BOCA RATON, FL (10.07.26) – As a valued ZZ2 Dealer, we want to make sure you’re always receiving your approved ZZ2 dealer pricing when ordering online.

Before browsing products or checking out at ZZ2.com, please make sure you are logged in using the email address associated with your dealer account. (if you do not know it please feel free to email us at sales@zz2.com)

When you’re not logged in, the website may display standard pricing instead of your dealer pricing which can result in wrong pricing.

It’s simple:

• Visit ZZ2.com
• Log in with your approved dealer email
• Shop with your dealer pricing displayed
• Add your products to the cart and check out
• As always you may use the authorized card on file.

LOG IN TO YOUR DEALER ACCOUNT

Thank you for being a valued ZZ2 Dealer and for your continued partnership with ZZ2. If you need any further assistance with this feel free to reach out to us to help out in any way.

Get in touch with our sales team today at 929-220-1212 or sales@zz2.com.

DIAMOND BAR, CA (10.07.26) – Attendees at the 2026 SEMA Show, held Nov. 3-6 in Las Vegas, can develop new skills, connect with industry leaders, and gain practical insights to help grow their businesses through this year’s SEMA Education Program. More than 90 sessions will take place Tuesday, Nov. 3, through Thursday, Nov. 5, covering key topics and trends impacting professionals across the automotive and powersports industries.

Sessions will cover business, technical, and industry-specific subjects, including leadership, emerging technologies, off-road, powersports, and career development. The Off-Road Business Association (ORBA) will present Driving Change: Women Shaping the Future of Off-Road, bringing together female leaders to discuss leadership, innovation, mentorship, and opportunities ahead. In the Emerging and Executive Leadership track, Dale Carnegie sessions will cover practical listening and leadership skills, along with how leaders can use AI while maintaining trust and engagement.

“Time away from your business must deliver real value. The SEMA Show Education Program gives attendees practical insights and strategies they can apply immediately to make smarter decisions about where to invest and how to grow,” said SEMA Vice President of Events Tom Gattuso. “SEMA Education, combined with the opportunity to discover products and connect with suppliers, makes the Show an essential business-planning tool.”

As part of the broader SEMA Education offering, marquee partners will offer targeted education for a variety of aftermarket communities. For the first time, the Auto Film Mastery Conference will take place at the Show. Designed for window tinters, paint protection film installers, automotive detailers, and other restyling professionals, the one-day conference will be held Monday, Nov. 2, in the North Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center, one day before the Show opens.

Other partner-led programs from the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR), Tire Industry Association (TIA), and Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) will provide specialized training for collision repair and installation professionals. The Collision Repair Stage (booth No. 32145) in South Hall Upper, along with learning centers such as the FutureTech Studio (Central Hall No. 24401), and ADAS Showcase (South Hall Upper No. 31200), will highlight the latest in repair, ADAS, alternative propulsion, and mobility.

“SEMA Show Education reflects the breadth of the automotive aftermarket and the wide range of professional fields that make up this industry,” said SEMA Trade Show Director Andy Tompkins. “Whether attendees are looking for business strategies, technical information, leadership development, or insights into the future of the industry, our education program gives them another way to make the most of their time at the Show.”

Most sessions are first come, first served and free of charge. Attendees can build a customized schedule and register for paid sessions through the Show Planner tool. Explore the full 2026 SEMA Show Education Program at www.semashow.com/education.

For more information about the 2026 SEMA Show or to register, visit www.semashow.com. The 2026 SEMA Show floorplan is available at www.semashow.com/floorplan.

CHATSWORTH CA (10.06.26) CRUX Interfacing Solutions announced that the RFM-MB3 Multi-View Integration Interface is now in stock and ready to ship.

The RFM-MB3 is a built-in multi-view integration interface for Mercedes-Benz’s latest MBUX 2G (NTG7) infotainment system. It fits 2024-and-up Sprinter vans (W907/W910) and V-Class (W447) models equipped with the 10.25-inch display.

The interface retains the factory infotainment system and factory rear-view camera. It then adds aftermarket front, left, right and rear camera inputs, all viewed on the vehicle’s own screen. Customers can use the factory steering wheel control (SWC) buttons to force and toggle between available camera views.

For van upfitters, fleet operators and mobile-office or camper builds, that means full-perimeter visibility without replacing or compromising the OEM head unit.

“This is a product our dealers have been asking for,” said Hamza Khalid, Operations Manager at CRUX Interfacing Solutions. “Many of them do a high volume of 12-volt work on Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans for Amazon delivery fleets. Our RFM-MB1 and RFM-MB2 interfaces have been strong sellers for 2019–2023 Sprinters with the first-generation MBUX system. Ever since the new MBUX 2G NTG7 vans arrived, we’ve had a steady stream of installers asking us for a solution — and the RFM-MB3 is it.”

Key Features

• Adds front, right, left and rear camera inputs to the factory MBUX 2G (NTG7) screen.
• Turn signals automatically trigger the matching side camera.
• Factory steering wheel control buttons toggle between camera sources.
• CAN data can be accessed, configured and programmed through the CRUX website or mobile app.
• Two independent +12V switching outputs for triggering accessories.
• USB update port for easy firmware updates in the field.
• Plug-and-play harness included — no cutting or splicing of factory wiring.

Availability

The RFM-MB3 is in stock at CRUX’s Chatsworth, California facility and shipping now to dealers and distributors. Installers can find product details and installation resources at www.cruxinterfacing.com or by calling 1-818-609-9299.

METAIRIE, LA (10.06.26) – Oracle Lighting  announced the appointment of Johnny Johnson as Strategic Account Manager. Johnson will grow the company’s core aftermarket LED business while leading its expansion into fleet, motorcycle and powersports, and into new international markets.

The hire is part of a broader expansion of Oracle Lighting’s sales organization, driven by sustained growth in both its wholesale distribution network and its emerging business segments. As the company builds out new verticals, it is adding leaders who bring deep aftermarket relationships and a proven record of building dealer channels from the ground up.

“We’re growing, and that growth means we need people who can strengthen the business we’ve built and open doors in markets that are new to us,” said Jaclyn Bradham, Chief Revenue Officer of Oracle Lighting. “When we defined this role, we were looking for someone who knows the aftermarket from the inside, understands how dealers and distributors actually buy, and has built channels both here and overseas. Johnny is exactly who we were hoping to find. He’ll add value to our core LED customers from day one, and his experience in powersports and international distribution makes him the right person to take our newest lines and markets from opportunity to core business.”

Johnson brings more than 15 years of sales and business development leadership across the automotive and powersports aftermarket. Most recently, he served as Vice President of Sales and Business Development at Derive Systems, a global provider of automotive performance tuning technology. There he rebuilt the sales organization, grew the domestic dealer business, revived the international dealer channel, and launched a dealer win-back program that brought dormant accounts back into the business.

Previously, as National Sales Director at Dynojet Research, Johnson led the expansion of the company’s powersports dealer network, adding hundreds of new dealer accounts through a structured dealer sales program. He helped implement new MAP and ARP policies and account reclassification to strengthen brand position and profitability. Earlier in his career, he served as Senior Account Manager at Derive Systems, where he managed hundreds of accounts and led new dealer acquisition. He also held sales and management roles at Cycle World and Bill Heard Chevrolet, which gave him firsthand experience on the dealership side of the business.

In his new role, Johnson will work with Oracle Lighting’s core aftermarket LED distributors and resellers while building the company’s presence with fleet operators and upfitters, motorcycle and powersports dealers, and the partners who serve them. He will also play a central role in expanding Oracle Lighting’s international distribution, drawing on his experience rebuilding international dealer channels.

“Oracle Lighting has built a strong reputation for innovation and quality that dealers and enthusiasts already trust,” said Johnson. “My focus is to build on that with the customers who got Oracle here, and to take the brand into fleet, motorcycle, powersports and international markets where that reputation can go a long way.”

Visit oraclelights.com for more.

PITTSBURGH, PA (10.05.26) – Ed Nuttall was spotlighting the Team Nutz message at the Rosedale Technical College Fall Career Fair on Thursday October 1. The event was held in Kennedy Township area of Pittsburgh and Team Nutz has been on site at previous events.

“At the Career Fair there were hundreds of skilled students looking for their next fit in the work world. The students have been studying a wide variety of automotive, carpentry, collision repair, HVAC, truck driving and welding categories. At Team Nutz we work across several business platforms and we offer a wide offering of possibilities for these students. During the event we handed out hundreds of stickers, lanyards and even some yellow jeep ducks connecting with students at the event. It sure sure terrific day as we connected with many students plus other companies that participate in the automotive aftermarket industry” Nuttall related.

Ed Nuttall and the Team Nutz crew is a standout example of a proactive 12volt retailer connecting with community members. All of the students are also potential customers in the Team Nutz retail location.

For more see teamnutz.com.

AUBURN HILLS, MI (10.02.26) – Alps Alpine North America, Inc. (“Alpine”) is attending the Specialty Equipment Marketing Association Show 2026 (SEMA 2026). The event will be held at the Las Vegas Convention Center from Tuesday, November 3rd – Friday, November 6th, 2026. Alpine will be exhibiting in Booth 10373 in the North Hall.

Alpine will be showcasing the all new Alpine Marine Lineup, a 2026 Ford F-150 TSport Alpine Edition, and a 2019 CanAm Maverick within the booth.

“Alpine’s return to SEMA has been long anticipated, and we’re thrilled to once again be part of this incredible gathering of industry leaders, innovators, retailers, installers, and enthusiasts,” said Dan Sparks, Director of National Sales & Marketing for the Alpine Brand Division at Alps Alpine North America, Inc. “SEMA is more than a showcase of products. It is an opportunity to connect with our dealers, reps and customers, strengthen relationships, exchange ideas, and celebrate the passion that drives the automotive aftermarket industry forward. While visitors will see some exciting Alpine solutions throughout the show, we are equally excited about being back among the industry community and sharing what’s ahead for the brand. And, as always, we may have a few surprises in store.”

Marine Product Line
The 2026 Marine Audio Product Line combines Alpine’s legendary sound quality with the durability and reliability demanded by life on the water. Featuring an all-new family of marine speakers, amplifiers, subwoofers, and head units, the lineup was designed to stand apart with a distinctive aesthetic unlike anything else in the marine audio category.

Every speaker in this new collection features integrated RGB lighting, delivering a premium visual experience to match its exceptional acoustic performance. Engineered for powerful, detailed sound and built to withstand harsh marine conditions, the new speakers embody Alpine’s commitment to high-fidelity audio and long-term reliability. Complementing the lineup are compact, high-output amplifiers that provide impressive power from a small footprint while maintaining consistent performance in demanding environments.

Bailment F-150
Slated to be featured at SEMA, the 2026 Ford F-150 TSport Alpine Edition brings together bold exterior styling and Alpine premium audio in a distinctive performance-inspired package. The vehicle recently served as the official pace truck for the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series event at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park on July 24, 2026, showcasing the TSport Alpine Edition on one of motorsports’ most visible stages.

This F-150 incorporates a new TSport Alpine Edition graphics package, an Alpine grille, a Alpine two-piece hood scoop, the PSS-23F150 8-speaker, and 600-watt plug-and-play premium sound system. The new Alpine grille gives the F-150 a more aggressive, stylized appearance while retaining the factory 360-degree camera system. Constructed from UV-protected ABS with a factory-matched matte-black texture, the grille is engineered as a direct replacement using existing factory mounting points with no cutting or vehicle modification required.

The Alpine grille is scheduled to become available in October 2026 as part of a vehicle upfit package offered through Ford dealerships, with fulfillment through Timberline Upfitters.”

2019 CanAm Maverick
2019 Can-Am Maverick X3 MAX X RS Turbo will round out the featured vehicles within Booth # 10373. This vehicle is outfitted to showcase Alpine’s performance-driven powersports audio and lighting solutions. The vehicle features the Alpine PSS-CMAV sound system, GP-RGB-SBAR soundbar, and Alpine Style Off-Road Lighting, creating an immersive combination of premium sound, visibility, and rugged styling. Built for demanding off-road environments, the Maverick demonstrates how Alpine products can elevate the driving experience both on the trail and at the show.

Show Hours & Information
Tuesday, November 3rd: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday, November 4th: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday, November 5th: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday, November 6th: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Las Vegas Convention Center
3150 Paradise Rd Las Vegas, NV 89109

All SEMA 2026 attendees are welcome to visit the Alpine booth to learn more about the products being exhibited, receive in-person demos, and speak with staff members from the Alpine Sales, Marketing, and Product Engineering teams. Attendees are encouraged to visit https://semashow.com/ for more information and to purchase tickets for the event.

DANIA BEACH, FL (10.02.26) — HKI USA announced the promotion of Jacob Brown to Chief Operating Officer, effective October 1, 2026. In his new role, Brown will oversee day-to-day operations, streamline core processes, and strengthen the company’s procedures and inventory controls.

Brown has been with HKI USA for seven years and most recently served as Director of Operations. During his tenure, he helped guide the company through significant change, including refinements to its product portfolio, upgrades to back-office systems, and the evolution of its team.

“Jacob has earned my trust through his leadership and commitment to HKI USA. His promotion to COO reflects that confidence, and I look forward to working alongside him as we continue to grow,” said Diogo Iannaccone, Chief Executive Officer of HKI USA.

“I’m honored to take on this role and build on the strong foundation our team has created,” said Brown. “We have exceptional people, outstanding products, and a shared passion for music. I’m excited to turn those strengths into smarter operations, stronger partnerships, and continued growth for HKI USA.”

Visit https://hki-usa.com for more.

SASKATOON, SK (10.01.26) – Firstech Canada is proud to announce its appointment as the exclusive Canadian distributor for Netvio, strengthening Firstech Canada’s Residential and Commercial AV portfolio with a complete ecosystem of professional video distribution, AV-over-IP, control, networking and software solutions.

Founded by an experienced leadership team with deep roots in the professional AV industry, Netvio was established by Derek Hulbert following a decade as CEO of WyreStorm Technologies, where he helped transform the company into a globally recognized video distribution brand. Together with co-founder and Technical Director James Meredith, Hulbert and the Netvio team have focused on rethinking how professional AV systems are designed, deployed and controlled—combining high-performance hardware with intuitive, license-inclusive software under the company’s core philosophy of “Simplifying Complexity.”

Under the new agreement, Firstech Canada will stock and distribute Netvio’s complete hardware and software portfolio across Canada, providing dealers and integrators with product availability, sales expertise, training and technical support. The partnership combines Netvio’s rapidly expanding technology platform with Firstech Canada’s established dealer relationships and commitment to dependable Canadian inventory and support.

Netvio brings together AV-over-IP, HDBaseT video distribution, audio and USB solutions, touch panels, system controllers and professional networking. Its software ecosystem—including Netvio360, AppBuilder and NetvioGo—is designed to simplify system discovery, configuration, deployment and end-user control, helping integrators deliver increasingly sophisticated AV systems with streamlined workflows.

The partnership also introduces Canadian integrators to Netvio’s latest innovations, including new 4K60 AV-over-IP solutions and the N1 Series network switches. Designed for professional AV and IT applications, the N1 platform supports AV-over-IP, Dante, control, lighting, security and conventional data applications, with management through Netvio360.

“We’re very pleased to welcome Netvio to the Firstech portfolio,” said Phil Maczuga, Director of Brands and Supply Chain at Firstech Canada. “Netvio brings together AV-over-IP, video distribution, control and networking solutions with a powerful software platform, giving our dealers a complete ecosystem that is both technically advanced and straightforward to deploy. By stocking the complete Netvio range and providing sales and technical support, we can give Canadian integrators the products, knowledge and availability they need to confidently specify Netvio for their projects.”

Derek Hulbert, Managing Director and Co-Founder of Netvio, commented on the partnership: “Spending time with the Firstech team and talking directly with their dealers reinforced why we believe this is the right partnership for Netvio. Firstech understands that successful distribution is about much more than supplying products. It requires technical knowledge, strong dealer relationships and a genuine commitment to helping integrators deliver better projects. We saw all of those qualities during the visit.”

Hulbert added: “Canada is an important market for Netvio and we want to develop it properly. Our time with the Firstech team demonstrated a shared enthusiasm for what Netvio can bring to Canadian integrators. With stock and support now in place, and a significant programme of new product and software launches underway, we are looking forward to building the business together and supporting dealers as they begin deploying Netvio solutions.”

Netvio hardware and software solutions are available now to professional AV dealers and integrators throughout Canada exclusively through Firstech Canada.

Netvio hardware and software solutions are available now to professional AV dealers and integrators throughout Canada exclusively through Firstech Canada.

To learn more, visit https://www.myfirstech.ca/brand-page-netvi.

DETROIT, MI (10.01.2026) – You know that blue button? This year marks the 30th anniversary of OnStar, and it does a lot more now than just call for help after an accident. GM’s connected services portfolio includes several OnStar plans built for different kinds of drivers. Together, they cover safety, remote commands, connectivity, navigation, entertainment, and advanced driving aids.

OnStar isn’t just in your car, either. Many features work with apps from each of our brands: MyBuick, MyCadillac, MyChevrolet, and MyGMC. They’re available to download for Android and iOS.

Here’s a look at what OnStar can do, including a few capabilities that might surprise you:

Safety

Safety is at the heart of what OnStar does, whether you’re behind the wheel or your kid has borrowed the car for the night.

• Automatic Crash Response: After a collision, OnStar automatically checks on you and alerts first responders to your location and situation.
• Roadside Assistance: If you have an issue on the road, like a flat tire, a dead battery, or the need for a tow truck, we’ll send help directly to your location and get you back on your way.
• Stolen Vehicle Assistance: OnStar works with law enforcement to track a stolen vehicle and can slow it to a stop or prevent it from starting.
• Safety Services: In any emergency, press the red button to reach one of GM’s 24/7 Emergency Advisors, who can assist and send help to you or someone else on the road. OnStar Crisis Assist also provides special routing help during severe weather events or natural disasters.

Remote Commands

Having control of your car when you’re not in it grants some peace of mind. It’s also convenient, like when you want to send navigation directions directly to your car.

• Remote lock and unlock: Forget to lock up? Check and do it from your vehicle app. You can also unlock remotely for someone else, honk the horn, or flash the lights to find where you parked. EV owners can start or stop charging, too.
• Remote start: Start your engine or turn on your EV and set the climate so the cabin is ready when you are.
• Send directions: Choose a destination in your app and send it directly to your vehicle’s navigation system before you even get in.
• Vehicle status: Check the fuel level, the battery charge, tire pressures, and more. You also get the odometer reading, remaining oil life, and EV charging status.
• Vehicle location: Forget where you parked? The app shows your vehicle’s current location.

Connectivity

When you need to communicate or navigate, OnStar’s connected services are there to make things simpler.

• In-vehicle Wi-Fi hotspot: Connect up to 18 devices, with signal reaching up to 50 feet away, good enough to cover the whole tailgate or get you online from your campsite.
• Navigation: Live traffic information helps you find the best route right now, and built-in navigation can help you pick a destination if you need some ideas.
• Google Gemini: Vehicles with Google built-in get the Google Gemini, which offers AI assistance in your vehicle. With Gemini, you can get hands-free help using natural, free-flowing conversation like setting the cabin temperature or planning a more efficient route.”
• Over-the-air updates: OnStar delivers the latest software for your vehicle. You can get new features and refinements while your car sits in the driveway.

Entertainment

Everyone gets bored from time to time. OnStar features can offer some more fun for the driver and passengers.

• Audio streaming: A variety of music, podcasts, audiobooks, and news is available directly to your speakers.
• News: Stay informed with real-time news updates that OnStar sends directly to your vehicle’s center display.
• Video Streaming: Passengers can watch movies and shows in high quality through the infotainment system.
• Games: Interactive games keep everyone entertained, whether it’s a short trip to the store or an epic road trip.
• Internet browser: You can surf the web directly from your car, which can be helpful if you need to look something up on the go.

Advanced driver assistance

OnStar supports GM’s goal of bolstering driver safety by delivering the infrastructure for different advanced driver aids.

• Super Cruise: Vehicles equipped with Super Cruise hands-free driving assistance hardware receive the most up-to-date map data through OnStar, so your car or truck knows where you’re able to take hands off the wheel.
• Hands-free trailering: GM trucks and SUVs with Super Cruise let you tow a trailer hands-free, taking into account the length of the trailer for lane changes.
• Turn signal-activated lane change: Just activate your turn signal, and the system will find a clear spot, smoothly changing lanes without any further action needed from you.
• Automatic lane change: If enabled, your car will automatically pass slower vehicles in your lane without you having to touch any controls.

Every new Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC vehicle comes with an OnStar trial. Just press the blue button to get started. Available plans include Connect, Connect Plus, Protect, and Super Cruise, with pricing from $14.99 per month once the trial ends.

Article Source: GM.com

DIAMOND BAR, CA(09.30.26) – The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) has officially re-launched its Drive the Vote campaign to mobilize the employees of SEMA’s member businesses, along with the nation’s 70 million automotive enthusiasts, to cast ballots in this November’s midterm elections.

Employers and voters can visit sema.org/vote to access resources for registering and voting this November, and to educate your people on the issues facing the automotive aftermarket industry. Because the 2026 SEMA Show begins on Election Day, those planning to attend should review their state’s laws on casting ballots in advance of Nov. 3.

“Voting is a fundamentally American act, and we need everyone in the automotive aftermarket industry to get to the polls during this pivotal election and lend their voices to the political process,” said Karen Bailey-Chapman, SEMA’s senior vice president for public and government affairs. “In 2024, our community showed up in a big way by delivering a clear referendum on EV mandates and reminding lawmakers that our industry is a powerful force to reckon with. This year, we have new issues and new names on the ballot, but our mission remains the same: send pro-automotive legislators to Washington, D.C., to ensure we can deliver pro-automotive legislation and policies that support our industry and the small businesses who drive our culture.”

For 2026, Drive the Vote has again developed resources to ensure that every American is fully knowledgeable about where their candidates stand on automotive, racing, and off-roading issues. These resources include the development of a 2026 Voter Guide led by SEMA’s Driving Force Foundation voter education initiative. The guide presents information on every single elected official in Congress and how they have voted on SEMA-backed issues.

To learn more about Drive the Vote, visit sema.org/vote.