OXNARD, CA (2.4.26) – Modus is proud to announce that it has named industry veteran Mike Eckley as National Sales Manager, effective immediately.

“As Modus has continued to quickly grow since our launch last year, we needed a national sales manager not only with a wealth of 12-volt experience and a great reputation, but also one with those rare technical selling skills,” said Matt Delgado, Modus Director of Sales. “For more than 30 years, Mike has worked with some of the industry’s best brands and technologies, and he will bring these industry relationships and technical knowledge to the Modus team. We are excited to have Mike on board as we roll out our exciting products to market.”

Eckley is based in Florida and has worked with a number of the industry’s leading brands in sales, marketing, training, and other roles. Eckley has earned multiple industry awards, including Top 5 Rep of the Year (Mobile Electronics 2019, 2020, 2024) and Rep of the Year (Mobile Electronics 2017).

“Over the past year, I have seen the excitement surrounding the Modus brand and its technologies as it has put together a tremendous team,” said Eckley. “Now, as part of Modus, I am eager to hit the ground running and leverage my relationships to get our products and message to our nationwide dealer network.”

For more information about Modus products and partnership opportunities, request more information on the web at www.modusglobal.com.

NEW YORK, NY (2.4.26) – SiriusXM announced its comprehensive broadcast and event schedule for Super Bowl LX Week, taking place in San Francisco February 2-8. Subscribers will enjoy multiple game broadcasts, a dedicated pop-up channel, and exclusive live sports and entertainment programming originating from the Super Bowl LX Media Center presented by EA SPORTS Madden 26.

Super Bowl Sunday Broadcasts

On Super Bowl Sunday, February 8, at 6:30 pm ET, SiriusXM will offer multiple live broadcasts of Super Bowl LX from Levi’s Stadium, including the official team broadcasts for both the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks, the national radio broadcast from Westwood One, and a Spanish-language broadcast. Channel information can be found at SiriusXM.com/NFLschedule. All Super Bowl Week programming, including the game itself, is accessible to subscribers in vehicles and via the SiriusXM app.

During the Apple Music Super Bowl LX Halftime Show, listeners can tune in for the live on-field musical performance by Bad Bunny, airing on Caliente (SiriusXM 152) and Super Bowl LX Radio (SiriusXM 79).

Live Programming from San Francisco

Multiple SiriusXM channels and shows will broadcast live throughout the week from the Super Bowl LX Media Center in downtown San Francisco and other locations around the Bay Area.

• SiriusXM NFL Radio (channel 88), the 24/7 NFL channel, will air live from the Super Bowl Media Center starting Monday, and feature expert commentary and interviews with athletes, executives, coaches, and celebrities. Hosts will include Rich Gannon, Jim Miller, Pat Kirwan, Kirk Morrison, Solomon Wilcots, Patrick Peterson, Isaac Rochell, Christian Fauria, Ed McCaffrey, Ryan Leaf, Matt Simms, Bruce Murray, Howard Balzer and Scott Graham. The channel will also have coverage of special events such as Super Bowl LX Opening Night, the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026 announcement, and the annual NFL Honors event on February 6.
• SiriusXM’s Mad Dog Sports Radio (channel 82) will broadcast live Tuesday through Friday, featuring shows hosted by Radio Hall of Famer Christopher “Mad Dog” Russo, Adam Schein, and Katie Nolan.
• Stephen A. Smith will host “The Stephen A. Smith Show” live from the Super Bowl Media Center on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday of Super Bowl Week, and an episode of his news and politics program, “Straight Shooter with Stephen A.” on Wednesday from downtown San Francisco.
• Katie Nolan will also host multiple episodes of her SiriusXM podcast, “Casuals.”
• Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Models Camille Kostek, Nicole Williams English, Xandra, Ellie Thumann and Katie Austin will host a special broadcast on Friday, which will air on Super Bowl LX Radio that night.
• Former running back Jacob Hester will host his college sports show, “Off Campus” (SiriusXM College Sports Radio, channel 84), live each weekday.

Super Bowl LX Radio Pop-Up Channel

The annual pop-up channel, Super Bowl LX Radio (SiriusXM channel 79), launches Monday, February 2, available in cars and on the SiriusXM app. Hosted by Jacob Hester, the channel will preview the matchup between the Seahawks and Patriots and highlight the cultural and community aspects of Super Bowl Week. The channel will also provide essential information on Bay Area NFL activities, transportation, and stadium security. Programming will also be available on the NFL One Pass app for users in San Francisco.

Noah Kahan Exclusive Concert

As previously announced, 2x GRAMMY® Award nominated superstar Noah Kahan will perform an exclusive one-night-only concert on Thursday, February 5 at The Warfield in San Francisco. The acclaimed singer-songwriter will perform songs from his globally successful breakout album Stick Season including the 4x Platinum hit “Stick Season,” “Dial Drunk,” “Northern Attitude” and “You’re Gonna Go Far” as well as other fan favorites and new music from his highly-anticipated forthcoming album. The performance will air in its entirety on SiriusXM’s Alt Nation (channel 36) on Saturday, February 7 at 8pm ET. Select songs will also air on SiriusXM Hits 1, The Pulse, Coffee House and The Spectrum. Pandora users can listen to Noah Kahan HERE.

Kahan will also sit down for a one-on-one interview prior to the show with Katie Nolan for her SiriusXM podcast, “Casuals.”

TEMPE, AZ (2.4.26) – MasterTech Expo 2026 is shaping up to be its biggest and most impactful year yet, proudly announcing a completely sold-out show floor and expanded hotel partnerships to accommodate record attendance. MasterTech Expo 2026 is scheduled March 12-15, 2026 at the Mesa Convention Center in Mesa, AZ.

“With exhibit space officially sold out, attendees can expect an elevated show floor experience featuring a top-tier mix of technology innovators, fabrication leaders, and major audio manufacturers, creating one of the most diverse and hands-on learning environments in the industry,” said Bryan Schmitt, founder, CEO, and president of Mobile Solutions. “Selling out our exhibit space is a huge milestone. It allows us to curate a higher-quality experience for attendees — more brands, better education, and better connections across every segment of the industry.”

Due to overwhelming demand, the MasterTech Expo host hotel has officially sold out. To support the growing attendee base, new hotel partners and room blocks have been secured, offering convenient options close to the venue. Attendees are encouraged to book early as availability continues to move quickly.

Hotel information and booking links are available at:
www.MasterTechExpo.com/hotel

Register today at www.mastertechexpo.com

HATTIESBURG MS (01.26.26) – N&H Electronics is a very proactive distributor that works closely with dealers in their territory. Team members make trips on the road delivering products and connecting with dealers along the Gulf coast.

Tuesday and Wednesday last week Scott Rogers and Michael Femino each made a trip to make deliveries and connect with  dealers. Scott Rogers headed west out of Hattiesburg and made dealer stops in South Louisiana. Mike Femino headed east and made stops along the Gulf Coast. At all of the those stops, in addition to delivering orders, there were discussions about working with the dealers to connect with consumers to drive traffic into their stores.

Scott’s stops were at Tony’s Auto Salon in Metarie and RD Audio Slidell Louisiana. At Tony’s Scott met with LB, Nguyan Thanh, who related that N&H has been a key business partner for years and all at N&H are always engaged to to support his business. dB DBX amps and installation products were included in the products delivered.

At RD Audio in Slidell Scott spent time with Rodney Naquin and delivered a dB Drive order. RD Audio sells car audio, window tinting, security and upholstery in the New Orleans suburb and works with N&H for many products.

Mike Femino made stops at Mobile Techniques in Wiggins and and Wise Choice Audio in Ocean Springs Mississippi. At Mobile Techniques Mike spent time with Chad and delivered the order including KICKER Speakers. The well designed car audio display really draws attention in the Mobile Techniques showroom.

In Wise Choice Audio in Ocean Springs Mike spent time with Greg Wise Jr. The order delivered included PowerBass products. Scott Rogers is celebrating 36 years at N&H and related Wise Choice Audio was a strong dealer when he joined N&H.

Rogers and Femino relayed that each spot there were conversations that dealers need to put their store’s message in front of their community on social media and spotlight hot vehicles out front of their stores. Sitting behind the counter waiting for customers to come in is not working. The in-store listening experience along with professional installation are not available on the web.

“At N&H we realize how important it is to work closely with, and to support, our dealers. Our vendors know how important it is to support brick and mortar retailers in this web-based and AI driven world. Stay tuned for more about our 2026 Dealer Show” Ricky Gibson related.

For more visit nandhelectronics.com

EAST WENTACHEE, (01.26.26) – The International Auto Sound Challenge Association (IASCA) announced it will host the 2026 Sound Quality Championship at AXPONA in April 2027 at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center. Building on a successful sound quality event at AXPONA in 2025, IASCA identified the show’s venue, audience, and infrastructure as an ideal environment for a premier championship-level competition.

“AXPONA is an exciting event for spectators and our competition members,” said Travis Chin, president of IASCA. “With over 11,000 spectators, AXPONA is a great opportunity to showcase the best competition sound quality vehicles to other audio enthusiasts from around the world.”

IASCA Sound Quality vehicles will be on display and available for demonstrations throughout the three-day event in the Hi-Fi Car Audio Showcase. AXPONA will also feature hundreds of high-fidelity listening rooms, thousands of products in the Expo Hall, the Ear Gear Experience, the Car Audio Showcase, live performances, educational seminars, and cutting-edge audio demonstrations.

“AXPONA is all about celebrating innovation and exceptional audio experiences, and IASCA’s Sound Quality Championship aligns perfectly with that mission. We’re excited to expand this collaboration and give both IASCA competitors and AXPONA attendees an unforgettable showcase in 2027,” said Liz Smith, Event Director, AXPONA.

AXPONA 2026 is scheduled for April 10–12, 2026 and the IASCA 2026 Sound Quality Championship at AXPONA is slated for April 9–11, 2027. IASCA’s SPL Championship is tentatively planned for fall 2026, with additional details on the event format and season-long points accumulation toward championship invitations to be announced at a later date.

For more see iasca.com.

HOLLY HILL, FL (01.26.26) – Metra Electronics is heading to Las Vegas, Nevada to host training sessions at KnowledgeFest, February 3-5 at the Paris Hotel. Metra will showcase their latest aftermarket installation products at booth #401. A fully customized Ford Lightning featuring Heise LED, Metra, and VIBE Audio products will also be showcased at the booth. Metra’s training sessions will cover new products launched at the 2025 SEMA Show, including all-in-one premium vehicle-specific audio kits with VIBE speakers, Metra’s next-generation radio platform, PROSCENIUM, new and updated dash kits, Heise LED vehicle accent lighting, and much more!

Training sessions include:

“Metra’s 2026 New Products Overview” on February 3rd at 1:30 PM

This session offers an overview of Metra’s 2026 product lineup, highlighting new and updated dash kits, speaker adapters, harnesses, and integration solutions. Attendees will explore the latest Install Bay accessories, iBeam camera enhancements, Heise Lighting innovations, Vibe Audio speakers and plug-and-play kits, Axxess category expansions, the new AXRSC category, and recent updates to the Metra Online website.

“Metra & Vibe Audio Kits” on February 3rd at 2:45 PM & February 4th at 5:30 PM

This session highlights Metra and Vibe Audio’s vehicle-specific audio solutions, featuring new direct-replacement speaker kits for BMW, Mercedes, and Tesla. It also explores plug-and-play audio kits for select trucks and SUVs, and provides an overview of RTA-based tuning concepts used with Axxess DSP and Vibe DSP amplifiers.

“PROSCENIUM: The Car Radio, Re-Imagined” on February 4th at 4:15 PM & February 5th at 10 AM

This session introduces PROSCENIUM, Metra’s next-generation radio platform. Topics include OEM-quality materials, dual screen sizes, compatibility with Metra 95-style dash kits, built-in programmable interfaces, custom GUI design, wireless and wired CarPlay and Android Auto, HD Radio, SiriusXM readiness, and vehicle CAN system communication.

Metra’s customers can register for the KnowledgeFest event at no cost using Metra’s VIP code, available by request from their sales representative. Once registered for the event, attendees will also need to register online at KnowledgeFest.com for each training session they will attend.

TEMPE, AZ (01.20.26) – Mobile Solutions is proud to announce its Digital Fab MasterClass, scheduled for Jan. 23-26, 2026 at the company’s headquarters in Tempe, Ariz.

“Our Digital Fab MasterClass is where old-school craftsmanship meets future-ready innovation,” said Bryan Schmitt, founder, president, and CEO of Mobile Solutions. “This immersive four-day workshop is engineered for fabricators, builders, and designers who want to elevate their interior and fabrication skills to an elite, professional level.”

This hands-on experience blends advanced digital fabrication technologies with high-level craftsmanship to deliver precision, efficiency, and OEM-quality results. Attendees will design and build a complete take-home project using modern fabrication techniques, advanced upholstery processes, and digital manufacturing tools—learning the same methods used by today’s top builders and award-winning shops.

What You’ll Learn During the Digital Fab MasterClass:
• Digital Fabrication & Future-Forward Techniques

• New process: advanced 3D printing techniques that deliver professional, repeatable results
• 2D & 3D CAD/CAM workflow efficiency using Fusion, Aspire, Corel, and Light-Burn
• Live scanning and surfacing demonstrations featuring Peel 3D technology
• Expert-level laser cutting and engraving techniques with hands-on instruction
• Basic-to-advanced drawing examples focused on shape creation and precision line work
• Accent lighting and layering strategies for maximum visual impact
• Custom trim techniques using aluminum machining, acrylic fabrication, and composite
• materials

Is your 3D printer just an expensive paperweight? Not after this class. Participants will learn practical, real-world methods to optimize equipment, streamline software workflows, and achieve consistent, high-quality results using accessible tools and proven processes.

Don’t Miss: Elevated Finishes & Professional Styling:
• Surface texturing techniques using paint and coatings
• Pressed metal grille and insert forming
• Shadow trim and specialty visual effects, including marbling and wood grain
• Veneer and vinyl-wrap techniques for OEM-level design execution
• Professional methods for finishing panel backs with serviceability and refinement in mind

Featured All-Star Guest Presenters:
• Dean Beyett – 5 Star Car Stereo
• Wesley Cato – Anything Car Audio
• Gabrielle Williams – Peel 3D
• Anthony Medina – Medina’s Interior Shop
• Gary Bell – Stinger Solutions

“This MasterClass moves attendees firmly into the Future Fab mindset—combining design, digital automation, advanced materials, and high-end finishing techniques that set elite shops apart,” Schmitt added. “Participants leave with greater confidence, expanded capabilities, and a finished project that demonstrates what’s truly possible.”

The Digital Fab MasterClass will be held Jan. 23–26, 2026, from 8:15 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., at Mobile Solutions headquarters in Tempe, Ariz.

Seating is extremely limited to ensure maximum hands-on instruction and personalized attention.

For more information, please visit www.mobilesolutions-usa.com.

TORONTO, ON (1.20.26) – The 68th Annual Toronto International Boat Show is happening January 17th through the 25th at the Enercare Centre in Toronto’s Exhibition Place. Importel and Wet Sounds are in the center of the action in booth G561. Importel’s Ricky Lima and Bill Truax, along with Paul Zlatar from ATG, are in the booth connecting with attendees.

The large booth spotlights Wet Sounds’ wide selection of marine products including amplifiers, speakers and marine receiver along with wake tower speakers and IP67 rated portable radio. Wet Sounds catalogs and swag items are also available. In the adjoining booth SiriusXM Canada brand partner is spotlighting the SXV300 Connect Tuner.

On a huge show floor there are over 500 exhibitors and 1000 boats available for attendees to check out the latest products to get ready to make waves during the marine season 2026.

Importel is focused on the 12volt installation car audio and electronics including marine, powersports and motorcycle. With locations in Toronto and Edmonton the company supplies everything retailers and installers require to run a successful business. For over 40 years Importel staff members have shopped the world to find their customers the very best values available anywhere…. price comparisons will prove this to be correct.

“This is one of the largest shows in North America and next year we want to go even bigger” Lima, National Sales Manager, related.

Watch for more to come from Importel.

SHREVEPORT LA (01.19.26) – The 12volt Central Studios offers multiple ways for 12volt industry members to connect across the 12volt community and with consumers while delivering fresh industry news. Custom QR Codes, the 12voltSTP Tool and 12volt Central Studio offer easy to use opportunities to connect with industry members and consumers. A SMARTPHONE is all it takes!

With a SMARTPHONE the 12voltSTP Tool works with an image txt plus a few words and PRESTO it can happen. The number is 318-469-2526.

In today’s AI driven and social media world it is more important than ever for members of the 12volt industry to connect with industry members and consumers. These activities are more important than ever to drive in-vehicle automotive upgrades awareness and business for brick and mortar retailers. Consumers can’t feel the bass in their chest or appreciate the separation of mids and highs on a smartphone or laptop.

Many 12volt industry members only use a QR Code to scan a restaurant menu. QR Codes have so many positive ways for 12volt industry members to utilize this positive technology.

The 12volt Central Studios staff has created a new tool that works across the board. A high-quality glasses and screen cleaning microfiber cloth, with a custom QR Code, is the answer. Screens on mobile devices tend to collect smudges of all kinds. With this cleaning cloth a custom QR Code linking to a company’s website can be created and printed on the cloth to be seen by users several times a day as they clean their screens. The 6” by 6” cloth fits in a pocket or rests on an office desk. Even used by an installer in the install bay during a head unit installation.

Trade shows and consumer events are terrific venues to hand out the cleaning cloth to attendees. Driving pre-event attention to an exhibitor’s booth is also an option. The cloth is also much less expensive, and easier to ship than T-Shirts. Reps on the road could give a dealer his cleaning cloth to continue visibility for his company’s website and brands.

In person trade and distributor shows are terrific to connect and show new products in one-on-one settings. Trade show and distributor show attendance over the last years has diminished. The 12volt Central Studios can put companies in their customized studio to connect and deliver their important marketing messages.

Industry members must realize marketing in a 24/7 journey. Budweiser and Coke spent millions with TV ads over the Holidays. Again, a SMARTPHONE and utilizing The 12voltSTP Tool, can put a company’s marketing ball in play!

Please email mike@12voltnews.com for more details.

TEMPE, AZ (01.19.26) – Automotive audio pioneer Wayne Harris will feature his world-famous Terminator vehicle during a special live interview during MasterTech Expo 2026, held March 12-15, 2026 at the Mesa Convention Center in Mesa, Ariz., offering attendees a rare look into one of the most iconic builds in car audio history.

Open to all MasterTech attendees and exhibitors, the Terminator will be on hand and the featured session will take place March 12 from 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM in the Delta AZ Ballroom.

Harris has been a driving force in the 12-volt automotive audio industry since the early 1980s. A designer, engineer, entrepreneur, and innovator, he has earned multiple Design & Engineering awards, he holds several patents for audio technology innovations, and was named one of the Top Ten Most Influential People in Car Audio from 1987–1992.

Originally built in the mid-1980s – well ahead of its time – the Terminator featured groundbreaking concepts including one of the first true symmetry-based system layouts, including six Power 1000 amplifiers and a rotating amplifier rack that redefined what was possible in mobile audio design. The vehicle pushed extreme power levels for its era and became a benchmark for competitive audio builds.

The Terminator Vehicle
The Terminator began life as a 1960 Cadillac hearse before Harris transformed it into one of the most legendary show vehicles in automotive audio history. Packed with massive subwoofers, multiple drivers, and staggering power output for the time, it helped shape early competition culture and left a lasting impression on anyone who experienced it in person.

Today, Harris has been carefully modernizing, refurbishing, and rewiring the Terminator, preserving its original spirit while ensuring it remains period-correct. Decades later, the vehicle remains a cultural icon, still talked about by competitors and enthusiasts who remember seeing – and hearing – it dominate early car audio events.

Live Interview & Walk-Through
Attendees will have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to hear directly from Harris as he walks through the history, design philosophy, and technical innovation behind the Terminator.

The session will be hosted by Matt Schaefer and Gary Bell of the Old Fashion Podcast.

For anyone passionate about car audio history, innovation, and legendary builds, this is a moment not to be missed.

Register today at www.mastertechexpo.com.