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.

The KICKER booth with the XRV stretches a football field into the background.

OCEAN CITY, MD (09.01.26) – KICKER returned for the 9th-year as The Title Sponsor of the annual Ocean City JEEP FEST, a celebration of all things Jeep, the owners and Jeepers who love them. The annual Jeep Festival in Ocean City was Livin’Loud August 27th – August 30th. Jeep owners, fans and the public hit the picturesque beaches of Ocean City to show off and admire the infinite ways Jeep vehicles can be enjoyed and customized.

The KICKER XRV rolled into the Convention Center after the 1400 mile trip from Stillwater OK with Jeremy Wynn and Steven Bambrough in the cab. KICKER’s new National Sales Director Matt Matheson was in the house. Territory rep firm Opus Marketing was in the house with Jamie White, Chuck Ottati, Todd Ess and Greg Boylan. Darren Thomas and his team from AudioWorks of Delaware handled sales and onsite installations under a long line of tents.

KICKER was set up on a large footprint at the Roland E Powell Convention Center by the main gate with the XRV featuring the subwoofer packed Boom Room. Many loaded Jeep demos stretched the length of the booth with AudioWorks installation tents and sales tables set up. Customized AudioWorks of Delaware store vehicles, along with customer’s Jeeps, stretched for nearly a football field.

Jamie White, Opus Marketing Principal, related “The energy throughout the event was amazing. There was always traffic in the booth and off site too on the beach and light shows in the evenings plus sand courses, all was Cookin’ at the Park too. KICKER provided a tremendous party atmosphere for everyone at the 2026 OC JEEP FEST!” White also contributed super images in this article.

“Once again the OC Jeep Fest was great for us. Rain knocked us out on Friday but the weather was perfect the rest of the event. Every year we see past customers and our fiends from the area. Yesterday, Monday, we were slammed with followup business from the event. During the event we closed our store our 5 member team did installs all day and into the evening. Danny Remer from Poptronics came to help also. Everyone at KICKER and OPUS were so helpful too!” Thomas related.

“Steven and I always enjoy spotlighting the XRV and this year’s OC Jeep Fest event was very special… Looking forward to 2027” KICKER’s Jeremy Wynn, Events and Promotions Manager, stated.

See more at kicker.com for more.

DIAMOND BAR, CA (09.01.26) – The California Legislature has passed a landmark, SEMA-sponsored bill that will create a new conditional sales pathway for aftermarket emissions-related products to reach the market while under consideration for the state’s full approval for sales.

SB 1069, authored by Sen. Tim Grayson (D-Concord) and now headed to Gov. Gavin Newsom for his consideration, represents a thoughtful approach that maintains California’s emissions standards while creating meaningful improvements for manufacturers that invest in compliance.

• SB 1069 applies to emissions-related automotive aftermarket products that require a CARB Executive Order (EO) before they can be legally sold, advertised, or installed in California. An EO confirms that a product has demonstrated compliance with the state’s applicable emissions requirements and is therefore eligible for sale in the California market.

“SB 1069 will give manufacturers that have invested in emissions testing and compliance a meaningful pathway to get qualifying products to market faster in California, and enable new products to reach consumers, provide small businesses with certainty to invest, and keep American companies competitive,” said SEMA CEO Mike Spagnola. “SEMA greatly appreciates CARB’s willingness to work collaboratively with us on SB 1069 to craft common-sense legislation that will bolster the automotive aftermarket industry, help California maintain its emissions standards, and support the small businesses who rely on certainty as they establish themselves in a highly competitive marketplace. We also thank Sen. Grayson for his leadership in guiding this legislation through the legislature.”

ABOUT SB 1069
The bill would grant conditional approval to sell, advertise, and install qualifying products to manufacturers who submit complete EO applications to CARB, supported by required emissions testing and technical documentation. This conditional approval would remain in place while CARB completes its final review.

This new pathway would help aftermarket manufacturers bring qualifying products to market faster in California, while preserving California’s emissions standards and CARB’s authority to review applications and ultimately approve or deny an EO.

Specifically, SB 1069 would create a new conditional approval process for qualifying aftermarket emissions-related products:

• Manufacturers would submit a complete CARB EO application supported by required emissions testing and technical documentation.
• Qualifying applicants could receive conditional approval to sell, advertise, and install covered products while CARB completes its final review.
• CARB would retain its authority to ultimately approve or deny the EO, and California’s existing emissions standards would remain unchanged.

If signed by Gov. Newsom, SB 1069 would take effect on January 1, 2027, with the program in place by July 1, 2028.

BACKGROUND
For decades, SEMA has helped aftermarket manufacturers navigate California’s emissions requirements and lawfully bring products to market.

The SEMA Garage provides manufacturers with emissions testing, engineering expertise, and compliance assistance, and over the past eight years, it has assisted with approximately 50% of all aftermarket EOs issued by CARB and completed more than 800 EO applications on behalf of member companies.

Of the 7,000 automotive aftermarket businesses nationwide that SEMA represents, more than 1,200 are California manufacturers, distributors, and retailers. California’s specialty automotive aftermarket generates $40.44 billion in economic output, supports more than 149,000 jobs, delivers $13.47 billion in wages and benefits, and pays $6.16 billion in state and local taxes.

• The automotive aftermarket is predominantly comprised of small businesses that continually invest in new products, technology, engineering, and compliance. SB 1069 would help qualifying manufacturers bring compliant products to California customers sooner.

SEMA has a lengthy track record of supporting emissions compliance at the federal level and in California. This includes more than $30 million invested in emissions compliance through the SEMA Garage program, including Emissions Compliance Centers in Diamond Bar, Calif., and Plymouth, Mich.

For more information, visit www.sema.org.

WINCHESTER BAY, OR (08.18.26) – The Stereo King Team rolled into Winchester Bay OR for another very successful UTV takeover event. There were five team members aboard that handled sales and many installations that took place during the event August 12th-15th. Bethany and Kevin Cornutt, along with Anthony handled the sales while Corey and Brad completed over 30 installations.

Jeff Oliver, Team Progressive, was in the house supporting Rockford Fosgate sales plus preparing breakfast and lunch as the
Master Chef. All stayed in a rental home by a near by lake.

Kevin Cornutt, behind the wheel for the event, related. “Our team is a very well oiled machine and we have those team members at each event. Once the sales team members write the ticket the installation team members work together to get the jobs done. Attendance was definitely up this year and was reported to approach 5,000.”

Continuing “Stereo King and Rockford Fosgate work together to drive sales at the UTV Takeover events. A large amount of inventory, along with tents for the area and supplies packed the trailer, to make the 200 mile trip from our Portland location. Stereo King began exhibiting at the UTV Takeovers with a 10’ x 20’ booth, which has growing into a 20’ x 60‘ booth with separate tents for showroom area along with installation bays. At the Winchester Bay event we also showcased MB Quart and UTV Stereo products. Aggressor Air Horns also drove sales. Handing out Stereo King event cards helps us track store traffic from UTV Takeover events.”

This year Stereo King also drive the Jeep Gladiator Hot Wheels to the event. The Hot Wheels is decked out with audio and sets on 42” wheels. The Hot Wheels was setup in a close by parking lot and when Bethany cranked up the volume it drew a crowd.

“We have been doing the UTV Takeover events for over 10 years. Once the word gets out in the area about an upcoming event we start getting jobs in our stores for enthusiast who want to have a new system on their UTV at the event. During the event we make several complete installations each day. While at the event enthusiasts also make appointments to bring their ride to the store for an upgrade because they don’t want to give up their ride for a day during the event. Winchester Bay and Coos Bay UTV Takeovers were very successful this year and we look forward to UTV Takeover events in 2027 and beyond” Cornutt concluded.

For more see stereoking.com.

NASHVILLE, TN (07.31.26) – Wednesday, July 29th, Alex Restrepo and the House of Sound team of 4 rolled out of Houston on the way to Nashville to extend the company’s Slingshot Experiences. House of Sound has been driving Slingshot Experiences in Houston for several years and recently have taken their activities on the road… most recently in Maggie‘s Valley North Carolina and the Fairgrounds in Toledo OH. Team members with Alex are Edwin Watson, Eber Flores and Walter Tobar.

This stop is the SLINGFEST NASHVILLE 2026 hosted by Sloan’s Motorcycle-ATV at the Nashville Fairgrounds July 30 -August 2nd.

“We arrived in Nashville very early Thursday after the 780 mile trip. The trailer is packed with tents, inventory and Slingshot specific installation products for installations on site. We will be ready to make Slingshots shine and sound great. We are already making installations and discussing the upgrades that enthusiasts would like to do to their Slingshots with audio systems, custom LED lighting and accents, custom pods and customization with amps along with DSP tuning on site for their Slingshots” Restrepo related.

Continuing, Alex said “For Nashville we brought some E-bikes to sell. At these events the venues are so large attendees will buy an E-bike to ride around the parks and then enjoy it at home.”

On Thursday through Sunday Slingshot enthusiasts will continue to check out activities and have the House of Sound crew make installations on their Polaris Slingshots. The crew will pack the trailer early on Monday and start the 780 miles back to Houston. All told, there and back, the House of Sound crew will spend over a day on the highway.

“More and more Slingshot enthusiasts are upgrading their rides with aftermarket upgrades and we are looking for a great year as we drive business with our Slingshot experiences” Restrepo concluded.

For more see houseofsoundtx.com.

WASHINGTON, DC (07.31.26) – Driving Force Action is endorsing Tom Tiffany for governor of Wisconsin, the SuperPAC’s first endorsement of the 2026 election cycle. The endorsement is reflective of Tiffany’s impressive track record as a champion of the automotive and motorsports industries, along with his unwavering belief in American manufacturing, especially that borne of Wisconsin.

“Driving Force Action seeks candidates who cherish our individual freedoms, recognize the immense economic value of the automotive aftermarket industry, and understand the importance of our nation’s automotive heritage. That’s Tom Tiffany. and we’re proud to endorse his candidacy for Wisconsin governor,” said Lauren Wilbor, Driving Force Action’s national spokesperson.

Driving Force Action is a project of the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) to mobilize the nation’s automotive aftermarket industry and the 70 million U.S. automotive enthusiasts in the 2026 midterm election. Candidate endorsements are based on voting records, public statements, and responses to a candidate questionnaire. Driving Force Action’s evaluations do not focus on party affiliation, but rather candidates’ efforts to:

• Strengthen American automotive manufacturing and domestic supply chains
• Expand opportunities in the skilled trades
• Protect local motorsports facilities and off-road access
• Reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens that hinder small businesses’ ability to thrive

To learn more, visit www.drivingforceaction.org.

LIBERTYVILLE, IL (07.31.26) – ALL-NEW BRUTUS BRL amplifiers push amplifier technology and audio performance into LOUDER dimensions of powerful playback. With innovative amplification performance and a modern chassis footprint, BRUTUS BRL was engineered to maximize power efficiency while making clean output to drive subwoofers and speakers to their full potential in sound quality.

Every BRUTUS BRL amplifier is innovated with a built-in VU Meter and Intelligent Power Management System — while Ultra-Fi MOSFETS are designed for high output power and thermal dissipation through a proprietary coupling method.

In addition, BRL amplifiers feature a Class-D chipset, making them more efficient and allowing for a wide frequency range overall. Dominate the audio game with BRL PERFORMANCE.

To learn more, click here.