The following article was published on TheShopMag.com.

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.

Continue reading this article here.

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.

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.

Stay tuned for more.

Contact whitten2auto@yahoo.com for more.

Article written by Jackson Chen for engadget.com.

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.

Read the full article at engadget.com.

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.