DANIA BEACH, FL (05.02.25) – HKI USA, the US importer for Ground Zero Car Audio, Resolut Technology, SounDigital Amplifiers, Four Connect Wiring Products announces a New Member of the Team!

Changes are inevitable, and HKI USA is proud to be able to say they are expanding their team, yet again. A previous rep has decided to switch gears and come on board as a full time member of the team, and his name is Jake Roberts. Jake has worked is way up from an installer to where he is today through his drive and passion for what we do.

“As we continue to solidify our position in the car audio realm, and more specifically the ‘high-end’ or ‘SQ’ environment, it is important to continue to grow a team who understands and values this” says Jacob Brown, Director of Operation at HKI USA. “Jake brings to the table a unique and exciting perspective based on his 30 years in the industry, covering all sides of what we do, and we will be leaning on that from a national perspective. While HKI USA is proud to continue its position and drive the Powersports and Motorcycle Audio worlds, stacking with deck is key to continued success.”

Bringing with him his experience from his time in retail, both in the US and Germany, Jake was also an old school competitor during his time in Europe. Being able to bring that knowledge and experience back with him helped not only grow boutique brands, but also represent some of the most established brands in the US Car Audio Market. “I am excited to join the passionate group at HKI USA, and thankful for the opportunity. Being able to continue working in the Rocky Mountain territory allows me to leverage my experience and find unique solutions to support HKI USA dealers. My continued goal is always to inspire the next generation of car audio professionals.” says Jake Roberts, the new Rocky Mountain Territory Manager.

For more information about our brand(s) and our growing family, please visit www.hki-usa.com or e-mail info@hki-usa.com.

SACRAMENTO, CA (05.01.25) – Windshield Skin®, the original creators of windshield protection film, proudly reflects on over 20 years of industry-defining progress. First developed in 2004 and officially introduced at SEMA in 2007, Windshield Skin® has remained at the forefront of automotive glass protection, continuing to set the bar for quality, durability, and performance. With multiple U.S. patents and a growing list of high-profile partnerships, Windshield Skin® is redefining how drivers protect what matters.

What’s New:

• XP12 Launch – The Strongest Easy-Installation Film Yet: Unveiled at Monterey Car Week, the new XP12 film delivers unmatched 12mil durability while maintaining the clarity and ease of installation found in the popular SS8 8mil line. Designed for car enthusiasts and high impact driving environments, XP12 pushes the limits of DIY windshield protection.
• Universal Kit Innovation: The Super Stretch Universal Kit ensures broad compatibility across vehicle types, combining performance with convenience. While Windshield Skin® continues to offer hundreds of pre-cut Vehicle Specific Kits, this universal option provides an affordable, high-performance solution that’s easy to install, redefining accessibility to windshield protection
• OEM-Trusted Quality: Building on its legacy, Windshield Skin® continues to provide customized protective solutions to esteemed automotive manufacturers, including New Flyer, Gillig, and Lippert and luxury brands who rely on Windshield Skin® for consistent quality and innovation.
• Distributor Expansion Across Key Markets: Windshield Skin® has welcomed a wave of new distribution partners across diverse verticals. This strategic growth ensures broader access to its products across performance, commercial, and specialty automotive sectors.
• Award-Winning Track Record: Following development of the first ever windshield protection, Windshield Skin® is the proud winner of the 2007 SEMA Global New Product Award. Windshield Skin® remains a name synonymous with trust and originality.

From its patented five-layer material to award-winning designs, Windshield Skin® is more than a product—it’s the standard.

Visit windshieldskin.com for more.

FULLERTON, CA (05.01.25) – LF Audio, a pioneer in precision-engineered car audio monitoring and control systems, proudly announces its dedication to local manufacturing, sourcing, and continuous innovation.

Marius Dornean founded LF Audio in 2023. The engineer behind LoudFiat, the first high-voltage SPL system powered by an electric vehicle’s lithium battery, LF Audio has quickly emerged as a leader in high-performance wireless volume controllers, multi-channel voltage monitors, and other products built to improve the performance of car audio systems.

“To optimize our time to market, we have chosen to bring all PCB manufacturing and assembly to our California Headquarters. We will source all IC’s and components such as capacitors, resistors, diodes, etc… from US manufacturers. Our nearly completed electronics lab will soon be equipped with advanced machinery, including pick-and-place machines, stencil printers, reflow ovens, milling machines, and more. This strategic move adds a layer of insulation and local control over our production processes, logistics, and allows us to optimize manufacturing in real-time.”

“All LF Audio products have been proudly engineered, designed, programmed, assembled, and individually tested in California since the launch of LF Audio. This latest investment in tooling and domestic components ensures that we now have more control over the end-to-end manufacturing of our products than ever before. We hope our commitment to local manufacturing and component sourcing continues to support our goal: achieving unparalleled quality control while supporting the domestic economy.”

Among their flagship offerings are the High Precision Voltmeter (HPVM) series and the Wireless Volume Controller (WVC) line. LF Audio’s proprietary AuralSync™ mesh technology enables seamless wireless communication across devices, while their mobile app offers users full customization and effortless management of their audio systems. A full color Wireless Data Display, Temperature Hub, Multi-Amplifier Synchronizer, High Precision Power Meter, and BassWatch are among the products currently in development.

For more information, visit www.lf-audio.com or email: contact@lf-audio.com

SEATTLE WA (04.30.25) – Mobile Solutions’ Bryan Schmitt will give the Keynote Address at the 2025 Pacific NW Mobile Electronics Expo, to be held in Seattle from May 19th – 21st!

According to Mark Giovannetti, one of a group of Northwest representatives who helped put the event together, “We are excited to have Bryan Schmitt participate in this year’s exclusive Northwest Mobile Electronics Expo. I attended the Mobile Solutions MasterTech Expo last month and was blown away by all of its different facets. These have propelled the MasterTech Expo to become a “Must-Attend” event for Car Audio owners, salespeople, and techs, and it has an international reach!

Bryan will also be doing a Mobile Solutions Fabrication Training on Tuesday Evening from 5:30 PM -9:30 PM. Mark went on to say, “This is an excellent opportunity for anyone who has not had the opportunity to fly to Arizona and attend a Mobile Solutions Training.”

All of the information is on the website, and you can register for this directly from the website now at:
https://www.pnwcee.com/mastertech-training-event

This is expected to sell out quickly!

JOPLIN, MO (04.30.25) – M&M Audio hosted their first Shine N Shine Open House in Joplin MO on Saturday, April 26th. Mark McCoy welcomed Joseph Norton as he rolled in early with the MUSWAY Golf for demos.

The event opened at 10 and lasted until 3PM. McCoy contacted the City of Joplin and the 2 blocks in front of the store were cordoned off for his event that had 60 vehicles lined up in front of the store.

“Overall, we were extremely pleased with the turnout. We had vehicles of all types including cars, trucks motorcycles and side-by-sides. The store was open, so we had traffic in the store as we made sales and set up installations for the following week. We also saw a number of old customers who stopped to see some new products and check out the vehicles out front” McCoy related.

“Having the MUSWAY Golf for demos really spotlighted their DSP amps and I checked out some tuning tips with Joseph” McCoy added.

McCoy and his wife Camara, along with their seven installers, were extremely pleased with the way the event turned out and plan to do it again next year. The company has been in business for eight years with now five years at this new location.

Visit mmaudioinc.com for more.

DAYTONA BEACH FL (04.29.25) – Jeep Beach 2025 once again connected Jeepers with products across the 12volt industry. The 2-Day Vendor Show Friday and Saturday provided even more ways for brands to connect with Jeepers. PRV Audio and Marucha Custom partnered on the infield at the Daytona International Speedway to drive visibility and sales.

Jeff Fletcher and Jose Martinez worked to set up a booth underneath the PRV and Maruchi Custom tents. Maruchi Custom is a very proactive retailer in St. Cloud FL only about 80 miles away from Daytona Beach. Under the tents they showcased products from PRV Audio along with Timpano Audio. Fletcher, PRV Audio National Sales Manager, related “We sold a good amount over both days with PRV 6″ and 8” water-resistant Moto speakers being hot take with products.”

In a conversation with Juan at Marucha Custom he offered that PRV Audio amps along with wiring kits were hot sellers. In the booth, Jose Martinez, Juan and the crew handed out business cards, hats, gift bags and more to connect with Jeepers.

Marucha Custom has been driving 12volt business in St. Cloud for over five years. The company does a lot of in-store and offside events that drive branding, store traffic and business. The graphic on the store’s front door shows that the company really connects with consumers for the in-store experience.

For more see prvaudio.com and jeepbeach.com.

LIBERTYVILLE, IL (04.28.25) – Prepare to elevate every Jeep Wrangler JL/Gladiator JT adventure with MB Quart tuned sound. MB Quart Jeep Tuned Mobile Vehicle Kits are only engineered to deliver unmatched volume, clarity, and depth — purpose-built for Jeep Wrangler JL and Gladiator JT vehicles.

Have your customers hear more detail, feel every beat, and bring their outdoor journey to life with the precision-tuned performance of MB Quart. Designed for Jeep enthusiasts who demand more — more volume, more detail, and more thrill. Whether conquering the trails or setting up camp
under the stars, these kits bring concert-level audio to the outdoors.

The JC1-169SB is a 6×9-inch coaxial speaker system designed for Jeep® Wrangler (JL) models from 2018 to 2023 and Gladiator (JT) models from 2020 to 2023 – intended as a replacement for the factory rear soundbar speakers. The kit comes with OEM-matching grills, powder-coated mounting plates, and cutout templates to facilitate a seamless installation.

The MBQJ-STG4A-1 is an 800-watt STAGE 4 audio system upgrade designed specifically for Jeep® Wrangler (JL) and Gladiator (JT) models equipped with the OEM source unit. This system includes two 3.5-inch coaxial speakers and two 6.5-inch midbass drivers, all powered by two 400-watt Class-D amplifiers. The design ensures a seamless integration into the vehicle’s existing setup, providing enhanced audio performance without compromising factory aesthetics.

The JC2-169 is a 6×9-inch coaxial speaker upgrade tailored for the rear soundbar of 2024 and newer Jeep® Wrangler (JL) and Gladiator (JT) models. Each speaker features a 1-inch magnesium dome tweeter with a removable phase lens, coupled with a lightweight yet durable pop paper cone infused with a mica blend. The package includes OEM-matching grills and Plug-and-Play wiring harnesses, ensuring a straightforward installation.

The MBQJT-SUBA-1 is a 400-watt dual subwoofer system engineered for Jeep® Gladiator (JT) models from 2020 onwards. It features and includes two 8-inch, 8-Ohm, long-throw subwoofers housed in an HDPE enclosure and designed to fit under the rear seat without compromising space or requiring modifications to the vehicle’s floor mats. Installation is easy, utilizing OEM hardware and providing full access to the vehicle’s jack and top parts.

Experience music like never before with MB Quart Jeep Tuned Audio. Have your customers get ready to unlock the full potential of their sound with Jeep Wrangler JL and Gladiator JT Tuned Audio Kits — created to deliver high-fidelity performance that transforms every drive into an immersive sonic journey with Music. Defined. quality sound.

Follow the link HERE to learn about the complete line of MB Quart Jeep Tuned Mobile Vehicle Kits.

ORLANDO, FL (04.25.25) – VOXX Electronics by Gentex Corporation, is pleased to announce that it will be exhibiting its LEATHER CRAFT line of premium automotive upholstery products in Booth #RC22 at the annual Jeep Beach Vendor Show, to be held at the iconic Daytona International Speedway April 25^th-26^th. Jeep Beach is the world’s largest Jeep-exclusive expo and has raised over $4 million for Central Florida-based charities.

Attendees are invited to visit the booth to explore how LEATHER CRAFT can elevate interior style and comfort for Jeep enthusiasts. Product experts will be showcasing their mini demo seats, featuring various samples of their luxury-quality leather, stitching, inserts, paneling, and accents.

Jeep Beach is a non-profit organization that supports numerous local charities, including the Boys & Girls Clubs of Volusia & Flagler Counties, The NASCAR Foundation, and The Childhood Cancer Foundation. LEATHER CRAFT is proud to support this meaningful cause at one of the most iconic venues in motorsports history. While there, don’t miss other attractions, including the obstacle course and live DJ experience.

Join LEATHER CRAFT at Jeep Beach 2025 and see what’s possible when premium design meets Jeep performance.

For more information about LEATHER CRAFT by Rosen, VOXX Electronics Corporation, and their range of automotive aftermarket solutions, please visit http://www.leathercraft.pro/ and https://www.voxxelectronics.com.

WASHINGTON, DC (04.25.25) – In a letter to President Donald Trump, the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) is highlighting the impact of tariffs on the nation’s automotive aftermarket industry–which contributes nearly $337 billion in economic impact to the U.S. economy–along with ways the administration can support domestic manufacturers during this transition period.

“Our primary request is that American automotive parts manufacturers, including our members, be provided a transition period to re-shore their manufacturing, as well as some form of economic relief to assist in that transition,” writes SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola. “That relief could include tariff exemptions for things like molds, tooling, and machinery brought back to the U.S., as well as tax incentives to offset the associated costs.”

The letter also sheds light on impacts that the Trump Administration might not be aware of, including those experienced companies that want to bring their operations back to the U.S., as well as ways domestic producers of steel and aluminum are making it hard for Made in America companies to stay competitive.

Read the letter.

SHREVEPORT, LA (4.24.25) – Many teens today don’t want to get their drivers license’s as soon as they can. In today’s digital and AI world so many teens, and adults, spent hours on their smart phone each and every day. Many do this in the comfort of the bedroom in rheir home. In speaking with 12volt retailers the 12volt Central Studios staff has learned that many retailers are not seeing as many young customers as in the past. In fact, one retailer recently mentioned, he had not seen a person under 30 years old in his store in a month.

For decades, many teenagers wanted to get their driver’s license as soon as possible, add a stereo system and get on the streets around town. In today’s world with social media, DoorDash,and Uber available many teens don’t seem to see the need to get out on the street as before. Also, in speaking with many fathers, they mention the expense of the automobile today, the price of gasoline plus the cost of insurance on top of actually purchase cost of the car. Recently 12volt Central Studios staff bumped into to an article posted on CNN that detailed reasons why many teens are delaying getting the driver’s licenses for two or three years after they turn 16.

Please check out the article below that details why teens are not getting their drivers licenses as soon as they could.

For many middle-aged and older people, getting a driver’s license was their first taste of long-awaited freedom –– and one they seized as soon as they could.

But many of today’s teens are putting off this rite of passage, data shows.

Nearly 40% of teens delayed getting their license by one to two years, and 30% delayed by more than two years, according to a 2020 study led by Dr. Federico Vaca, professor and executive vice chair of the department of emergency medicine at the University of California Irvine Medical School.

This continues a trend over the last 20 years: Between 2006 and 2015, the number of high school seniors with a driver’s license dropped from 81% to 72%, according to a 2017 study.

It may seem mind-boggling to adults who have been driving for decades that anyone would delay such a milestone, but it makes sense given the economic and mental health concerns surrounding teens, Vaca added.

Still, putting off getting a driver’s license may have impacts on teens safety as well as their development of independence, experts say.

Here’s what parents need to know.

Click to continue reading this article by Medeline Holcombe on CNN.com

This 12volt Central Studios staff member could not wait to get his license in 1961 and start driving his Mother’s red Corvair convertible.