The dust has settled on last week’s SEMA Show in Las Vegas, and there has been no shortage of interesting developments for the car audio and aftermarket technology industries. Alongside the latest speakers, amplifiers and infotainment systems, this year’s event highlighted how software, connectivity and AI are becoming more important to the in-car experience.
There was even some welcome recognition for the UK aftermarket industry, with Mark Baker, director at distributor Celsus UK, receiving Dynamat’s Customer of the Year Award 2026. Presented by car builders Dave Kindig and Kevin Schiele of Kindig-It Design, the award recognises Celsus’s work with the sound-deadening specialist and its support for the brand across the UK and Europe.
There were plenty of other stories too, as covered on the website last week. Just click on any of the links in the summary below to find out more.
AI is finding its way into some unexpected corners of the automotive aftermarket. Dynamat showcased its new DAIA platform, which uses AI to help drivers investigate unwanted noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) issues in their vehicles.
A different approach to connected technology could be seen in Rockford Fosgate’s new smartphone app, designed to put more control over audio installations in the hands of users. Compatible with its new TMA Adaptive Power Series amplifiers, the app provides access to system tuning, crossovers, time alignment and a 32-band equaliser, alongside calibration tools, diagnostics and firmware updates.
Elsewhere, technology was a major theme for VOXX, which previewed a refreshed Viper security range for 2027. New remote controls, Bluetooth functionality and updates to its SmartStart Pro app give drivers more ways to control their vehicles, while the Clifford CP24 system adds passcode authentication to help protect against vehicle theft.
Thinkware introduced dash cams with AI-assisted image processing, improving detail in low-light conditions. This formed part of our initial SEMA preview, which detailed a host of other products launched at the event.
Of course, SEMA remains a major showcase for new audio hardware, and there were plenty of launches for enthusiasts and installers to get excited about.
Kicker arrived with a 1,250W weather-resistant amplifier, six refreshed CXA models and new vehicle-specific subwoofer systems for Ford Bronco and GM trucks. There were also new speakers, marine products and unloaded enclosures, with a little star power thrown in courtesy of ZZ Top’s Billy F Gibbons and country-rock musician Tim Montana.
Alpine showcased its marine products and unconventional demo cars, with its audio equipment installed in both a Bad Boy tractor and a Denago UTV. There was also a Ford F-150 TSport Alpine Edition and a Can-Am Maverick on display.
For Toyota owners, Beat-Sonic was demonstrating its Encore Boost, a compact amplifier designed to make adding an aftermarket subwoofer to factory JBL audio systems easier. Its plug-and-play approach means drivers can retain functionality through the original head unit or steering-wheel controls.
Stinger, meanwhile, brought together infotainment, audio and lighting across seven vehicles, including a range of off-road builds. Its new Horizon XTR display combines entertainment, vehicle information and accessory controls, while the HexCore lighting range is expanding with further vehicle-specific options.
For all the technology on display, some of the biggest attractions were the vehicles themselves. Custom builds remain central to SEMA’s appeal, providing manufacturers with a chance to show what their products can achieve when installers and builders are given room to get creative.
One of the most ambitious demonstrations was AudioControl’s Volkswagen ID. Buzz, with more than 60 speakers and subwoofers, 16 amplifiers and an enormous amount of power. The vehicle was displayed on the Stinger stand, making it one of the show’s most eye-catching audio builds.
Rockford Fosgate’s blue 1964 Chevrolet Chevy II was another standout, while Dynamat had a collection of classic and customised cars, including a 1967 Ford Mustang GT500 ‘Eleanor’, a 1936 Ford Coupe Roadster and a 1967 Chevrolet Corvette.
There were plenty more audio-equipped and customised vehicles across the show floor, including a supercharged 1965 Chevrolet C10 on the Garmin/JL Audio stand, a heavily modified Squatch golf cart from JBL, a 1969 Chevrolet Camaro Widebody from MTX and the incredible F-750 demo truck from Orion, with a huge enclosure at the rear containing 107 speakers and subwoofers.
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