OLATHE, KS (01.06.26) – Garmin has announced the JL Audio® AP Amplifiers, an all-new series that delivers powerful audio to every part of the boat or off-road vehicle with an ultracompact design. Boaters and adventure-seekers can choose from four different options, including a model with Bluetooth® technology that seamlessly connects with a compatible smartphone to stream audio on the go.
“Make any boat or off-road vehicle’s audio system the life of the party with our new JL Audio AP Amplifiers that allow you to play your favorite songs loud and clear. They are built to withstand a demanding environment, delivering superior audio quality year after year.”
–Susan Lyman, Garmin Vice President of Consumer Sales and Marketing
Choose your amplifier
Operating with an efficient Class-D design, the JL Audio AP Amplifiers offer increased power to connected speakers and subwoofers with a lower battery drain than Class-AB amplifiers. Available in four different options, boaters and off-road enthusiasts can choose the model that best fits their audio setup.
For users looking for easy installation, the 200-watt RMS 4 Channel includes Bluetooth technology for direct audio streaming in addition to an AUX input.
For those with smaller systems that need more bass, the 300-watt RMS Monoblock is designed to power a single subwoofer.
For those looking to power a complete sound system, the 300-watt RMS 4 Channel powers four pairs of speakers or two pairs of speakers and a subwoofer.
For those with larger systems, the 600-watt RMS 6 Channel is designed with staggered power that can run up to six pairs of speakers or four speakers and one subwoofer.
Three of the amplifiers contain Easy Tune functionality that offers audio optimization, speaker protection and allows for digital set-up. Customers can also easily access physical controls right on the integrated top panel display to manually adjust their amplifier’s settings.
Resilient design
Constructed with a tough cast alloy casing, the JL Audio AP Amplifiers keep the beat going year after year. They carry an IP67 rating2 for resistance to water and dust. The amplifiers also feature a built-in LCD display for manual control, while the 4 Channel model with Bluetooth technology includes a remote.
These amplifiers are rugged and can be easily installed to a variety of boats, ATVs, UTVs and other power sports vehicles, augmenting any vehicle’s sound system.
Available to purchase on www.garmin.com on Jan. 8, 2026, the JL Audio AP Amplifiers have suggested retail prices starting at $499.99. To learn more, visit garmin.com/jlaudio.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (01.06.26) – The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) is now accepting applications for the 2026 SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund, an initiative designed to help students and emerging professionals launch successful careers in the automotive industry.
Through the scholarship program, eligible students may receive awards of up to $5,000 to support their education at accredited universities, colleges, and vocational or technical schools in the United States and Canada. SEMA also offers loan forgiveness awards of up to $2,000 for employees of SEMA-member companies who have completed a qualifying program of study and are actively repaying student loans.
“The SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund exists to break down barriers and create opportunities for the next generation of aftermarket professionals,” said Joe Escobar, SEMA Manager of Recognition Programs. “By investing in both students and existing employees alike, we are building a stronger talent pipeline, fostering career growth, and securing the future of our industry.”
The SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund is designed to promote career development and create access to opportunities in the automotive aftermarket. As part of this initiative, scholarship recipients are invited to attend the SEMA Show, where they can gain industry insight, connect with industry leaders, and explore career pathways firsthand.
For students like Zachary Beenen, the support from SEMA enabled him to attend the college of his choice: Oklahoma State University. Beenen is currently majoring in mechanical and aerospace engineering with a future career in the area of performance vehicles.
“I am forever thankful for scholarships like SEMA’s that will help me achieve my career goals of working in the performance vehicle industry, while getting the many experiences that college has to offer,” he said.
Scholarship applications are open to high school seniors and college students in the United States and Canada who demonstrate a passion for working in the automotive industry. All disciplines are welcome.
Those interested in applying for a loan forgiveness award must be employed by a SEMA member business, demonstrate passion for an automotive career, possess a degree or certificate from a college, university, or career tech school in the United States or Canada, and have a minimum of $2,000 in outstanding student loans.
LOVELAND, CO (01.05.26) – The KICKER AMA ArenaCross filled the Blue Arena in Loveland CO on Saturday January 3rd for Round 3 of the 25-26 PRO AMA ArenaCross schedule.
Riders hit the track on the first race
“It was cold outside but inside the action on the track was red hot and the attendees were Livin’Loud. Riders were Livin’Loud and fast on the track too. KICKER had a display set up in the lobby area and virtually everyone who entered the Blue Arena passed by the KICKER setup with a selection of products on display” Lorin Morrell, Maddog-Media who orchestrates the KICKER AMA ArenaCross Series stated.
The KICKER booth was set in the lobby for attendees to check out when they entered the event.
Lorin Morrell was joined in the booth by Louie and Ray (LtoR) from Foss Car Toys in Ft Collins.
As enthusiasts came through the lobby they stopped at the booth to KICKER to check out products. Loiue and Ray from FOSS Car Toys in Ft Collins were in the booth with Morrell. “Colorado is truck country so the KICKER L7T under seat drew a lot of attention as did the Harley products and woofers. Powersports is strong in the Rockies so the KICKER PowerBar grabbed attention too. Marine is a growing category in the area along with life style products” Morrell continued.
The 7000 seats in the Blue Arena were almost full.
Lorin along with Louie and Ray from Foss Car Toys flank the winner of the T-shirt toss with the KICKER BULLFROG prize.
The Blue Arena was built as a hockey arena that holds about 7000 people. For the ArenaCross event the stands were pushed back a bit to set up the fairly short, but well designed, dirt track for riders. Over 100 riders during the event were flying high and navigating the tight turns through the evening races from 3:30 until well after 9PM.
Saturday the event got off to an early start as attendees lined up to get on the track for the Pit Party. For about an hour before the racing action enthusiasts met the riders and asked them questions about their bikes while having an opportunity to get autographs, selfies and walk the track .
In addition to the action on the track T-shirts were fired into the crowd during race breaks and track maintenance periods. An air cannon fired wrapped KICKER T’s into the crowd. A special T had a certificate wrapped inside for a KICKER BULLFROG to be picked up at the KICKER display in the lobby. “Seeing the smiles on people’s faces when I hand them their BULLFROG prize is always really special” Morrell offered.
Concluding Morrell added “The KICKER AMA ArenaCross got off to a great start for the 25-26 circuit in Boise and Loveland continued the roll for the KICKER AMA ArenaCross series. It is terrific to see, and feel, the energy from members of the crowd as all are Livin’Loud at KICKER ArenaCross events.”
The next stop for the AMA ArenaCross and Maddog_Media is in Toronto Canada January 9th and 10th for Rounds 4 and 5.
STILLWATER, OK (01.05.26) – Long-Time KICKER Sales Representative Tom Ebeling journeyed into retirement Dec. 31, ending a 40-plus-year career with the audio brand. Ebeling is the principal at Tree and Associates in Chicago.
“For the past 10-plus years since my arrival at KICKER, I have had the pleasure of working with this industry veteran,” said Tom Heath, KICKER Vice President of Global Sales and Marketing. “We appreciate all of Tom’s efforts and wish him the best of luck spending time enjoying his family and friends.
Tom Ebeling
“Tom has had a huge impact in the Chicago for more than 40 years,” continued Heath. “As a sales representative you face many challenges each day. Tom has met those challenges and developed a strong dealer and distributor base that has stood the test of time. He built this from the beginning with hard work, developing trust and partnerships with many valued dealers and distributors. His relationship building and knowledge of the business has helped him adapt and develop within a fast-paced industry that is ever changing and continues to this day.
“All my respect for an industry veteran whom we have all learned from,” Heath concluded. “You will be missed Tom! Enjoy the next chapter of your life!”
NORWOOD, MA (01.05.26) – After a very long, successful and beautiful journey in the Audio industry Lucette and John Nicoll have decided to close Nicoll Public Relations and embark on the new adventure in lifetime retirement.
On December 31, 2025 Lucette and John announced their retirement and closing the successful company of 38 years.
Lucette and John are all smiles after announcing their new journey into retirement.
“Since starting the company in 1987, we have had the most amazing clients whose friendships we will cherish forever. And I’ve had the most wonderful husband and business partner to share the journey with. We have made so many friends in this industry, it’s hard to acknowledge every one of you. But please know that you all hold a very special place in our hearts. Wishing everyone a very happy, healthy and joyous 2026 and beyond,” Lucette related.
Nicoll Public Relations provided well-prepared press releases to the 12volt News beginning in 1994. Through the years we have enjoyed working with Lucette and John. The 12volt Central Studios staff wishes Lucette and John a long, happy journey in retirement.
BIRMINGHAM, AL (12.30.25) – Minnesota-based Northern Tool + Equipment is partnering with RACER Network to launch a first-of-its-kind television series highlighting the next generation of tradespeople — namely, high school CTE (career and technical education) students. A new four-episode series will follow Tennessee’s LaVergne High School CTE juniors and seniors as they participate in the Legends Challenge: Student Build from Northern Tool — transforming a Harley-Davidson Nightster into an XR750-inspired flat-track racer with hands-on mentorship from racers and builders.
“The work these students are doing belongs on the big screen,” said Frank Crowson, chief marketing officer at Northern Tool + Equipment. “RACER Network fans—and motorsports diehards everywhere—are going to see real talent, determination and teamwork on display. This is a serious challenge; even seasoned pros would be pushed to finish a build like this in just 174 days.”
The series is anticipated to air in 2026. Updates can be found on social media and Northern Tool’s YouTube channel.
ABILENE, TX (12.23.25) – Kingdom Audio is a proactive 12volt retailer in Abilene, TX. Willie Johnston and Drew Whitten are industry veterans driving business in the 12volt industry along with automotive services.
Drew Whitten (L) and Willie Johnston picture in front of Kingdom Audio in Abilene, TX.
12volt Central Studios staff members noticed terrific posts that the company is making with PowerBass products which prompted a call to the company. In a call with Drew Whitten he indicated that the way to reach consumers today is social media and not through radio and TV channels. The striking posts utilized graphics of products available from PowerBass and the company created the graphics and added in their logo and contact information.
“All members of the 12volt industry definitely need to work together and utilize all the tools available to let consumers know what we offer to max the safety and enjoyment in their rides” Whitten stated.
Erik Harbour, PowerBass VP, related “We provide the logos and images of products for all of our dealers in our dropbox. It’s terrific to see retailers, like Kingdom Audio, utilizing those tools for visibility and to drive business locally.
Kingdom Audio and Whitten Automotive are family owned businesses rooted in the Abilene TX community. The companies prioritize customer satisfaction and strive to exceed expectations from each service. The company also utilizes resources from other vendors to create social media posts.
NEW YORK, NY (12.23.25) – Faraway road trips just got a lot easier, at least for the passengers. Sony Honda Mobility, the joint venture between the two Japanese conglomerates created to produce electric vehicles, announced that its Afeela EV will come with PS Remote Play. While playing video games in a car may be a niche feature, it means drivers will have something to do when parked, and passengers can chip away at their favorite RPGs during long drives.
According to the announcement, the Afeela will be able to run your PS5 and PS4 consoles remotely through the infotainment system’s integrated display. You can even grab your DualSense controller from home and get right back into the game after jumping in your Afeela. Sony Honda Mobility said a 5Mbps broadband connection is required to play, and a 15Mbps rate will deliver a smoother experience.
NAMPA, ID (12.22.25) – The Idaho Center, in the Boise suburb of Nampa, was Livin’Loud during the 2025 KICKER AMA ArenaCross Saturday night December 20th. Area KICKER retailer Sound Hound Stereo, with Byll, Darin and Michelle, were in the KICKER booth with Maddog_Media’s Lorin Morrell.
The arena was packed Saturday night.
Morrell, who orchestrates the AMA ArenaCross events, related “It was a great night of action. Saturday night the arena was packed. The Pit Party drew enthusiasts onto the track to get the evening started. The line was backed up to the lobby as people waited to get onto into the Pit Party. Meeting riders and checking out their bikes was enjoyable for all. The KICKER booth in the lobby area had tables with products displayed for car, truck, marine and motorsports. Some of the products were the first time on site at an ArenaCross.”
The Sound Hound Stereo booth, showcased KICKER products and a loaded Can-Am.
The pit party drew a large crowd.
Continuing “Adding to the evening was a big upgrade in the PA system with 16 KICKER KMTC Marine Tower speakers being driven by KICKER Amps with Zach behind the Mic announcing action on the track. Plus Having Byll, Darin and Michelle in the house for their Sound Hound store was terrific. Their store in Caldwell is only 8 miles from the Idaho Center in Nampa. They certainly did connect with a lot of people and enthusiasts from the area. They reconnected with several from last year and made appoints for jobs in the coming days” Lorin added.
Riders flying high on the track.
Lorin, Darin and Michelle pictured with the happy Bullfrog winner of the T-shirt toss.
The Sound Hound Stereo team connected with many people and handed out over 200 cards in addition to quoting several jobs. Sound Hound Stereo is celebrating our 30th Anniversary this year. KICKER is a go to brand in the store. Auto, truck, marine and motorsports products are all hot categories in Idaho and KICKER has products in all those categories… Bullfrog portables too. Participating with KICKER again and Livin’Loud at the AMA ArenaCross was certainly a Win Win.
The AMA ArenaCross sponsored by KICKER continues with Round 3 in Loveland, CO January 3rd 2026.
SAN GABRIEL, CA (12.22.25) – Audiofrog is happy to announce that we have a new sales and marketing partner. David Tolliver and Jorge Grijalva at Synergy Marketing Agency in Houston Texas are now the official representatives for the Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Arkansas markets, effective December 15, 2025.
“Synergy Marketing is thrilled to join forces with Audiofrog, a brand that shares our relentless commitment to ‘uncompromised’ quality and high-end performance. By combining our strategic marketing expertise with Audiofrog’s world-class audio engineering, we aren’t just forming a partnership, we’re creating a new standard for how premium sound experiences are delivered and shared,” stated Jorge Grijalva of Synergy Marketing.
“David and Jorge have tons of experience in the category and we are certain that Synergy Marketing is the right choice to represent Audiofrog and our mission of straightforward tech support and friendly business practices that put smiles on the faces of our customers and retail shoppers,” remarked Andy Wehmeyer, Audiofrog’s president.
Andy added, “If you’re a car audio retailer in the TOLA region and you’re interested in becoming a member of our happy family and building great sounding car audio systems please contact David, Jorge, Manny or me. Contact information is provided below. We’re eager to hear from you!”
12VoltNews.com 