Car Stereo Briefs

Here are some brief notes about car audio:

Eclipse Car Audio has eliminated 10 positions, resulting in the exits of Michael West, marketing director, and Rich Coe, manager R& D and industry veteran.   The company said it is consolidating local product development and engineering into one department and has also reorganized sales and marketing.

Mike Odle, sales and marketing VP, said Eclipse has also appointed dedicated sales managers to oversee each of its business channels.

On a happier note, recession or not, it is spring and the car stereo selling season is kicking off with new advertising promotions:

JL Audio is sponsoring 21-year-old pro snowboarder Tim Humphreys of New Jersey, who may be seen in action here at the Winter X Games

Alpine is reprising its Rock the Dash contest for aspiring musicians with Rock the Dash 2. The contest lets fans vote for their favorite emerging artist and, this year, artists can post music videos to the site.

Eclipse is also shipping a new demo kiosk, available to approximately 150 retailers. The custom-merchandising kiosk has real wood and a built-in switching system. Subwoofers are integrated into the base of the unit and it can demo connections to iPods, Bluetooth, HD Radio, backup cameras, etc.

Other news: Directed is now shipping the Orion XTRPRO subwoofers with cast aluminum baskets in dual 2- or 4-ohm versions. Power handling for the subs is rated at 500 watts RMS at prices from $229 to $299.