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.

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.”

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.

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.

Visit kicker.com for more

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!”

Visit audiofrog.com for more.

OXNARD, CA (12.19.25) – BOSS Elite proudly announces it has named Grapevine, Texas-based Southwest Sales and Marketing its new partner for the Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Arkansas (TOLA) territory, effective immediately.

“BOSS Elite as well as the TOLA territory are growing, and so we needed a partner with a long history and proven track record to help further guide and grow the brand,” said Colin Ross, Elite Associate Brand Manager. “Scott Ringo and his team at Southwest Sales and Marketing are our ideal partner, as they have been a performance-driven company since 1999. We look forward to a fruitful relationship for years to come.”

Southwest Sales and Marketing will be representing BOSS Audio and BOSS Elite products in the mobile, marine, and powersports/off-road markets.

“BOSS is a managed brand with a wide spectrum of products, with leading-edge technologies at affordable prices,” said Ringo. “As the Elite brand continues to grow and take on more expensive competitors, we look forward to representing its audio and screen lines across multiple markets as they continue to push forward.”

Southwest Sales and Marketing joins Boss Elite at KnowledgeFest Las Vegas, held Feb. 3-5, 2026, proudly representing the brand on the show floor.

For more information on Southwest Sales and Marketing, please call 214-212-9049 or email Sringo@swsalesmarketing.com.

For more information on BOSS Elite, please visit bosselite.com or call 805-751-4853.

TEMPE, AZ (12.19.25) – 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.

SHREVEPORT, LA (12.16.25) – Christmas 2025 is just 10 days away. Holiday lighting outside the store and in the showroom can be a big ticket to drive sales for brick-and-mortar retailers. The in-store experience is more important than ever as the ever-growing AI universe and online activity continue to add challenges for brick-and-mortar retailers across all categories.

Proactive 12volt retailers across the U.S. are taking steps to create a holiday theme at their stores. These efforts help attract consumers and create an engaging in-store experience. Social media posts spotlighting these activities are extremely important in driving awareness and foot traffic.

Proactive 12volt retailers have strong cards to play when it comes to driving business. The “In-Store Listening Experience” and “Professional Installation” are powerful aces that can be played every day. Demonstrating top-quality sound through orchestrated live demos in the showroom is one of the most effective tools available. Concertgoers spend billions each year to enjoy live music experiences, and proactive 12volt retailers can deliver that concert experience inside a consumer’s daily driver—without the big-ticket price or the hassle of crowded arenas.

Offering expert installation is another key advantage. Installation professionals understand the critical aspects of speaker placement, system staging, and tuning. Educating consumers on the importance of professional installation helps ensure the delivery of a true concert-quality listening experience in their vehicles.

For more see 12voltnews.com

WASHINGTON, DC (12.16.25) – The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) is celebrating the U.S. House of Representatives introduction of the ADAS Functionality & Integrity Act (H.B. 6688) by Rep. Diana Harshbarger (R-Tenn.) and cosponsored by Rep. Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.), Rep. Jay Obernolte (R-Calif.), and Rep. Norma Torres (D-Calif.). SEMA worked closely with lawmakers from both parties to secure bipartisan support for the legislation, which ensures that aftermarket businesses have the information needed to properly calibrate advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) after vehicles are modified. This legislation is critical to being able to safely make common modifications, including installing bike racks, wrapping a vehicle, installing larger wheels and tires, or installing a winch or aftermarket bumpers, without compromising the functionality of ADAS.

• The bill is timely, because a forthcoming federal mandate that new, Model Year (MY) 2029 vehicles feature automatic emergency braking, bringing important safety systems to all new vehicles sold in the U.S.

The ADAS Functionality & Integrity Act would require the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to establish ADAS guidelines to create modification ranges and tolerances for new vehicles starting in model year 2028. The bill also requires NHTSA to create guidelines that establish ADAS test procedures that aftermarket businesses can properly test and validate that the vehicle systems have been properly calibrated.

• “SEMA thanks Rep. Harshbarger for her leadership and Reps. Vasquez, Obernolte, and Torres for their strong support for ensuring vehicles with ADAS can be modified without compromising the integrity of these important safety systems. The introduction of the ADAS Functionality & Integrity Act is a landmark moment for anyone who owns, repairs, or modifies a vehicle,” said Jim Moore, SEMA Vice President of OEM and Product Development. “Americans deserve confidence that those critical systems will work as intended for the entire life of their vehicle, even after repairs or customization. Currently, the industry lacks clear standards governing ADAS calibration, and aftermarket businesses and vehicle owners need access to the necessary calibration information and procedures needed to keep modern safety features functioning. This bill marks a critical step forward in the name of vehicle safety and is a major step forward in protecting the American people’s right to modify the vehicles they own.”

BACKGROUND
SEMA’s research indicates that more than 50 million cars and trucks in the U.S. are modified or accessorized each year, a number that both underscores the urgent need for ADAS standards that account for real-world vehicle modifications, and the significant number of consumers who modify their vehicles.

• Beginning in MY 2029, all new passenger cars and light trucks must be equipped with certain ADAS technology, specifically automatic emergency braking under NHTSA’s FMVSS 127 rulemaking. The ADAS Functionality & Integrity Act is critical to ensure that these advanced safety systems continue to work properly even after vehicles are repaired or modified, and pathways to compliance are clear as ADAS becomes standard on every vehicle.
• SEMA has invested over $25 million in the SEMA Garage to help the aftermarket stay ahead of rapidly evolving vehicle technology. With facilities in Diamond Bar, Calif., and Plymouth, Mich., the Garages provide advanced tools, OEM data, and dedicated ADAS labs that support product development and groundbreaking research on how modifications affect modern safety systems.
• The SEMA Garage hosted over 70 professionals from the customization, collision, and repair industries for a symposium to address the most growing and pressing challenges associated with ADAS calibrations, creating a clear, industry-wide roadmap to ensure ADAS functions safely and reliably in every vehicle.
• SEMA has released a series of white papers examining how aftermarket modifications affect ADAS performance across popular vehicles, including the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Ford F-150, Ford Bronco, Toyota Tacoma, and the Ram 1500. The research provides clear, data-driven insight into how changes such as lift kits, wheels, and suspension components influence sensor reliability. The findings help manufacturers, installers, and enthusiasts understand when recalibration is needed to preserve full ADAS functionality.

For more information, visit www.sema.org.

PITTSBURGH, PA (12.07.25) — On Sunday, December 7th, the 10th Annual Tows for Tots Toy Drive was the place to be in Pittsburgh. Community members were invited to gather at the Castle Shannon Volunteer Fireman’s Hall from 9 AM to noon. The family event encouraged attendees to enjoy coffee, donuts, friendship, and festive atmosphere—all while donating new, unwrapped presents for children. It was a powerful show of generosity from the Pittsburgh community.

Team Nutz, represented by Ed and Nina Natel, was once again on-site, showcasing the eye-catching Team Nutz Jeep and Excursion. Many attendees stopped to admire the vehicles, both of which played Christmas music throughout the morning.

When the event wrapped at noon, more than 100 tow trucks lined up for a 10-mile parade through the city of Pittsburgh. The Team Nutz Excursion held the final position in the procession, spreading holiday cheer by blasting Christmas music along the entire route.

Ed Natel shared, “It’s so amazing to see so many smiling faces and people having fun at the Fireman’s Hall. When we hit the street for the parade, people were dancing along the road, and everyone was happy—honking horns and waving. Team Nutz will certainly be back next year for the 11th Annual Toes for Tots Toy Drive.”

The holiday season is a major opportunity for 12volt retailers to create memorable in-store and online experiences. Team Nutz excels in this area as well, with festive lighting displays outside the shop, holiday décor inside, and themed social media posts that keep their brand front and center across their marketplace.

Stay tuned for more as 12volt Central Studios continues to spotlight positive stories that drive excitement and joy throughout the holiday season.

ORLANDO, FL (12.11.25) – Join Directed for a targeted training session designed to help you get up to speed on the new DIRECTED BP1 GM Global B Interface. This session provides practical guidance on system integration, installation efficiencies, and programming workflows.

Key Takeaways:
☑️ How the BP1 integrates with DIRECTED digital remote start and security systems

☑️ How the interface simplifies installations on GM Global B vehicles

☑️ Plug and play functionality and digital immobilizer communication through D2D2.0

☑️ How the BP1 eliminates the need for a customer to give up a key on newer GM models

☑️ Step-by-step programming overview using the DKPROG tool

☑️ Two identical training sessions available for flexible scheduling!

Download the event flyer here.

See the meeting links below:

Tuesday, December 16th 11:00am EST
­
Wednesday, December 17th 8:00pm EST
­

LAS VEGAS, NV (12.07.25) — Siemens CEO Roland Busch will take the keynote stage at CES 2026 to outline the company’s vision for AI-enabled industrial systems spanning manufacturing, infrastructure and transportation. The Consumer Technology Association (CTA) confirmed Busch will present a technology roadmap built on AI, automation, and digital twins, signaling what Siemens describes as a pivotal shift toward AI-ready industrial ecosystems.

According to CES organizers, Busch will focus on how Siemens’ industrial tools connect real-world systems with digital models to improve planning, engineering, and long-term operations. “AI and digital twins will revolutionize industrial environments, streamlining design, planning, engineering, operations, and maintenance,” said Gary Shapiro, CEO and Vice Chair, CTA. “Roland Busch and Siemens are showing how AI, combined with data and deep domain know-how, can reinvent entire industries.”

Siemens plans to use its CES presence to demonstrate AI-driven workflows and applications alongside partners and customers. Demonstrations will feature what the company describes as industrial-grade AI – systems designed to run in factories, buildings, and transportation networks with high reliability and clear operational benefits.

Busch framed the moment as part of a broader technological inflection point. “It is always a defining moment when a new general-purpose technology becomes available: There was a world before electricity; today, electricity is ubiquitous. There was a world before AI, right now we are transitioning to a world that makes full use of it – including in factories, buildings, grids, and transportation,” he said.

With more than three decades at Siemens and a background in physics, Busch has led initiatives across automation, smart infrastructure and industrial digitalization. Under his leadership, Siemens was included in TIME’s 2025 World’s Best Companies list. Kinsey Fabrizio, President of CTA, said Siemens’ involvement aligns with the show’s broader theme. “Siemens embodies the spirit of CES – where human creativity meets tech transformation,” she said.

Busch will speak January 6 at 8:30 a.m. PST at the Venetian in Las Vegas. Other CES keynote speakers include leaders from AMD, Caterpillar, Havas, Vivendi and Lenovo. Siemens will host product demonstrations, livestream discussions, and an on-site mobile experience center throughout the event.

Learn more and register for CES 2026 today at CES.tech.

HOUSTON TX (12.10.25) – The first week of December, David Toliver put a plan in place to make dealer calls between Houston and Dallas. As part of the plan, Ceasar Olaes, MTX National Sales Manager, flew into Houston to hit the road.

David Toliver, Synergy Marketing Principal, has been the area representative for MTX since September 2022. Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana make up the territory Synergy Marketing covers.

An additional component of the trip was making dealer calls with Jorge Grijalva, who recently joined the firm to cover northern Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas.

“Ceasar flew into Houston Monday evening and early Tuesday we hit the road. Our first stop was to see Kevin West at XXtreme Soundz Salado. Kevin runs a strong shop there and as an MTX dealer most recently ordered the new MTX ThunderLink Wire products. Kevin indicated that consumers certainly see the value with the MTX quality of the products.” West also told the 12volt Central Studios, “We work with car audio customers and a lot of marine, bikes, and Powersports customers. They all recognize the quality of MTX products across the board.”

The next stop was Jack’s Stereo in Waco. There they met up with Jorge, who came down from south of Fort Worth to spend time with dealers and meet Ceasar to get a full understanding of the MTX product line and plans. Jorge has been active in the territory for many years and maintains strong relationships. In addition to visiting Jack’s Stereo in Waco, they also visited the Jack’s Stereo location in Killeen.

Jorge arrived in Waco in his Hyundai Veloster, which now includes MTX gear since joining Synergy. Mike Sykora and Dean Law at Jack’s Stereo were very impressed with the MTX demo sound quality in a daily driver.

Following those calls, Toliver headed back to Houston while Ceasar and Jorge continued north to spend time with more dealers before Ceasar flew out of Dallas on Friday, returning to San Diego.

Toliver shared, “Results from this trip are very, very positive. At every stop we made along the way—well over 20—dealers were all very impressed with MTX products and plans for 2026. All certainly liked meeting Ceasar one-on-one in their store. MTX had a strong showing at the recent SEMA Show and we were able to give dealers the heads-up on new products that are on the way. Spending real-world time with Jorge connecting with dealers makes me feel I made the right decision adding him to the Synergy Marketing Team. Watch for more to come!”

For more, see synergyagency.net and @synergymktagency.