WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 13, 2026) – The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) and its Performance Racing Industry (PRI) subsidiary issued the following statement following Gov. Tony Evers’ veto of AB 880:

Governor Tony Evers claims to have fond childhood memories growing up near a Wisconsin racetrack, but just vetoed AB 880, the Right-to-Race bill, just so his trial-lawyer buddies can keep suing tracks out of business.

Evers acted despite overwhelming support from lawmakers from across the state who know the value of small businesses and the cultural importance of motorsports. There was no registered opposition to this bill, and for good reason: motorsports matter.

Wisconsin’s racetracks foster an industry that is the soul of Wisconsin’s small, multi-generational business community and the engine of the state’s economic viability, including:

• $2.46 billion in total economic impact
• 10,601 jobs
• $697.92 million in wages and benefits
• $271.60 million in tax revenue.

Motorsports is an industry that has enlivened life in Wisconsin for nearly a century. Instead of protecting Wisconsin’s economy and network of family-owned dirt ovals, drag strips, and every motorsports facility in between, and instead of fostering American manufacturing, STEM education, and engineering innovation, Evers made it crystal clear whose side he’s on: lawyers and NIMBYs.

SEMA and PRI instead will continue to stand with the working families, racers, mechanics, concession workers, and fans who lose when tracks close. This race isn’t finished. In fact, our coalition is stronger than ever, and we’re just getting started.

BACKGROUND
AB 880, which was passed in the Wisconsin State Legislature with strong support in the Assembly and Senate, would protect long-standing racetracks from nuisance-based lawsuits brought by nearby property owners who moved into the area after the tracks were already established.
SEMA and PRI support “Right-to-Race” laws like AB 880 that protect legally compliant, long-standing tracks from nuisance claims. These protections ensure facilities that follow all laws and permits can operate without constant legal threats, preserving racing heritage, jobs, and revenue generated by motorsports.
The automotive aftermarket and motorsports industries annually contribute a combined $406 billion to the national economy, including $69 billion by the motorsports industry alone, and support millions of jobs nationwide. Lawmakers should champion commonsense policies to protect racetrack operations, prosperity, and longevity.
SEMA and PRI work with lawmakers, track operators, sanctioning bodies, and parts manufacturers to advance these protections through advocacy, coalition building, and grassroots engagement. Tracks have operated for decades and deserve stability. This commonsense legislation ensures facilities that predate neighbors are legally protected, preserving both urban and rural jobs, tourism, and community tradition.
Motorsports venues are vital to local economies, small businesses, tourism, and heritage. Still, many face lawsuits from neighbors who moved in after the track was established and seek to limit operations or shut down the venue entirely.

For more information, visit PerformanceRacing.com or visit www.sema.org

Oxnard, Calif., April 10, 2026 – Modus is proud to announce that Jason Digos has been promoted to Senior Product Testing and Validation Manager. Previously, Digos was Senior Sales Trainer at Modus.

In his new role, Digos will lead a four-person team and oversee the development and rollout of a comprehensive testing and validation framework, ensuring every new audio product meets strict performance, reliability, and real-world use standards before launch.

“Jason has been an instrumental part in Modus’ development,” said Navid Farhand, Co-CEO at AVA Enterprises, Inc. “His leadership will help establish a structured, data-driven approach to product development, bridging engineering, product management, and field performance.”

Digos has been an aftermarket audio development, installation, fabrication, and sales, training, and marketing professional with a wealth of expertise for more than 30 years, working with some of the industry’s top brands.

“Modus has already taken the industry by storm, and with our technology-dominant products now shipping and ready for installation, I look forward to ensuring that Modus remains at the forefront of the industry,” said Digos.

This Will be the First Event That BOSS Elite Exhibits Alongside its New Canadian Distribution Partner Automobility

OXNARD, Calif., April 9, 2026 – BOSS Elite (www.bosselite.com), a leader in 12 Volt aftermarket audio and video products, is proud to announce it will exhibit during CMA Expo 2026, scheduled April 10-12, 2026 at the Toronto Congress Centre in Toronto, ON, Canada. During the event, BOSS Elite will feature its new and expanding speaker line alongside new Canadian distribution partner Automobility Distribution Inc. as well as conduct an in-depth training.

“Automobility has been Canada’s leading value-added distributor of premium mobile electronics for more than 30 years, and we are proud to partner with them and present our ever evolving BOSS Elite lineup during CMA Expo,” said Colin Ross, BOSS Elite Associate Brand Manager. “We’re especially excited to feature our new speakers and refreshed product lineup that brings together sophisticated features with real-world performance.”

CMA Expo, now in its fourth year, is Canada’s premier mobile electronics event. Mobile electronics retailers from across Canada attend to connect, network and learn about the latest technology, products and skills required to continue to be successful in the industry.

BOSS Elite’s car audio training dives into the engineering and technology behind the Elite lineup. Participants will gain a clear understanding of amplifier architecture, speaker design, and system integration built to compete with premium audio brands. The training highlights how Elite delivers consistent power, refined acoustics, and durable construction, while equipping teams with the knowledge and confidence to make elevated system recommendations.

Training info:

When: April 10; 2:00pm

Where: Room “A”

During CMA Expo 2026, Elite will feature its new 6.5-inch BE652C and 6×9-inch BE692C speakers. Ready to order, these two-way coaxial speakers are the latest in the Elite lineup, and perfect complements to the line’s amplifier and source unit lines also featured during the show. Available in Q2 2026, Elite will also feature its new BE452C 4-inch and BE275C 2.75-inch 2-Way coaxial speakers, the 1.4-inch Tweeter Kit, the BE692K 6×9-inch Component Speaker Kit, and 6.5-inch Component Speaker Kit.

Also on display during the show and now available, Elite will showcase its highly popular source units as well as its powerful amplifier lineup, including the 5-channel 830W BE830.5D, 4-channel 600W BE600.4D, mono 600W BE600.1D, and mono 400W BE400.1D.

For more information about B.I.G. or to become a dealer, please visit sales.bossinternationalgroup.com.

Auburn Hills, Mich. (Apr. 09, 2026) – Alps Alpine North America, Inc. (“Alpine”), a premium aftermarket car audio manufacturer, announces the industry-first Tesla Fitment Decoder, a proprietary algorithm that’s integrated exclusively into the Alpine website to calculate the Tesla-specific sound system kit for the Model 3 and Model Y platforms.

The decoder was created in-house by Alpine’s Product Engineering and Application Development teams in partnership with Tesla experts from Alpine’s Authorized retailer force.

“This is a first for the aftermarket car audio industry,” said Dan Sparks, National Sales Director for the Alpine Aftermarket Division at Alps Alpine North America. “We learned early on that we’d need a solution to ensure full integration into the Tesla vehicle while taking the guesswork away from the customer. We’re happy to have launched a solution that alleviates both of those challenges.”

The decoder is designed to read the vehicle build date and vehicle identification number (VIN), pairing each Tesla Model 3 or Model Y vehicle with the correct Alpine sound system kit and harness in a matter of seconds. This ensures that each vehicle retains all factory functions while receiving a substantial audio upgrade.

In tandem with the launch of the Tesla Fitment Decoder, Alpine refreshed its Tesla product category with new systems designed for each audio enthusiast’s journey.

Ala carte speaker options provide a good starting point for the Tesla driver looking for more clarity and precision from their sound system. For those who need a bass boost, Alpine offers a 10” Subwoofer and Amplifier Upgrade kit designed for plug-and-play installation into select Model 3 base, premium, and Model Y vehicles – a substantial upgrade from the factory 8” in premium models! The 13-Speaker Plug-and-Play Sound Systems, originally launched in 2023, have been refreshed with new harnesses that ensure complete integration into the Tesla Model 3 and Tesla Model Y platforms using the Tesla Fitment Decoder.

Alpine’s Tesla audio solutions are available for purchase at Alpine Authorized Retailers and Preferred Online Stores. Please check the store locator on www.alpine-usa.com for details.

LONG BEACH, CA (4.8.2026) – Kenwood proudly announces the latest additions to its premium eXcelon car audio lineup: the KFC-XW1242 12-inch and KFC-XW1042 10-inch subwoofers. Designed for audio enthusiasts seeking powerful, accurate bass. Both models feature a single 4-ohm voice coil.

Engineered for durability and high output, the KFC-XW1242 12-inch subwoofer is rated at 350 watts RMS at 4 ohms, and the KFC-XW1042 is rated at 300 watts RMS, delivering deep, controlled bass with exceptional clarity.

Both models incorporate advanced design enhancements, including a new magnet structure paired with a 6-layer voice coil, improving heat dissipation for greater power handling and long-term reliability. Additionally, a progressive spider pleat design helps prevent over-excursion.

Key features include:

• New magnet and 6-layer voice coil design for improved thermal performance
• Progressive spider pleat design for enhanced excursion control
• Durable construction for long-lasting reliability
• Optimized for both sealed and vented enclosures

“These new eXcelon subwoofers reflect our continued focus on performance, reliability, and installer-friendly design,” said Rick Noetzli KENWOOD Product manager. “With improved thermal management and enhanced excursion control, the KFC-XW1242 and KFC-XW1042 deliver the powerful, clean bass our customers expect.”

The KFC-XW1042 is available now with a MAP price of $130.00, and the KFC-XW1242 is available now with a MAP price of $150.00 through authorized Kenwood eXcelon retailers.

Visit www.kenwood.com/usa for more.

LIBERTYVILLE, IL (4.8.26) – Van sound has a front stage. Time to make it LOUD. ALL-NEW MB Quart Mercedes-Benz Tuned Sprinter Kits are engineered to transform every ride — purpose-built for the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Van (W907 / 2019 – Current). Get ready for van audio that brings heavier bass and cleaner beats.

Feel an entire soundstage in your Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Van with the STAGE 6 audio system (MBQSV-STG6A-1), making 700 watts of Music. Defined. power and features: 6.5-inch, 2-way front component speakers, one 3-inch center channel dash speaker, and a BIG 10-inch, application-specific subwoofer system – powered by a 700-watt 5-channel Class-D amplifier.

Just want an MB Quart speaker system upgrade? The MS1-216C Speaker Upgrade includes the 6.5-inch, 2-way front component
speakers and one 3-inch center-channel dash speaker.

To learn more, click here.

PHOENIX, AZ (04.07.26) – MTX, a MiTek Electronics and Communications company, announces a new partnership with Bruce Gilsdorf of Advanced Marketing to represent MTX in Oregon, Washington, and Alaska.

Gilsdorf brings more than four decades of experience in the consumer electronics industry with a strong background in sales, training, and brand development. As Principal of Advanced Marketing since 1982, he has built long-standing relationships with retailers and manufacturersthat consistently translate into strong sales performance across his territories.

“MTX has been a powerhouse brand for over 40 years, and I’m excited to work with the team to continue building momentum in the Pacific Northwest,” said Bruce Gilsdorf, Principal at Advanced Marketing. “With a strong lineup of mobile audio and a clear commitment to the powersports category, MTX gives dealers the tools they need to grow their business. I’mlooking forward to working closely with Ceasar to expand the dealer network and show retailers the value MTX brings to their bottom line. We’re excited to connect with partners at the Pacific NW Expo in Seattle this May.”

“I have known Bruce since 1999, and I’m excited to be working with him again as he joins the MTX team,” said Ceasar Olaes, Regional Sales Manager at MTX. “Bruce brings a deep understanding of the Pacific Northwest market, and his experience and approach align well with how we support our dealers. We’re confident he will play a key role in continuing to strengthen our presence and grow our dealer network across the territory.”

For more information about MTX or to find a dealer, please visit www.mtx.com.

TORRANCE, CA (04.07.26) – April 2026, Rydeen Mobile Electronics, a leader in vehicle safety and driver awareness technology, today announced an update of its 2026 national representative network. With twelve dedicated rep firms now covering all major U.S. territories – from the Pacific Northwest to South Florida, from Hawaii to New England – Rydeen has built the most comprehensive dealer-support infrastructure in its company history.

The expanded network arrives at a pivotal moment. Rydeen’s newly launched MiNy360 Series – the first consumer dash cam to integrate patented proximity radar technology – is generating significant pre-order activity ahead of its Q2 2026 ship date. With dealer demand accelerating across all regions, having seasoned, territory-specific representation on the ground is the engine driving distribution.

“Our rep network is our frontline. These are not order-takers – they are trusted advisors who understand the 12Volt space at the street level. With the MiNy360 Series launching and our ADAS product line expanding, having the right people in every region ensures our technology reaches the dealers and installers who can put it to work for their customers,” said Rex Berfield, National Sales Manager, Rydeen Mobile Electronics.

Each rep firm was selected for its depth of relationships within the independent dealer and professional installer community, its track record in the 12Volt and consumer electronics space, and its ability to provide the hands-on support. Together, they form a network capable of bringing Rydeen’s full ecosystem – including the MiNy360 Series dash cameras, touch-screen digital mirror systems, and Rydeen’s AHD multi-camera solutions to installers and dealers who serve American drivers every day.

To connect with a Rydeen representative in your region, or to place an order, contact Rydeen’s national sales team directly at (310) 787-7880 or sales@rydeenmobile.com. For pre-order information on the MiNy360 Series contact your sales representative or call the sales team.

Visit www.rydeenmobile.com for more.

HOLLAND, OH (04.02.26) – TAS Electronics, an aftermarket vehicle electronics company serving Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan since 1973, announced the availability of professional DroneMobile installation at its Holland, Ohio location, giving drivers LTE-connected smartphone control over compatible vehicle functions including remote start, door lock and unlock, GPS tracking, and real-time security alerts.

The DroneMobile platform operates through an antenna installed discreetly in the vehicle and connects to a mobile application that allows drivers to control compatible safety and remote-start functions from any location with cellular coverage. Unlike a standard key fob, which is limited by proximity, the system uses LTE connectivity to extend vehicle access regardless of distance. The platform is also compatible with Apple Watch, Android Wear, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant, enabling drivers to interact with their vehicle through multiple device types from a single connected account.

TAS Electronics is presenting the service as more than a remote-start upgrade. The connected system addresses a broader set of driver needs, including vehicle security, family oversight, and operational awareness, by consolidating those functions into one professionally installed platform. By framing the announcement around those combined capabilities, the company is positioning DroneMobile as a connected vehicle intelligence solution rather than a single-purpose aftermarket accessory.

The system includes high-precision GPS tracking that allows owners to view a vehicle’s current location and review trip history in real time. Geofencing tools let users define geographic boundaries and receive push notifications when a vehicle enters or exits a designated area. For households managing younger drivers, the platform supports configurable alerts for speed thresholds and after-hours driving activity. A Family Sharing feature allows separate user logins with shared access to one or more vehicles, making the system practical for households with multiple drivers on overlapping schedules.

TAS Electronics is also offering installation of the Drone XC LTE Dash Cam as a compatible addition to the DroneMobile system. The device records 2K QHD video and streams footage in real time over a nationwide cellular network, providing remote visual access to a parked or moving vehicle when the owner is not present. When a vehicle’s security sensors are triggered, the DroneMobile app delivers instant push notifications, supporting continuous monitoring without reliance on proximity to a traditional audible alarm. Optional add-on modules include a rear camera for expanded exterior coverage and an interior camera suited for rideshare operators or parents who want visibility into in-vehicle activity.

Vehicle health monitoring is also part of the platform’s capabilities. The DroneMobile app displays battery voltage, internal temperature readings, and maintenance reminders, giving owners ongoing visibility into vehicle status between service appointments. For drivers seeking an additional convenience layer, a separate keyless module allows physical keys to be secured inside the vehicle while app-based or touchpad access is used in their place.

TAS Electronics brings more than five decades of installation experience to every DroneMobile setup. The company reports that its technicians have completed more than 135,000 vehicle installations over its operating history, and that professional installation is designed to ensure clean integration with a vehicle’s existing factory electronics while reducing the compatibility concerns that can arise from self-installation attempts. Most DroneMobile installations are completed within a single business day, limiting downtime for drivers who depend on their vehicles for daily transportation.

The announcement extends TAS Electronics’ broader service offering in aftermarket vehicle technology. In addition to DroneMobile, the company provides installation of car audio systems, remote starters, car alarms, dash cams, heated seats, window tinting, LED lighting, motorcycle audio and marine audio.

TAS Electronics serves customers throughout Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan, including Toledo, Holland, Maumee, Perrysburg, Sylvania, and Monroe, Michigan. For more information about DroneMobile installation and scheduling, visit TAS Electronics DroneMobile.

This article was produced by PRESSADVANTAGE

DIAMOND BAR, CA (04.02.26) – The following candidates are vying for a seat on the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Board of Directors:

Board Seat (1 Seat)

• Mike Anderson, Collision Advice
• Jeff Hermann, MagnaFlow

Voting will take place online May 4-26 and is open to current SEMA-member companies. Votes must be cast by each company’s primary contact. Details on the upcoming election will be sent to the member company’s designated primary contact. Winners will be announced by June 9.

For more information, visit www.sema.org.