FAIRVIEW, TN (07.31.25) – Vinland, a premium automotive electronics brand, and Elite Distributor Alliance (EDA) today announced a strategic partnership to expand the availability of Vinland’s VISION series vehicle-specific car stereos across the United States. This collaboration pairs EDA’s powerful distribution capabilities with Vinland’s advanced infotainment solutions to deliver a superior in-car technology experience.

Introducing the VISION Series by Vinland
The VISION Series represents the next generation of custom-fit infotainment systems, built to integrate seamlessly with specific vehicle platforms. Equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon octa-core processor, 8GB RAM, and 128GB storage, the VISION Series runs Android 13 operation system and features a vibrant 1280×720 QLED touchscreen for a fluid and responsive user experience.

Key Features:

• Seamless Integration: iDatalink Maestro compatibility and Vinland’s V-Control apps offer full access to factory features, climate settings, parking assist, and more.
• Smart Connectivity: Wireless CarPlay & Android Auto, dual Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX/aptX HD, 4G LTE, and Wi-Fi hotspot.
• AI & Smart Apps: Built-in AI assistant, Google Play access, real-time GPS tracking, route playback, and OTA firmware updates.
• Safety Features: Front and rear recording cameras (sold separately), 1080P recording, G-sensor collision detection, and parking surveillance.
• Advanced Audio/Video: 4x49W amplifier with DSP, 36-band EQ, time alignment, crossovers, 6 RCA pre-outs: Front, Rear and Subwoofer (4V), HDMI input, SPDIF optical and coaxial output.
• User-Centric Interface: Customizable home screen and ultra-fast 2-second boot time.

Vehicle Compatibility
The VISION Series is available for a wide range of popular models, including:

• Jeep Wrangler (JL) 2018–2023
• Jeep Gladiator (JT) 2019–2023
• Jeep Grand Cherokee 2011–2020
• Chevrolet Silverado 2014–2019
• GMC Sierra 2014–2019
• Ram 1500 (Manual & Auto AC) 2013–2018
• Ford F-150 2009–2012
• Toyota Tacoma 2005–2023
• Toyota RAV4 2019–2021
• Toyota 4Runner 2010–2019
• Toyota Tundra 2007–2021
• Toyota Camry 2015–2020
• Honda Accord 2013–2015
• Subaru Outback 2010–2017
• Subaru Forester / WRX / WRX STI 2016–2021

Nationwide Availability Through EDA
Members of the EDA Distribution Group will oversee the nationwide rollout of the Vision Series across all 50 states and Puerto Rico. Authorized Vinland Dealers will be equipped to offers customers swift system upgrades, ensuring fast and seamless service delivery.

Executive Statements
“Vinland’s partnership with ADS to combine Vinland’s Vehicle Specific solutions with Maestro technology is a homerun.” said Josh Eatherly, Executive Vice President of EDA. “This partnership reflects our commitment to providing dealers with top-tier technology and tailored solutions.”

Chuanyi Cai (Michael), General Manager of Vinland added, “We’re thrilled to collaborate with EDA Distribution Group, whose reputation and reach allow us to bring the VISION Series to more vehicles and more drivers across the country. Their logistics and support are key to delivering an exceptional experience.”

Availability
Vinland’s VISION Series vehicle-specific stereos are now available through EDA Distribution Group members nationwide. For information about availability, pricing, or becoming an authorized dealer, please contact your local EDA distributor.

SEATTLE, WA (07.30.25) – Firstech, the award-winning innovator behind leading vehicle security solutions, today announced the launch of the FTX dash camera, a sleek 4K dash camera designed specifically for automotive dealerships and expeditors. The FTX empowers dealerships to offer a highly sought-after accessory at the point of sale or service, meeting growing consumer demand for reliable in-car video recording.

The surge in viral dash camera footage has dramatically increased public awareness and desire for dash cameras. However, consumers are uncertain regarding where to purchase these products and secure proper installation. The FTX dash camera fills this crucial gap, providing auto dealerships with a high-value attachment that capitalizes on this demand and establishing them as a trusted source for dash cameras.

“We recognized a significant opportunity for dealerships to enhance their accessory programs and provide genuine value to their customers,” said Jason Kaminski, Firstech’s Managing Director. “The FTX dash camera is not just a premium 4K recording device; it’s a strategic tool for dealerships to boost revenue, improve customer satisfaction, and leverage the increasing popularity of dash cam technology.”

The FTX dash camera delivers crystal-clear 4K resolution, ensuring every detail on the road is captured with precision. As a brand exclusive to auto dealerships, FTX ensures no retail channel competition, solidifying its value proposition for partners.

Key Features of the FTX Dash Camera:

• 4K Ultra HD Recording: Powered by a premium Sony image sensor.
• Dealership-Exclusive Brand: No retail channel or online competition ensures partner profitability.
• Streamlined Installation: FTX dash cameras can be installed using the hardwired harness or plug-and-play OBD-II adapter, both retaining crucial parking mode functionality
• Easy-to-Use Smartphone App: Facilitates convenient video download and management to iOS or Android devices.
• High-Demand Accessory: Taps into the booming market for dash cameras.
• North American Customer Service: Toll-free and online support and industry-leading 3-year warranty on all FTX products.

Firstech is committed to supporting its partners with high-quality products and robust programs. The FTX dash camera is poised to become a critical component for dealerships looking to expand their accessory portfolio and cater to the evolving needs of modern drivers.

Availability:
The FTX dash camera is now available for order by automotive dealerships, expeditors, and 12 retailers servicing dealerships. Interested business partners can contact orders@myfirstech.com.
Strict territory restrictions may apply

ONTARIO, CA (07.30.25) – While borrowing some elements from our former ACS series, the new PB Series offers upgraded features, terminals and a dual layer PCB all packed in the most compact chassis allowable.

To accomplish this we selected SMD parts and engineered a brand new high density heat sink engineered for maximum efficiency and cooling. The result, an all new line-up of two, four, five and mono channel models that offer amazing performance and fantastic value.

Ultra efficient, the PB Series amplifiers produce outstanding low distortion high fidelity audio in a footprint small enough to fit nicely in nearly any vehicle. The PB Series Amplifiers provide the perfect mix of performance and style and all models are in stock now!

• Upgraded 45 DegreeTerminal Design
• Mono Blocks / Multi-Channel Models
• Double Layer PGB
• Variable Subsonic Filter
• Low Level RCA Inputs
• High Level Input (Not available on 5Ch Model)
• Remote Soft Delay Turn On/Off Circuit
• HPF/LPF Filter Selection Full Range Models
• LPF Filter Selection Mono Block Models
• Variable Gain Control
• Calibrated Visual Clip Indicator
• Wired Secondary Remote Gain Control – Sold Separately (PB-GAIN1)
• Protection Circuit: Impedance Over-load, Speaker Short, Circuit, Thermal Overheating, and DC Output

Visit powerbassusa.com for more.

TAMPA, FL (07.2925) – DOW Technologies recently wrapped up the first quarter of its Rewards+ program with a bang! Customers who participated are receiving their well-earned rebate checks this week. One lucky winner got a surprise delivery when DOW’s president and CEO, John Yodzis, hand-delivered the first quarterly lottery check on Tuesday, July 22.

Launched on April 1st, DOW’s Rewards+ program gives customers the chance to earn up to 5% back on their purchases of Red Atom brand products each quarter. The more a customer buys, the higher the percentage of the rebate. Members of DOW’s Smart Services program earn a percentage boost for their rebates. Qualifying purchases totaling $500 or more throughout the quarter also enter customers into a growing jackpot lottery, funded by a percentage of Red Atom sales throughout the quarter.

In just its first quarter, DOW paid out over $8,000 in rebates — and the jackpot for the Rewards+ lottery hit a massive $10,125.59. Fortech LLC of Chattanooga, TN, was the big winner, and John Yodzis personally delivered the check to mark the occasion in style.

“We’re very happy with the results from this first quarter of Rewards+,” said Drew Fischer, vice president, home integration and specialty sales. “Our goal with this program is to put cash back in the pockets of the customers that are loyal to our Red Atom brand. We want to support the dealers that are supporting us.”

“I was honored to get the opportunity to deliver the lottery check in person to Nick Clark of Fortech,” said John Yodzis, president & CEO of DOW Technologies. “The lottery is an opportunity to make a big impact for a dealer and create some real excitement in the industry.”

To learn more about DOW Technologies, please visit www.dowtechnologies.com or call 1.800.627.2900. For more details about the Rewards+ program, visit www.dowtechnologies.com/rewardsplus.

LIBERTYVILLE, IL (07.29.25) – Easy to fit and built for serious bass performance, MB Quart Discus DS2 shallow subwoofers are engineered to deliver deep, clean sound in a compact, low-profile design, perfect for tight spaces like trunks or custom installations. When room is limited but your customers want harder thumps where it matters, TURN UP THE BASS with DS2!

The entire line of Discus shallow subwoofers includes 12-inch (DS2-304), 10-inch (DS2-254), and 8-inch (DS2-204) Ohm DVC shallow subwoofer sizes. With only less than 3 inches of mounting depth into your customer’s car audio install/setup – every MB Quart DS2 Discus shallow subwoofer makes installation easy and simple for them.

To learn more, click here.

SHREVEPORT, LA (07.28.25) – The 12voltBeat Newsletter, delivering fresh industry news, is emailed twice weekly to subscribers across the 12volt industry.

News reporters walk the beat in their areas to gather and deliver the news of the day. 12volt Central Studios staff has been walking the beat across the 12volt industry for over for seven decades. Today the news is delivered digitally from across the US and around the world.

Click to subscribe to our free 2X weekly email newsletter

The 12volt Central Studios launched the 12voltSTP Tool over 2 years ago. The 12voltSTP Tool makes it easier than ever for industry members to deliver news of their products and activities than ever before. With a smartphone it just takes snapping an image and txting the image with a few words to 318 469 2526. PRESTO that news could be in the 12voltBeat.

The 12volt industry history is based in music and good music definitely has a beat. Thus the 12voltBeat Newsletter is a natural to deliver industry news across the 12volt industry.

The 12voltBeat is emailed early on Monday and Thursday mornings to over 4,000 industry members. The 12voltBeat newsletter features industry news from the previous few days.

There is no charge to receive the 12voltBeat.

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DIAMOND BAR, CA (07.25.25) – The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) is dispelling misinformation surrounding a forthcoming law in Nevada pertaining to local enforcement of state and federal vehicle emissions laws. The organization specifically wants to reaffirm that the new law, which takes effect on Oct. 1, will not impact the 2025 SEMA Show, Las Vegas’s largest annual trade show, which will be held Nov. 4-7 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo on June 10 signed into law SB 80, legislation that provides a new framework for local law enforcement to utilize, in tandem with existing inspection authority, to enforce against bad actors who are breaking existing state and federal emissions laws, establishing new penalties for illegal behavior.

STATEMENT
“SEMA has always been aware of Nevada’s SB 80 and provided feedback on the bill on behalf of the automotive community as it was developed. SB 80 is common-sense legislation that maintains the status quo as it pertains to existing state and federal law. SEMA was, and is, comfortable with this bill, which reinforces existing state and federal bans on emissions system tampering. The law is still the law as it pertains to emissions systems.

“SEMA is once again proud to welcome our exhibitors, members, partners, and industry stakeholders to Las Vegas this November for the industry’s most anticipated annual gathering. For 58 years, the SEMA Show has remained a cornerstone of innovation, collaboration, and progress in the automotive aftermarket industry. This year will be no different. Whether you’re exhibiting your brand, debuting a custom build, or exploring the latest products and trends, the SEMA Show continues to deliver the trusted platform that drives business and fuels industry growth.”

BACKGROUND
SB 80 amends existing Nevada state law (NRS 480.610) to identify the following unlawful activities:

(e) Except as otherwise provided in subsection 2, tamper with a device for the control of emissions of a motor vehicle or remove such a device from a motor vehicle, including, without limitation, exchanging the engine of a motor vehicle for a different engine; or
(f) Possess an electronic device capable of tampering with a device for the control of emissions of a motor vehicle.

Additionally, SB 80 provides the following clarification on legality:

2. A person does not violate paragraph (e) of subsection 1 by exchanging the engine of a motor vehicle for:
   (a) An electric motor; or
   (b) A different engine if any device for the control of emissions of a motor vehicle that is included with the engine being inserted into the motor vehicle is operational.

RESOURCE
To educate SEMA members, SEMA Show attendees, and the public at large, SEMA released a FAQ document that explains what SB 80 does and does not do.

Visit www.semashow.com or www.sema.org for more.

BOCA RATON, FL (07.25.25) – “Does Tesla have CarPlay?” Yes – it’s here with ZZTSL from ZZ2. Dealers: don’t miss this game-changer.

Problem:
Tesla doesn’t offer Apple CarPlay or Android Auto—its closed system, keeps you stuck with limited apps. Owners complain:

“Tesla 3P apps are garbage… miss Apple CarPlay.” dailytelegraph.com.aurivianforums.com+4reddit.com+4topspeed.com+4

“No CarPlay is a deal breaker. WTF?” teslamotorsclub.com

Introducing ZZTSL, a true Plug & Play hardware based solution, which intercepts the video signal from the MCU to the screen.

•⁠ ⁠NOT a BROWSER based solution
•⁠ ⁠⁠NOT a USB based solution
•⁠ ⁠⁠NO hotspot required
•⁠ ⁠⁠NO interference with the OE Tesla APP environment

Features

• Wireless CarPlay & Android Auto full screen or PiP (picture-in-picture) modes available
• Completely re-designed specifically for a TESLA environment
• Retains factory safety display features
• Integrates the CarPlay/Android Auto icon to the MENU bar for a factory look
• Works on Model 3 (2017‑2024) & Model Y (2020‑2024/25)
• 3‑year warranty

💡 ATTENTION Dealers & Installers:
Tesla says “No.” ZZ2 says “Yes!” Offer customers the smartphone experience they’ve been desperately asking for in TESLA Vehicles.

Visit zz-2.com for more.

CHICAGO, IL (07.24.25) – “We’re honored to be partnered with Mid-State Distributing” said Chirs Bennett, ZAPCO and ESB’s Director of US Sales. “There has been a lot of growth in the last year, particularly with ESB Audio. Having a great Distribution Partner with 3 stocking locations in the Mid-West area means more dealers can experience the Sound Quality that ZAPCO and ESB Audio are known to deliver.’

“Mid-State Distributing is proud to be a partner with ESB Audio and ZAPCO and look forward to this new opportunity” stated Sean Davis. Branch Manager at Mid-States Distributing.

ESB Audio is an Italian speaker company with over a half century of electroacoustic history. Over the last 55 years, ESB Audio has navigated the winding road of high fidelity and through its evolution has acquired a wealth of experience and knowledge that is rarely encountered elsewhere.

ZAPCO is dedicated to the pursuit of audio fidelity. At ZAPCO, we’ve been doing the same thing we have done for over 40 years, constantly searching out innovative ways to bring better sound to the automotive environment. 

Mid-State Distributing has ESB Audio and ZAPCO has inventory in Omaha, Fargo and Chicago and serves dealers in the Midwest and Mountain states.

For more see midstatedistributing.com, zapco.com, and esbcar.com.

TORRANCE, CA (07.24.25) – Rydeen Mobile Electronics, a leading innovator in vehicle safety and driver assistance technology, is proud to announce the return of its signature black packaging, reinforcing its vision of a unified, expandable Rydeen ECO-System.

The newly updated packaging features a sleek, durable black box with a subtle microchip-inspired pattern, reflecting Rydeen’s commitment to ECO-System which reprensenting innovation, premium design, and product integrity. This visual refresh also includes luxuriously polished mirror product images, creating a high-end, modern aesthetic that speaks to Rydeen’s continued evolution.

Rydeen ECO-System: Unified & Expandable. At the core of this update is Rydeen’s commitment to its ECO-System philosophy—a product family where digital mirrors, HD cameras, and mounts are fully adaptable and interchangeable. Each component is designed to function within defined technical parameters, enabling dealers and installers to mix and match with confidence and tailor solutions for every vehicle platform.

“Back to Black isn’t just a design choice—it’s a statement,” said Phil Maeda, president and CEO at Rydeen Mobile. “We previously transitioned to white boxes for clarity on shelves, but we’ve come full circle. The new black packaging not only honors our roots but aligns perfectly with the technological sophistication of our ECO-System products.”

Rydeen remains committed to providing high-performance safety electronics that combine style, adaptability, and reliability—with a fresh new look that honors both the past and the future.

Visit www.rydeenmobile.com for more.