Crossover Marketing Group Southeast Announces Monster Audio Partnership

HOUSTON, TX (05.20.26) – The Crossover Marketing Group is proud to announce the addition of Monster Audio to its growing portfolio of manufacturer partners. This new partnership further strengthens Crossover’s strategic focus on profitable solutions and dealer driven growth.

Shawn Simpson, Principal Partner of Crossover Marketing Southeast, emphasized the strength of  alignment, “This partnership is a natural fit for our territory and our approach. Monster Audio brings a unique edge to the category, and we see tremendous upside in dramatically expanding their footprint.”

Monster Audio is known for delivering bold, high impact audio products that resonate with today’s performance driven consumers. With a strong identity in the 12V and aftermarket audio space, the brand brings an energy and product lineup that complements Crossover’s commitment to supporting dealers with innovative, in demand solutions.

Paul Pilat, Co-Founder and Principal Partner of Crossover Marketing, emphasized the strategic fit, “Monster Audio represents exactly the kind of brand we look to align with, strong identity, compelling product, and a clear opportunity for growth in our markets. Having worked with Monster Cable early in my career, I have a deep appreciation for the brand’s legacy and the opportunity to build on that momentum in today’s market. We are excited about what we can accomplish together with Monster.”

The Crossover Marketing Group is committed to delivering exceptional service and fostering long-term, sustainable growth for its partners. The addition of Monster Audio reflects the company’s continued focus on aligning with brands that offer strong market potential and a shared vision for success.

Learn more at monsteraudiomx.com and crossovermktg.com.

GENEVO AMERICA Announces Importel LTD. as Canadian Distribution Partner

FORT MYERS, FL (05.20.26) – GENEVO AMERICA is proud to announce Importel LTD. as its official distribution partner for Canada.

This partnership is another major step in GENEVO AMERICA’s North American expansion as the company continues introducing GENEVO’s European-engineered radar and laser defense technology to dealers, installers, and driving enthusiasts across the United States and Canada.

Jaren Heilmeland, Importel Brand Manager, holds new GENEVO inventory.

Known throughout Europe for advanced radar detection and laser defense systems, GENEVO has built a strong reputation for combining real-world performance, clean OEM-style integration, and technology designed to handle today’s increasingly sophisticated enforcement threats.

“Canada is an important market for us, and we wanted to make sure we partnered with a company that truly understands the 12-volt industry and supports its dealers at a high level,” said Ray Woolf, CEO of GENEVO AMERICA. “Importel has a strong reputation, great relationships throughout Canada, and a team that understands both the technical side and the customer experience side of this business. We’re excited to work together to continue growing the GENEVO brand across North America.”

Importel LTD. will support Canadian dealers with product distribution, training, technical support, and sales development as GENEVO AMERICA expands its presence throughout the Canadian market.

“GENEVO is a technology-driven company, and we’re excited to bring the brand to Canada,” said Jaren Hjelmeland, Brand Manager at Importel LTD. “With the level of dealer support we provide and the technology GENEVO brings to the table, it’s a great fit for Importel. As more European enforcement technology makes its way into North America, having radar and laser systems engineered to deal with those threats is becoming more important than ever.”

The partnership will focus on growing GENEVO’s dealer and installer network throughout Canada while continuing to position the brand around premium performance, European engineering, and professional-level integration.

GENEVO AMERICA’s North American lineup includes the GENEVO MAX, GENEVO PRO II, GENEVO PRO II DUO, and GENEVO LP3 platforms.

Visit www.genevo.com for more.

The Banda Car Audio Fiat Was A Standout At The SSR Distributors Dallas Show.

DALLAS, TX (05.19.26) – The Fifth Annual SSR Distributors Show in Dallas on Sunday, May 17th continued the growth pattern. The show floor and parking lots were filled with exhibitors and show cars that were enjoyed our record number of attendees.

Tom Fritschi, Banda National Sales Manager, and David Toliver-Synergy Marketing (R) set the Banda Fiat in place at the show.

The Banda Fiat drew attention like a magnet. David Toliver, Synergy Marketing Principal, is the Banda rep firm in the territory and arranged for the Fiat build by NTX Audio Innovations based in Terrell, TX. NTX Audio Innovations has a history of building custom award-winning demo builds.

On the very short timeline, Shawn Marsh and his crew, designed and completed a lot of custom work to spotlight the Banda products with the Banda Amplifiers spotlighted. “We complete detailed design layouts and use a lot of 3D printing to craft award winning builds” Marsh related.

The Banda Amplifiers are highlighted in the installation.

Banda National Sales Manager, Tom Fritschi flew in from North Carolina to be on site at the SSR Show and was thrilled with the way the Banda Fiat turned out and the attention that it drew from dealers at the show.

Tracy Farr, SSR Distributors VP, orchestrated the Dallas Show and was very pleased the way Banda Fiat raised the bar with vendor demos on site. Farr related in each of the five years for this Dallas event they have worked to improve and offer more opportunities for area dealers to see a wider selection of products, categories opportunities to grow business at retail. The
Banda Fiat continued our work to widen the scope for attendees.

The NTX Audio Innovations team is shown after completing the Banda Fiat build in the company’s Terrel TX installation area.

Toliver stated “The great way the Banda Fiat came together is a prime example of industry members working together. There
is no doubt the Banda Fiat build will drive awareness across the industry and sales in the Synergy Marketing territory.”

For more see 12voltnews.com

Nominations Open for 2026 SEMA Industry Awards

DIAMOND BAR, CA (05.19.26) – The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) has opened nominations for its prestigious SEMA Industry Awards at www.sema.org/awards. The nomination deadline is Monday, Aug. 17.

The SEMA Industry Awards are among the Association’s highest honors, recognizing individuals and companies that have demonstrated excellence, innovation, and leadership in the automotive aftermarket over a year-long period. The program recognizes honorees in five different categories: Channel Partner of the Year, Content Creator of the Year, Manufacturer of the Year, Person of the Year, and the Visionary 8.

“The SEMA Industry Awards recognize the people and companies that have not only fueled the aftermarket’s growth but also strengthened it through their passion, ingenuity, and service,” said SEMA Manager of Recognition Programs Joe Escobar. “By spotlighting those who have left a lasting mark, we aim to inspire others to raise the bar.”

Nominations are open for:

  • Channel Partner of the Year: Honors a sales channel partner for its outstanding service to the sales, distribution, retail, and/or e-commerce channel(s) of the industry. This includes maintaining proper inventories to service its respective channel and exceeding standards in providing suppliers with input and regular communication to help their products and programs succeed. 
  • Content Creator of the Year: Honors a content creator for their outstanding contributions to the automotive culture and for creating a positive impact with automotive enthusiasts.
  • Manufacturer of the Year: Honors a manufacturing company for its outstanding industry contributions and innovations.  
  • Person of the Year: Honors an individual for their outstanding contributions to SEMA and the broader automotive specialty-equipment market.  
  • Visionary 8: Honors eight emerging leaders aged 35 and under who are on track to drive innovation and positive change in the automotive aftermarket. This award showcases up-and-coming talent, honors their accomplishments, and introduces them to their community.

2026 SEMA Show to Celebrate the Industry’s Best
The 2026 SEMA Show, held Nov. 3-6 in Las Vegas, will bring together automotive icons and next-gen disruptors to celebrate the past, present, and future of the aftermarket industry. The festivities shift into gear on Tuesday, Nov. 3, with the Kickoff Breakfast, where 15 products will be recognized with New Product Awards alongside top honors for Channel Partner of the Year and Manufacturer of the Year.

On Thursday, Nov. 5, the highly anticipated Visionary 8 and SEMA’s Best Engineered Vehicle of the Year winner will be announced live at SEMA Central. The momentum will continue during the SEMA Industry Honors, celebrated at the iconic Fontainebleau. This red-carpet-style gathering brings together the industry’s biggest names to spotlight standout achievements, including Content Creator of the Year and Person of the Year.

Entries for Best Engineered Vehicle of the Year – a SEMA Industry Award that recognizes exceptional quality of engineering on a vehicle build – will open in August. Learn more at www.sema.org/awards.

Derek Hayman Is On The Road With RAD Car Audio

LITTLE ROCK, AR (05.18.26) – Derek Hayman with DH and Associates is based in Little Rock AR and has been on the road for the last five months. Really on the road driving sales in the territory with RAD Car Audio. The states covered in the territory include Arkansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Mississippi and Indiana.

Derek crossing another state line.
Rain does not slow Derek down on the road to see dealers.

Derek related “I see so many opportunities working directly with 12volt retailers. When I hit the road in the Yukon, I have samples in the vehicle and also show POP products and how to put a display together in retailer stores. When we meet in the store with retailers they really understand our mission and we are definitely making an impact in the territory and setting up new dealers. Derek’s wife also works on this mission and attends shows where RAD Car Audio booths are setup. “

At car shows and dealer events RAD Car Audio always has a booth set up to grab attention.
At an event in Sunrise MO at the Frank and Louis show Derek Hayman presented a competitor from the Sunrise Police department the RAD Car Audio Choice Award.

Continuing “Last week, we were really making moves in Tennessee and Mississippi as we worked to strengthen the consumer market with all the RAD Car Audio and Fair-interamerican products. During the week, with 1200 miles on the road, we were also on site with several events that were put together with retailers and organizations that truly engaged enthusiast in the area along with spotlighting Rad Car Audio”

Stay tuned for more as Derek hits the road.

For more email derekhayman40@icloid.com

Make Your Plans To Attend The SSR Distributors Show Dallas 2026

DALLAS, TX (05.15.26) – The SSR Distributors Dealer Show 2026 takes place on Sunday, May 17 from 11AM to 5PM. Attendees can enjoy terrific savings, raffles, delicious food, attend trainings and meet in person with vendors. This will be a Family Friendly day for all.

“I’m headed to Big D to show new PowerBass products” Jeff Falk, National Sales Manager, related.
“Check out our tiny MDX400 in our booth” Jeff Fletcher.

“This will be our 5th Show and it’s definitely shaping up to be our biggest one yet. Every year the event continues to grow. Returning customers come back, new customers join us, we see more demo vehicles, more manufacturer vehicles and stronger customer participation with their own builds every year. We’ve even had to add a second parking lot because of the number of vehicles attending” Tracy Farr, VP of Sales & Operations, related.

Continuing “Our classroom training sessions during the event are always packed. This year, we’re adding an early bird training starting at 10AM before the main show begins. The show itself runs from 11AM to 5PM, but we wanted to give attendees a chance to get an early start for some extra education and product knowledge. We will also have two additional training sessions through the day. These are definitely classes you don’t want to miss and they do fill up quickly every year.”

“I will show all the latest from Reikken and Energie” Pat Szeman.
“I look forward to showing all the new Jensen Apex Power Series featuring high-performance sound and advanced materials for every driver” Doug Kern related.

“In all my years in distribution, I truly feel like SSR Dallas and SSR Houston Shows are incredibly well supported by our manufacturers, rep partners and extremely loyal dealer base. It’s great to see everyone continue to rally behind this event every year” Farr concluded.

For more see ssrdistributors.com

ZZ2 Expands Into EV Charging with New EZ2 Power Adapter Line

BOCA RATON, FL (05.15.26) – Following the strong response to our EZ2 Power Extension Cables, we’re excited to introduce the next evolution in EV connectivity.

A complete lineup of fast, portable EV charging adapters designed to give your customers more flexibility, more compatibility, and more charging access than ever before.

WHY THIS MATTERS FOR YOUR CUSTOMERS

EV drivers today are facing one major challenge:

Our adapters unlock access to thousands of additional charging stations, giving drivers the freedom to charge wherever the road takes them.

WHAT MAKES EZ2 POWER DIFFERENT

WHY DEALERS SHOULD PAY ATTENTION

The EV market is growing fast and your customers are already asking:

POSITION YOURSELF AS THE EV SOLUTION PROVIDER

This isn’t just an accessory…

It’s a must-have solution for modern EV drivers

Be among the first to offer EZ2 Power EV

Charging Adapters to your customers.

POWER UP Sound with CRA GAINS from Crunch

LIBERTYVILLE, IL (05.15.26) – CRA amplifiers raise the standards for high-output audio gains, unlocking the full potential of your system. Whether you’re starting your first build or stepping up to serious sound, the CRA series delivers clean power, tight control, and the precision your music deserves. Deliver MORE to your power with CRA.

CRA amplifiers bring clean, efficient power to every installation —from 2-channel amp setups to monster monoblocks. Fully adjustable crossovers, MOSFET efficiency, and electronic equalizers help tune sound to deliver cleaner highs, richer mids, and BIGGER BASS.

To learn more, click here.

KICKER Trains at Canadian “Summit”

STILLWATER, OK (05.14.26) – As part of the annual Andre’s Electronic Experts Training Summit, the KICKER® brand made an appearance in the way of training for dozens of pro retailers and installers gathered in Kelowna, British Columbia April 26-28.

Brand manager Mike Danbrook of KICKER distributor GEMSEN (Concord, Ontario) and GEMSEN B.C. representative Ty Mauger welcomed KICKER sales manager Aziz Masri and Tech Force training manager Aaron Malin to the event for a day of KICKER product education and questions.

Andre’s Electronics is made up of nearly 30 stores in Canada and holds the Training Summit each year for store personnel.  The three-day Summit includes dinners, awards and several vendor training courses.

Visit kicker.com for more.