WASHINGTON, DC (1.23.26) – The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) is applauding the Jan. 21 announcement by the U.S. Department of Justice that it will exercise its enforcement discretion for Clean Air Act violations related to tampering with onboard diagnostic (OBD) devices on vehicles and no longer pursue criminal charges in such cases.
This announcement only reflects the enforcement discretion of the current administration. The statutes of limitation for such violations goes beyond the term of any single president or administration, and future administrations may view such enforcement differently.
“This is a welcome end to overly harsh penalties for violations that are otherwise addressed through civil enforcement,” said SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola. “SEMA believes in following the law, and federal law is clear with regards to tampering of emissions systems or profiting from the sales of products that enable such behavior. SEMA remains committed to working with federal regulators at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to ensure our industry has a voice in the development of policies impacting compliance with federal and state laws with regards to emissions and safety, and creating a path for our industry to continue its innovation.”
BACKGROUND
OBD tampering involves altering a vehicle’s electronic systems or software, primarily to defeat emissions controls or commit mileage fraud, both of which are illegal under federal and state laws in the U.S.
Violators are subject to significant civil penalties (up to $37,500 for each part or component) and, until this announcement, even criminal prosecution, with the potential for prison terms.
SEMA has invested heavily through its SEMA Garage program to provide its members with pathways to navigate federal and state emissions.
The SEMA Certified Emissions (SC-E) program is a documented pathway for demonstrating that an aftermarket part doesn’t increase the emissions of a vehicle on which it’s installed. The program was designed around the guidance of the EPA’s Tampering Policy as a means to offer aftermarket companies:
An accelerated path to emissions compliance, allowing products to be legally sold in 49 states prior to receiving a California Air Resources Board (CARB) EO
Create an industry-wide standard for “reasonable basis”
Create a centralized database for compliant products
Provide legitimacy to the claim “EPA compliant”
Establish a path to compliance for certain products that are unable to receive a CARB EO
TORONTO, ON (1.22.26) – On Tuesday, Day 4 in the Importel booth, it was all about SiriusXM to feel every moment with the widest selection of entertainment always playing what all want to hear. SiriusXM subscribers can discover something new every day, including exclusive music channels curated by the biggest names in the business, once in a lifetime events, live sports coverage and more. The vast percentage of consumers are not aware of the possibilities. 12volt retailers need to take advantage of this opportunity to drive business.
Ricky Lima, Importel National Sales Manager stated “Some of our dealers do well with the BoomBox bundle. At a retail of $199. CND it is certainly affordable. All retailers need to take a look at stocking this product to enjoy SiriusXM even more.”
SiriusXM had a great display set up in the Importel booth with Howard Stern grabbing your attention.
In the Importel booth attendees could see and hear first hand the positives.There’s always something new at SiriusXM. Consumers, looking for complete portability and versatility, need look no farther than the SiriusXM Onyx EZR Boombox bundle. The Onyx EZR, with vehicle kit, is a dock and play radio that lets all enjoy SiriusXM satellite radio not just in their car but in their boat and beyond. The radio includes options to select from 2 display formats to view artist names, show titles, song titles plus channel information. With parental controls, all can easily lock or unlock channels that contain mature content.
Kelly Holley, Director of Sales & Marketing, shows the SiriusXM Boombox Bundle ready to go.
Additionally, listeners can save up to 10 of their favorite SiriusXM channels or create a personalized music channel using TuneMix. The Boombox features a sporty design and great sound for all SiriusXM and XM plug-and play-radios with universal docking capability. The BoomBox Bundle can help consumer enjoy music 24/7 anywhere.
The Toronto International Boat Show wraps Sunday January 25th after the 9 Day run.
OXNARD, CA (1.21.26) – BOSS Audio Systems is proud to announce it will exhibit during KnowledgeFest Las Vegas, held at The Paris Hotel & Convention Center from Feb. 3-5, 2026. During the event, BOSS Elite will conduct a training on its revolutionary audio technologies as well as feature a number of its new and expanded line of speakers, amplifiers, and source units.
“KnowledgeFest 2025 in Atlantic City was an extraordinary success for our Elite line, and we can’t wait to showcase the brand in Las Vegas,” said Colin Ross, BOSS Elite Associate Brand Manager. “For the past couple years, Elite has continued to gain traction and a dedicated following across the country as we continually roll out new products across our speaker, amplifier, and source unit lines. KnowledgeFest is about connecting with installers and industry pros so that we can continue to learn from them and innovate in both the short and long term.”
The BOSS Elite product lineup will be spotlighted on the KnowledgeFest show floor.
This year in Las Vegas, Elite is featuring its new 6.5-inch BE652C and 6×9-inch BE692C speakers. Ready to order, these two-way coax 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.
On display during the show and now available, Elite’s lineup will also showcase 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.
Lastly, Elite’s highly popular source units will take center stage during KnowledgeFest, as well.
Also during the show, Boss Elite will lead an in-depth car audio training focused on the engineering and technology behind the Elite lineup. Explore advanced amplifier architecture, speaker design, and system integration that align with high-end competitors. Learn how Elite delivers consistent power output, refined acoustics, and durable construction, equipping your team with confident, informed product knowledge for elevated system recommendations.
The training will be conducted: • Location: Palace 6 • Date & Time: Tuesday, February 3 at 2:45 PM
KnowledgeFest stands as a cornerstone event for the mobile electronics industry, offering more than 50 hours of educational sessions, hands-on workshops, and networking opportunities. The event draws hundreds of industry professionals eager to explore the latest technologies and advance their technical expertise through manufacturer training sessions.
Visit BOSS Elite during KnowledgeFest 2026 in Las Vegas at booth # 511.
LIBERTYVILLE, IL (1.21.26) – Discus DA2 amplifiers set a new standard for Mobile, Marine, and Powersports applications, featuring top-mounted controls for quick access and effortless tuning. Feel the difference in power that innovative engineering brings to your MB Quart system.
The Discus DA2 lineup uses Class-D amplification for efficient, powerful, and ultra-clean output. Rugged construction keeps your sound strong in harsh Marine and Powersports environments, while the streamlined top-panel layout makes tuning simple even in the most challenging installations. Embrace Discus innovation TODAY!
LOS ANGELES, CA (01.20.26) – Massive Audio proudly announces the release of the HIPPO H84XR, an 8-inch high-output subwoofer engineered to deliver deep, powerful bass with precision and durability in compact installations. Designed for car audio enthusiasts and professionals alike, the H84XR combines 1000 watts RMS power handling with a rugged build and advanced motor design, giving users punchy low-end performance without sacrificing space or reliability.
John Velez, Sales Manager, pictured with the new MASSIVE AUDIO H84XR in the company’s Los Angeles office.
Precision-Built for Power and Performance
8″ subwoofer optimized for compact box applications
1000 watts RMS / 2000 watts peak power handling for deep, authoritative bass
Dual 4-ohm, 2.5″ voice coils for flexible wiring options
Heavy-duty cast aluminum basket with vented motor for improved heat dissipation
Foam surround and reinforced dust cap for increased excursion and reliability
Designed for both sealed and ported enclosures
A Versatile Performer for Any Build
The H84XR brings Massive Audio’s Hippo Series tradition of durability and sound precision to a compact size that’s perfect where space is at a premium — from custom car installs to SPL-ready systems.
“The H84XR proves that big bass doesn’t have to come from a big driver,” said John Velez, Sales Manager at Massive Audio. “Its power handling and build quality gives installers and enthusiasts a subwoofer that performs well in real-world applications and competitive environments alike.”
Availability
The Massive Audio HIPPO H84XR is available now through Massive Audio’s network of authorized dealers and distributors. For purchase inquiries, system compatibility guidance, or dealer opportunities, contact jvelez@massiveaudio.com or (626) 523-8954.
LIBERTYVILLE, IL (01.16.26) – STREET MACHINE amplifiers bring an enhanced audio experience that delivers higher sound quality with minimum distortion levels while remaining more compact with a tighter footprint in size. The line of STREET MACHINE amplifiers feature monoblock, 2-channel, and 4-channel models. Feed your sound with SM POWER!
Durability matters! STREET MACHINE features a higher-efficiency aluminum heat sink design, ensuring that every amplifier stays cool during extended use. This means less risk of overheating, allowing you to enjoy long drives without sacrificing performance or sound.
UPGRADE YOUR GAINS with STREET MACHINE amplifiers!
LIBERTYVILLE, IL (01.15.26) – The flagship amplifier line will push your playback into new boundaries of BIG POWER and CLEANER PERFORMANCE — while creating unmatched audio detail and concert-like soundstage quality.
Get ready to experience your sound like never before.
With cutting-edge amplification technology and a modern chassis footprint, the ALL-NEW BRUTUS BRL amplifier series is engineered to maximize power efficiency while providing raw, clean power to drive subwoofers and speakers to their full potential output.
Every BRUTUS BRL amplifier is innovated with a built-in VU Meter —whether it’s the BRL1200.4D for high-fidelity multi-channel setups or the thunderous BRL3000.1D for bass-heavy builds, the Hifonics BRUTUS BRL series is built to dominate your audio setup.
HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA (01.14.26) — Leading car audio integrator Automotive Entertainment has announced a three-day, all-inclusive Digital Fabrication Class, scheduled for January 23–25, 2026. The intensive seminar is designed to equip industry professionals, fabricators, and technicians with the digital manufacturing proficiencies required for modern, high-precision vehicle customization and aftermarket component production.
“Vehicle fabrication is rapidly moving beyond traditional hand-built methods,” states JT Torres, Owner of Automotive Entertainment. “Digital fabrication is the necessary evolution for shops looking to achieve increased speed, repeatable accuracy, and superior quality control on every project. Our class is designed to guide participants into these data-driven workflows.”
The upcoming digital fabrication seminar will take place in a setting similar to this previous seminar.
The hands-on curriculum will provide foundational and practical training in core digital manufacturing processes, including:
3D Scanning
3D Printing
Laser Cutting
CNC Machining
Attendees will also be introduced to industry-standard software such as Autodesk Fusion, CorelDRAW, and LightBurn, illustrating how digital design, data management, and automated tooling integrate for consistent results.
Instruction will be provided by a team of respected industry veterans, including Lino Morales, Ata Ehdaivand, Jason Tzintzun, Andrew Esparza, JT Torres, and Kent Izuka, with additional support from Chris Yato, and Jeremy Katz, Ben Hermance of Hermance Design.
Project Spotlight: Breathing New Life into the 1971 Ford F100 with Digital Fabrication
A key focus of the seminar is the application of these technologies in a real-world production environment. Automotive Entertainment will use the class time to demonstrate the entire digital workflow by building complex door panels and kick panels for a 1971 Ford F100. This project-based approach emphasizes the importance of owning the digital data to ensure future projects can be replicated with maximum efficiency and consistency.
Sponsor Acknowledgment
The class is supported by sponsors Orca Manufacturing and AmplifyAM, who are committed to advancing fabrication standards within the aftermarket. A 3D printer and other digital fabrication-related items will be given away during the event.
The Digital Fabrication Class is an essential opportunity for fabricators, builders, and technicians who need to update their skill set to remain competitive in an industry increasingly defined by data-driven manufacturing.
Seats are limited. For detailed information, class schedule, and registration, please contact Automotive Entertainment directly or connect with them on Instagram.
STAMFORD, CT (01.14.26) – HARMAN International, a global leader in automotive technology and lifestyle audio, and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) business of ZF Group, comprising leading automotive compute solutions, smart cameras, radars and ADAS software functions. The transaction is valued at €1.5 billion.
A Strategic Step toward an Integrated, Centralized Vehicle Architecture
HARMAN’s “Consumer Experiences. Automotive Grade.” strategy focuses on bringing the speed, intelligence, and intuitive experiences consumers expect from leading technology brands into vehicles, while also meeting the highest standards for automotive safety, reliability, and long-term platform support. As automakers accelerate toward software-defined vehicles (SDV), this approach enables experiences that seamlessly connect safety and assisted driving functions with comfort, connectivity, and in-vehicle intelligence. With this acquisition, HARMAN has secured strategic inroads in the ADAS and central compute platforms markets, reinforcing a foundation that anchors and advances its role in the fast-growing SDV market.
By integrating ZF’s ADAS capabilities with HARMAN’s flagship Digital Cockpit offerings within a centralized compute design, the acquisition bolsters HARMAN’s roadmap for next-generation vehicle architectures. The combination creates a foundation for future central compute solutions that bring assisted and automated driving solutions, safety and user experiences on a shared platform. This approach streamlines system design, reduces integration complexity, and supports more efficient innovation cycles, allowing HARMAN to enable OEMs to scale differentiated, context-aware vehicle experiences.
“The industry is at an inflection point where safety, intelligence, and in-cabin experience must come together through a unified computing architecture,” said Christian Sobottka, Chief Executive Officer and President, Automotive Division, HARMAN. “With this agreement, we take a strategic step to expand our portfolio with complementary ADAS capabilities that unlock a new class of cross-domain experiences ranging from perception-informed audio cues to more personalized, situation-aware driving. Combined with HARMAN’s long-standing automotive expertise and supported by Samsung’s broader technology leadership, this positions us to help OEMs design the next generation of intelligent, empathetic, and connected vehicles.”
“With HARMAN, we have found the ideal partner to fully unlock the growth and innovation potential of our ADAS business,” said Mathias Miedreich, CEO of ZF Group. “At the same time, this deal makes an important contribution to reducing our company’s debt and allows us to focus our resources on the core technologies in which ZF is a global leader.”
“Samsung has a successful record of strategic acquisitions that accelerate innovation and expand what’s possible for our customers,” said Young Sohn, Chairman of the Board of Directors, HARMAN and Senior Advisor, Samsung Electronics. “Since acquiring HARMAN in 2017, the company has scaled its automotive and audio business from $7 billion to more than $11 billion today. Adding ZF’s ADAS capabilities builds on that momentum. HARMAN will further expand its technology foundation to deliver safer, more intelligent, and more intuitive in-vehicle experiences. This acquisition reinforces HARMAN’s leadership in the industry’s transformation and underscores Samsung’s long term commitment to the future of mobility.”
“This transaction marks a major milestone in the execution of HARMAN’s long-term strategy and further strengthens our portfolio,” said Carolin Reichert, Chief Strategy Officer of HARMAN. “Throughout the process, we worked in a very constructive collaboration with ZF and demonstrated our ability to successfully execute a highly complex carve-out.”
As part of the agreement, approximately 3,750 ZF employees across Europe, the Americas and Asia are expected to transition to HARMAN upon closing of the transaction. The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2026, subject to receiving necessary regulatory approvals.
Upon closing, HARMAN will integrate ZF’s ADAS capabilities into its centralized compute and digital cockpit roadmap, enabling OEMs to deploy more scalable, safety-integrated vehicle architectures. The companies will maintain strong support for existing programs while aligning engineering, ADAS and compute teams to accelerate innovation for next-generation platforms.
NEW YORK, NY (01.13.26) – Pandora revealed its highly-anticipated annual list, Artists to Watch 2026: The Pandora Ten. For the past decade, the streaming platform has identified a group of ten emerging artists across all genres that it believes will break through in the coming year and shape the sound of 2026 and beyond. Pandora continues to put its support behind the next generation of rising stars and remains dedicated to discovering and amplifying artists throughout their musical journey. This year’s Pandora Ten showcases the artists whose voices embody the creativity, innovation and passion of the future of music.
By leveraging a combination of advanced listening data analysis, along with human curation and insight by Pandora programmers, the platform was able to accurately predict artists’ launch to stardom and lasting impact. Over the years, Pandora’s predictions have included Post Malone in 2016; Lizzo and Dua Lipa in 2017; H.E.R. and Ashley McBryde in 2018; Summer Walker and Rauw Alejandro in 2019; Doja Cat, Roddy Ricch, and Tones & I in 2020; The Kid LAROI and Tate McRae in 2021; PinkPantheress in 2022; Kim Petras and Coco Jones in 2023; Tyla and Reneé Rapp in 2024, Alex Warren and Zach Top in 2025.
“Pandora has long been a destination for music discovery, and we’re proud to continue elevating the next wave of breakthrough artists,” said Steve Blatter, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Music Programming at SiriusXM and Pandora. “Powered by human tastemakers and data-driven listener insights, this year’s selections feature a variety of artists we believe are ready to break out and resonate in a big way.”
Along with the Pandora Ten, Pandora highlights emerging artists across various genres such as Country and Latin.
Here is the next Pandora Ten, the artists to watch in 2026 and beyond. Listen to all of them HERE.
The 2026 Pandora Ten:
Cil- Singing with the kind of soul you can’t teach, Cil isn’t afraid to pour her heart out on a track as she untangles messy relationships, the turbulence of mental health, feelings of betrayal, premonitions of lust, and life-changing epiphanies without filter or apology. The Colorado-born and Los Angeles-based singer and songwriter has unassumingly emerged as a phenomenon on her own terms with a hard-hitting, yet hypnotic R&B Pop sound. Following support slots for the likes of Stevie Nicks and Dua Lipa, Cil is “on the cusp of Pop stardom” (V Magazine) and ready to take center stage. Cil has connected strongly with the Pandora audience on multiple songs from her latest EP, don’t hold me accountable.
CORTIS- CORTIS is the first boy band in six years to debut under BIGHIT MUSIC, the powerhouse label behind global groups like BTS and TOMORROW X TOGETHER, and is bringing a fresh new take to the K-Pop genre. Their debut album, COLOR OUTSIDE THE LINES, is a dynamic five-track body of work that showcases their versatility and bold artistic vision, reflecting their commitment to defy expectations and create music on their own terms. Their first official single, “What You Want,” was released on August 18th of this year and since the album’s release, Pandora has seen almost all of their songs, especially “GO!,” perform very well across the platform and resonate with listeners.
EJ Jones- Memphis-based soul singer EJ Jones is the next rapidly emerging artist to enter the Southern Soul genre, which has exploded throughout 2025 with viral moments, and he has gained popularity since releasing his captivating single “Too Good.” EJ’s unique sound blends a powerful, passionate voice with a timeless old-soul feel, showcasing a sound that resonates across generations. His new original single “Gas Station Love” is a heavy hitting emotional ride through EJ’s mind and soul and is getting dedicated support and spins on Pandora’s R&B stations like PLATINUM and R&B/Soul.
Florence Road- What makes Florence Road so instantly magnetizing isn’t just frontwoman’s Lily Aron rich, oaky vocals, but the dynamic she shares with her best friends, guitarist Emma Brandon, bassist Ailbhe Barry and drummer Hannah Kelly. Shortly after the four of them became alternative music’s most thrilling new band, they garnered a strong social media following with the mixture of silly videos that displayed their friendship and cover songs performances. Since opening for Olivia Rodrigo in their homeland of Ireland, Florence Road has seen strong momentum with their songs “Break the Girl,” “Goodnight” and “Miss” resonating with Pandora listeners across stations like Alt XL, New Alt, The Stack and Alt Pop.
Gavin Adcock- With over 135 million streams on Pandora and dedicated support on The 615: Today’s Country and Country Grit stations, Gavin Adcock is quickly becoming the face of the Country Rock revival. SiriusXM’s The Highway also had early support of five of his songs, and his explosive momentum throughout 2025 has made him one of the genre’s fastest-rising and most talked-about new artists. Gavin was hand-selected by Morgan Wallen himself as the direct support on his 2025 and 2026 tour run and brings a bold, rebellious energy to the country scene with his mix of Southern rock grit and unapologetic lyricism. Known for his viral rise and rowdy live shows, Gavin channels the raw spirit of the South.
Ian Asher- Ian Asher has rapidly risen in the Dance music scene with his signature blend of house beats, catchy vocals, and global influences. The 24-year-old producer gained massive recognition in 2023 with his viral remix of Jain’s Makeba, which became the most-used sound on Instagram and TikTok, surpassing 3 billion plays online. Following up on his success, Ian has since worked with chart-topping DJs like Oliver Heldens on their rework of “Mas Que Nada” and Galantis on their cover of “Runaway (U&I),” as well as global hitmakers like Phantogram on their rework of “Black Out Days (Stay Away).” MIXR, Pandora’s flagship EDM station, first discovered Ian in 2023, with his collaborations now having reached 4.5 million streams on the platform.
Kami Kehoe- Kami Kehoe has never been one to wait for permission. At just 22 years old, the Los Angeles–based singer, songwriter, and drummer has blazed a fearless musical path with her chameleonic, hard-charged Rock sound. Her latest EP Kandy, out now via Atlantic Records, Coup D’Etat Recordings, and 10K Projects, showcases her continued evolution as an artist, driven by the same freedom and fearlessness that have defined her journey so far. Also, appearances with Daughtry and P.O.D. this fall have gone viral, resonating with fans everywhere. Kami has earned approximately 1.2 million streams on Pandora, driven by Hard Rock flagship station, DECIBEL!, as well as continued spins of her single “Dopamine,” on SiriusXM’s Octane.
Kane Rodriguez- Kane Rodriguez, a rising star from Houston, Texas, is one of the artists representing the new wave of Regional Mexican music, gaining the most recognition both among industry peers and within the music community. Kane has spent 19 weeks on Pandora’s Top Spins chart with his hit, “Se Volvieron Locos” and has hundreds of millions of global streams. Inspired by his roots and community, he connects with a bicultural generation through authentic and heartfelt storytelling and his music blends traditional corridos with contemporary sounds. Kane was also one of the top thumbed-up artists on Pandora’s Activados station in 2025, which highlights the next generation of artists pushing the boundaries of Música Mexicana.
Peter Burton- Peter Burton is a California-based singer-songwriter and worship leader whose music leads listeners to hope. Drawing from his own journey of overcoming mental illness, his songs reflect the tension between blessing and suffering, pointing to the faithfulness of God. Through heartfelt lyrics and melodies, Burton shares a message of hope personified in Jesus Christ—the foundation of his life and artistry. Peter has sustained strong streams on Pandora’s New Christian and Today’s Christian Hits.
Pluto- Pluto, born and raised in Atlanta, started writing rhymes at 14 and began self-recording music shortly thereafter. She gained popularity from her 2025 viral single, “Whim Whamiee,” which helped land a deal with Motown Records. Additionally, Pluto has several other viral hits including “Pull Yo Skirt Up,” and “What Da Fuk,” which were all supported heavily across Pandora’s Hip-Hop stations. This past October she released her debut project, Pluto World, and her raw talent, distinct voice, and self-made style resonate with listeners and fans on Pandora.
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