HATTIESBURG, MS (07.22.26) – N&H Electronics works closely with their dealers in the Mississippi territory and along the Gulf Coast. Recently, Ricky Gibson and team members Scott Rogers and Mark Sealey have put together a way to help their dealers connect with consumers.

The N&H team is working with the 12volt Central Studios and developing graphics that their dealers can utilize on social media posts. The graphic shows the specific retailer with a big thumbs up showcasing consumers enjoying the concert in the car. The N&H team can snap an image of a dealer picking up an order in their Hattiesburg location or traveling on the road. After getting the dealer’s image the 12volt Center Studio staff will create the social media graphic, get it approved by the dealer and send the finished graphic to the dealer to make the post on their social media.

The first example is Wizard Electronics in Summit MS. Erik Hightower provided a big thumbs up image. Happy customers in the background were added.. Shortly after receiving the Wizard Electronic graphics Eric started seeing likes on his Facebook social media page.

An added plus with this program is the dealer and N&H can select one of their brands that the dealer stocks for additional exposure… In this case Kicker.

Stay tuned for more as N&H Electronics will continue working with their dealers to create ‘concert in your car’ excitement and drive store traffic.

Contact your N&H Electronics team member for more.

NEW YORK, NY (07.22.26) – SiriusXM and Audacy announced today a new agreement that will bring 42 of Audacy’s leading sports, news and talk stations from 29 markets across the U.S. to SiriusXM, significantly expanding SiriusXM’s local content offering and extending the reach of many of Audacy’s market-leading brands.

23 Audacy sports stations will launch on SiriusXM on September 1, in time for the start of football season, giving fans nationwide access to more trusted local sports talk, commentary and analysis from many of the country’s most passionate sports markets. In addition to these sports channels, 19 Audacy news and talk stations will become available on SiriusXM later this year.

The agreement builds on SiriusXM’s already unmatched sports audio lineup, giving listeners coast-to-coast access to hometown sports talk along with national voices, league channels, and podcasts.

“SiriusXM is the essential audio home for sports fans, offering access to every team and game alongside an unmatched lineup of national sports talk, expert analysis, and the biggest voices in sports,” said Scott Greenstein, SiriusXM’s President and Chief Content Officer. “We also recognize the unique role local personalities play in connecting fans with their teams every day. By adding Audacy’s extensive lineup of sports stations, we’re making those trusted hometown voices available to fans wherever they are across North America. Together, we’re delivering an even more complete audio experience – bringing live games, premier national sports talk, and hometown conversations together in one place.”

Audacy’s industry-leading portfolio includes sports stations in major markets across the U.S. – including in each of Nielsen’s top 10 designated market areas – and a deep roster of local hosts, analysts and programming that connect with some of the most engaged audiences in audio.

“Audacy’s sports brands are deeply connected to the cities, teams and fan communities they serve, and being able to extend our reach nationally through SiriusXM is a natural fit, ” said Kelli Turner, CEO and President, Audacy Inc. “We look forward to working together with SiriusXM to bring our outstanding talent and content to sports fans and news and talk listeners wherever they are, providing our audiences with more ways to stay connected to the conversations that matter most to them.”

Starting September 1, the following Audacy sports stations will be available to SiriusXM listeners in their vehicles and on the SiriusXM app:

WFAN (New York)
104.3 The Score (Chicago)
105.3 The Fan (Dallas)
95.7 The Game (San Francisco)
SportsRadio 94WIP (Philadelphia)
WEEI 93.7 (Boston)
97.1 The Ticket (Detroit)
93.7 The Fan (Pittsburgh)
92.3 The Fan (Cleveland)

Starting September 1, the following Audacy sports stations will be available on the SiriusXM app and in the growing number of vehicles on the road with the latest generation SiriusXM with 360L radios:

97.1 The Fan (Los Angeles)
SportsRadio 610 (Houston)
106.7 The Fan (Washington DC)
The Team 980 (Washington DC)
92.9 The Game (Atlanta)
104.3 WQAM (Miami)
97.3 The Fan (San Diego)
105.7 The Fan (Baltimore)
105.1 The Fan (Portland)
ESPN 1320 (Sacramento)
96.5 The Fan (Kansas City)
105.7 The Fan (Milwaukee)
92.9 ESPN (Memphis)
WGR 550 Sports Radio (Buffalo)

In addition to the sports talk stations above, 19 Audacy news and talk stations will arrive on SiriusXM at a future date. These will be available on the SiriusXM app and in vehicles with SiriusXM with 360L, and include:

1010 WINS/92.3 FM (New York)
KNX News (Los Angeles)
WBBM Newsradio (Chicago)
KCBS All News (San Francisco)
NewsRadio 1080 KRLD (Dallas)
KYW Newsradio (Philadelphia)
Talk Radio 1210 WPHT (Philadelphia)
WWJ Newsradio 950 (Detroit)
1380 WAOK (Atlanta)
News Talk 830 WCCO (Minneapolis)
104.1 KMOX (St. Louis)
NewsRadio KDKA (Pittsburgh)
98.1 KMBZ FM (Kansas City)
WWL (New Orleans)
WTIC News Talk 1080 (Hartford)
NewsRadio 930 WBEN (Buffalo)
NewsRadio WRVA (Richmond)
News/Talk 98.9 WORD (Greenville/ Spartanburg/Asheville, SC)
NewsRadio WILK (Wilkes-Barre/Scranton)

The Audacy sports stations will be available to the majority of SiriusXM subscribers through its most popular subscription plans, including Platinum, All Access, Music & Entertainment, and other options. The additional Audacy news and talk stations will become available through eligible SiriusXM plans when they join the lineup later this year.

For more info, visit www.audacyinc.com and www.siriusxm.com.

JOPLIN, MO (07.21.26) – Creative Audio is showing how community involvement can drive retail growth by taking its brand beyond the showroom. Through local automotive and motorcycle events, the retailer creates opportunities to connect with enthusiasts, build relationships, and introduce new customers to its products and services.

One of its signature efforts is the Third Thursday Gathering in Joplin, where owners of cars, trucks, motorcycles, boats, side-by-sides, and other custom vehicles are invited to gather outside the store. The event is open to everyone, regardless of where their vehicles were built or modified, creating a welcoming environment that encourages conversation and showcases the local customization community.

Creative Audio also strengthens its presence through motorcycle-focused events like Yeager’s Cycle Bike Night and the East x West Rally. These gatherings allow the team to educate riders on motorcycle audio and connect with customers.

By working alongside industry partners and participating in community events, Creative Audio has turned local gatherings into an extension of its showroom. The strategy goes beyond generating immediate sales. It builds visibility, trust, and long-term relationships while keeping the retailer closely connected to the enthusiasts it
serves.

Visit creativeaudio.net for more.

DIAMOND BAR, CA (07.21.26) – The SEMA Motorsports Products & Media Council (MPMC) will celebrate the 30th anniversary of its Media Trade Conference Feb. 2-4, 2027, in Orlando, Fla. Manufacturer registration is open now to MPMC, Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA), and Performance Racing Industry (PRI) business members, who can lock in discounted pricing through Sept. 8 at mediatradeconference.com.

For 30 years, the MPMC Media Trade Conference has been a powerful venue for motorsports parts manufacturers to build high-quality relationships with the media. Known for its “speed dating” format, the event enables manufacturers to engage in more than 40 half-hour meetings with journalists, podcasters, and content creators throughout the three days, with the goal of establishing valuable partnerships and getting their company news and products in front of the right audience.

“The Media Trade Conference is a high-performance engine for visibility and connection in the motorsports aftermarket,” said MPMC Chair Brian Bohlander. “In just three days, companies have the opportunity to engage directly with the voices that shape the industry, turning conversations into coverage and relationships into long-term momentum.”

Unlike other events that focus on buyers and sellers, the Media Trade Conference focuses on helping manufacturers find valuable media partnerships without the distractions of a busy trade show floor. It’s where brands drive their narrative, share product demonstrations, and discover new communication channels they may not have considered previously.

“Your network is your net worth, and the Media Trade Conference is a great way to meet different people that can help you grow your business,” added Bohlander. “That’s why this program has been successful for the past 30 years; it puts people in a room together to talk about what they do best and are passionate about — and magic happens.”

The Media Trade Conference will also feature daily networking opportunities to help attendees maximize making connections outside of meetings. Additionally, all attendees are invited to an evening reception featuring an awards ceremony recognizing the 2027 MPMC Robert E. Petersen Media Award winner.

MPMC, TORA, and PRI business members can save money by registering before the Sept. 8 early-bird pricing deadline. Media registration will open in October.

To learn more and to register, visit mediatradeconference.com.

JOPLIN, MO (07.20.26) – Joplin should be known as the Sturgis of the south. On the weekend of July 17 and 18th the East x West Motorcycle meet up House of Speed event packed the streets of downtown Joplin. Vendors, bike shows, food, drinks, and music filled the streets.

Chris Pace, and the Arrowhead Sales & Marketing Dare to Listen JBL trailer, was on site doing thousands of demos over the two days. Pace related “This is a big time Harley show and all Harley riders love Audio. With the JBL, infinity and Epsilon products live on the trailer we can demo speakers, amps and head units plus systems right on the trailer. The Dare To Listen JBL Trailer definitely was a magnet for the event.”

Arrowhead Sales and Marketing is based in the Kansas City area and covers the MINK states. Pace is on the road frequently working dealer events plus shows spotlighting the JBL Dare To Listen Trailer. Two days before the East x West event Pace was on site at the Creative Audio show in Joplin.

“On the Dare To Listen trailer we have PA capability at events and LED lighting to add to the overall experience” Pace added.

For more see arrowheadsales@icloud.com

DIAMOND BAR, CA (07.14.26) – SEMA has officially opened entries for the 2026 SEMA Battle of the Builders Presented by Mothers at www.semabotb.com. Now in its 13th year, the competition continues to stand as the automotive aftermarket’s premier platform for custom builders exhibiting at the SEMA Show, and for 2026 it will expand to include motorcycles, introducing an additional set of awards recognizing the Top 3 standout bike builders and an overall motorcycle champion.

“It’s always exciting to see builders push creative boundaries year after year, and the addition of powersports brings an entirely new level of energy and excitement to the program,” said SEMA Vice President of Marketing RJ de Vera. “Battle of the Builders continues to evolve alongside the industry, and we’re excited to see how builders push innovation at the 2026 SEMA Show.”

For 2026, the SEMA Battle of the Builders Presented by Mothers will again feature its four core automotive competition classes: Hot Rod & Hot Rod Truck; 4 Wheel Drive & Off-Road; Sport Compact, Import Performance, Luxury & Exotic; and BFGoodrich Young Guns. Class winners will advance through the competition, with one ultimately named overall Battle of the Builders champion.

“Mothers High Performance Car Care is proud to continue supporting the SEMA Battle of the Builders and the talented builders who make this competition one of the most anticipated events at the SEMA Show,” said Mothers Vice President of Marketing Shane Christman. “Every year, we’re inspired by the creativity, craftsmanship, and passion these builders bring to their projects. This program celebrates the dedication behind every build and gives the industry an opportunity to recognize the individuals pushing vehicle customization forward.”

The 2026 program will also debut a new side to the competition with SEMA Battle of the Builders: Bike Builder Shootout as a dedicated Motorcycle category, expanding the competition to include some of the finest custom two-wheel vehicles in America. Entries will be evaluated separately by motorcycle industry judges based on craftsmanship, design innovation, and overall execution, with the Top 10 finalists serving as judges to determine the Top 3 category winners and the overall Bike Builder champion.

In the automotive categories, a panel of aftermarket industry judges will again review all eligible submissions, evaluating build descriptions and photography before conducting in-person assessments on the SEMA Show floor. Judges will narrow entries to a Top 10 in each category, followed by a Top 3 selection. Those 12 finalists will then serve as judges to determine category winners and the overall champion.

“It’s been great to be back at the SEMA Battle of the Builders,” said Troy Trepanier of Rad Rides by Troy after winning the overall 2025 Battle of the Builders trophy last November. “It’s grown a lot since we first won the event eight years ago. We finally had a car worthy of being back in the competition. There were so many great cars this year. Everybody here is a winner, all 40, all 12, especially the Final Four.”

When asked what it’s like to win the SEMA Battle of the Builders for the second time, Trepanier said “It is always nice to be judged by your peers in the industry and get recognized.”

Supporting the Next Generation of Builders
The BFGoodrich Young Guns category highlights emerging talent, open to builders 29 years old and younger at the time of the SEMA Show. Entrants may be selected to participate in virtual Golden Ticket competitions held throughout the summer, with prize packages that include vehicle transportation to Las Vegas, plus travel and hotel accommodations. At the Show, the Top 10 BFGoodrich Young Guns finalists compete within their own field, narrowing to a Top 3. First introduced in 2024, the BFGoodrich Young Guns Top 10 competition format continues to expand opportunity and visibility for rising builders.

“BFGoodrich is proud to support the next generation of builders through the BFGoodrich Young Guns category at the SEMA Battle of the Builders,” said BFGoodrich Ultra High Performance Brand Manager T.J. Dennis. “Creating opportunities for young builders to showcase their talent, gain industry recognition, and compete alongside some of the best in the business is what makes this program so special. We’re excited to continue supporting the innovation, passion, and creativity that define the future of vehicle customization.”

For more information or to enter the 2026 SEMA Battle of the Builders, visit www.semabotb.com. For information on registration deadlines, rules, and additional details, click here.

The SEMA Show returns to Las Vegas, Nov. 3–6, 2026, bringing together the most influential brands, builders, and innovators in the automotive aftermarket industry. The Show remains the premier destination for discovering new products, technologies, and trends shaping the future of vehicle customization and performance. For more information or to register, visit www.semashow.com.

SHREVEPORT, LA (07.11.2026) – This subject is so important that we are reprinting an article by Bill Ward of CMIC Consulting that appeared in the August ’95 issue of the 12 Volt Advertiser. We had many favorable comments regarding the article… now over 31 years ago.

In 2026 Store Appearance and the In-Store Experience is even more vital. Online activity is impacting brick and mortar store in a very negative way. Small businesses have been the heartbeat of the retail category. Many manufacturers are now driving business through their websites and even offering drone delivery.

Below is the ‘Store Appearance Is Vital’ 12volt Advertiser August ’95 article directed to 12volt retailers.

Each day when you open your store and your customers walk in the door, they are making a new judgement about your store. Is the store clean and well merchandised, or is it cluttered and disorganized? How does it compare to nearby stores where they have shopped for the same product. In the first few seconds, they will form an opinion that will last a long time. Will it be a good impression or will it be a negative one?

The customer evaluation of your store starts as soon as they drive in your parking lot. Trash and clutter will not only affect today’s customer but your future customers who may be just driving down the street. The outside of your store is like a billboard that advertises your company. Does it make the statement you want to make? When your customer walks in your door he is your guest. At home when you know you are having a party or company, you make sure everything is clean and looks its best. When your store opens every morning, it should not be any different.

The 60 minutes before you open each morning is a critical time for every retailer to get ready for today’s customers. It’s a time that the owner or manager should be active and get involved with supervising his employees to be sure that the store is ready to open. Before you unlock your door, walk around and inspect the inside and outside and look at it through the eyes of your customer. How does it stack up?

• CHECK your parking lot and be sure it is clean and litter free.
• CHECK to be sure your door and window glass is clean and free of smudges.
• FILL in products from your stock room so your selection is complete and you displays full.
• RE-ALIGN and merchandise to maximize the impact of your product displays.
• REMOVE all empty cartons and packing from the sales floor.
• CHECK all your advertised merchandise and be sure it is priced and ready to go.
• MAKE sure your aisles are free and clear of clutter and boxed merchandise.
• HAVE your store and restrooms clean and ready to open.
• CHECK to see if your point of sale signs and pricing is all up to date and current.
• DELEGATE the responsibility to get the job done, but personally inspect the results each day before you open.

The In-Store Experience is so important. The MUSIC MATTERS and people can not experience the highs and mids, or feel bass in their chest, on a smartphone or laptop.

As an industry ‘Let’s Get Our Shine On’!

AUBURN, CA (07.10.26) – Amplified Sales & Marketing and Micah Boren, recently stopped by Auburn Car Tunes, a longtime supporter of the Rydeen brand and its reputation for quality and innovation.

To help customers make informed decisions, Auburn Car Tunes has three RYDEEN products on display that shoppers can interact with before purchasing: the Tombo360X, the R10X-SPL, and the all-new Mini360X dash cam.

Owner Brian Muenter explains, “We like to give customers different options at different price points. That’s why we have the Tombo360X, R10X-SPL, and the new Mini360X dash cam on display so customers can see how each product works before making a purchase.”

“Brian and Auburn Car Tunes are known for delivering industry-leading expertise, exceptional customer service, and complete transparency. They make vehicle upgrades easy and stress-free, making them a top choice for high-quality car audio, DSP tuning, automotive electronics and of course RYDEEN Dash Cams!” Micah offered.

With nearly 50 years of experience delivering top-tier sound systems, Auburn Car Tunes continues to set the standard for excellence in mobile electronics. “My Father stated the business in 1976 and and our goal has always been to deliver the best upgrade solutions for for our customers along with the best in customer service. That combination is working and we are planning our 50th Anniversary Celebration this month” Brian related.

“Please stay tuned for more as we work with Brian and Auburn Car Tunes” Micah concluded.

For more see 12voltnews.com.

SEATTLE, WA (07.10.26) – Firstech, the maker of Compustar and DroneMobile, today announced the release
of the Drone XC2 (model: XC2-LTE), the next generation of its LTE-connected dash camera ecosystem.
Engineered to bridge the gap between traditional vehicle security and cloud-connected video monitoring, the
Drone XC2 solidifies its position as the industry’s only dash camera that integrates seamlessly with aftermarket
remote start and alarm systems.

As auto insurance premiums have risen more than 40% in the last five years, the financial stakes of unproven
traffic disputes and parking lot incidents have never been higher. The Drone XC2 directly addresses this issue by
delivering indisputable video evidence, transforming a driver’s smartphone into a real-time security monitor.
Total Vehicle Surveillance

While maintaining the same low-profile form factor of its predecessor, the Drone XC2 introduces four sweeping
upgrades designed to improve driver security and reduce friction points experienced with other solutions.

• 3-Channel Video Support: The XC2 expands capabilities to support up to three simultaneous video inputs, allowing drivers to achieve coverage across front, rear, and interior angles.
• Driving Events with Auto-Cloud Upload: Incidents triggered by impact, sudden braking, or harsh acceleration are instantly uploaded to the secure DroneMobile cloud, ensuring critical evidence is preserved and accessible from anywhere.
• 20x More Cloud Video: XC2 delivers approximately 200 3-channel cloud preview videos per GB of cellular data—about 20x more than previous generations. The result is faster incident review, lower cellular usage, and more events available before data limits become a concern.
• Plug-and-Play OBD-II Harness Included: To streamlining installation for standalone dash cam buyers and 12-volt installers, the XC2 now includes a plug-and-play OBD-II harness (previously a $99.99 standalone accessory).

“Drone XC2 reflects our commitment to making connected vehicle security more practical and accessible,” shares
Firstech’s managing director, Jason Kaminski. “By combining 3-channel video, automatic cloud uploads, and
dramatically more cloud previews with lower cellular data usage, XC2 delivers a smarter dash camera experience
for both drivers and professional installers.”

Streamlined All-in-One Subscriptions
In tandem with the Drone XC2 launch, Firstech is debuting a simplified “Dash Cam” subscription tier starting at
$15.99/month, with deeper discounts when purchasing multi-year plans. This all-inclusive plan bundles LTE live
streaming with DroneMobile’s core suite of app features, including remote start, GPS tracking, and alarm
notifications. Existing Drone XC customers will also be able to take advantage of this simplified subscription tier.

Availability and Dealer Promotion
The Drone XC2 is shipping now to Firstech distributors and authorized retailers across North America.

For more information about Drone XC2 and other DroneMobile connected car solutions, please visit
www.dronemobile.com/products.

LIBERTYVILLE, IL (07.08.26) – Designed to deliver concert-thrilling LOUD audio in every song — Ford Bronco® Tuned Audio Kits are innovated to make powerful sound that keeps up with the Bronco lifestyle and brings an immersive soundscape wherever the drive takes you.

MB Quart Ford Bronco® Tuned Audio Packages pack high-efficiency speakers, powerful subwoofers, and compact Class-D amplifiersinto a complete vehicle-specific audio upgrade. Engineered to take on the elements and deliver exceptional clarity, output, and bass performance, these systems are built for every adventure.

Upgrade your 2025–2026 Ford Bronco® and experience sound that is BUILT LOUD through Music. Defined.

To learn more, click here.