METAIRIE, LA (03.19.26) –  ORACLE Lighting has announced the upcoming release of its groundbreaking Lensless LED Headlights designed specifically for the 5th Generation Toyota 4Runner. Building on the company’s patent-pending lensless lighting architecture, this new system represents a major advancement in durability, maintenance, and real-world performance for off-road vehicles and adventure-focused platforms.

For more than a century, automotive headlights have relied on a clear outer lens to protect the light source. While lighting technologies have evolved from halogen to HID to modern LEDs, the basic architecture has remained largely unchanged. ORACLE Lighting’s lensless design challenges that convention, removing the traditional polycarbonate lens entirely and replacing it with a modular system of sealed LED emitter pods integrated directly into the headlight housing.

Each emitter module contains precision optics constructed from ballistics-grade PMMA acrylic, delivering exceptional optical clarity and impact resistance. At one inch thick, these optics are engineered to withstand harsh environmental conditions, highway debris, and off-road use. Unlike traditional headlights where a damaged lens requires replacing the entire assembly, ORACLE’s modular system allows individual components to be serviced or replaced, dramatically improving long-term ownership value.

“Removing the lens allowed us to rethink the entire headlight system from the ground up,” said Justin Hartenstein, Founder and Director of Product Development at ORACLE Lighting. “The result is a design that eliminates the most common failure points found in modern headlights like fogging, cracking, oxidation, and condensation… all while introducing a level of durability and serviceability that just didn’t exist before.”

One of the most innovative aspects of the new 4Runner headlight system is its integrated thermal management architecture. The projector bezels are manufactured from aircraft-grade aluminum and serve as part of the active thermal dissipation system for the high-output LED emitters. As the LEDs operate, heat is transferred into the aluminum bezels and housing where it is dissipated efficiently to maintain optimal operating temperatures.

This thermal integration not only allows the LEDs to operate optimally, it also provides a significant real-world advantage in winter environments. Unlike many modern LED headlights that remain cold and allow snow or ice to accumulate on the lens, the ORACLE system naturally becomes warm during operation, helping melt snow and ice buildup during driving. The design provides improved visibility in cold climates without requiring separate heating elements or additional electrical load.

Beyond durability and thermal performance, the lensless architecture also opens new possibilities for styling and customization. Without a traditional lens covering the front surface, the headlight housing itself becomes a visible design element. The exterior surfaces can be paint-matched to the vehicle, giving builders and enthusiasts new creative flexibility for OEM-plus builds and custom vehicles.

The headlights also feature reinforced, replaceable mounting brackets, reducing the likelihood of damage during installation, transport, or off-road use. If a bracket is ever damaged, it can be replaced independently without replacing the entire headlight assembly.

Designed specifically for the Toyota 4Runner platform, the new lensless headlights maintain a factory-style fit while delivering modern lighting performance and an aggressive, purpose-built appearance suited to the vehicle’s reputation for durability and adventure.

“Vehicles like the 4Runner are built for harsh environments, and their lighting systems should reflect that,” Hartenstein added. “This product was designed for real-world use, from trail dust and rock impacts to winter snowstorms… all while also pushing the boundaries of what automotive lighting can look like.”

Toyota 4Runner Lensless Headlights are expected to become available in late 2026, with additional vehicle applications already in development.

For more information visit www.oraclelights.com

HATTIESBURG, MS (03.18.26) – Prodigy Audio, a leader in high-performance “Sound Quality Loud” (SQL) car audio components, is proud to announce that N&H Electronics of Hattiesburg, MS, has been appointed as the official distributor for the Mississippi, Alabama, and Louisiana territories.

This strategic partnership ensures that dealers and car audio enthusiasts across the Gulf South have immediate access to Prodigy Audio’s full lineup of South Korean-built amplifiers and precision-engineered subwoofers. N&H Electronics currently has product in stock and is ready to ship to its network of retailers.

“We are thrilled to partner with N&H Electronics to expand our footprint in the Southeast,” said Brett Barnes of Prodigy Audio. “Their reputation for service and deep-rooted connections in the MS, AL, and LA markets make them the ideal partner to represent our ‘SQL’ philosophy—delivering extreme output without sacrificing the clarity audiophiles demand.”

N&H Electronics, a staple in the electronics distribution industry for decades, will carry the complete Prodigy Audio catalog, including:

• NB Series Subwoofers: From the space-saving NB3 shallow mounts to the flagship, high-excursion NB5 series.
• Prodigy Amplifiers: High-efficiency, South Korean-built mono and multi-channel amplifiers designed for reliable, rated power.

“We are very excited Prodigy Audio products are in stock and we are already having inquiries from dealers interested in bringing in the products.It’s always great to have something new to showcase, especially right here at tax refund season time. Those that remember Jonathan Demuth from T3 days will be really impressed with the quality workmanship and sound quality coming from these new subs and amps. Looking forward to getting out in the territory and showing off this new line” Ricky Gibson stated.

Dealers in Mississippi, Alabama, and Louisiana are encouraged to contact their N&H Electronics sales representative for pricing and ordering information.

For more see prodigyaudio.com

METAIRIE, LA (03.18.26) – Flashtech Lighting today announced the official launch of the F5 LED Bulb System, a patent-pending, next-generation modular lighting platform engineered for both headlight and fog light applications. The direct successor to the company’s F4 series, the F5 is available now through authorized Flashtech dealers.

Since its launch in 2016, the Flashtech F4 has earned a reputation as one of the most dependable LED bulb systems in the industry — trusted by professional installers, retailers, and automotive enthusiasts nationwide. Built on nearly two decades of lighting expertise, the F5 takes everything that made the F4 the standard and advances it with a patent-pending modular architecture that solves one of the most persistent challenges in the aftermarket lighting industry: SKU complexity.

“The F4 set the standard for Flashtech for nearly ten years,” said Stephen Gordon, Founder of Flashtech Lighting. “The F5 is the natural evolution of that platform — more flexible, more refined, and engineered to solve the real challenges installers and retailers face every day. What we’ve built here is genuinely new for this category, and the market coverage it delivers with just two SKUs changes the conversation for every distributor and dealer we work with.”

Two SKUs. Up to 90% Headlight Market Coverage:

The F5 platform launches with four SKUs — but the story for distributors and dealers starts with just two. The F5A (single beam, 6000K) is engineered to cover the H7, H11, 9005, and 9006 bulb sizes from a single retail package, representing an estimated 60– 84% of halogen-replaceable headlight sockets on the road today. Add the F5B (dual beam, 6000K) covering H13 and 9007, and the combined two-SKU system addresses an estimated 85–90% of the halogen-replaceable headlight market. For distributors and dealers, that means stocking two part numbers and being able to serve nearly any customer that walks through the door.

A Patent-Pending Modular Architecture Built for the Installer:

At the heart of the F5 is a proprietary, patent-pending modular architecture featuring a single core LED bulb platform paired with interchangeable sealed power connectors and precision locking collars. Each retail kit ships with all the collars and plugs needed to create multiple bulb sizes right out of the box — one package, multiple fitments, no additional purchases required for supported sizes. The system is also field-expandable: additional collars and plugs are available separately to support extended fitments including 9004, 9012, H10, 5202, and P13W.

A standout feature for professional installers is the F5’s tool-free 360° beam pattern adjustment. After installation, the bulb body rotates freely by hand within the locked collar — no set screws, no Allen keys, no removal and reinstallation — allowing precise alignment of the LED chips to match any reflector or projector housing geometry and preserve factory cutoff. It’s the kind of detail that separates a product designed by people who install from one that isn’t.

The F5 platform produces 6,000 lumens and utilizes an optimized aluminum heat sink for sustained thermal management and long-term performance. The full F5 lineup includes the F5A single-beam in 6000K pure white, the F5A single-beam in 3000K golden yellow (optimized for fog light applications), the F5B dual-beam hi/low in 6000K, and a dedicated non-modular H4 dual-beam in 6000K for H4/9003/HB2 applications. Every kit ships in custom Flashtech retail packaging, shelf-ready out of the box.

F5 Key Highlights:

• Patent-pending modular plug-and-play connector and collar system
• F5A + F5B combined: estimated 85–90% coverage of halogen-replaceable headlight sockets
• Each retail kit includes all collars and plugs for supported fitments — no additional purchases required
• Field-expandable: additional collars available for 9004, 9012, H10, 5202, P13W, and more
• Tool-free 360° beam pattern adjustment — no set screws, no Allen keys
• Single-beam and hi/low dual-beam configurations available
• 6,000 lumens with optically balanced, precision-engineered beam pattern
• Aluminum heat sink thermal management for sustained long-term performance
• Premium gunmetal housing with red anodized accent collars
• Custom retail packaging — shelf-ready out of the box
• 50,000-hour service life | Backed by a 2-year warranty
• Designed and engineered exclusively by Flashtech Lighting

5 SKU Reference:

• FTF5-A-SB.6 (F5A) — Single Beam | 6000K | H7, H11, 9005, 9006
• FTF5-A-SB.3 (F5A) — Single Beam | 3000K Golden Yellow | H11, 9005, 9006, 5202, P13W
• FTF5-B-DB.6 (F5B) — Dual Beam Hi/Low | 6000K | H13, 9007
• FTF5-H4.6 — Dual Beam Hi/Low | 6000K | H4 / 9003 / HB2 (dedicated, nonmodular)

With the launch of the F5, Flashtech Lighting reaffirms its commitment to long-term product platforms that put installer efficiency, performance, and thoughtful engineering first. The F5 continues a lineage built on reliability and trust — and represents the next chapter in Flashtech’s product story.

The Flashtech F5 is available now through authorized Flashtech dealers.

For product availability, dealer inquiries, or additional information, visit www.flashtechlighting.com or call 1-800-442-9096.

BOCA RATON, FL (03.18.26) – ZZ2 is excited to announce that our new EZ2 Power EV Extension Cables/Cords are now officially available for dealer and installer purchase.

EZ2 Power solves one of the most common EV charging problems—short charging cables and wrong plug setups—by delivering a purpose-built, high-amperage 16FT extension solution designed specifically for EV charging.

Now Available SKUs

• EZ-TSL-EXT – Tesla to Tesla Extension
• EZ-T1-EXT – Type 1 to Type 1 Extension
• EZ-T2T1-EXT – Tesla to Type 1 Convert & Extend Extension

Why EZ2 Power

• Up to 48A high-amperage support
• 16FT added reach
• Heavy-duty EV-rated connectors
• Weather-resistant, ultra-durable jacket
• Clean, installer-friendly coil design

These products are designed to be an easy add-on sale for EV customers and a reliable solution installers can trust.

Now available to order.

Visit https://zz-2.com/collections/ez2-power or contact your ZZ2 sales representative to get started.

GASTONIA, NC (03.17.26) – Make your plans to attend the 2026 Shiflet & Dickson 34th Annual Dealer Show. The event kicks off Saturday night at 7pm for the party with food and drinks at the Shiflet & Dickson location at 2480 Bessemer City Rd in Gastonia NC 28052. Live music and pork BBQ is on the menu plus time with manufacturer staff members, reps, fellow dealers and Shiflet & Dickson Team members.

Sunday is the show day that runs from 9AM until 5PM with over 40 brands represented. There will be lunch on Sunday with delicious delicious burgers and sides as the show runs from 9 AM until 5PM. The showroom will be packed with vendor booths and well as demo vehicles and bikes outside along with special unveilings.

Shiflet & Dickson’s David Holland stated “This will be our 34th dealer show and our company’s 71st Anniversary! Many dealers have not had the ability to go to a show recently to see the newest 12volt products. With vendor motorcycles, side by sides and pickups in the house we plan on letting our customers hear what these products sound like in a real world setting…. other than a YouTube video on a smartphone or laptop.”

DB Drive is scheduled to unveil company’s new DB Experience plus tower speakers, amps, subwoofers and more.
In addition, the company will be showcasing the new products with Randy Goodwin and Leo Gonzalez who will be working the show. Randy and Leo will also be selling profitability as a topic of discussions with dealers along with the new products.”

DK Electronics will again have 2 decked out demo bikes, featuring DB Drive and PowerBass gear, for live demos and once again Dan Klynstra will provide valuable real-world installation tips for dealers

“MAXPro is always super excited for Shiflet’s Spring Show. We are looking to discussing our new films and really digging into the benefits of adding PPF with Shiflet’s dealers this year. Shiflet sells a good amount of architectural products for his dealers. Now is the time for the tinting season and in rural areas farmers can really benefit with film installed. Also PPF protection has shown to help retain the resale value of a vehicle” Allison Parker stated.

Concluding Holland stated “Our show is like having our large family come into our facility for a large get together. We also have many of our vendors that have offered us special discounts before and after the show to make our dealers more profitable on their sales floors. We look forward to seeing our extended family on Saturday and Sunday, March 21st and 22nd.”

Contact your Shiflet & Dickson inside or outside sales person to make sure you are able to sit down and take advantage of the special pricing being offered for dealers at the show.

Stay tuned for more from the 12volt Central Studios.

Visit shifletdickson.com for more

WASHINGTON, DC (03.17.26) – The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) is promoting Lauren Wilbor to Political Director, giving her day-to-day oversight of the organization’s grassroots and grasstops efforts to support SEMA’s advocacy and communications efforts in Washington, D.C., and throughout the country. She will continue to be based out of SEMA’s Washington, D.C., office.

In her previous role as Manager of Digital Communications and Partnerships, Wilbor spearheaded SEMA’s groundbreaking effort to deploy automotive content creators for advocacy. Her work has brought greater visibility to SEMA’s award-winning campaign to preserve vehicle choice in the U.S. and has elevated an ongoing, state-based effort to protect and preserve the right to race nationwide. She now will now be tasked with creating and implementing multi-pronged advocacy campaigns in support of federal, state, and local legislative initiatives, while also advancing SEMA’s political engagement programs, including the Driving Force Action SuperPAC, to ensure awareness among lawmakers, SEMA’s member businesses, and other aligned stakeholder organizations.

“When we brought Lauren in to oversee our digital advocacy and relationships with the content creator community, she provided immediate value through her ability to mobilize key voices in our nation’s community of automotive enthusiasts. She is creative, organized, and has an ability to create personal connections within our community,” said Karen Bailey-Chapman, SEMA’s senior vice president for public and government affairs. “We’re thrilled to give her the reins to our advocacy campaigns as we continue our efforts to preserve and protect the automotive aftermarket and our nation’s rich car culture.”

“I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to step into this role and continue advancing SEMA’s advocacy efforts on behalf of the automotive aftermarket and performance racing industries,” Wilbor said. “SEMA represents one of the most passionate communities in the country, and it’s a privilege to help amplify the voices of our members, along with builders, racers, and enthusiasts nationwide. I’m excited to build on the momentum of our advocacy campaigns and continue fighting for the enthusiasts and businesses that make this industry so special.”

Wilbor, a native of San Diego, holds a degree in political science from the University of Colorado Boulder.

TEMPE, AZ (03.10.26) – Mobile Solutions, a leader in creating the tools and training needed for custom automotive electronics, audio, and interior installations, is proud to announce a new Canadian distribution partnership with Automobility, expanding access to its industry-leading fabrication tools, training products, and the rapidly growing FabKit panel system brand.

“Automobility is a well respected Canadian distributor and so through this strategic partnership, they will provide improved availability, faster shipping, and localized support for customers across Canada,” said Bryan Schmitt, founder, president, and CEO of Mobile Solutions. “Automobility will not only carry Mobile Solutions’ product lines, but it will also play a key role in expanding advanced fabrication education throughout Canada.”

Mobile Solutions, known globally for its innovative fabrication tools and hands-on technical training programs, continues to invest in strategic growth initiatives that support fabricators, custom installers, and performance shops at every level of the industry.

“We are incredibly proud to join forces with Bryan and the Mobile Solutions team,” said Steve Coulombe, Automobility product manager. “This collaboration is built on a shared passion for our industry, and together, we’re focused on bringing world-class tools and training to the Canadian market.”

New Montreal Training Center

“As an important piece of our partnership, a new training center in Montreal is planned as a cornerstone of future expansion for both companies,” Schmitt continued. “The facility will host fabrication workshops, hands-on tool training, and MasterTech certification programs, thus strengthening both of our shared industry commitment to craftsmanship, innovation, and professional growth.”

Schmitt added, “Together, we are expanding access to the tools, systems, and training that help fabricators work smarter, faster, and more profitably. The new Montreal training center represents the next step in growing our global fabrication community.”

Coulombe concluded, “Launching the Montreal training center will be a major milestone for us, providing a dedicated space for MasterTech certifications and hands-on workshops. While Montreal is our immediate priority, this is just the first step in our national growth plan; we’re already looking toward Vancouver for a future expansion to ensure pros across the country have the support they need. We are thrilled to get started and to help elevate the standards of our industry together.”

Customers can learn more at:
• Mobile Solutions: www.mobilesolutions-usa.com
• Automobility: https://automob.ca/EN/home.aspx

For distribution inquiries, training information, or product availability, please contact Automobility directly or visit the websites above.

PHOENIX, AZ (03.10.26) – MTX, a MiTek Electronics and Communications company, is excited to announce its participation in MasterTech Expo 2026, taking place March 12–15 at the Mesa Convention Center in Mesa, Arizona. The annual event brings together manufacturers, retailers, and installation professionals for hands-on training, product demonstrations, and industry collaboration focused on advancing technical expertise within the mobile electronics community.

Attendees are encouraged to visit MTX at the Trailer #3 spot, where the booth will display a wide range of MTX product lines across mobile, powersports, and marine audio. On display will be amplifiers, speakers, signal processors, and installation accessories that represent the breadth of the MTX portfolio. Attendees will also have the opportunity to see MTX’s iconic Anti-Bling Escalade on display, one of the brand’s most recognized demonstration vehicles.

The booth will also highlight newly released PS amplifiers, the latest RTX amplifier platform, and additional products debuting at MasterTech. These new offerings reflect MTX’s continued focus on delivering clean power, advanced technology, and dependable performance built for real-world installs.

In addition to exhibiting on the show floor, MTX will sponsor the Clean Wire Challenge, reinforcing its commitment to craftsmanship and technical excellence within the installer community.

MTX will also host its THUNDERLab Open House during the Manufacturer Night School trainings on Friday, March 13 from 4:30 PM to 5:45 PM in room Cholla 1–2. The session will feature live amplifier dyno testing with amplifier giveaways throughout the event, live demonstrations of the new MTX DSP platform, and additional premium giveaways. The THUNDERLab is designed to provide an engaging, performance-focused experience while offering direct interaction with the MTX team.

MasterTech Expo 2026 provides a valuable opportunity for manufacturers and installers to collaborate, learn, and experience the latest developments in mobile electronics. MTX looks forward to engaging with partners and continuing to push the limits of performance audio.

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

OZARK, MO (03.10.26) – The Ozarks will turn up the volume on April 4th with AMP’D UP in the Ozarks. This is a car show that is Audio focused and brings enthusiast, custom vehicles and major industry brands together for a one day showcase of sound and innovation.

Hosted by Creative Audio, a well established and trusted retailer specializing in car, home, and marine audio the event will highlight the latest technology in mobile sound systems and vehicle customization.

The show will feature booths and demonstrations from leading audio brands, alongside a wide range of custom vehicles showcasing powerful audio installations and creative builds.

AMP’D UP in the Ozarks aims to celebrate the growth of the Car-Audio community by giving enthusiast the opportunity to experience cutting edge audio systems, meet industry experts and connect with others who share a passion for high performance sound.

Organizers expect attendees from across the region for what is shaping up to be one of the Ozarks most exciting Audio focused automotive events of the year.

The 2025 AMP’D UP event filled the Convention Center with vender booths and demos, show cars and enthusiasts. Creative Audio, KICKER, KENWOOD, HERTZ, JBL, Memphis Audio, Rockford Fosgate, Cicada and Wet Sounds plus ORCA/Focal were featured exhibitors.

For more see ampdupintheozarks.com

ORLANDO, FL (03.06.26) – VOXX By Gentex Corporation is proud to announce the release of the new VIPER SMARTSTART PRO and DIRECTED SMARTSTART PRO applications. The 2026 apps introduce a completely reimagined experience designed for clarity, speed, and intuitive interaction.

A More Responsive, Personalized, And Efficient Mobile Control Platform
Mobile access and automobiles go hand-in-hand. This next step in vehicle telematics highlights include an all-new interface for an easier in-app experience. A clean and modern design is now live, with real-time feedback and enhanced user controls. See how VIPER and DIRECTED step into innovation this spring with a redesigned vehicle status page, a streamlined menu structure, and simplified navigation, providing quicker access to key functions.

Additional app upgrades comprise new vehicle imagery, optimized image placement for improved clarity, and a vehicle activity page. View command and alert history in one convenient location, no more digging through pop-up screens. Users can now customize their controls and select how each command is executed by tapping or pressing and holding the command button. These 2026 applications have also added a garage quick command page.

A Bold Step Forward
With the launch of the 2026 VIPER and DIRECTED SMARTSTART PRO apps, VOXX continues its commitment to innovation in vehicle security and connected car telematics. The new phone applications reflect a forward-looking approach focused on enhanced usability, modern design, and improved performance. Note that the new apps will co-exist on the app stores with the current (original) VIPER SMARTSTART and DIRECTED SMARTSTART apps, as some legacy features are not initially supported on the new apps, but may be in the future.

For more information or to download the new 2026 VIPER and DIRECTED SMARTSTART PRO apps, visit the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

For more information on the VIPER SMARTSTART PRO VSM550 product, visit: https://viper.com/smartstart/products.aspx#ViperSmartStartPro 

For more information on the DIRECTED SMARTSTART PRO DSM550 product, visit: https://www.voxxelectronics.com/our-products/smartstart-pro-4g-lte-gps-module