LONG BEACH, CA (07.08.25) – JVC Mobile Entertainment is proud to announce the appointment of Special Market Sales (SMS) as its new manufacturer’s representative firm for the Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Arkansas markets. This strategic partnership reinforces JVC’s commitment to strengthening dealer relationships and expanding market presence in the region.

Mark Dombroski, Western Sales Manager for JVC Mobile Electronics, expressed confidence in the new alliance: “SMS is the perfect fit for JVC. Their dedication to dealer relationships and outstanding follow-through aligns seamlessly with how we do business. We’re excited about the opportunities this partnership brings.”

Based in the region they now represent, SMS brings decades of experience and a strong reputation for integrity and performance. Their core philosophy emphasizes long-term partnerships over short-term gains, with many of the brands they represent working with them for more than 15 years—a testament to the trust and consistent results they deliver.

The SMS team includes some of the most seasoned professionals in the 12-volt industry:

• Dave Gill, who has been in the business since 1986
• Gilliama “Yam” Domino, who began his career as an installer in 1984
• Robert “Bob” Connacher, who entered the retail side of the industry in 1988

Each team member brings extensive experience across installation, sales, retail operations, and business development. Keeping everything on track is Whitney Tomlinson, SMS’s Director of Communications, who joined the team in 2021 and plays a vital role in client and brand communications.

With this partnership, JVC Mobile Entertainment looks forward to expanding its footprint in the region and delivering even greater value to its dealers and customers.

For more information, please visit www.jvc.com.

LIBERTYVILLE, IL (07.08.25) – CLEAN detail. LOUD sound. OVERHEAD immersion. Feel it ALL with UTV Audio Roofs. Set out on the summer trails with MB Quart UTV Tuned Audio Roofs, exclusively engineered for Polaris RZR Trail and Polaris RANGER UTV vehicles. Get ready to embrace immersive overhead audio playback and redefine expectations.

With three Polaris RZR Trail and three Polaris RANGER UTV Tuned Audio Roofs to choose from in the MB Quart UTV Tuned Audio Roof lineup, you’ll be able to find that perfect audio roof companion for your Polaris RZR Trail or Polaris RANGER UTV vehicle.

To learn more, click here.

STILLWATER, OK (06.27.25) – KICKER Marine Audio has been named the official sponsor of the Women’s Pro Division at this year’s WakeFest, slated for July 18-19 at Pates Ford Marina in Smithville, TN. Celebrating its 20th anniversary this summer, WakeFest is Tennessee’s premier wakeboarding event which draws thousands of spectators, amateur riders and professional athletes for a weekend of spirited competition on the scenic waters of Center Hill Lake.

“WakeFest is a family-fun event designed to get our customers excited about wakeboarding,” said Luke Tantrum, owner of TNT Watersports and host of the annual grassroots competition. “We look forward to continually growing our event and appreciate having great sponsors like KICKER aboard to help us promote the fun and excitement of the wake lifestyle. Top quality audio is certainly a big part of the towboat experience and WakeFest will be a perfect venue to showcase the high-performance KICKER product.”

In addition to its contribution of cash prizes for the women’s event and as part of its sponsorship promotion, KICKER is outfitting a brand new 2025 AXIS A245 with a custom M-Class Performance Wake System valued at $12,500, installed by Brian’s Motor Sports of Hendersonville, TN. The boat, which will tow the Women’s Pro Division and a few additional amateur events, will feature two pairs of KMTC 11” tower cans; KXML amplifiers; KMC5 head unit; two MWE 12” subwoofers; two pairs of 8” coaxial speakers and 8” components; along with a signature KICKER Marine Audio graphics package.

“WakeFest has been a popular grassroots staple for 20 years, and we’re proud to be involved and especially to sponsor the Women’s Pro Division for the first time,” said KICKER National Brand Manager Jeremy Bale. “WakeFest is a high-energy event showcasing extreme performance — the perfect environment for KICKER Marine Audio products. We look forward to being onsite alongside our pro rider and influencer Guenther Oka to engage with the crowd and to extend exposure for the KICKER brand in the wake market.”

In addition to the Pro, Semi-Pro and amateur wakeboarding competition, the event features a mix of live music, food, shoreline parties and plenty of family-friendly festivities throughout the weekend. In addition to TNT Watersports and KICKER, event sponsors also include AXIS Wake, Pates Ford Marina, Checkers and Tootsies.

For more information about WakeFest, visit www.wakefesttn.com or follow @wakefesttn on social media. For more information about KICKER Marine Audio, visit www.kicker.com

ST. GEORGE, UT (06.27.25) – SSV Works proudly announces the industry’s first aftermarket 6.5” Rear-Hump Speaker Pods specifically designed for the 2025-Up Polaris RZR Pro Series vehicles.

“We’re proud to be first to market with a true plug-&-play rear speaker solution for the new RZR Pro platform,” said Kelson Downes, Marketing Director of SSV Works. “These pods are designed to match the factory look while delivering the audio performance riders demand, no compromises, no cutting, no BS and no more cheap factory audio.”

Designed to install directly onto the rear “humps” behind the seats, these pods utilize factory mounting points with no cutting or fabrication required. The durable, textured enclosures match the OEM look while enhancing your machine’s sound system with powerful rear audio.

With SSV Works’ exclusive plug-&-play harnessing, installation is quick and simple. Riders can bolt the pods in and connect them using the included pre-terminated wiring, adding rear speakers in just minutes.

Compatible with 6.5″ / 6.75″ speakers, including SSV Works’ A-Spec, V-Spec and K-Spec models, these enclosures deliver clear, punchy audio that cuts through wind, engine noise, and trail chaos making these the perfect solution for any audio build!

Key product highlights:

• Upgrade: These pods allow you to remove the cheap, undersized paper speakers that come from factory in your Pro series vehicle. With the plug-&-play harness, they are the perfect upgrade for the factory audio that install within minutes!
• F3™ – The Original Factory Fit & Finish: Each RZR Pro R looks just the way it should, like it came straight from the factory. Purpose built, our enclosures match the factory styling and fits with seamless precision.
• Trail Ready™: Built for the off-road environment, SSV Works’ audio components will withstand all the harsh riding conditions. From sand, dust, water or snow, you can ride your favorite trails without sacrificing premium audio from SSV Works.
• Premium Quality: Our product is meticulously crafted with high-strength materials, epitomizing premium quality and durability.

Available configurations:

• SSV Works A-Series: 6.5” 120watt 4ohm Speakers
  • (PN: 250-RZ6-B65A) – MSRP $379.99
• SSV Works V-Series: 6.5” 160watt 4ohm Speakers
  • (PN: 250-RZ6-B65V) – MSRP $499.99
• Kicker KML Series: 6.5” 195watt 4ohm Speakers
  • (PN: 250-RZ6-B65KL) – MSRP $459.99
• Kicker KMHL Series: 6.5” 300watt 4ohm Speakers
  • (PN: 250-RZ6-B65KH) – MSRP $899.99
• Enclosure Only: 6.5” 120watt 4ohm Speakers
  • (PN: 250-RZ6-B65A) – MSRP $249.99

Backed by a limited lifetime warranty, this innovative audio solution promises both superior sound and long-lasting reliability for your Polaris RZR Pro R, Pro S, or Pro XP.

Designed for seamless installation into factory locations, these speaker adapters simplify the upgrade process, providing a significant enhancement in audio clarity, volume, and overall experience.

For more information, visit www.SSVWorks.com, call 818-991-1SSV (1778), or email sales@SSVworks.com.

CHICAGO, IL (06.27.25) – Mid City Engineering, a leading provider of innovative accessories for the luxury vehicle market since 1999, is proud to announce expanded plug-and-play alarm kit compatibility for select Mercedes Benz models.

“Previously, we’ve had coverage for the Sprinter and Metris, but now dealers and consumers can utilize these kits for a number of additional Mercedes Benz vehicles,” explained Dan Ruby, owner, Mid City Engineering. “Dealers can purchase either the Compustar or Directed alarm CAN interface by itself or the kit with the alarm.”

Mid City Engineering alarm kits feature plug-and-play installation as the vehicle-specific CAN interface ensures seamless integration without cutting or splicing OEM wires, thus preserving vehicle integrity and warranties. Its comprehensive security includes Compustar alarm, siren, and DAS II digital security sensor which provides shock, tilt, glass break, and tow sensing. The factory key fob control allows for the effortless operation of the alarm system using the existing factory key fob. The optional Compustar Drone module allows control and alerts via smartphone (hardware purchase and subscription required).

Available Mid City Engineering alarm kits include:
• 907 Alarm Kit (SKU: 907INTK): Compatible with Sprinter 2019–2025 and various Mercedes-Benz models.
• Metris Alarm Kit (SKU: METRISINTK): Compatible with Metris 2016–2024.
• HSINTK: Compatible with select Mercedes-Benz models from 2007–2019.
• 205INTK: Compatible with select Mercedes-Benz models from 2015–2025.

“These Mid City Engineering alarm kits are ideal for commercial Fleet Operators who seek reliable security solutions for Sprinter and Metris vans to protect valuable equipment and cargo, Mercedes-Benz owners who desire enhanced security without compromising vehicle aesthetics or warranties, DIY enthusiasts and installers looking for easy-to-install, high-quality alarm systems, and tech-savvy consumers interested in integrating smartphone control for added convenience and monitoring,” Ruby concluded.

For more information, please visit www.midcityengineerinig.com, email sales@midcityengineering.com, or call (312) 421-1114.

STILLWATER, OK (6.20.25) – KICKER is once again working with SkillsUSA to eventually put installers into the workforce, and this year the mobile-audio brand is sending KICKER Tech Force manager Aaron Malin and trainer Jacob Luckey to judge at the SkillsUSA Championships June 23-27, during SkillsUSA’s annual National Leadership and Skills Conference in Atlanta. The SkillsUSA Championships is the premier showcase of America’s most highly skilled career and technical education students. 

The Mobile-Electronics Installation category tests competitors’ abilities to perform standard installation practices used by certified, professional mobile-electronics installers, and established for the Basic MECP certification by the Consumer Electronics Association.  The competition includes a written exam, interviews, and multiple hands-on applications.

“We need these young men and women to join us in our quickly evolving industry,” said Malin, the supervisor of KICKER’s global training.  “SkillsUSA’s competitive categories stress various aspects of the real-world workplace, so when students graduate, they are positioned to immediately contribute on the job.”

For consecutive years, KICKER has been involved with SkillsUSA’s mission on national and local levels, and this year the brand is donating more than $5,000 in prizes to the winners of the 12-volt competitions.

Visit kicker.com for more.

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL (06.20.25) – The Snake Pit training at the Team Progressive facility in Fort Lauderdale was well attended Wednesday night, June 18th with 23 in the meeting room. Justin Gear conducted the session covering the 2025 Viper and Avital product lines. Food was served at 6:30 and the training was held from 7 to 9 PM.

Justin Gear, VOXX Trainer, held the attention of the 23 in the audience as he covered the new Viper and Avital refresh and all really loved the new DLOADER4 DirectLoader Programming Tool.

Jorge and Jonathan Camilo, from CI Window Tinting in Miami Gardens FL, spent time with Justin after the training was over. Jorge related that they had attended VOXX trainings before and they learned so much from Justin at those trainings that they were able to take back to their store and put to work. At CI Window Tinting is the major part of their business is top quality window tinting with Lumar and MAXPro film. They augment that with in vehicle connectivity upgrades, security and convenience products plus audio systems. With 25 years in business CI takes customer service to a the highest level.

Visit viper.com for more.

LIVERMORE, CA (06.20.25) – Another training event was held at GS Distributing’s training facility in Livermore CA, exclusively for Alpine dealers. The event underscored Alpine’s recently updated Optim 2.0 platform. Dealers from various regions of Northern California attended the product training session, which offered exclusive deals and vehicle demonstrations.

Chris Sinh, a representative from Alpine, delivered a two-hour comprehensive training session to a full room of dealers. Sinh presented an overview of the changes to the DSP software and addressed dealer inquiries regarding the new features.

Shams Nabi, Key Accounts Manager, related “The training room was full and dealers were very engaged with Chris Sinh’s presentation and the value of the updated Optim 2.0 Platform. We provided discounts for those dealers attending and had prize drawings plus provided a delicious spicy catered meal from Chipotle’s.”

Nabi added “We thank Alpine for their support and look forward to driving business with Alpine dealers in our territory.”

Visit www.gsdistributingcompany.com for more.

HATTIESBURG, MS (6.17.25) – N and H Electronics in Hattiesburg is a very proactive distributor with annual dealer shows and staff on the road in the territory. “DB Drive is a growing brand for us and when the opportunity came to hit the road with Leo Gonzales to make dealer calls, with Mark Sealey and Scott Rogers in our van carrying DB Drive samples, it was a definite YES,” Ricky Gibson related.

On Tuesday, June 10th, Mark and Leo hit the road with stops scheduled in Picayune and McComb. The dealer calls with Traffic Jams and Slack Cycles were very productive and then the van headed to RNR in McComb. At the end of the day the van circled back HQ in Hattiesburg.

At Traffic Jams in Picayune Leo laid out a wide variety of DB Drive products to Cole Tarnok on the counter. “It was terrific to see Leo in our store. N&H is a key business partner for us and Mark is always very helpful when we call their office,” Tarnok related.

In McComb Mark pulled the van up to RNR and met with owner Henry Wall. “The DB amps and subs are selling well at our store and business overall is OK. It was good to see Leo again. Have seen him at the N&H Dealer Show in Hattiesburg before. So good to actually see him in my store,” Wall commented.

The following day, Scott Rogers was behind the wheel of the N&H van as he and Leo headed out further east along the Gulf Coast with a stop in Mobile AL to see The Tweeter Shop and then on to Ocean Springs MS to visit with Wise Choice Audio.

Scott and Leo met with Jeff McCollough at The Tweeter Shop in Mobile. The display in the showroom really really stands out. McCollough offered to the 12volt Central staff, “I can’t sell it if I ain’t got it. We have been working with Ricky at N&H for over 20 years. It was very nice to see the samples Leo showed us.”  

Scott and Leo wrapped Wednesday on the road in Ocean Springs at Wise Choice Audio. Greg Wise was with a customer when 12volt Central staff called. Greg Wise Jr commented that it was good to see Leo and the new DB Drive samples he showed on the counter. Wise Choice Audio has been working with N&H since 1982. 

“Mark and Scott said at each stop they made dealers were excited to see Leo and DB Drive on the road to show products and talk about their activities to try to help dealers grow business. It was great for us working with Leo. He also spent time showcasing the latest DB Drive products to our staff in the warehouse. We certainly look forward to another opportunity to hit the road across our territory with DB Drive,” Gibson concluded.

Visit nandhelectronics.com and dbdrive.net for more.

DIAMOND BAR, CA (6.17.25) – The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) issued the following statement on its relationship with the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA):

We are proud to announce that SEMA has been accepted as a full member of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), to represent the U.S. in mobility services, tourism, and advocacy. FIA will also join SEMA as a business member, allowing the two organizations to bolster each other’s work in U.S. and global safety and mobility policy arenas at a time in which advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous vehicles are shaping the automotive industry in transformative ways. The emergence of these exciting, innovative automotive technologies – and the evolution of U.S. and global policies to meet these advancements – makes this the ideal time for SEMA and FIA to benefit from each organization’s respective strengths and reach.

While FIA is best known in the U.S. as the global governing body for motor sport, including Formula One and the World Rally Championship, SEMA will not be involved in this area; instead, this partnership, focused solely on mobility policy advocacy, will give SEMA a seat at the global policy table, and FIA an advocacy presence in Washington, D.C. We are excited by this opportunity to collaborate with such an esteemed player in the automotive space, and to provide strong, proven advocacy structure and in-the-trenches support for the organizations’ shared policy goals in the U.S. and abroad.

For SEMA’s member companies, this relationship will expand access to the global marketplace, along with groundbreaking research important to future product development and sales.

SEMA since 1963 has advocated on behalf of the nation’s community of automotive enthusiasts to every administration in Washington, D.C. See SEMA’s 2025 Advocacy Agenda to learn more.

For more information, visit www.sema.org.