technician in 2024, taking on responsibilities for corporate goals and managing customer service issues in addition to continuing her installation duties.
Taylor in the DOW booth at KnowledgeFest Dallas 2025, speaking with Vernon of Vernon’s Signature Audio.
“This is a great opportunity to advance my career,” stated Roberts. “My technician background is going to help me connect and build relationships with DOW’s customers as I offer support for system design, troubleshooting, and sales ideas.”
“Taylor is going to be a great asset in our TOLA market,” stated Justin Roberts, territory manager 12V TOLA & the Southwest “She is jumping right into the job with a determination that shows her passion for the industry.”
“It’s exciting to add someone with Taylor’s skill set to our award-winning team,” added Dave Elkin, senior vice president, sales and product management. “It’s a great benefit to have a local account manager that knows the territory and can easily relate to dealers given her recent experience.”
To learn more about DOW Technologies, please visit www.dowtechnologies.com or call 1.800.627.2900.
HOUSTON, TX (08.28.25) – Wet Sounds is proud to announce the promotion of Mark Gerick to Business Unit Director, effective August 22, 2025. Gerick previously served as Chief Operating Officer and has played a pivotal role in the company’s strategic growth and operational success.
Mark Gerick
“Mark has been instrumental in guiding and building the Wet Sounds brand for many years — from periods of rapid growth to evolving industry cycles, he has consistently advanced Wet Sounds’ leadership position, strengthened the customer experience, and expanded market opportunities,” said Jake Petkovich, President – Marine, Patrick Industries, Inc.
As Business Unit Director, Gerick will lead Wet Sounds into its next phase of innovation and expansion, driving continued excellence in product development, customer experience, and market leadership.
WASHINGTON, DC (08.28.25) – The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), the leading organization for the automotive aftermarket industry, today announced the acquisition of the Off-Road Business Association (ORBA), a leading a 501(c)(6) organization dedicated to representing businesses and professionals in the off-road and powersports industries (motorcycles, ATVs, side-by-sides, snowmobiles).
Off-road products and services are the largest and fastest-growing segment of the automotive aftermarket industry. This acquisition enhances SEMA’s ability to support the advocacy and business needs of the off-road and powersports communities and the innovators who sell their products to millions of enthusiasts nationwide.
“Today is a great day for off-road and powersports enthusiasts and the businesses who cater to them, because it further unifies efforts to advocate in Washington, D.C., and statehouses nationwide on their behalf,” said SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola. “By acquiring ORBA, SEMA further unifies our shared efforts to preserve motorized access to our nation’s open spaces and secure policies that strike a tenable balance between land use and conservation. SEMA has sought ways for our Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) to work more closely with ORBA, out of an immense respect and appreciation for their work and the individuals whose blood, sweat, and tears over the decades gave a voice to businesses and enthusiasts in the off-road and powersports communities. By bringing ORBA under the SEMA banner, we’re scaling up our ability to speak on behalf of the off-road and powersports communities and further extending ORBA’s legacy of service to our industry and enthusiasts.”
“ORBA was formed to bring the added resources to support the off-road Industry through business acumen and advocacy, and by directly joining forces with SEMA, this industry will remain at the table on the important issues affecting motorized access to public lands, protecting the right to modify, race, and other important issues to the off-road community,” said ORBA CEO Fred Wiley. “SEMA, since ORBA’s inception, has been a great partner, and I firmly believe our work is in the right hands, with the right partners in the trenches for our great off-road community. I’ve always said that the issues facing the off-road industry never truly go away, they just evolve. SEMA is uniquely qualified to serve as a steward for future efforts to protect land access and champion the viewpoints of off-road businesses and enthusiasts.”
“The Truck and Off Road Alliance (TORA), a SEMA Council, was formed to represent the collective interest of its member companies who manufacture, distribute, sell and/or install accessories for off-road vehicles, light-duty pickup trucks, ATVs, or provide services to this industry,” said TORA Chair Dawson Druesedow. “We are excited to have the additional firepower of ORBA under the SEMA brand and to expand the advocacy and litigation efforts to not only protect our community but to advance policies that will allow our industry to thrive for generations to come.”
TRANSACTION DETAILS
Under the terms of the agreement, SEMA would acquire all ORBA assets. Wiley would remain a senior strategic advisor to SEMA on off-road and powersports issues.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (08.27.25) – The 2025 SEMA Show returns to Las Vegas Nov. 4-7, showcasing the latest in aftermarket innovation, new products, and the trends driving the future of the industry. While thousands explore the halls filled with breakthrough technology and networking opportunities, the action continues outdoors where multiple motorsports activations and vehicle displays deliver a full-sensory experience the moment attendees step on campus.
Leading the activation charge, OPTIMA will host a weeklong motorsports showcase – OPTIMA Unleashed – featuring high-horsepower vehicles, choreographed drift demos, and a star-studded lineup of drivers. The energy will begin to build on Tuesday with nearly 100 vehicles vying for the OPTIMA Ultimate Street Car Invitational (OUSCI)championship. The vehicles will be judged on the construction and modifications that enhance the look, performance, and functionality of a stock vehicle while maintaining or enhancing the daily-drive comfort features and accessories. SEMA Show attendees can then watch these custom vehicles on track in the OPTIMA Peak Performance Challenge, a timed acceleration and braking competition that establishes the ability of the car and driver to accelerate, negotiate tight turns, and stop in a designated spot.
Throughout the week, SEMA Show attendees can witness the OUSCI competition, watch professional drivers like Tanner Foust and Chris Forsberg take to the track, and potentially even win a ridealong. On Friday, enthusiasts are invited to experience the Show through SEMA Show Friday – Open to the Public and SEMA Fest, the Friday night celebration of music and car culture that will feature adrenaline-fueled drifting exhibitions from the OPTIMA Unleashed team.
“The SEMA Show is where the automotive aftermarket comes together to accelerate innovation and growth,” said SEMA Vice President of Events Tom Gattuso. “Activations like OPTIMA’s showcase how our industry’s creativity extends beyond products on display and into performance in action. By delivering these experiences, the Show strengthens connections between businesses, fuels consumer enthusiasm, and helps drive the aftermarket forward.”
Outdoor exhibits have become a hallmark of the SEMA Show, transforming parking lots into immersive destinations filled with featured vehicles, interactive displays, and live motorsports. From the roar of engines to the spectacle of drifting, these experiences highlight how aftermarket innovation translates to real-world performance.
“The SEMA Show provides OPTIMA with a unique platform to showcase our brand directly to both businesses and enthusiasts,” said OPTIMA Marketing Director Cam Douglass. “Our activation allows us to demonstrate performance in real-world conditions, giving attendees an authentic experience they can see, hear, and feel. The opportunity to engage with the industry and the public in one place, plus generate content to share with those following online, is what makes the SEMA Show so valuable to us.”
OPTIMA’s activation will run throughout the Show, providing must-see entertainment for attendees all week and delivering the ultimate grand finale on Friday night at SEMA Fest.
“From the second you walk outside, you’re surrounded by the sights, sounds, and excitement that make the SEMA Show unlike any other event,” said SEMA Trade Show Director Andy Tompkins. “Attendees will see world-class drivers push vehicles to the limit, smell the burning rubber, and feel the energy of the crowd – all powered by OPTIMA. It’s an unforgettable experience that brings car culture to life right in front of you.”
Qualified professional attendees are encouraged to register now to secure discounted rates and maximize their ROI. Registration is $75 through Sept. 26. Hotel reservations at guaranteed low rates are available exclusively through SEMA’s official hotel provider, onPeak.
Spaces are still available for companies interested in exhibiting and connecting with tens of thousands of qualified buyers. For more information, visit www.semashow.com/exhibitor.
All enthusiasts are invited to experience SEMA Show Friday – Open to the Public on Friday, Nov. 7, along with SEMA Fest. A variety of ticket options are available on SEMAFest.com. The Show excitement and action can also be followed throughout the week on SEMA Live streamed via YouTube and Meta.
PALO ALTO, CA (08.27.25) – SiriusXM and Maxar Space Systems announced today that the SXM-10 satellite has completed in-orbit testing and is now fully operational by SiriusXM following its successful launch by a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket on June 7, 2025.
“The SXM-10 satellite strengthens the health of our fleet and the infrastructure that provides a critical foundation for our audio entertainment and information services enjoyed by tens of millions of people across North America,” said Bridget Neville, SiriusXM’s Senior Vice President & GM of Signal Distribution Engineering.
“The successful launch and handover of SXM-10 marks another milestone in our long-standing partnership with SiriusXM,” said Chris Johnson, CEO of Maxar Space Systems. “This satellite reflects our shared commitment to innovation and reliability, and we are proud to be able to leverage our proven Maxar 1300™ platform to help SiriusXM deliver advanced audio entertainment services to millions of listeners.”
SXM-10 will help provide continuous reliable delivery of SiriusXM’s audio entertainment and information services to consumers. SXM-10 is the 11th high-powered, digital audio radio satellite built by Maxar Space Systems for SiriusXM and is built on the Maxar 1300™ platform. SXM-10 is more than 27 feet tall and over 100 feet long with its solar arrays deployed, and weighed almost 6,600 kg at launch. SXM-10 features a large unfurlable S-band reflector antenna supplied by L3Harris that enables SiriusXM programming to reach approximately 175 million SiriusXM-equipped vehicles on the road today.
SXM-10 is the second new satellite to commence service for SiriusXM in 2025 after SXM-9 began service in January. SiriusXM and Maxar Space Systems previously announced that Maxar Space has also been commissioned to build the SXM-11 and -12 satellites for SiriusXM, and those programs are ongoing with launches expected in 2026 and 2027, respectively.
ST. GEORGE, UT (08.26.25) – SWITCH Works by SSV Works announces the release of the Tango2™ Plug-&-Play Street-Legal Turn-Signal Kit for the 2025-Up Polaris® Xpedition XP and ADV. Engineered for reliability and convenience, this kit is the easiest way to get your Xpedition street-legal compliant while maintaining a factory finish.
The Tango2 system includes sequential LED front strips with a start-up sequence and Daytime Running Lights (DRL), direct tail light integration, and seamless connection to the OEM dash cluster indicators. Its compact All-in-One Controller reduces dash clutter, while the automatic self-canceling turn signals deliver both safety and convenience.
“The Tango2 is truly the next generation of street-legal UTV solutions,” said Kelson Downes, Marketing Director of SSV Works. “It is 100% plug-&-play, with one main harness that connects everything to our solid-state brain. That means no fuses, no relays, and no messy wiring. Installers and riders will appreciate how much simpler and cleaner it is compared to anything else on the market.”
Built to handle the rigors of off-road environments, the Tango2 uses solid-state circuit protection and weatherproof construction, ensuring durability in mud, dust, and water. Riders can also take advantage of hazard light mode and the integrated horn output for full street-legal compliance.
“Our goal with SWITCH Works is to set a new standard for UTV electronics,” added Kelson. “With the Tango2, Polaris Xpedition owners get the most advanced, easiest to install, and most reliable turn-signal kit available today.”
The SWITCH Works Tango2 Turn-Signal Kit for 2025-Up Polaris Xpedition XP / ADV is available now at SSVWorks.com and through authorized dealers.
LIBERTYVILLE, IL (08.26.25) – CS Series speakers are engineered to handle everything — from powerful vocals and guitar riffs to deep bass drops — and createenhanced clarity and rich, layered sound. Equipped and designed with Neo-Mylar soft dome tweeters, they produce crisp, high-volume audio balanced through a passive crossover, while offering smooth and clean midrange tones paired with punchy midbass frequencies.
It’s your audio system — elevate it with speakers that bring crisp and sharp playback upon every song. Take your audio game to the NEXT LEVEL with the CS Series of speakers!
AUSTIN, TX (08.25.25) – The dB Drag Racing Association is proud to announce the return of Deaf Bonce by Alphard Group as Presenting Sponsor of the 28th Annual dB Drag Racing Finals, taking place October 11–12, 2025.
This year’s Finals will unite elite car audio competitors across multiple venues as they contend for regional titles and the coveted Championship ring. The event will feature signature formats that define the sport: dB Drag Racing, Bass Race, Top Dog, Freestyle, and Psychlone.
As a longtime leader in high-performance car audio, Deaf Bonce has consistently fueled innovation and elevated competition standards. Their lineup of full-range speakers, amplifiers, and subwoofers showcases a relentless drive to advance sound engineering and deliver competition-grade performance.
Building on more than a decade of collaboration, Alphard Group remains a steadfast supporter of the car audio community. Vladimir Mukhin, representing Deaf Bonce, shared “It’s an honor to support the Finals once again. This event showcases the passion and perseverance of competitors throughout the season. We’re thrilled to be back and part of the action!”
BLOOMINGTON, MN (08.25.25) – Purpose built for the off-road environment, Rockford’s Element Ready™ products are built to stand up to water, dirt, mud and UV rays, making sure all your audio components perform regardless of the conditions. The Rockford team of engineers have designed the BEST sounding SXS kits available. The Plug-n-Play harnessing & tutorial videos make installation a breeze.
Fall is the time to turn your Polaris Pro in the audio game! Or MAX the volume on your CAN-AM.
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