PHOENIX, AZ (01.08.2025) – MTX, a MiTek Electronics and Communications company, is excited to announce the highly anticipated THUNDER amplifier lineup is now available for purchase and shipping.

The Thunder series includes seven models in mono-block, four-channel, five-channel, and six-channel configurations, packed with advanced features like 1Ω stability, concealed top-mount controls, and variable subsonic and bass boost. Each amplifier also includes a unique “birth certificate” showcasing real-world power ratings that often exceed RMS specifications, ensuring unparalleled performance for any system.

Each Thunder amplifier, similar to the new Terminator amplifiers, has a unique “birth certificate” that showcases power ratings that often exceed the listed specifications by as much as 25%. This unwavering attention to detail ensures that consumers receive reliable, high-performance equipment that is designed to exceed expectations.

“We are thrilled to reintroduce these iconic amplifiers, showcasing a bold new design and remarkable performance,” said Jason Fickas, Vice President of MT.

“Each detail has been thoughtfully crafted to deliver unparalleled sound performance across various system designs. Just look at a few birth certificates and see for yourself, these amps deliver an uncompromising amount of headroom.”

Please visit MTX.com for more information or to find a dealer.

DIAMOND BAR, CA(01.08.2025) – The 2025 SEMA Scholarship application period for students pursuing careers in the automotive or performance parts industries is now open. Interested applicants can submit their application now through Saturday, March 1, at www.sema.org/scholarships.

The SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund supports career development and access to the automotive industry by offering financial awards of up to $5,000 to help foster the next generation of industry leaders and innovators. In addition to financial assistance, scholarship winners have the opportunity to attend the SEMA Show, providing unparalleled exposure to the industry’s workforce, as well as networking opportunities.

“Education can be expensive and deter students from pursuing careers in the industries that they are passionate about,” said Jose Escobar, SEMA Manager of Recognition Programs. “With the SEMA Scholarship program, we aim to make education more affordable and accessible to the next generation of automotive industry leaders and open doors for them to see what’s possible.”

High school seniors and college students in the United States and Canada who demonstrate a passion for automotive hobbies and careers are eligible to apply. Scholarships are available in a variety of disciplines leading to a career in automotive aftermarket, including accounting, sales, marketing, engineering, and more.

A loan forgiveness component is also available to employees of SEMA-member companies who have completed and are currently paying off a loan for a program of study at an accredited university, college, or vocational/technical school within the United States and Canada. Loan forgiveness awards are issued at $2,000.

Eligible students and SEMA-member company employees can apply until March 1, 2025, at www.sema.org/scholarships.

STILLWATER, OK (01.07.2025) – New judges for the SkillsUSA National Convention were named recently by the SkillsUSA Mobile Electronics Installation Technical Committee.

The orientation included a brief introduction from each judge that included their background and reason for joining the team. The judges will be on hand for the SkillsUSA National Convention to be held in Atalanta, GA the week of June 23^rd.

The National Convention’s Electronics Installation portion consists of eight contest stations, each requiring two judges. Included in the orientation were SkillsUSA guidelines for interacting with the contestants, many of whom are minors.

The new judges include:

• Casey Korvarik of Pure Mobile Electronics
• Jacob Harling of Sipsey River Designs
• James Watson of Watson Cycle Sounds
• Jason McDanial of The Box Shop
• Jeff Smith of M.S.C.
• Johann Orellana of Al & Ed’s Autosound
• Memphis Houston of Wrecklezz Audio
• Michael Nehaus of Hausbox Audio
• Ryan Chin of Sub X Sounds

The Technical Committee consists of:

• Chris Jack, Committee Chair
• Aaron Malin, KICKER Tech Force
• Bryan Gary, SkillsUSA Tech Committee
• Jacob Luckey, KICKER Tech Force
• Kris Bulla, MECP (Mobile Electronics Certification Program)
• Scott Dilbeck, Sky High Audio

For information on how to donate and get involved with SkillsUSA, contact Chris Jack, cjackskillsusa@yahoo.com

DIAMOND BAR, CA (01.07.2025) – Lauren Wilbor has joined the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) as manager of digital communications and partnerships, adding new capabilities to the organization in an area of significant opportunity. Wilbor will support SEMA’s communications and grassroots efforts by leading outreach and relationship management with a variety of stakeholders and online content creators in the automotive enthusiast community, including influencers. She will be based out of SEMA’s Washington, D.C., office.

Wilbor has amassed significant experience in grassroots advocacy and relational organizing over her career, including a stint as Field Director for United Democracy Project, where she developed and executed the organization’s first-ever field organizing effort, helping to secure key victories in Congress. Wilbor has also run advocacy campaigns mobilizing voters nationwide to engage in legislative priorities impacting the oil and gas industry.

“It is with great excitement that we add someone of Lauren Wilbor’s caliber to the SEMA Government Affairs team,” said Karen Bailey-Chapman, SEMA’s senior vice president for public and government affairs. “Lauren brings a unique set of skills to grassroots organizing, and we’re excited to tap into her expertise to engage not just our members, but also the broader community of automotive enthusiasts, to affect change on the issues that matter most to their passions, whether restoring cars, racing them, or taking them offroad. Lauren’s ability to connect with people from across political, economic, and geographic divides, and unite them behind singular causes, will be a significant boost to the automotive aftermarket industry’s ability to maintain and grow its $337 billion annual economic impact on the U.S. economy.”

“I grew up around cars, and through my family have experienced first-hand the innovation and excitement that comes from the automotive aftermarket industry,” Wilbor said. “The best advocates bring with them an infectious energy and willingness to share their stories and perspectives, and that to me describes perfectly the outlook of those in the community of automotive enthusiasts with whom I’ll be meeting and supporting on a daily basis.”

Wilbor, a native of San Diego, holds a degree in political science from the University of Colorado Boulder.

Visit sema.org for more.

METAIRIE, LA (01.06.24) – ORACLE Lighting has been proud to call New Orleans home for over 25 years, and our deep connection to this city’s vibrant culture and resilient spirit continues to inspire everything we do. New Orleans is more than where we do business; it is our home. We are deeply saddened by the tragic events that unfolded on New Year’s Day, and our hearts go out to the victims and their families during this difficult time.

In an effort to support those affected, ORACLE Lighting is dedicated to giving back to the community that has given us so much. On Friday, January 10, 2025, 100% of profits from all online orders placed on our website, oraclelights.com, will be donated to directly support the victims and their families through the United Way. Donations will help cover medical expenses, funeral costs, trauma counseling, and more. 100% of all donations will go directly to those impacted.

Additionally, throughout the entire month of January, customers can further support this effort by using the promo code ‘NOLA’ at checkout for any order placed on our website. All proceeds from these orders will also be donated directly to the victims and their families through the United Way.

“As a company born and raised in New Orleans, we feel a deep connection to this city and its people,” said Tiffanie Hartenstein, CEO of ORACLE Lighting. “During times of tragedy, it’s crucial that we come together to support one another. We’re proud to stand with our community and to contribute in any way we can.”

The strength and resilience of New Orleans have always been a source of inspiration. ORACLE Lighting is
honored to play a part in supporting the recovery and healing process for those impacted by this tragedy. Together, we can make a difference.

For more information or to place an order, visit our website at www.oraclelights.com.

PHOENIX, AZ (01.06.24) – Orion Unveils the industry’s leading Lineup, giving installers a single solution for infinite design options

For installers, navigating the complexities seems never-ending. The process can be overwhelming, from sourcing the perfect mid-range sizes to selecting between 2-ohm and 4-ohm options and streamlining suppliers to ensure a harmoniously paired and balanced system. However, that’s all about to change.

Orion announced today the Ultimate lineup of Mid-Range solutions, from one manufacturer. Giving installers nine different sizes, both 2-ohm and 4-ohm all dynamically paired to provide the ultimate car audio design experience. Orion is now a one-stop solution for installers with this fully stocked assortment at its East and West coast warehouses.

The release of these versatile mid-ranges marks a pivotal moment for installers seeking to extract maximum power from their amplifiers and deliver an unparalleled audio experience that resonates – both in performance and quality.

Driven by the installer’s desire to achieve sonic excellence and the ability to fine-tune their systems to perfection, Orion’s Cobalt series offers a comprehensive selection of mid-range sizes, ensuring every facet of the sound profile can be tailored to suit individual preferences. Featuring sizes ranging from 6×9″, 5×7″, 6×8″, 10″, 8″, 6.5″, 5.25″, 4″, to 4×6″, and available in both 2ohm and 4ohm configurations, these mid-ranges provide a myriad of options for installers looking to craft soundscapes that are not only dynamic but also finely tuned.

Bill Turner, Orion’s Vice President of Dealer Success, emphasized the benefits of the new lineup saying, “With less resistance equating to more power, Orion grants installers the tools they need to maximize their design, whether aiming for a balanced audio output or a bass-heavy system. This release addresses a long-standing request from installers, and we are proud to deliver a solution that aligns with their aspirations and requirements.”

The comprehensive Cobalt mid-range lineup is now available for immediate shipment, enabling installers to elevate their audio installations and push the boundaries of car audio performance to new heights. Orion continues to demonstrate its commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction by equipping installers with the flexibility and freedom to craft audio systems that not only meet but exceed expectations.

Retailers, ORION IS BACK.

“Don’t just take our word for it. Embark on a FREE test ride. Select up to $500 worth of Orion products, test them out for 60 days risk-free, and enjoy complimentary round-trip shipping on us,” says Bill Turner, Vice President of Dealer Success. “Contact us at family@orioncaraudio.com today to explore the world of Orion and take advantage of this unparalleled opportunity.”

From customers to competitors and every retailer in between, if you have a question, hit us up at Family@OrionCarAudio.com

PHOENIX, AZ (01.03.25) Orion is thrilled to announce its strategic partnership with A&W Distributors, a pioneering industry force since 1979, renowned for supplying top-tier brands to dealers, with a strong presence in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana. According to Maher Awad, owner of A&W Distributors, “The passion for Orion within our market has always been robust. From installers to competitors, the timeless products are in high demand.”

Beyond mere distribution, A&W maintains a symbiotic relationship with its authorized dealers, providing a quality experience that perfectly aligns with Orion’s mission to support and foster independent specialty retailers across the United States.

Bill Turner, Orion’s Vice President of Dealer Success, emphasized, “Our focus is to expand the Orion family while ensuring exceptional support. A&W’s team consistently goes the extra mile, and we are proud to forge this partnership.”

A&W Distributors will now offer the complete line of Orion Car Audio, including amplifiers, speakers, woofers, and cabling accessories. Kane Naghwai, Sales & Purchasing Manager at A&W Distributors, highlighted, “Orion’s beauty lies in their diverse solutions catering to every price point, from the entry-level Cobalt series to the competition-grade HCCA and the American-made NT Amplifiers. No matter the customer walking into our dealers’ doors, Orion has the perfect solution.”

Retailers, ORION IS BACK.
Don’t just take our word for it. Embark on a FREE test ride. Select up to $500 worth of Orion products, test them out for 60 days risk-free, and enjoy complimentary round-trip shipping on us,” says Bill Turner, Vice President of Dealer Success. “Contact us at family@orioncaraudio.com today to explore the world of Orion and take advantage of this unparalleled opportunity.”

From customers to competitors and every retailer in between, if you have a question, hit us up at Family@OrionCarAudio.com

About Orion Car Audio

As pioneers in the car audio industry, Orion Car Audio has a rich heritage dating back to its establishment in 1984. The brand is known for its commitment to excellence, delivering high-quality and powerful audio solutions for car enthusiasts. Orion Car Audio is dedicated to fostering the growth of American-made products and supporting independent specialty retailers.

Flower Mound, TX– January 2, 2025 – Uniden America is proud to announce its partnership with Specialty Marketing, a leading distributor in the 12v industry, to serve as the exclusive East Coast distribution partner for Uniden’s innovative portfolio of 12v products. This collaboration strengthens Uniden’s commitment to providing its retail partners with best-in-class radar detection and laser protection systems, tailored specifically for the 12v channel.

Specialty Marketing’s expertise in distribution and deep understanding of the automotive aftermarket make them an ideal partner to help expand Uniden’s reach and support dealers across the East Coast. Their reputation for exceptional service and product knowledge aligns perfectly with Uniden’s mission to deliver cutting-edge solutions and world-class support to its partners.

Ray Woolf, Director of Specialty Radar Sales for Uniden, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership:
“Specialty Marketing’s reputation for excellence and their dedication to empowering dealers aligns perfectly with our vision for the 12v industry. We are excited to work alongside their talented team to strengthen Uniden’s presence on the East Coast and ensure our partners have the tools they need to succeed. This partnership reflects our commitment to providing unparalleled support to our dealer network.”

12VOLT CENTRAL STUDIOS (12.23.24) – The In-Store Experience is more important than ever to drive brick and retail sales. Black Friday and Cyber Monday promotions totally overshadowed Small Business Saturday. The ever growing AI universe is adding to the problems on the horizon for all categories of brick and mortar retailers sales across the board.

Independent brick and mortal 12volt, along with A/V, retailers have a huge Ace in-the-hole…the In-Store Experience of demonstrating top quality sound with orchestrated in-store live demonstrations with consumers in their showrooms.

Live music enthusiasts have been spending billions of dollars to see Taylor Swift and Beyonce concerts. Proactive12volt retailers can take those concerts to consumers vehicles without all the crowd aggravation for just a few hours. Plus their happy customers can continue enjoying their favorite artist’s concerts for free and in a much better concert hall… their vehicles!

To play that Ace in-the-hole retailers must be proactive to connect with consumers in their communities. Their showrooms must be setup to make those live demonstrations. Sales staffs must be ready to engage consumers with a solid sales presentation as they greet consumers entering their stores. Sales staff looking up from their smartphone behind the sales counter and saying “Need anything today?” is definitely a F minus.

The party is over at Party City as the company announced the closing of 850 stores last Friday… BIG LOTS too. TGIF, Red Lobster, Walgreens, CVS, Express Mens and others have recently been in the news with store closing announcements. None on these companies had the in-store listening experience opportunities 12volt and A/V retailers have for consumers.

Offering expert installation is a second ACE in-the-hole tool proactive 12volt and A/V brick and mortar retailers have to be successful is this ever changing retail landscape.

The desire to engage with consumers in-person demonstrations, in this ever-growing cyber and AI world, is the key card to driving retail sales in the brick and mortar retail environment.

Stay tuned as the 12volt Central Staff continues to showcase positives across the 12volt industry.

NEW YORK, NY (12.23.24) – SiriusXM will carry live play-by-play of every Division I FBS bowl game this postseason – including every game from the highly-anticipated 12-team College Football Playoff – as well as the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) National Championship game and other postseason All-Star games.

SiriusXM listeners can tune in to all these games in their cars and on the SiriusXM app. A schedule of postseason games – beginning December 14 – and their SiriusXM channel assignments can be found at: SiriusXM.com/Sports.

SiriusXM’s schedule will include every game from this year’s new 12-team expanded College Football Playoff, which will play out in four rounds: the first round games on Dec. 20-21, the Quarterfinals played in the Fiesta Bowl on Dec. 31 and the Peach Bowl, Rose Bowl and Sugar Bowl games on Jan. 1, the Semifinal matchups in the Orange Bowl on Jan. 9 and Cotton Bowl on Jan. 10, and ultimately the winner being crowned in the National Championship Game in Atlanta on Jan. 20.

The 12 teams in the College Football Playoff are Oregon, Georgia, Boise St., Arizona St., Texas, Penn St., Notre Dame, Ohio St., Tennessee, Indiana, SMU and Clemson.

In addition to the CFP games, SiriusXM will also air 36 other Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) bowl games, from the Celebration Bowl on Dec. 14 to the Bahamas Bowl on Jan. 4, and every game in between.

SiriusXM will carry Westwood One’s broadcast of the FCS Football Championship on January 6. SiriusXM will also air other postseason All-Star football games, including the East-West Shrine Bowl (Jan. 30), the Reese’s Senior Bowl (Feb. 1), the HBCU Legacy Bowl (Feb. 22) and the All-American Bowl, which will be played by the best high school players from around the country (Jan. 11).

SiriusXM also offers fans daily in-depth college sports talk and analysis on multiple college sports-focused channels – SiriusXM College Sports Radio (channel 84) – as well as conference-focused channels SiriusXM ACC Radio (channel 371), SiriusXM Big Ten Radio (channel 372) and SiriusXM SEC Radio (channel 374). 

Special pre- and post-game programming will air on these channels around the College Football Playoffs Quarterfinals, Semifinals and National Championship games. SiriusXM hosts broadcasting from game locations will include former coaches and players Rick Neuheisel, Jacob Hester, EJ Manuel, Roddy Jones and Ben Hartsock along with college sports experts Nicole Auerbach and Chris Childers.

This postseason, SiriusXM will carry the official radio broadcasts for many of the schools playing in Division I FBS bowl games through its agreements with LEARFIELD, Legends, Playfly, Van Wagner or individual universities. Twenty-five of the bowl game broadcasts – including the College Football Playoff games – are produced and provided by ESPN Radio or an affiliate. Other national broadcasts are provided by Bowl Season Radio and Touchdown Radio.

Visit SiriusXM.com/Sports for more.