12-Volt, A/V Specialists Gain In Car-A/V, Nav

By Joseph Palenchar On May 17 2010 - 4:01am

NEW YORK — A turnaround in the installed car A/V and navigation systems has begun.

The double-digit downturn in the car electronics market ended during the first four months of the year, and a modest turnaround may have begun, said most of the marketers and retailers surveyed by TWICE.

 

 

Eclipse Leaving Retail Channel, Keeps Car Dealers

By Joseph Palenchar On Jan 18 2010 - 8:00am

The Eclipse 12-volt brand will disappear from the retail aftermarket after a run of 21 years, but the Eclipse name will live on in the aftermarket expediter channel.

Parent company Fujitsu Ten Corp. of America confirmed plans to discontinue sales of Eclipse mobile audio, video and navigation products in the struggling retail aftermarket in North America, Latin America and South America.

Sony Planning More Tune Tray Head Units

By Joseph Palenchar On Feb 8 2010 - 8:00am

Sony plans to offer more head units with iPod/iPhone-docking Tune Tray, perhaps as soon as later this year, following strong dealer response to the company's first model, said Mike Kahn, director of Sony's mobile and shelf business units.

Cellular Signal Boosters Get FCC Look

By Joseph Palenchar On Feb 8 2010 - 8:00am

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) launched an inquiry into whether cellular signal boosters need to be banned or regulated to prevent cell-site interference.

Following requests by CTIA, booster maker Wilson Electronics and others, the FCC set a Feb. 5 deadline for comments and a Feb. 22 deadline for replies.

Rockford, Best Buy Parting Ways

By Joseph Palenchar On Feb 8 2010 - 8:00am

Rockford Fosgate's car audio products will leave Best Buy after a 10-year run. The relationship will “wind down” in May 2010, parent Rockford Corp. said.

Alpine Debuts Broad Lineup, Training Program

By Joseph Palenchar On Mar 12 2010 - 10:11am

TORRANCE, CALIF. — Alpine is rolling out a 2010 lineup that includes an expanded selection of basic CD-receivers, new OEM-upgrade products, new driver-assistance systems and shallow high-performance subwoofers.

The products also include the company’s first all-in-one double-DIN A/Vnavigation unit and first head unit with built-in Pandora Internet radio application.

Clarion Updates Training Program

By Joseph Palenchar On Mar 12 2010 - 10:15am

CYPRESS, Calif. — A revamped product training program for Clarion dealers and distributors will include enhancements as well as significantly more training at dealer and distributor locations, the company said.

Like before, Clarion offers three methods of training: at dealer/distributor sites, via interactive Web conference, or via online certification sessions taken at the dealer’s convenience.

Audyssey Expanding In Automotive Sound Systems

By Joseph Palenchar On Mar 12 2010 - 10:21am

LOS ANGELES —Audyssey expanded its presence in automotive sound systems with the announcement that Volvo used the company’s MultEQ acousticalcorrection technology to calibrate the response of the Volvo S60 sound system.

The technology, used in home audio products and theaters, is already available in Alpine aftermarket autosound products, and it was used by Jaguar to tune the response of the 2010 Jaguar XJ.

JVC’s Next Viral Promo To Focus On Nav

By Joseph Palenchar On Mar 23 2010 - 11:27am

CYPRESS, CALIF. — JVC will focus on navigation for its next online viral-video campaign launching in the spring.

The third annual Turn Me On campaign, set for a launch sometime in May, will highlight the $1,199-suggested double- DIN KW-NT3HDT in-dash navigation system with CD/DVD player and embedded iTunes-tagging HD Radio.

Directed Ships Security, Remote-Start App

By Lisa Johnston On Mar 23 2010 - 11:29am

VISTA, CALIF. — Directed Electronics’ SmartStart remote-start app, previously available for iPhones, is now available for BlackBerrys.

The company also began shipping new two-way security systems in its Viper, Python and Clifford brands.

The Viper-branded SmartStart app lets users remotely start or lock and unlock their cars by pushing a button on their BlackBerry. Other features include trunk release and panic or car finder.