DIAMOND BAR, CA (10.01..26) – The 2026 SEMA Show is accelerating excitement with the announcement that Harley-Davidson, one of the most iconic and influential brands in motorcycling, will join the Show’s expanded Powersports, SxS & Lifestyle section. The addition of Harley-Davidson highlights the growing significance of powersports within the aftermarket industry and brings one of the world’s most recognized motorcycle manufacturers to the SEMA Show.

Harley-Davidson joins a growing roster of exhibitors that includes Kawasaki Motors, Kymco, Mahindra, Massimo Motor, and Showa Performance, signaling strong industry support for the expanded section. Created to connect manufacturers, buyers, builders, retailers, distributors, and other industry professionals across the powersports market, the section will showcase the latest innovations in performance parts, accessories, customization, and related technologies. Placing the Powersports section adjacent to the Trucks & Off-Road section reflects the strong crossover between the two markets, making it easier for businesses serving both segments to discover new products, connect with suppliers, and identify emerging trends.

“The addition of Harley-Davidson brings an iconic name and a passionate enthusiast base to the SEMA Show’s Powersports section,” said SEMA Vice President of Events Tom Gattuso. “Harley-Davidson has helped shape motorcycle culture for generations, and its participation reinforces the strong connection between powersports and the automotive aftermarket. We’re seeing tremendous interest from leading brands, and this section will give attendees a front-row seat to the innovations shaping the future of powersports.”

Attendees will be able to explore the latest in powersports vehicles, SxS platforms, suspension systems, performance upgrades, accessories, and lifestyle products, along with emerging technologies designed to enhance durability, capability, and rider experience. The section continues to grow rapidly, offering a comprehensive look at innovations driving both recreational and utility-focused segments.

The connection between powersports and automotive enthusiasts is reinforced by findings from the annual SEMA Market Report, which found that more than half (54%) of automotive accessorizers own at least one recreational vehicle or powersports product. The report also shows that automotive accessorizers are more likely than non-accessorizers to own recreational equipment that commonly drives towing, hauling, and utility accessory purchases, including ATVs, UTVs, motorcycles, RVs, trailers, and other outdoor recreation vehicles.

According to the report, powersports owners are heavily represented among automotive accessorizers, with significant ownership rates for products such as ATVs (15%), UTVs/side-by-sides (8%), off-road motorcycles (8%), and on-road/dual-purpose motorcycles (7%). This substantial overlap highlights the natural crossover between the automotive aftermarket and powersports markets, creating opportunities for brands that serve both enthusiast communities.

Overall, exhibitor commitments for the 2026 SEMA Show have already surpassed 1 million net square feet, with more than 2,000 brands preparing to connect with a global audience Nov. 3–6 in Las Vegas. The event remains one of the largest and most influential trade shows in the country, reflecting sustained growth across the aftermarket.

In addition to this new section, the 2026 SEMA Show will feature strong participation across performance, trucks, collision repair, mobile electronics, tools and equipment, and emerging technologies. Major OEMs, including Toyota, Ford, Honda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, and Stellantis, will also return, reinforcing the connection between factory engineering and aftermarket innovation.

Attendees can also experience signature features such as the New Products Showcase, Battle of the Builders, which now includes the Bike Builder Shootout, and FutureTech Studio, all offering insight into the trends and technologies influencing the next generation of vehicles, on-road and off.

The 2026 SEMA Show will take place Nov. 3–6 in Las Vegas as part of the broader “SEMA Week” experience, which includes public access on Friday and the high-energy SEMA Fest.

To learn more or register, visit semashow.com.

CAMDENTON, MO (09.25.26) – Cicada Audio hit the Lake of the Ozarks Bike Rally for five full days. The event featured hands-on Cicada Audio training from Carlos from NVS Audio giving audience members an instant opportunity to sharpen tuning and system design skills while experiencing the latest Cicada products firsthand.

The weekend also brought plenty of sales professional installations and real world demonstrations from the Creative Audio team.

After the sun went down, the Cicada Audio team kept the energy going, connecting with riders showcasing systems throughout the night and putting the brand directly in front of the rally crowd.

From a serious audio competition to classic parking lot pimping, The Lake of the Ozarks Bike Rally was a blast, delivering everything motorcycle audio enthusiasts came for at the Rally.

Justin Miller, Cicada Audio, supplied this article.

For more see cicadaaudio.com.

ROSENBERG, TX (09.25.26) – Wet Sounds is proud to announce it is the official sponsor of the International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition & Conference (IBEX) 2026’s Opening Night event, held Oct. 6 at 5:00pm at the Tampa Convention Center’s Sail Pavilion. IBEX 2026 will be held Oct. 6-8 at the Tampa Convention Center in Tampa, Fla.

During the show, Wet Sounds will also exhibit in booth 3-1539, outside in booths 9121 and 9122, and at dock space D-8.

“Our team is building a custom audio system utilizing Wet Sounds products for the event, which will prove to be an amazing live sound experience.,” said Mark Gerick, Wet Sounds Chief Operating Officer. “Every year, IBEX is the marine industry’s leading B2B platform, and we are proud to sponsor its opening night’s festivities. It is also the ideal show to display our recently launched SCOUT 6 Series six-inch coaxial speakers and new ICON Series subwoofers. We are also excited to present new 2027 product lines during the show.”

During the Opening Night event, Wet Sounds will be featuring:

• Two custom rhino lined towers featuring eight REV 12 HD Tower speakers
• Three custom rhino lined subwoofer enclosures featuring two ICON 12 S4 Subwoofers per enclosure
• Custom Rack Mount that will include a WS BB-10 (Audio Black Box) and WS-ZX-CTR (System Controller Display)

IBEX connects professionals to the technical knowledge, products, innovation, and community shaping the future of boatbuilding and marine technology.

Visit.wetsounds.com for more.

LIBERTYVILLE, IL (09.25.26) – Built for clean audio reproduction and efficient power delivery, the MB Quart DA2 amplifier series packs proven Discus performance into a sleek, space-saving chassis. Top-mounted controls make system adjustments quick and convenient, while the compact footprint makes these amplifiers an ideal fit for installations with tight space. Compact footprint. Powerful power.

Built to perform where the action takes you, the MB Quart Discus DA2 amplifier series combines efficient Class-D power with the durability needed for Marine and Powersports applications. Every DA2 model delivers clean, efficient output in a compact size. Efficient power meets easy tuning.

To learn more, click here.

CASTLE SHANNON, PA (09.12.26) – Saturday, September 12th was the day the car community gathered at the Castle Shannon Memorial Hall outside of Pittsburgh for a charity event to benefit the Castle Shannon Volunteer Fire Department. The event was filled with amazing cars, delicious food and awards plus several vendors on site and offering ticket auctions for prizes. The dunk tank was fun also and brought smiles from many.

“Saturday was a terrific day for us at Team Nutz and Fuel Required for the fundraiser. The combined activities helped raise over $6000 for the fire department. It was a great event for the car community and we gave away over 200 bags filled with giveaways, coupons, and discounts for all that entered the judging for classics at the event. Connecting and growing all aspects of the car community is so important for the mobile electronics industry. Overall, it was just a great day” Ed Nuttall related for Team Nutz.

“A special thanks to all of the local businesses that donated to the Rollin’ In Hot Car Show. Local businesses are always the backbone of supporting local causes. All help raise over $6000 for the CSVFD. We recently learned that the CSVFD is self-funded and they are not funded by tax money or insurance money. In recent years, the funding opportunities were put on hold from the Covid lockdowns. Support from the car community, local businesses and neighbors are what helped keep them moving forward to protect the surrounding communities. We thank all of those who came out to the show to make this happen” Nuttall concluded.

Visit teamnutztechnology.com for more.

ELKHART, IA (09.14.26) – Main Machine Cycles hosted the 9th Annual Small Town Throwdown on Saturday, September 12th in Elkhart IA. The event featured burnouts, a stereo battle, a bike show, vendors, live music, food and more.

Mean Machine Cycles owner Robb Boggs related “This was the 9th annual event and it was a blast. The turnout was great and the weather was amazing. Having Chris bring the JBL trailer and Al Condon on site with Euphoria added tremendously.”

Chris Pace rolled the Arrowhead Sales and Marketing JBL ‘Dare to Listen’ trailer from Kansas City. It was on site to showcase and demo JBL products and more. He also highlighted motorcycle products from Precision Power and brands that Mean Machine Cycles carries.

“Robb really put on a great community event for bikers in the small town of Elkhart. The streets were lined with bikes for blocks and there was a lot of action underneath the vendor tents with many custom bikes too. Our industry definitely needs more retailers like Robb hosting events like this to engage consumers and enthusiast” Pace commented.

A Big 12volt Central Studios thank you to Chris Pace for images and input.

For more visit meanmachinecycles.com.

DIAMOND BAR, CA (09.14.26) – The second annual Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) ADAS Symposium brought together an expanded cross-section of the automotive industry for candid discussions about advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) performance, calibration and serviceability.

Co-hosted by the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) Aftermarket Suppliers, the symposium included representatives from vehicle manufacturers, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), SAE International, the Equipment and Tool Institute (ETI), and the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS), along with companies involved in ADAS testing, diagnostics, calibration, software, technical training and vehicle technology. The event drew 63 attendees representing 47 companies and organizations.

ADAS use cameras, radar and other sensors to support vehicle safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, blind-spot detection and adaptive cruise control. As these systems become more common and complex, their performance can be affected by vehicle design, collision repair, calibration, software updates and aftermarket modifications.

“Through the SEMA Garage, we see firsthand the questions manufacturers encounter as they develop products for ADAS-equipped vehicles,” said SEMA Vice President of OEM and Product Development Jim Moore. “The symposium brings those practical experiences into a broader conversation with automakers, researchers, standards experts and repair professionals, creating greater transparency and opportunities for future collaboration.”

Broadening the ADAS Conversation
The inaugural symposium in May 2025 concentrated primarily on ADAS calibration and compatibility challenges facing aftermarket service, repair and vehicle-modification businesses. This year’s program widened the lens by incorporating perspectives from organizations that influence how ADAS technologies are designed, evaluated, standardized and supported throughout the vehicle lifecycle.

The expanded participation reflected the interconnected nature of ADAS and created opportunities for participants to compare how the same challenges appear across vehicle design, testing, repair, calibration, standards, software, modifications and public policy.

The symposium complements SEMA’s year-round work through the SEMA Garage, where specialty-equipment manufacturers can access ADAS research, calibration testing and technical resources to help them develop products for vehicles equipped with advanced safety technologies.

Participants explored three broad areas:
Performance and testing: Real-world ADAS performance, emerging technologies and new approaches to validation.
Standards and serviceability: Calibration, diagnostics, technical information, modified vehicles and standards under development.
Technology and public policy: Software, cybersecurity, vehicle inspections and the evolving federal legislative environment.
Industry Perspectives
Participants representing safety research, standards development, vehicle testing, product development, repair and technical education offered perspectives on maintaining ADAS performance throughout the vehicle lifecycle.

“The ADAS Symposium was an outstanding opportunity to connect with industry leaders, exchange ideas and gain valuable perspective on where ADAS technology is headed. The depth of expertise and collaboration across the industry made for an incredibly engaging and insightful event. I’m already looking forward to the next one,” said Dan Aldrich, director of automotive technical training at Christian Brothers Automotive Corporation.

“It was great to build on the findings of last year’s conference and continue meaningful cross-functional discussions about gaps in current ADAS standards and other hurdles facing the industry. These conversations lead to real-time problem-solving and help the industry continue pursuing a path forward as ADAS technologies evolve,” said Anthony Ascare, engineering manager at Fox Factory Vehicles.

“One of the clearest takeaways from this week’s symposium was that the job doesn’t end when a vehicle leaves the factory. We’ve done a great job encouraging the adoption of crash-avoidance technologies and educating consumers about their benefits, but we need to ensure these systems continue to perform as intended throughout a vehicle’s life, even after repairs, modifications and ownership changes,” said David Kidd, Ph.D., vice president of vehicle research at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

“The symposium reinforced the importance of repeatable, objective testing as ADAS technologies become more complex and are evaluated across a growing range of vehicles and operating conditions,” said Mike McPike, managing director at AB Dynamics. “Bringing together the organizations that design, test, repair, calibrate and modify vehicles can help the industry better understand where consistent test methods and comparable data are needed.”

“The MEMA and SEMA ADAS Symposium brought together valuable industry perspectives on advancing ADAS technologies safely and effectively. My key takeaway was the importance of continued collaboration and consensus-based standards to align development, accelerate deployment and build public trust,” said Christian Thiele, senior director of global ground vehicle standards at SAE International.

Connecting Technical Discussion and Public Policy
The breadth of perspectives also informed discussions about the public-policy environment surrounding ADAS functionality, integrity, repairability and calibration.

SEMA Senior Director of Federal Government Affairs Eric Snyder provided an update on federal legislative and policy developments, including the “ADAS Functionality and Integrity Act.” The bipartisan bill would require the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to study the impact of common modifications on ADAS calibration and authorize the agency to develop guidelines identifying modifications that maintain calibration. The legislation was included in the highway bill reauthorization approved by the House Energy and Commerce Committee and is one of SEMA’s top legislative priorities.

Creating Greater Transparency
The symposium combined technical presentations with eight facilitated workshops, giving participants opportunities to compare perspectives and discuss how ADAS challenges appear in different parts of the industry. The forum focused on improving visibility across industry sectors, identifying shared questions and highlighting areas that warrant continued technical work and collaboration.

SEMA will use perspectives shared during the symposium to inform its continued ADAS communications, education and technical programming, including work through the SEMA Garage to help members understand how advanced safety technologies affect product development and vehicle modification.

For more information about SEMA’s ADAS initiatives and SEMA Garage product-development resources, visit www.semagarage.com.

ROSENBERG, TX (09.09.26) – Wet Sounds has announced its new SCOUT 6 Series Coaxial Speakers will be available to the aftermarket beginning September 1, 2026. Designed to deliver impressive sound, reliable marine-grade performance and premium styling at an approachable price, SCOUT 6 makes it easier for more boaters to upgrade their onboard audio experience.

“The SCOUT 6 Series gives customers a highly efficient, cost-effective speaker without sacrificing the sound quality or design they expect from Wet Sounds,” said Lee Teeples, Vice President of New Product Development at Wet Sounds. “These speakers deliver a premium appearance and impressive performance without requiring an external amplifier, creating an upgrade that is both accessible and easy to integrate.”

Engineered to Wet Sounds’ rigorous performance standards, SCOUT 6 is an ideal solution for pontoons, bass boats and other recreational marine applications where efficiency, clarity and simplicity matter. The speakers can be powered directly from a compatible source unit, allowing customers to install up to four pairs without adding an external amplifier.

This efficient design makes SCOUT 6 an ideal companion for the Wet Sounds WS-MC-RND Round Media Center, providing boaters with a streamlined audio system that delivers clear, reliable sound without the complexity or expense of a larger amplified setup.

Each IP65-rated SCOUT 6 speaker is rated at 30 watts RMS and 60 watts peak power. Its performance-focused construction includes a polypropylene cone, Santoprene surround, Conex spider and one-inch PEI tweeter for balanced, dependable sound in demanding marine environments.

SCOUT 6 speakers are available with either integrated RGB LED illumination or a non-RGB configuration. Both options feature premium textured grilles offered in Dark Titanium or White, giving customers the flexibility to complement their boat’s design.
The SCOUT 6 RGB model carries an MRP of $124.99, while the SCOUT 6 non-RGB model carries an MRP of $109.99.

The Wet Sounds SCOUT 6 Series will be available to aftermarket customers beginning September 1, 2026, through Wet Sounds and its network of authorized dealers.

Order on the web shop.wetsounds.com.

DIAMOND BAR, CA (09.09.26) – The 2026 SEMA Show is accelerating excitement with the announcement that Harley-Davidson, one of the most iconic and influential brands in motorcycling, will join the Show’s expanded Powersports, SxS & Lifestyle section. The addition of Harley-Davidson highlights the growing significance of powersports within the aftermarket industry and brings one of the world’s most recognized motorcycle manufacturers to the SEMA Show.

Harley-Davidson joins a growing roster of exhibitors that includes Kawasaki Motors, Kymco, Mahindra, Massimo Motor, and Showa Performance, signaling strong industry support for the expanded section. Created to connect manufacturers, buyers, builders, retailers, distributors, and other industry professionals across the powersports market, the section will showcase the latest innovations in performance parts, accessories, customization, and related technologies. Placing the Powersports section adjacent to the Trucks & Off-Road section reflects the strong crossover between the two markets, making it easier for businesses serving both segments to discover new products, connect with suppliers, and identify emerging trends.

“The addition of Harley-Davidson brings an iconic name and a passionate enthusiast base to the SEMA Show’s Powersports section,” said SEMA Vice President of Events Tom Gattuso. “Harley-Davidson has helped shape motorcycle culture for generations, and its participation reinforces the strong connection between powersports and the automotive aftermarket. We’re seeing tremendous interest from leading brands, and this section will give attendees a front-row seat to the innovations shaping the future of powersports.”

Attendees will be able to explore the latest in powersports vehicles, SxS platforms, suspension systems, performance upgrades, accessories, and lifestyle products, along with emerging technologies designed to enhance durability, capability, and rider experience. The section continues to grow rapidly, offering a comprehensive look at innovations driving both recreational and utility-focused segments.

The connection between powersports and automotive enthusiasts is reinforced by findings from the annual SEMA Market Report, which found that more than half (54%) of automotive accessorizers own at least one recreational vehicle or powersports product. The report also shows that automotive accessorizers are more likely than non-accessorizers to own recreational equipment that commonly drives towing, hauling, and utility accessory purchases, including ATVs, UTVs, motorcycles, RVs, trailers, and other outdoor recreation vehicles.

According to the report, powersports owners are heavily represented among automotive accessorizers, with significant ownership rates for products such as ATVs (15%), UTVs/side-by-sides (8%), off-road motorcycles (8%), and on-road/dual-purpose motorcycles (7%). This substantial overlap highlights the natural crossover between the automotive aftermarket and powersports markets, creating opportunities for brands that serve both enthusiast communities.

Overall, exhibitor commitments for the 2026 SEMA Show have already surpassed 1 million net square feet, with more than 2,000 brands preparing to connect with a global audience Nov. 3–6 in Las Vegas. The event remains one of the largest and most influential trade shows in the country, reflecting sustained growth across the aftermarket.

In addition to this new section, the 2026 SEMA Show will feature strong participation across performance, trucks, collision repair, mobile electronics, tools and equipment, and emerging technologies. Major OEMs, including Toyota, Ford, Honda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, and Stellantis, will also return, reinforcing the connection between factory engineering and aftermarket innovation.

Attendees can also experience signature features such as the New Products Showcase, Battle of the Builders, which now includes the Bike Builder Shootout, and FutureTech Studio, all offering insight into the trends and technologies influencing the next generation of vehicles, on-road and off.

The 2026 SEMA Show will take place Nov. 3–6 in Las Vegas as part of the broader “SEMA Week” experience, which includes public access on Friday and the high-energy SEMA Fest.

To learn more or register, visit semashow.com.

OCEAN CITY, MD (09.09.2026) – The Ocean City Jeep Fest just wrapped up, and if that weekend proved anything, it’s that a Wrangler sounds best when the bass can hang with the beach, the sand course, and a boardwalk full of Jeeps.

The KICKER Jeep Wrangler-Specific L7T Enclosure (51KJPL7T122) is built for that life. It mounts to the inner tailgate with included custom hardware, so you keep cab space and rear legroom instead of parking a box in the cargo area. The heavy-duty roto-molded enclosure is weather-resistant and front-firing with a grille, which matters when the top is off and the environment is demanding.

Inside is the thin-profile Solo-Baric L7T 12-inch square sub. The square cone moves up to 20 percent more air than a similar-sized round sub, and the thin L7T motor still brings a large voice coil, bumped top plate, SoloKon cone with 360-degree back bracing, and UniPlate heat management.

Recommended power is 300 to 600 watts RMS into a single 2-ohm terminal. Frequency response is 25 to 100 Hz. Fitment covers Jeep Wrangler JK (2007-2018) and JL (2018-2026). If your Jeep has the factory passenger-side sub, that assembly has to come out for clearance. Replacement non-sub trim panels are available from MOPAR and online retailers.

You don’t need a custom fab shop to give a Wrangler real KICKER bass. Bolt it to the tailgate, add a matching mono amp, and take the energy with you every day.

For more see kicker.com.