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.
Importel had the Wet Sounds booth set on Day 1.
Importel partner SiriusXM Canada was set in an adjoining booth.
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.
Paul Zlatar from ATG and Ricky Lima (R) pictured in the booth.
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.
Wet Sounds tower speakers grabbed attention.
“This is one of the largest shows in North America and next year we want to go even bigger” Lima, National Sales Manager, related.
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.
Your 2026 marketing ball can get in play with the staff member holding a product and sending a few words. Presto, we can make it happen.
In-Studio examples.
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.
This actual post was made as Sean Davis stood in his office at Mid-Stare in Chicago in front of the XK Glow wall display and sent an image. 12volt staff members created this setting.
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!
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.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (01.16.26) – SEMA has issued a call for speakers for the 2026 SEMA Show, taking place Nov. 3-6, 2026, in Las Vegas. Organizers are seeking experts who can present new ideas, trends, technologies, and expertise at sessions that will help industry members take their businesses and careers to the next level. The Show will host education days Tuesday, Nov. 3, through Thursday, Nov. 5.
Innovative thought leaders and dynamic presenters who can share new skills and ideas targeted to the automotive aftermarket are invited to apply at www.semashow.com/speakers.
The educational sessions are a key pillar of the SEMA Show, where thousands of industry professionals gather to learn new business strategies and best practices. The SEMA Show education program provides relevant, engaging, and inspiring information on the industry’s complex issues and topics.
Topics of focus for 2026 include:
Aftermarket updates and future trends
Emerging and executive leadership
Legislative and regulatory
Sales and marketing
Small-business strategy
Talent management
Vehicle technology
Industry segment-specific topics
Speaker proposals for the 2026 SEMA Show must be submitted by Friday, Feb. 13, at www.semashow.com/speakers.
For more details, contact SEMA Senior Manager of Professional Development Gary Vigil at garyv@sema.org or 909-978-6738.
The 2026 SEMA Show is set for Nov. 3-6 in Las Vegas. Interested exhibitors can buy a booth and learn more at http://www.semashow.com/exhibitor. Attendee and buyer registration opens on May 4; to sign up for notifications, visit here.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (01.15.26) – The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) is accepting nominations for its Hall of Fame, honoring individuals whose career-long contributions have enhanced the automotive aftermarket industry.
The SEMA Hall of Fame has a long-standing tradition of recognizing individuals whose creativity, dignity, integrity, industriousness, and accomplishments have left a profound mark on the specialty-automotive market. Established in 1969, it pays tribute to business leaders, innovators, media members, and volunteers across the SEMA ecosystem who have shaped progress and created opportunities for future generations.
“The SEMA Hall of Fame represents those who have dedicated their careers to making a difference, both on and off the road,” said SEMA Manager of Recognition Programs Joe Escobar. “Without their passion and commitment to progress, the industry would not be where it is today.”
Nominations are open until Friday, March 13, at http://www.sema.org/hof. Nominations should provide detailed examples of the nominee’s impact on the industry, including specific achievements, leadership roles, and contributions that demonstrate long-term influence and distinction.
Nominee qualifications include:
The candidate must have made contributions that extend beyond the local level and reach throughout the national and/or international level.
The candidate is and/or has been involved in the automotive specialty industry and/or SEMA for a minimum of 10 years, although 15 years is preferred.
The candidate must have made outstanding contributions toward enhancing technology, professionalism, dignity, and/or general stature and growth of the automotive specialty-equipment industry.
The candidate must have conducted him/herself with a high degree of integrity both within and outside of the automotive specialty-equipment industry.
The candidate must be 50 years of age or older by the 2026 SEMA Show or they may be any age if deceased and the nomination is presented at least one year posthumous.
The Hall of Fame inductees will be announced in May and honored during the SEMA Leaders & Legends Gala in July. Contact SEMA Manager of Recognition Programs Joe Escobar at josee@sema.org for more information.
TORONTO, ON (1.13.26) – The International Centre in Toronto was packed the weekend of January 9-11. The North American international Motorcycle SuperShow and the AMA North America ArenaCross event packed the International Centre filled with exhibitors, demos and products enthusiast could check out leading up to the bike season. The AMA ArenaCross was an added benefit as enthusiast could see riders navigating tight turns and flying high over mounds on the dirt track.
KICKER was on site with a large presence showcasing the latest products and connecting with enthusiast with KICKER Distributor GEMSEN. The large KICKER presence was in a high traffic area connecting the large different halls.
ArenaCross made all the arrangements for KICKR to be on site. Lorin Morrell, Maddog Media, was on site in the booth along with GEMSEN partners Dave Singh and Mike Danbrook.
The KICKER booth had a lot of visibility at the event.
GEMSEN’s Mike Danbrook and Dave Singh give a big thumbs up with Lorin Morrell (LtoR).
“As with ArenaCross events across the US there was so much excitement with attendees at the event at the Toronto Centre. We had a chance to show many new KICKER products as attendees spent time in our booth. In addition, there were a large number of KICKER banners around the track plus the PA announcers spotlighted to KICKER brand and announced the T-shirt toss contest. One of the wrapped KICKER T-shirts had a certificate for a free KICKER BULLFROG to be picked up at the booth and a happy young man and his family came by to pick up the BULLFROG. Having Dave and Mike in the booth was terrific” Morrell stated.
A KICKER T-shirt toss winner picking up his BULLFROG prize from Lorin.
Portable bleachers were moved in for attendees to watch the racing action on the track.
Dave Singh related “KICKER is a major brand on our linecard for dealers across Canada. Seeing enthusiast at this big show will certainly put the KICKER brand front and center for upgrades for motorcycle products, Powersports products and of course Car Audio products for consumers at our dealers across Canada.”
Riders were flying high on the track!
The next ArenaCross Round 6 is in Memphis, January 24 with around 7 happening in Calgary AB January 30th and 31st. Stay tuned for more as KICKER will continue Livin’ Loud on ArenaCross Championship Circuit.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (01.13.26) – The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) is accepting nominations for its Hall of Fame, honoring individuals whose career-long contributions have enhanced the automotive aftermarket industry.
The SEMA Hall of Fame has a long-standing tradition of recognizing individuals whose creativity, dignity, integrity, industriousness, and accomplishments have left a profound mark on the specialty-automotive market. Established in 1969, it pays tribute to business leaders, innovators, media members, and volunteers across the SEMA ecosystem who have shaped progress and created opportunities for future generations.
“The SEMA Hall of Fame represents those who have dedicated their careers to making a difference, both on and off the road,” said SEMA Manager of Recognition Programs Joe Escobar. “Without their passion and commitment to progress, the industry would not be where it is today.”
Nominations are open until Friday, March 13, at http://www.sema.org/hof. Nominations should provide detailed examples of the nominee’s impact on the industry, including specific achievements, leadership roles, and contributions that demonstrate long-term influence and distinction.
Nominee qualifications include:
The candidate must have made contributions that extend beyond the local level and reach throughout the national and/or international level.
The candidate is and/or has been involved in the automotive specialty industry and/or SEMA for a minimum of 10 years, although 15 years is preferred.
The candidate must have made outstanding contributions toward enhancing technology, professionalism, dignity, and/or general stature and growth of the automotive specialty-equipment industry.
The candidate must have conducted him/herself with a high degree of integrity both within and outside of the automotive specialty-equipment industry.
The candidate must be 50 years of age or older by the 2026 SEMA Show or they may be any age if deceased and the nomination is presented at least one year posthumous.
The Hall of Fame inductees will be announced in May and honored during the SEMA Leaders & Legends Gala in July. Contact SEMA Manager of Recognition Programs Joe Escobar at josee@sema.org for more information.
LIVERMORE, CA (1.12.26) – “We had an incredible night for Northern California on Tuesday, January 6th, as GS Distributing officially kicked off the new year with a full house of KICKER dealers from across Northern California and Northern Nevada” Shams Nabi, President Nabi Industries Inc, related.
This decked out KICKER demo vehicle welcomed dealers when they arrived at the GS Distributing location.
Dealers traveled from more than two hours away to be part of a special evening that marked the first KICKER training held in Northern California in over 10 years. The strong turnout highlighted the demand for in-depth product knowledge and the commitment dealers have to continuing to grow their businesses with industry-leading brands.
Nearly 80 dealers packed the meeting area for in-depth presentations from KICKER staff members that included VP Tom Heath, Regional Tracy Focht and Senior Global Trainer John Myers.
Attendees had the opportunity to meet face-to-face with KICKER’s leadership and training team, including Tom Heath, Vice President of Global Sales and Marketing, Tracy Focht, Western Regional Sales Manager, and John Myers, Senior Global Trainer. The session delivered valuable insight into KICKER’s product lineup, along with hands-on training designed to help dealers confidently sell and support KICKER products in today’s competitive market.
Dealers gathered outside to check out this loaded KICKER demo.
With nearly 80 people in attendance, the room was packed with energy, engagement, and meaningful conversation. Dealers were able to ask questions, share feedback, and connect not only with the KICKER team but also with retailers from across the region. The event reinforced the importance of education, strong partnerships, and collaboration within the 12-volt community.
“This event really set the tone for what we want to accomplish in 2026,” said Ron Vinoya, Area Sales Manager for GS Distributing. “Seeing dealers travel long distances to attend and engage at such a high level shows how valuable hands-on training and direct access to our vendor partners truly are. We’re proud to host events like this and look forward to continuing to support our dealers with education, access, and opportunities to grow.”
“We’re extremely encouraged by the level of participation and enthusiasm shown by our dealer base. This event set a strong foundation for the year ahead, and GS Distributing looks forward to hosting more trainings, dealer events, and collaborative opportunities as we continue building momentum into an exciting and successful 2026” Nabi concluded.
LAS VEGAS, NV (01.07.26) – Building on decades of audio innovation, Pioneer introduces SPHERA, the world’s first aftermarket spatial audio in-dash receiver to feature Dolby Atmos® playback in Apple CarPlay. To date, in-vehicle Dolby Atmos has been available only in models equipped with Dolby Atmos-enabled sound systems. With SPHERA, Pioneer expands access to Dolby Atmos through an aftermarket solution that can be installed in millions of existing vehicles, delivering an immersive sound experience leveraging speakers already in the vehicle.
The Pioneer Booth 3527 in the LVCC West Hall rolled early on Day 1 of CES 2026.
Following last year’s CES prototype demonstration of in-vehicle spatial audio, Pioneer now brings that vision to life with SPHERA, an Apple CarPlay in-dash receiver featuring Dolby Atmos playback capability. With SPHERA, drivers can stream their favorite music, audiobooks, and podcasts in Dolby Atmos from many popular streaming services1 for a richer in-car entertainment experience with added depth, clarity, and detail.
Live SPHERA demos showed that drivers can stream their favorite music, audiobooks and podcasts in Dolby Atmos from many popular streaming services for a richer in-car entertainment experience with added depth, clarity and detail.
“For over 80 years, Pioneer has achieved many technological ‘firsts’—from the world’s first car CD player to the first aftermarket CarPlay integration,” said Chris Ono, CEO & Chairman of Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. “SPHERA is the next bold chapter in that legacy. Guided by our corporate mission, ‘Move the Heart and Touch the Soul’, we developed a product that brings the rich, detailed sound of Dolby Atmos that moves the soul, to a solution that can be installed in many vehicles on the road today. With SPHERA, we are expanding access to immersive sound, allowing more drivers than ever to enjoy music with the clarity and emotion its creators intended.”
OPTIMIZED 4-CHANNEL SOLUTION
Pioneer’s SPHERA features technology from Dolby that enables a rich Dolby Atmos experience delivered over 4-channels. SPHERA leverages a vehicle’s existing front and rear speaker locations to create a rich, immersive listening experience powered by Dolby Atmos. The combination of Dolby Atmos playback technology and Pioneer processing precisely manages sound reproduction to provide a practical, installation-ready upgrade path and the ability to add a spatial audio experience in many consumers’ existing vehicles.
POWERED BY PURE AUTOTUNING TECHNOLOGY
SPHERA integrates Pioneer’s PURE Autotuning technology, a proprietary in-vehicle calibration system engineered specifically for the acoustic challenges of the automobile interior. Vehicle cabins vary widely in size, shape, and materials, and aftermarket upgrades can further influence acoustical variables. To account for and adapt to these differences, PURE Autotuning technology precisely adjusts time alignment, frequency response, and channel levels to optimize performance and place the listener at the acoustical center position. This level of accuracy is essential for delivering a Dolby Atmos experience that is true to the creative intent of musicians and content creators.
MODERN INTERFACE AND INSTALLATION-READY DESIGN
SPHERA pairs its audio innovations with a refined hardware and interface platform engineered for real-world automotive use. A vibrant 10.1” HD capacitive display delivers crisp visibility and responsive control, supported by Pioneer’s Quick Swipe interface for fast, intuitive adjustments on the road. Leveraging the large screen size, a split-screen mode reserves a portion of the screen for easy access to key features and controls. The integrated Pioneer Luminous Bar adds a subtle visual signature to the dash, featuring an Enhanced Visual Mode for navigation support and Music Synchronization Mode to sync lighting with your audio. Wireless connectivity keeps the experience streamlined through wireless CarPlay, wireless Android Auto™, and Bluetooth®. Designed for universal aftermarket installation, SPHERA fits a wide variety of vehicles with minimal modification, ensuring that immersive audio reaches drivers without an overly complicated upgrade process.
PRICING AND AVAILABILITY
Launching at CES 2026 in Las Vegas, SPHERA will be showcased at Pepcom at Paris Las Vegas as well as Pioneer’s booth located in LVCC, West Hall — 3527, where on-site demos will be available.
Pioneer SPHERA will be available in Spring 2026 through Pioneer’s network of authorized retailers, both in-store and online, including Best Buy, Crutchfield, and others. Pricing will begin at$1,300.
For more information about Pioneer SPHERA, as well as other products launched at CES 2026, go to usa.pioneer.
LONG BEACH, CA (01.08.26) — JVCKENWOOD announced expanded compatibility for its innovative Direct Replacement receivers, which now support select 2009–2017 Nissan and Infiniti vehicles with the shipment of ADS Maestro’s new APX-S8-IN1 installation kit.
Introduced in spring of last year, JVCKENWOOD’s Direct Replacement receivers offer a new approach to radio replacement. Unlike conventional installations that often require extensive dash kits—sometimes replacing entire dash panels or climate controls—Direct Replacement receivers are designed to replace the factory display directly.
These receivers feature high-resolution touchscreen displays that match the original 8-inch factory screen size, or in some applications offer a 10-inch floating display solution. Installation is simplified using basic mounting brackets, the Maestro RR1 or RR2 interface, and vehicle-specific wiring harnesses. Factory dash functions such as volume, climate controls, and other integrated features are retained capabilities that are often lost with traditional aftermarket installations.
The APX-S8-IN1 kit is particularly significant, as it provides a radio replacement solution for vehicles that previously had limited or no aftermarket upgrade options.
The launch of the APX-S8-IN1 marks the latest expansion of the Direct Replacement ecosystem, with additional vehicle-specific kits planned for release in the near future.
“We feel that Direct Replacement receivers are the future of car audio,” said Rick Noetzli, Product Manager at KENWOOD. “As we move forward, this approach allows us to support vehicles that previously could not accommodate a receiver replacement.”
The APX-S8-IN1 installation kit is available now from iDatalink.
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