DORAL, FL (06.03.26) – The APB Series gives dealers, installers, and distributors multiple battery options for audio builds that require stronger electrical support, system stability, and high-current delivery for heavy bass demand. The lineup includes several capacity options, ranging from compact support batteries to larger models for higher-demand systems.
Key highlights include:
AGM deep cycle 12V battery design
Built for car audio power support
Designed to help support voltage stability under demand
Multiple capacity options available
Intended for dealers, installers, and distributors serving the 12V audio market
LIBERTYVILL, IL (06.03.26) – Feel what shallow bass can do in tighter space! Hifonics HEW shallow subwoofers deliver deeper BIG BASS PUNCH innovated through shallow subwoofer performance. Featuring a unique cone design and high-excursion capabilities that ensure accurate low details and deeper bass — HEW subwoofers make sound ELITE.
With a sleek, low-profile design, HEW ELITE subwoofers deliver deep, resonant bass while fitting easily into compact spaces such as under seats, in small trunk spaces, or behind panels. Choose from either the HEW12D4S (12-inch), HEW10D4S (10-inch), or HEW8D4S (8-inch) subwoofer models. MAKE BASS GAINS ELITE!
BOCA RATON, FL (06.02.26) – Tint World Automotive Styling Centers has named marketing executive Christy Johnson as Chief Marketing Officer.
Johnson’s appointment reflects Tint World’s continued investment in strengthening brand awareness, enhancing franchisee support and accelerating long-term domestic and international growth. She joins during a period of continued expansion as the company strengthens its leadership infrastructure and franchise support systems to drive a sustainable growth strategy forward.
“Christy brings a strategic mindset, significant marketing leadership and franchise expertise that will guide Tint World through its next phase of growth,” said Founder and CEO of Tint World Charles Bonfiglio. “She has a deep-rooted understanding of how to build brands that drive consumer engagement and build franchisee success. We’re excited to welcome her to the leadership team.”
Johnson joins the company following leadership roles with global franchise brands including Papa John’s and Yum! Brands, bringing decades of expertise in franchise marketing, brand strategy and consumer engagement. Throughout her career, Johnson’s leadership has championed bold strategies to scale brands from early-stage development to international expansion. Her experience spans franchise operations, field and consumer marketing using data-driven best practices.
“I’m excited to work alongside the team to further strengthen customer engagement and franchisee support across the system,” said Johnson. “Tint World is a lifestyle brand with an enthusiastic customer base and a strong franchise community. The opportunity to drive an integrated global marketing strategy to impact growth is exciting, and I look forward to leading the evolution of the brand.”
As Chief Marketing Officer, Johnson will oversee Tint World’s global marketing strategy and brand positioning, customer engagement initiatives, as well as franchise marketing. She will lead customer loyalty, digital and social storytelling, and franchise support to drive growth across the country and internationally.
With locations spanning coast to coast and a growing international footprint, Tint World continues to strengthen its position as a leader in the automotive aftermarket industry while investing in the people, systems and strategies that support long-term franchise success.
LIBERTYVILLE, IL (06.02.26) – MASSIVE in power — BRUTUS BG amplifiers deliver the legendary Hifonics performance you expect — with a NEW built-in VU Meter and dual toroidal transformer PWM power supply. Get ready for your customers to raise their amplifier game through BRUTUS GAMMA amplifier innovation. BIG POWER STARTS NOW.
Hifonics BRUTUS BG amplifiers feature mass-loaded extruded aluminum heat sinks that result in better thermal management and output performance. In addition, every BRUTUS BG amplifier comes innovated with MOSFETS designed for higher output power gains and fast thermal dissipation, making your customer’s audio cleaner.
PITTSBURGH PA (06.01.26) – Team Nutz, with Ed and Nina Nuttall behind the wheel, continues to support community events in the Pittsburgh area. Recent examples in the month of May included a Community Parade in Carnegie PA on this past Sunday, a Touch A Truck event on Thursday the 28th and this past Saturday a Car Show that included a Tiny Cause fundraiser for dogs.
The Team Nutz Jeep draws a crowd everywhere.
The Touch A Truck event getting underway.
The decked out Team Nutz Jeep grabs attention with all of the aftermarket upgrades and lighting. On the parade routes at community events the Team Nutz Jeep makes fun tosses and also entertains crowds along the route with music. Live demos at all events bring smiles at all events. The Touch A Truck events feature firetrucks, ambulances, and other vehicles that provide services for the community.
The Team Nutz booth set up and ready.
Attendees at these community events will be telling their friends about their experience for weeks.
“The Car Show last Saturday in Monroeville had about 250 cars and the event raised money for the Dog Shelter. Unfortunately members of the crowd did not get a chance for a demo in the Team Nutz Jeep. A dog we were taking to the event got sick and we had to the dog back to the shop. We had the Team Nutz tent set up with swag and handouts. June will be busy also with the Bantam Jeep Fest” Nuttall relayed.
At all of these events Team Nutz is engaging with a broad selection of community members to showcase many products for their rides and to drive sales. All 12volt retailers can also drive awareness and sales by participating community events.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (05.28.26) – Leno’s Law, the renewed effort in California to secure relief for car collectors by modernizing the state’s emissions testing requirements, is picking up momentum, with a global community of car enthusiasts showing staunch support for SB 1392. The bill is now bolstered by support from California’s lowrider community and the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA)’s International Historical Commission.
The bipartisan bill, authored by Sen. Dave Cortese, with Sen. Shannon Grove as a principal coauthor and TV legend Jay Leno and the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) as the sponsors, recently passed out of the California Senate with strong bipartisan support and is now under consideration in the Assembly, awaiting a committee referral.
In an acknowledgment of the undeniable cultural importance of providing a pathway for modernizing the state’s laws on collector vehicles, California’s iconic lowrider community is standing up for Leno’s Law, submitting more than 1,700 letters in support of passing the bill.
“Lowriders and classics are built with pride, shown with purpose, and driven for the community. Leno’s Law is about protecting those who keeps these cars alive: the builders, the painters, the upholsterers, the chrome shops, and the clubs that put in the work year-round. SB 1392 keeps our culture on the road and gives the next generation a fair shot at preserving the rides they love,” said letter organizer Joseph Mendez, CEO of The Lowrider Grind, a cultural hub for the lowrider community.
Additionally, the FIA, via its International Historical Commission, has sent a letter urging the Senate Appropriations Committee to vote in favor of Leno’s Law, citing the bill’s potential for preserving California’s leadership in both clean air and cultural heritage.
“California has long been recognized as a leader in environmental policy and a trendsetter in automotive culture,” writes Giuseppe Redaelli, president of the FIA International Historical Commission, and Willem Groenewald, FIA’s secretary general for mobility, sustainability, and tourism. “SB 1392 strikes a thoughtful and balanced compromise by respecting air quality goals while protecting an essential element of California’s cultural and economic fabric. It is intentionally bounded, does not create a broad rolling exemption, and creates only an optional pathway for qualifying collector vehicles. It ensures that rare and historic vehicles, some of which are displayed in world-renowned California museums and celebrated by enthusiasts around the world, can be preserved without undue regulatory burden.”
“Leno’s Law has always been about more than our state’s antiquated emissions tests, or the high-dollar auctioneer space that people perceive car collectors to exist within. Rather, it has always been about providing a foundation for the next generation of car enthusiasts, of acknowledging California’s rich automotive heritage, and reminding us that in these divided times, our vehicles unify us and spark a joy that transcends generations and demographics,” said Victor Muñoz, SEMA’s senior manager for state government affairs. “As we share that story with lawmakers in Sacramento, there are no better allies to have by our side than the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile and Joseph Mendez and his lowrider family.”
BACKGROUND Leno’s Law creates a narrow, phased-in, collector-only pathway to a smog-check exemption for certain older vehicles. The bill starts with vehicles manufactured before the 1981 model year and gradually expands, reaching vehicles manufactured before the 1986 model year by 2032. Importantly, it does not change the existing pre-1976 exemption already in law.
This proposal intends to solve a practical problem many owners already recognize: testing options for older vehicles are becoming harder to access, less predictable, and more expensive as legacy testing infrastructure declines. Leno’s Law is also designed to focus on true collector vehicles: those used primarily for shows, parades, charitable functions, and historical exhibitions, rather than as an owner’s primary mode of transportation.
LIBERTYVILLE, IL (05.28.26) – ALL-NEW for 2026 — the Nautic NA4 amplifier line brings in a new era of Marine amplification — compact, durable, and purpose-built to thrive on the water with steady and consistent performance.
Designed to withstand harsh elements like salt spray, moisture, and vibration, these amplifiers give boat builders and audio enthusiasts clean, reliable power in even the most unforgiving, Marine environments and on-the-water conditions.
Unlike traditional Marine amps, NA4 amplifiers are engineered from the ground up with waterproof-potted internals and quick-release connectors, making tackling the conditions a breeze on the water.
Get ready to take on the waves with power that redefines audio. Feel the difference in audio playback with clean and undistorted quality through NA4 innovation. Upgrade your summer NOW!
SASKATOON, SK (05.27.26) – Firstech Canada is proud to announce its appointment as an authorized distributor for Samsung Electronics TV and Audio products across Canada, further strengthening the company’s rapid expansion within the residenAal and commercial AV markets.
The announcement follows the successful launch of Firstech Canada’s dedicated Residential and Commercial division. The addition of Samsung Electronics marks another major milestone in the company’s strategic growth and reinforces its commitment to delivering world-class technology solutions to integrators, dealers, and channel partners nationwide.
Samsung Electronics is globally recognized for its innovation in display technology, offering a comprehensive portfolio of premium residential solutions.
“We are incredibly excited to begin this journey with Samsung,” said Bryan Sack, President of Firstech Canada. “This appointment represents a major step forward for our Residential and Commercial division and reinforces our commitment to bringing best-in-class technology solutions to our partners across Canada. Adding Samsung Electronics to our portfolio demonstrates the confidence leading global brands have in Firstech Canada’s vision, infrastructure, and team.”
The Samsung Electronics partnership will provide Canadian integrators and dealers with enhanced access to Samsung Electronics industry-leading display technologies, supported by Firstech Canada’s national distribution capabilities, technical expertise, and customer service.
“We are thrilled to welcome Firstech Canada as a distribution partner,” said Phil Joly, Regional Account Manager at Samsung. “Their strong market presence, experienced leadership team, and commitment to customer success make them an ideal partner to help expand Samsung’s reach within the Canadian residential and commercial integration markets.”
Firstech Canada will immediately begin offering Samsung Electronics solutions through its growing network of authorized dealers and integration partners across the country.
Explore Samsung Electronics TV and Audio products on Firstech Canada
Canadian integrators can now browse and shop the full lineup of SKYWORTH displays directly through Firstech Canada: https://www.myfirstech.ca/samsung
DIAMOND BAR, CA (05.27.26) – The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) today announced its Hall of Fame Class of 2026, recognizing four industry icons who have influenced and inspired the $52.6 billion automotive specialty equipment industry. The Hall of Fame inductees are Doug Dwyer, Jay Leno, Ellen McKoy, and Dennis Overholser.
The esteemed group will be recognized as part of the SEMA Leaders & Legends Gala on Friday, July 24 in Newport Beach, Calif. Tickets can be purchased here.
“These four individuals have poured their time, talent, and passion into building this industry. Their contributions have shaped what the aftermarket is today, and we’re proud to recognize the impact they’ve made, both on the businesses they’ve led and on the people who have been lucky enough to cross their path,” said SEMA CEO Mike Spagnola.
Doug Dwyer With a career spanning 60 years across wheels and tires, motorsports marketing, media strategy, and brand development, Dwyer’s industry contributions reflect a rare combination of technical insight, professional integrity, and service to others. He started his career working for Carroll Shelby Enterprises/Goodyear Racing Tires at age 16, served in the Army, and went on to build a strong leadership career at Appliance Industries, Weld Wheels, and TrueSpoke Wire Wheels. As a partner in Bryson Dwyer Inc., he continued to strengthen professional standards and build lasting brand identities, always emphasizing honesty, craftsmanship, and respect for both the product and the customer. As a SEMA volunteer, he organized and participated in numerous events and programs and was inducted into the 2023 Wheel & Tire Council – WTC (now the Wheel, Tire, Suspension & Brake Council – WTSBC) Hall of Fame for his industry impact.
Jay Leno A passionate advocate for the automotive community and a high-profile car collector and enthusiast, Leno has utilized his platform to promote automotive culture since the early 1980s. From spotlighting automotive craftsmanship through his weekly automotive show on YouTube – Jay Leno’s Garage – and launching his own line of detailing products – Jay Leno’s Garage Advanced Vehicle Care – to being a perennial guest, keynote speaker, and award presenter at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Leno has amplified the stature of the aftermarket industry and SEMA’s global presence. He’s also supporting car culture and enthusiasts with government policymakers, working with SEMA leadership and the SEMA Action Network (SAN) to champion California Senate Bill 1392, known as “Leno’s Law,” – legislation aimed at modernizing the state’s smog-check process by creating a rolling 35-year exemption for collector vehicles.
Ellen McKoy McKoy has devoted nearly five decades of leadership and service to the automotive aftermarket, beginning as co-owner of Skycoach Customizing in Long Island, New York in 1975. Throughout her career, she has served as an entrepreneur, journalist, consultant, and industry advocate. Through volunteer service, she served on the SEMA Board of Directors, created and advanced the SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO), and founded the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN). McKoy was a SEMA executive from 1994-2009. Skilled in institution building, she volunteered for SEMA following her tenure with the Association, consistently identifying and addressing opportunities where members needed stronger organization, education, or representation. Today, she continues to provide editorial, marketing, and public relations services to aftermarket companies as founder of EMK Marketing.
Dennis Overholser Overholser founded Painless Performance Products in 1990 to provide racers, hot-rodders, and automotive enthusiasts with easier and safer wiring solutions. His career is marked by a deep-rooted passion for automotive technology and a commitment to delivering superior products, backed by years of industry volunteerism and legislative advocacy. Overholser served on the SEMA Board of Directors from 2001-2006, chaired the Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA), volunteered for HRIA’s precursor – the Street Rod Marketing Alliance (SRMA) – and was inducted into both the Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (now the Motorsports Products & Media Council – MPMC) and HRIA Hall of Fame in 2013 for his industry involvement and contributions.
To learn more about the SEMA Hall of Fame, visit www.sema.org/hof.
SHREVEPORT, LA (05.26.26) – The 12voltBeat was on the Street this past week cranking it up across a 12 V industry.
Steve Irby checked out the #Nemesis Supra (L) and is flanked by Wayne and Celise Harris at Judge’s Dinner.
On Sunday, May 17th, the SQ at HQ returned to KICKER’s Headquarters in Stillwater OK. This event welcomed the return of the Sound competition and Car Show 2026. Attendees experienced some of the best sounding cars around, had an opportunity to explore the KICKER Museum and enjoy a great food from local food trucks… All in one place. Competitors put their builds to the test in SQ judged events hosted in partnerships with IASCA, MASQ, EMMA and MCA.
The SSR Show in Dallas on May 17 was a record setter. Tracy Farr, SSR VP Sales and Operations, relayed “We had factory staff members travel from both the East Coast and the West Coast to spend time with dealers and present their products here in our Dallas location. We definitely had a lot of excitement throughout our 25,000 square-foot facility in Dallas and attendees had an opportunity to check out demo cars outside while networking and enjoying the outstanding food prepared by Nico‘s Cocina. It was so great and encouraging to see such a great turnout. Again this year our trainings continued to improve and the credit goes to our incredible manufacturer and rep partners as they continue to go up and beyond for us.”
“We are extremely proud of what our team accomplished and look forward to the SSR show in Houston later this year and the SSR Distributors 2027 Show in Dallas” Farr concluded.
Dave Parrott on the Expo floor getting ready to talk to Ryan at Vault Power.
The 2026 Pacific Northwest Expo was ground zero for the 12volt industry May 18 through the 20th in Seattle. Over 40 12volt companies exhibited on the show floor at The Doubletree by Hilton. Attendees spent time checking out the latest products, attending trainings and connecting with industry members during the event. Stay tuned for more to come from the Pacific
Northwest Expo and the12voltBeat on the Street in Seattle.
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