LIBERTYVILLE, IL (09.30.26) – More DETAIL. More LOUD. More SOUND. Now tuned specifically for your Ford® Maverick® vehicle. Give your Ford® Maverick® the audio it deserves with ALL-NEW Ford Maverick Tuned Audio Kits, now tuned for the Maverick lifestyle and designed to deliver a powerful, immersive listening experience.

From complete STAGE 4 Tuned Audio Packages to a dedicated 10″ Tuned Subwoofer Upgrade and 6.5″ Component Speaker Upgrade, the MB Quart Maverick lineup gives you the flexibility to build the system that fits your Maverick ride and your sound.

Featuring vehicle-specific components, powerful amplification, and OEM-style plug-and-play integration, these systems are built
to bring an immersive soundstage that elevates your entire audio experience within your Maverick vehicle while making setup simple.

To learn more, click here.

TORONTO, ON (09.29.27) – CMA EXPO will return to the Toronto Congress Centre from April 9–11, 2027, celebrating its five-year anniversary with three action-packed days designed to help Canadian professionals learn, connect, discover new opportunities and grow their businesses.

Education will once again be a major focus of CMA EXPO. Renowned fabricator and educator Bryan Schmitt returns in 2027 to lead an intensive Fabrication Masterclass, sharing the techniques, processes and knowledge that have made him one of the industry’s most respected fabrication experts.

The 2027 Sales Track will feature Educar trainer Ken Ward, with sessions focused on helping retailers sharpen their sales process, develop stronger teams, improve profitability and ultimately win more business.

Attendees will also have access to Skills Workshops, Manufacturer Training Sessions and popular In-Vehicle Sessions, providing opportunities to gain hands-on knowledge, discover the latest products and technologies, and experience real-world installation and integration techniques inside actual vehicles.

The CMA EXPO show floor will bring together many of the industry’s leading brands and Canadian distributors while showcasing the latest products and technologies across car audio, marine audio, motorcycle audio, powersports and other emerging 12-volt categories. An extensive lineup of demo vehicles will give attendees the opportunity to experience these technologies first hand.

For Canadian shop owners, VIP Business Hours will provide an exclusive opportunity to meet one-on-one with many of Canada’s top distributors. These dedicated business hours are designed to create an environment where retailers and suppliers can strengthen relationships, discuss opportunities and conduct meaningful business away from the crowds.

Networking will remain an important part of the CMA EXPO experience in 2027. SiriusXM returns with the SiriusXM Networking Lounge, providing a dedicated gathering place throughout the event. On Friday, the SiriusXM Cocktail Hour will bring the industry together to reconnect with longtime colleagues, meet new people and build valuable relationships.

New for 2027, every three-day CMA EXPO registration will include lunch each day, allowing attendees to stay on-site, continue networking and make the most of their time at the event.

For five years, CMA EXPO has provided a dedicated national gathering place for Canada’s 12-volt industry. The 2027 event will celebrate that milestone while continuing to expand the education, networking, business development and hands-on experiences available to Canadian retailers and industry professionals.

Early Bird Registration is now open. Visit CMAEXPO.ca to register today.

LOS ANGELES, CA (09.29.26) – In a historic moment for California’s automotive heritage and enthusiasts, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Leno’s Law (Senate Bill 1392) at the garage owned by the bill’s namesake, entertainer, and noted automotive enthusiast Jay Leno. The bill signing delivers to the state significant, much-needed reform to smog check requirements to appropriately balance environmental stewardship with cultural reverence.

The bill was sponsored by Leno and the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA).

Gov. Newsom was joined at the signing ceremony by Leno, SEMA CEO Mike Spagnola, Sen. Dave Cortese, and advocates who participated in the effort to preserve California’s automotive heritage, including Francine Mata, co-founder and president of the Sacramento Lowrider Commission and a founding member of the California Lowrider Alliance, and Carmen Vera, co-owner of acclaimed restoration shop Pasadena Classic Car.

• Leno’s Law, authored by Sen. Cortese with principal coauthor Sen. Shannon Grove, creates a narrow, phased-in pathway to exemptions from California’s smog-check requirements for qualifying collector vehicles manufactured between 1976 and 1985. Leno’s Law was crafted to provide a carefully limited solution for vehicles typically preserved for shows, parades, charitable functions, and historical exhibitions, rather than vehicles used for everyday transportation.

The collaborative and fruitful effort to pass Leno’s Law united Democrats and Republicans and mobilized a diverse set of stakeholders, including lowrider groups and car clubs, collectors, preservationists, automotive businesses, and enthusiasts.

“SEMA applauds Governor Newsom for putting his signature on a historic win for California’s automotive community and for every family, enthusiast, and small business working to keep this culture alive,” Spagnola said. “Leno’s Law shows that California can protect clean air while also showing the appropriate reverence for the vehicles that connect generations and tell an important part of our state’s story. We are grateful to Senators Cortese and Grove, Jay Leno, our member companies, and the thousands of advocates whose energy fueled this effort with an unrelenting passion for our shared automotive heritage.”

BACKGROUND
Leno’s Law establishes a narrow, phased-in, collector-only pathway to a smog-check exemption for certain older vehicles. Under the bill, beginning Jan. 1, 2028, qualifying collector vehicles (manufactured before model year 1981) would be exempt from smog-check requirements. The exemption would annually expand by one model year until 2033, when it would apply to vehicles manufactured before model year 1986. To qualify, vehicles must meet the bill’s collector-use requirements, and owners must either carry collector-car insurance or, via a future DMV process to be established by 2030, verify that the vehicle is driven fewer than 1,000 miles per year. The bill does not change California’s existing exemption for pre-1976 vehicles.

The effort to pass this bill gained support from California’s automotive community and international enthusiasts. California’s lowrider groups sent over 1,700 letters, and FIA’s International Historical Commission endorsed it, praising its balance of preservation and environmental goals.

California is widely recognized as a key cultural hub for America’s automotive history, instantly identifiable through countless images of classic cars and trucks cruising across its roads—from desert to coast and the urban landscapes in between. Appropriately, the state is home to more than 1,500 SEMA member businesses, and its automotive aftermarket sector sustains nearly 150,000 jobs. It annually generates over $40 billion in economic activity, provides $13 billion in wages and benefits, and contributes $6 billion in taxes.

For more information, visit www.sema.org.

BIRMINGHAM, AL (09.28.26) – For 50 years AED USA has helped Southeast dealers build stronger line cards… not one-off SKUs. This past week’s 12volt Brand spotlighted the ZAPCO’s innovative, high-performance amplifiers, analog processors and DSP options for shops that take 12volt HiFi seriously.

“ZAPCO and AED have been in business the same amount of time since 1974. Today over 50 years later, we both remain focused and eager to help dealers grow by offering products that are thoughtfully designed, sound amazing and solve today’s audio problems” Blake Potts stated for AED.

ZAPCO has a lineup that can bring any system forward in sound. We love the Harmony DSP/Amp series. AED is seeing more dealers learning about DSP and growing their integration opportunities every day. Get in gear and add ZAPC to your store for the fall season. The best Sound and affordability is easy! Five easy letters… Z.A.P. C. O. “ Potts concluded.

For more see aedusa.net

CERRITOS, CA (09.24.26) – SoundSkins Global, a leading innovator in high-performance sound dampening and insulation solutions for the 12V and automotive industries, is proud to announce ABT Electronics as an authorized SoundSkins dealer. The full SoundSkins product line is now available to purchase and have professionally installed at ABT, both at its
Glenview, Illinois showroom and online at abt.com.

Family owned and operated since 1936, ABT Electronics is the largest independent single-store retailer of electronics and appliances in the United States. Its Vehicle Technology Department performs every installation in house, working on everything from daily drivers to exotics, RVs, boats, and powersports vehicles.

The partnership covers the complete SoundSkins catalog: vehicle-specific pre-cut sound deadening kits, universal sound deadening and insulation materials like SoundSkins Pro, Classic, Heat Shield, Wavy Foam and more, and vehicle-specific and universal SoundSkins enclosures. Every SoundSkins kit is cut to fit an exact vehicle, which removes the measuring, trimming, and guesswork from a sound deadening install and delivers consistent, repeatable coverage.

“ABT has spent nearly 90 years earning its customers’ trust by doing things the right way, including keeping installation in house,” said Dennis Garcia, COO at SoundSkins Global. “That is exactly the kind of retailer we want representing SoundSkins. Their team can now offer a cleaner, faster sound deadening solution backed by real fitment.”

For more information about SoundSkins Global and its product lineup, visit www.soundskinsglobal.com.

LOS ANGELES, CA (09.24.2026) – Pioneer introduces the VREC-Z410DC, a 3K dual-channel dash cam engineered to give drivers sharper footage and greater confidence behind the wheel. Alongside 3K WDR front and Full HD rear recording, the Dual-Channel Dash Cam (VREC-Z410DC) introduces a dedicated “Send Location” button, allowing drivers to instantly share their GPS location with trusted contacts in the event of an accident or emergency. 

“Drivers already trust Pioneer dash cams to capture what happens on the road; the VREC-Z410DC takes that a step further,” said Larry Rougas, EVP & Chief Revenue Officer at Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. “With the ‘Send Location’ button, we’re giving drivers a fast, simple way to reach the people who matter most in an emergency, without adding another subscription to their lives. Paired with sharp dual-channel recording and seamless smartphone integration, the VREC-Z410DC reflects the same engineering discipline we bring to every product we build.” 

EASY EMERGENCY RESPONSE AT THE PRESS OF A BUTTON 

Pioneer’s Dual-Channel Dash Cam’s (VREC-Z410DC) signature “Send Location” button does more than share a location. Pressing it locks and protects the current footage while drafting a text message with the driver’s GPS coordinates to a preset emergency contact through the free Pioneer ai-sense™ app. Once a phone is paired over Bluetooth and an emergency contact is set, the feature works right out of the box, with no subscription required. 

If an impact occurs before the button can be pressed, the built-in G-sensor automatically locks the current recording to prevent important footage from being overwritten. 

SMARTPHONE INTEGRATION MEETS PREMIUM VIDEO CAPTURE 

Among the few dash cams in its class to support Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, the Dual-Channel Dash Cam (VREC-Z410DC) lets drivers adjust settings and start recordings directly from their vehicle’s touchscreen. Camera controls are also available through Pioneer’s free ai-sense™ app, making setup and ongoing management simple from a smartphone. 

Its 5MP front sensor records crisp 3K WDR video through a 144-degree wide-angle lens, capturing details like license plates and road signs in both bright daylight and low-light conditions. The Full HD rear camera provides continuous rear coverage, while built-in GPS logs speed, route, and location data with every recording for a complete record of each drive. 

DESIGNED TO STAY OUT OF THE WAY 

Designed to mount discreetly behind the rearview mirror, the Dual-Channel Dash Cam (VREC-Z410DC) maintains a clean, low-profile appearance without obstructing the driver’s view. Its compact design blends into the vehicle interior, quietly recording every trip without distraction. 

PRICING AND AVAILABILITY 

The Pioneer Dual-Channel Dash Cam (VREC-Z410DC) is available beginning September 22, 2026, exclusively through Best Buy, both in-store and online, for $219.99. 

High-res imagery and video of the Dual-Channel Dash Cam are available here, and for more information, visit usa.pioneer.com. 

DIAMOND BAR, CA (09.23.26) – SEMA Data, the automotive aftermarket industry’s largest product data repository, has honored 88 brands with SEMA Data Excellence Awards, marking the highest number of honorees in the program’s history.

Each year, the SEMA Data Excellence Awards Program recognizes brands that go above and beyond to provide retailers and resellers with the complete, accurate, and timely product information they need to sell with confidence. The awards are based on each company’s SEMA Data Scorecard, which recognizes manufacturers across Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum tiers, with Gold and Platinum denoting Data Excellence.

“Great product data turns a part number into a product that can be found, understood, and sold,” said SEMA Vice President of Technology, Data and Strategic Initiatives Gigi Ho. “We are proud to honor the brands that are doing the work to provide resellers with the accurate, comprehensive information they need to power their systems, point of sale, and eCommerce stores.”

Last year, SEMA Data raised the bar for Data Excellence by significantly updating its Data Scorecard. Requirements across all award levels were strengthened to better reflect what resellers need to successfully onboard, merchandise, and sell products across today’s distribution and eCommerce channels.

Bronze establishes the foundational data needed to set up and identify products. Silver builds on that foundation with richer information to support selling and distribution. Gold requires 100% completion of key product data fields, while Platinum recognizes brands that meet additional qualitative standards for the quality and usability of their content.

Maintaining high-quality product data requires ongoing attention and continuous improvement. Manufacturers work closely with the SEMA Data team to identify errors, fill content gaps, and enhance the overall quality of their data.

One company that exemplifies this commitment at the Platinum level is Eibach, whose data management efforts are led by Business Analytics Specialist Jared Reyes.

“Product data is the foundation behind everything we do,” said Reyes. “It doesn’t matter how good your product is if you can’t get the information to your customers in a useable format. While product data may not be the glamorous side of the business, it creates a foundation for long-term consistency and makes you look at your brand from a new perspective. The initial feedback from customers has been positive, and we are seeing an increase in downloads each week.”

This year more than half of SEMA Data Excellence honorees achieved Platinum status, a milestone worth celebrating.

“High-quality product data is becoming part of how brands operate every day, not simply something they work toward for an award,” Ho said. “Ultimately, that means better data flowing throughout the industry to the retailers, resellers, and consumers who rely on it.”

Award winners will be celebrated during the SEMA Data Users Meetup on Monday afternoon, Nov. 2, the day before the official start of the 2026 SEMA Show. To learn more about SEMA Data, visit www.semadata.org.

The 2026 SEMA Data Excellence Award honorees are listed below by tier.

LIBERTYVILLE, IL (09.23.26) – Turn your sound ELITE through shallow subwoofer performance. HEW shallow subwoofers deliver BIG BASS PUNCH innovated through shallow subwoofer size that can fit anywhere your car audio install demands. HEW subwoofers feature a unique cone design and high-excursion capabilities that allow accurate low details and deeper, consistent bass blast.

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 eitherthe HEW12D4S (12-inch), HEW10D4S (10-inch), or HEW8D4S (8-inch) subwoofer models. LEVEL UP your bass to ELITE!

To learn more, click here.

BOCA RATON, FL (09.22.26) – ZZ2, a leader in vehicle integration and connectivity solutions, announces the launch of the NEW Bike2Play+ 7″, expanding its popular Bike2Play lineup with a larger 7-inch HD touchscreen and new features designed for motorcycles, powersports vehicles, and outdoor adventures.

Riders no longer have to rely on mounting an expensive smartphone directly to their handlebars for navigation, music, calls, and other essential apps. The new Bike2Play+ 7″ delivers Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto through a larger, purpose-built touchscreen designed for the riding environment.

The new model features ZZ2’s fast and responsive zOS Linux-based operating system, IP65 water and dust resistance, Bluetooth helmet connectivity, secure universal mounting, and a highly requested addition: a dedicated 3.5mm audio output for greater flexibility when integrating with compatible motorcycle audio systems.

Riders can also choose the Bike2Play+ 7″ DVR Edition, which adds two Full HD 1080p front and rear cameras with continuous ride recording and support for up to 256GB Micro SD storage. From Harley-Davidson and touring motorcycles to adventure bikes, ATVs, UTVs, Can-Am vehicles, scooters, e-bikes, golf carts, and marine applications, Bike2Play+ is designed to bring modern connectivity to virtually any adventure.

The new Bike2Play+ 7″ is available now through ZZ2 to add to your lineup.

Click to learn more.

OLATHE, KS (09.22.26) – PRNewswire – Garmin (NYSE: GRMN), the world’s largest* and most innovative marine electronics manufacturer, today announced JL Audio® M200 marine speakers and subwoofers, a stunning new audio series that blends a fresh design with high-performance sound to boost the onboard experience. Engineered to withstand harsh boating environments, the speakers are available in 6.5- and 7.7-inch sizes, offering clear, immersive sound, while the 10-inch subwoofer produces deep, powerful, clear bass. The M200 series speakers and subwoofers feature vibrant LED illumination in a wide variety of colors so boaters can personalize the look of their audio system to match their boat.

“With the JL Audio M200 series, we’re offering boaters a powerful onboard audio solution with crystal-clear sound, modern styling and customizable lighting – all at an exceptional value. Designed to keep the party going year after year, these speakers and subwoofers deliver the performance, durability and versatility to enhance any day on the water.”
–Susan Lyman, Garmin Vice President of Global Consumer Sales & Marketing

Featuring a 1-inch edge-driven silk dome tweeter with a neodymium magnet, the JL Audio M200 speakers provide a smooth and warm sound with power handling up to 60 watts RMS. The standard cutout size and mounting hole make it easy to retrofit the boat. The 10-inch subwoofer is constructed with an injection molded polypropylene cone and rubber surround and an optimized motor system to deliver minimal distortion, excellent low-frequency, and 250-watts RMS power handling.

RGB lighting allows boaters to customize the look of their M200 series audio system to complement their onboard style. When paired with a Garmin Spectra™ or Garmin Lumishore® light control module (sold separately), boaters can access advanced lighting control from a compatible chartplotter or ActiveCaptain® app. Both the speakers and subwoofers offer white or gray grilles to match the boat’s interior and maintain the premium look of other M-series speakers, including the M6 and M3.

Built from marine-grade materials and finishes with corrosion-resistant connections, the JL Audio M200 series provides high-performance audio all season long, withstanding salt and sun exposure.

The JL Audio M200 series is available now with suggested retail prices ranging from $199.99 to $349.99. To learn more, visit garmin.com/marine/audio.

Engineered on the inside for life on the outside, Garmin and its brands – JL Audio and Fusion – are committed to developing and delivering world-class audio entertainment solutions, including high-performance stereos, speakers, amplifiers and subwoofers and other audio components for the marine, car, RV, powersports and home markets. For more information, visit the Garmin Newsroom, email our media team, or follow our blog. 

* Based on 2025 sales.

SOURCE JL Audio via PRNewswire