CRANDON, WI (06.23.26) – The Rally X America’s Tour has returned to the US. The unique Rally X Tour includes a series of events held across the US with opportunities for both amateur and professional drivers to compete, with the emphasis on safety and skill development through training sessions plus engagement activities in the communities. Engagement opportunities include meet and greets with drivers plus promotions with local businesses and tourism in the host cities.

Lorin Morrell, MadDog Media, was on the road with KICKER’s large presence at the Crandon international raceway in Crandon, WI.

“This was the first time for KICKER and myself to be on site at a Rally X event. The venue was so huge with the large crowd over the event run. We had KICKER booths set up in the paddock area which gave a lot of room for demos and to be able to spotlight various KICKER products. Wisconsin is real truck country so the under the seat loaded KICKER product got a lot of attention along with power bars. There was also interest in bikes as summer is here.”

Concluding “On site there was a terrific amount of KICKER branding plus we handed it out over 1000 lanyards and 800 koozies that will certainly extend the KICKER branding in the area throughout the summer” Morrell related.

For more see kicker.com.

TAMPA, FL (6.23.26) – The Memphis and DOW Technologies training session that DOW hosted on Wednesday evening, June 17th, at the Tampa location packed the house with 83 retailers on site… All interested in boosting their skills in order to drive sales forward.

The 12volt Central Studios staff contacted two of the retailers that attended to get their thoughts on the event that featured a detailed Memphis training conducted by Ellis Mathis along with a terrific buffet dinner from The Brisket Shoppe along with time to spent with fellow retailers.

The Car Stereo Store was on site with 9 members of the company’s team. Pedro Castillo was there leading Car Stereo Store team and gave the event a big thumbs up. Eddie Rivera related the members of the team were totally engaged and welcome the opportunity to learn the latest on the Memphis product lineup plus check out some of the other displays on site at the Tampa DOW location.

Mark and Chris were also on site at the event from The Audio Shop in Palatka FL. They were likewise very impressed with the Memphis presentation and the delicious barbecue buffet. They brought the shop’s1998 OBS Chevy Silverado loaded with Memphis products that they demoed outside. “All were very impressed with Memphis demos. All-in-all it was a great evening.

We thank Mike Barcia and all at DOW and Memphis for putting the evening together” Mike related.

The DOW Memphis training event is very important to bring industry members together to create excitement to drive the brick and mortar segment of the 12volt industry forward.

For more see dowtechnologies.com.

LIBERTYVILLE, IL (06.23.26) – Van sound has a front stage. Time to make it LOUD. All-new MB Quart Mercedes-Benz Tuned Sprinter Kits are engineered to transform every ride — purpose-built for the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Van (W907 / 2019 – Current). Get ready for van audio that brings heavier bass and cleaner beats.

Feel an entire soundstage in your Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Van with the STAGE 6 audio system (MBQSV-STG6A-1), making 700 watts of Music. Defined. power and features: 6.5-inch, 2-way front component speakers, one 3-inch center channel dash speaker, and a BIG 10-inch, application-specific subwoofer system – powered by a 700-watt 5-channel Class-D amplifier.

Just want an MB Quart speaker system upgrade? The MS1-216C Speaker Upgrade includes the 6.5-inch, 2-way front component
speakers and one 3-inch center-channel dash speaker.

To learn more, click here.

SHREVEPORT, LA (06.22.26) – From the 12volt Central Studios, we are JAMMIN’ N JUNE to showcase positives across the 12volt industry. Below spotlighting exciting events that happened this past weekend. In the marketplace today it’s so important to showcase industry members doing positives to engage consumers, and enthusiasts, to drive business across the 12volt industry. Retailers need to play the in-store experience and professional installation cards in their deck every day.

In today’s online and AI driven world, it’s more important than ever the members of the 12volt industry to utilize tools available to connect with customers. Manufacturers need to connect with reps and retailers. Distributors need to connect with dealers and 12volt dealers need to connect with consumers to drive business.

DOW Technologies hosted a MEMPHIS Training at the company’s Tampa location on Wednesday evening June 17th. There were 83 dealers in the house along with DOW and Memphis Team members. Ellis Mathis conducted a well prepared meeting that engaged all in the audience. A delicious Brisket Shoppe buffet was enjoyed by all with time for industry members to connect and make plans to drive business forward.

The Rally X America’s Tour returned to the USA on June 20th and 21st at the Crandon International Raceway in Crandon WI. KICKER was on site with a large present with Lorin Morrell track side. KICKER had multiple displays tents plus demos set up on the huge Raceway grounds. The KICKER Car won the 1st race heat on Day 1.

Kevin Cornutt and the Stereo King crew had a very busy UTV Takeover at Coos Bay OR with many demos and tents set up for on site installations. Cornutt related “This event never disappoints and this year may be the best yet… and we can’t wait until 2027.”

Jack Bogard had another very successful Car Show at the company’s Sanford ME on Saturday, June 20th. The large layout of the store’s grounds allowd for vehicles out front, on the side and down behind the building. Jack and his team definitely connect with consumers and enthusiasts across the area. Next month the 30th Anniversary Show will definitely rock the town.

Team Nutz is definitely the most proactive retailer in the in the Pittsburg area. Ed and Nina Nuttall. along with the Team Nutz crew, are at an event every week plus connecting with enthusiasts. This last week a customers reached out for help with a special project. Felix, a retired Marine, was finishing a new custom Corvette CV8 and wanted help with installing vertical doors on the CV8. Ed and the team made it happen and Felix took home 2 top trophies!

Several years ago the 12volt Central Studios staff members created the 12volt STP tool. Today everyone has a smart phone in their pocket that they pick up 200 times a day. The 12volt STP Tool makes you so easy to connect by simply snapping an image, texting it to 318-469-2526 with a few words, and Presto that message can be delivered across the industry. The 12volt STP Tool is a perfect companion for JAMMIN’ N JUNE!

From the 12volt Central Studios staff will continue to showcase positives across the 12volt industry. Let’s all keepJAMMIN’ N JUNE. Stay tuned for more from the 12volt Central Studios.

OXNARD, CA (06.22.26) – BOSS Elite is proud to announce its new 7-inch capacitive touchscreen factory-fit headunit for 2014-2023 Harley-Davidson Street/Road/Electra Glide is now shipping.

“Featuring Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ (Wired, Wireless) platforms, the IP66-rated BE920WCPA.HD is the ideal multi-solution aftermarket headunit for Harley-Davidson enthusiasts,” explained Carolyn Jackman, Senior Brand Manager for BOSS Elite. “It is also SiriusXM-Ready® with built-in iDatalink® Maestro and has been designed specifically to withstand the elements and control on-the-road audio systems the way they were meant to be played.”

Additional BE920WCPA.HD features and specifications include:
• Built-In DSP with 13-Band EQ, Crossover Settings and Time Alignment
• High Resolution Audio Playback- FLAC
• Multicolor Illumination
• RDS/RBDS Tuner
• Switchable US/LATAM/EU Tuner Frequencies
• Push-To-Talk
• MSRP: $1,499.99

For more information about B.I.G. or to become a dealer, please visit sales.bossinternationalgroup.com.

TAMPA, FL (06.19.26) – Memphis and DOW Technologies partnered for a training session that DOW hosted on Wednesday evening, June 17th at Tampa location.The training packed the house at DOW’s location with 83 retailers on site and all interested in boosting their skills in order to drive sales forward.

Mike Barcia, DOW Florida Territory Manager, was on site with other members of the DOW Team. Barcia provided information from the very successful event along with images for this article.

“The training session was a terrific event..one of the best I’ve seen in my years in the industry. Ellis Mathis conducted a very informative session and members of the audience were engaged with what Ellis had to say covering the Memphis line. Dealers were very focused and all were excited about the opportunity to win raffle items. The Memphis raffle items included 10 Memphis Flow wireless Bluetooth speakers, Memphis DSP, and Memphis PRX-5 Channel Amp along with a Memphis tent and 2 stools to take back to winners stores” Barcia related.

 Following the training, there was a delicious buffet from The Brisket Shoppe. All dealers enjoyed brisket dinners from the buffet. There was a long line for the buffet. During the evening dealers were also able to connect with one another plus see different items that Memphis offers to help promote their brand. A live Memphis portable show display was a real attention getter.

Based on the success of the Memphis training in Tampa watch for more  trainings at other DOW locations.

For more see memphiscaraudio.com and dowtechnologies.com

STILLWATER, OK (06.19.26) – KICKER Marine Audio has announced the addition of Will Cherry as OEM Marine Sales Manager, further expanding the company’s direct engagement with boat builders and marine industry partners.

Cherry brings years of experience across the powersports and recreational audio industries, including extensive work in OEM integration and product strategy collaboration. In his new role, he will work directly with boat manufacturers, engineers, and product managers to support KICKER’s growing OEM Marine program.

The move reflects KICKER’s continued investment in direct OEM support as the company expands its presence across the marine industry.

“Will brings a strong understanding of OEM relationships and the practical realities builders face every day,” said Bart Deal, Vice President of Product Strategy & OEM for KICKER. “As our marine business continues to grow, we’re investing in the people, engineering, and support structure needed to serve builders at a higher level. Will’s experience and approach fit well with where we’re headed.”

Cherry joins a growing cross-functional OEM initiative at KICKER that brings together marine audio engineering, product development, technical support, and builder collaboration. The effort includes Phil White, who has led the development and technical advancement of KICKER Marine products for more than two decades. Developed in close collaboration with other KICKER leaders, the move is designed to strengthen long-term OEM partnerships and support future marine system integration opportunities. 

KICKER’s Marine lineup includes scalable audio solutions ranging from OEM-focused bulk offerings to the premium M-Class series, all designed around the company’s RealMarine^® philosophy — engineering products specifically for long-term marine durability, integration, and acoustic performance.

Cherry will work alongside KICKER’s marine engineering, product development, and marketing teams to strengthen builder relationships and support future OEM opportunities across freshwater, saltwater, and performance boating segments.

“KICKER has a reputation that reaches far beyond audio,” said Cherry. “The company has built trust through performance, engineering, and long-term relationships. I’m excited to help expand that presence in the marine OEM space. There’s real momentum around what KICKER is building.”

KICKER is continuing efforts to expand its marine presence through new product development, industry partnerships, increased participation in broader marine integration and engineering discussions, and now through the expansion of its direct OEM collaboration.

For more information about KICKER Marine Audio and OEM solutions, interested parties can visit https://www.kicker.com/oem_marine.

METAIRIE, LA (06.19.26) – Flashtech Lighting has appointed Aligned Sales & Marketing Group LLC as its independent sales representative for Southern California, Southern Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, and Hawaii.

Aligned Sales & Marketing Group LLC, led by Hazim Jainoor, will support Flashtech’s dealer and distributor growth throughout the territory as the company expands its presence in the 12-volt automotive aftermarket.

“We are excited to have Aligned Sales & Marketing Group representing Flashtech Lighting in this important territory,” said Stephen Gordon, CEO of Flashtech Lighting. “Hazim brings strong relationships, market knowledge, and a clear understanding of the dealer network we want to reach. This partnership gives Flashtech the ability to support customers more effectively as we continue to grow.”

Flashtech Lighting offers a broad range of automotive lighting products, including LED headlight bulbs, halo headlight kits, off-road lighting, rock lights, underbody lighting, controllers, and related 12-volt lighting accessories.

A major focus of the partnership will be Flashtech’s new F5 Modular LED Headlight Platform. The F5 platform was developed to help dealers and installers simplify inventory while covering many of the most common halogen-replacement applications.

The F5A package covers H7, H11, 9005, and 9006 applications, while the F5B package covers H13 and 9007 applications. Together, the two core SKUs allow dealers to cover a wide range of popular applications without carrying a large number of individual bulb part numbers.

“The F5 platform is designed for real-world dealers and installers,” Gordon said. “It helps reduce SKU complexity, makes stocking easier, and gives shops a clean way to offer a high-demand LED headlight upgrade.”

Flashtech Lighting will support Aligned Sales & Marketing Group with product samples, digital and printed sales materials, F5 literature, online product resources, and dealer onboarding support.

“We are honored to represent Flashtech Lighting and look forward to building the brand throughout our territory,” said Hazim Jainoor of Aligned Sales & Marketing Group. “The F5 platform gives dealers a practical and efficient way to approach LED headlight sales, and we believe it will be a strong fit for the customers we serve.”

For more information about Flashtech Lighting, visit: https://www.flashtechlighting.com.

TOLEDO, OH (06.18.26) – Early Wednesday morning, June 10th, Alex Restrepo and the House of Sound team of 4 rolled out of Houston on the way to Toledo, OH 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. Team members with Alex were Edwin Watson, Eber Flores and Ivan Carmona.

This stop was at the Slang Gang Reload Mud Classic that ran June 11th through the 14th. Reflecting from behind the wheel on the 1250 mile 2-Day drive Alex related “We packed the trailer with tents, inventory and Slingshot specific installation products for installations on site. Once we got there we everything set up. Thursday afternoon we were ready to make Slingshots shine and sound great. Slingshot enthusiast started to arrive, discussed the upgrades that they would like to do to their Slingshots with 12volt gear and custom lighting on their Slingshots”.

On Friday and on Saturday Slingshot enthusiast continued to check out activities and have the House of Sound crew make installations on their Slingshots. Friday night here was an on stage concert that all enjoyed. Installations were completed on Sunday the 14th. The crew packed the trailer and Monday started the 1250 miles back to Houston. All told,up and back, the House of Sound crew spent over 50 hours on the highway.

“This was the first year for the event in Toledo and most of the attendees were from the community in the area. We did 8 or 9 installations each day but next year will more people from surrounding states it should be better for onsite installations.

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

For more see houseofsoundtx.com.

SHREVEPORT, LA (06.18.26) – In-store traffic is vitally important for the success of 12volt brick and mortar retailers. Across the US the reports indicate all consumer in-store traffic is down. Online sales, along with strained family budgets, are the main contributing factors.

For 12volt retailers another contributing factor is the lack of consumer awareness for the wide range of automotive upgrade products available today. 12volt is not only car audio. The wide range of in-vehicle connectivity, security and safety products, along with window tint, paint protection and graphics expand the range of products available from 12volt retailers.

Advertising on television and radio is expensive. Print advertising has basically disappeared. Online visibility, along with social media, are terrific sources for 12volt retailers….committing to making engaging daily posts is critical.

Look Our Way ‘Air Dancers’ present an emerging opportunity for curbside visibility in front of 12volt retail locations. Street traffic is a constant for all brick and mortar retailers. An Air Dancer easily plugs into AC and can be placed out front of a store. The base contains a fan that blows verically to fill and make the fabric tube…..DANCE. The fabric tube disconnects from the base with Velcro. The Air Dancer can be customized and is available in various colors with heights to 20’. At the end of the day the Air Dancer is easy to take down and put inside the store for the next day.

There are also possibilities for factory for vehicles on the road at events and reps on the road.

See www.lookourway.com to see how inexpensive an Air Dancer option can be for your store.