Smartphone Influence To Grow In Car Aftermarket

By Joseph Palenchar On Dec 19 2011 - 6:01am

NEW YORK — Smartphone connectivity with aftermarket car audio systems will widen and deepen at next month’s ICES, where select suppliers will expand and improve connectivity to Android phones in a reflection of Android’s growing market share.

Dealers will also find an expanded selection of OEM navigation systems designed as factory-fit, factory-look replacements for OEM navigation systems, and more of the systems will be targeted to aftermarket dealers, not just to expediters.

 

 

Car Electronics Briefs

By TWICE Staff On Sep 19 2011 - 4:01am

Auto Page Updates C13 Remote-Start System

TORRANCE, CALIF. — Auto Page has updated its C13 remote-start system. The Gen2 CI3 Hybrid mobile app allows users to remotely start and control their car’s security from iPhones, Android smartphones and BlackBerrys.

The new system will be available in October for a $299 suggested retail. This includes one year of service.

Broadcast Sources Gaining In Car

By Joseph Palenchar On Oct 17 2011 - 4:01am

NEW YORK — Sales of head units with built-in HD Radio and Pandora Internet-radio control are rising — at least through stores with assisted sales floors, suppliers and retailers told TWICE.

JBL Device Improves In-Car iPod Sound

By TWICE Staff On Oct 17 2011 - 4:01am

STAMFORD, CONN. — Harman International has begun shipping a hand-held device that uses digital signal processing (DSP) to enhance the sound quality and imaging of music played through an existing car audio system from any MP3 player, portable media player, or smartphone.

Demand Up For Telematics, Entertainment Features

By Joseph Palenchar On Oct 17 2011 - 4:01am

NEW YORK – Large numbers of consumers are interested in such in-car telematics and entertainment technologies as stolen-vehicle recovery systems, remote unlocking of doors when keys are locked inside, and smartphone apps that control vehicle systems, a survey found.

The ability to pause and replay live radio, builtin wireless Internet access, and dashboard controls that control apps on connected cellphones were also of interest to sizable chunks of consumers.

Auto Page Adds New Remote-Start System

By Lisa Johnston On Oct 17 2011 - 4:01am

TORRANCE, CALIF. — Auto Page introduced a special-order remote starter with six channels.

The C3-RSTK915 LCD, at a suggested $499, has a seven-color LCD screen and two-way SST paging remote transmitter, which can be used with two cars. It’s said to have a 1-mile range.

There are five onboard relays — ignition one and ignition two, parking lights, starter and accessories — and a C3-compatible data port for telematics and OEM bypass integration.

The LCD remote features a rechargeable lithium- ion battery and wall charger.

Kenwood Readies Affordably Priced Car-Nav Alternative

By Joseph Palenchar On Oct 17 2011 - 4:01am

LONG BEACH, CALIF. – Kenwood next year will launch its first A/V-multimedia head units that integrate with a navigation app on an iPhone, giving cost-conscious consumers a lower cost alternative to in-dash navigation units that start at a minimum of $700 in the market, said senior VP Keith Lehmann.

Kenwood will team with Garmin to develop head-unit compatibility with Garmin’s iPhone navigation app, Lehmann told TWICE.

SiriusXM Expands Used-Car Efforts

By Joseph Palenchar On Oct 17 2011 - 4:01am

NEW YORK – SiriusXM expanded its efforts to get used-car buyers to activate their factory satellite radio.

The satellite broadcaster announced that participating Nissan and Infiniti dealers will be able to offer a free three-month trial subscription to consumers who buy any used vehicle from the dealers’ lots, not just Nissan or Infiniti vehicles.

SiriusXM launched a similar program in June with participating GM dealers.

Car Electronics Firms Serve Up Products At SEMA

By Lisa Johnston and Joseph Palenchar On Nov 7 2011 - 6:01am

LAS VEGAS — Things looked good for the SEMA Show, held last week by the Specialty Equipment Market Association.

The show racked up more paid registrations, more exhibitors and more show floor space than last year, and mobile electronics suppliers such as Clarion, Audiovox, Rosen, Kicker and Rockford Fosgate turned out with new products.

Clarion Readies First Pandora Head Unit

By Joseph Palenchar On Nov 7 2011 - 6:01am

LAS VEGAS — Clarion got a head start on the 2012 aftermarket model year with a SEMA show launch of the company’s first head unit to control the Pandora Internet radio app on a USB-connected iPhone.

More such products are likely to be introduced at January’s CES.