Mobile Electronic News Dec 09

GPS DETECTORS A round-up of all the latest GPS speed camera detectors

WHAT THE INDUSTRY THINKS

HARD TO BEAT

A look at Connects2’s budget BEAT range

DECEMBER 2009

Is 2010 full of positivity?

We ask key industry figures

COMING TOGETHER! The In Phase and Fast Car 350Z proves joint projects work

MOBILE ELECTRONICS NEWS EXPO, 8TH MARCH 2010, STONELEIGH PARK, WARWICKSHIRE.

T O M O R R O W S T E C H N O L O G Y F O R T H E T R A D E . T O D AY

New 2009 Laser Stars now in stock The all new XL, LX, XR and XT

New laser testers in stock

Laser Star

Now officially the UK's leading brand

Laser Star is not sold or packaged as a ‘laser jammer’. The handbook clearly shows it is an operational device that is used for parking and which operates on the same, licence free wavelength of 904 nm as do many other devices.

Obviously some naughty people use it as a way of defeating laser guns.

100% protection - easy to install - user programmable features - audible and visual alerts - keenest prices

Laser testers also available. Call for details: 0800 376 9797

Call now for trade information pack, prices and to order.

Snooper Europe - info@snooper.eu

Roadnet UK - info@roadnetuk.com

0800 389 2749

0800 376 9797

Roadnet South Ltd, Bluebird House, Povey Cross Road, Horley, Surrey RH6 0AF Performance Products, Cleaver House, Sarus Court, Runcorn WA7 1UL The Roadnet trademark and logo are used under licence.

CONTENTS

DECEMBER 2009 04 – GO The Ed muses on just how impressive this industry’s offerings are

06-12 – NEWS M.E.N’s publisher speaks, plus all the latest industry happenings

UK`S No 1 BaSS Box SUpplier

10- SCENIC ROUTE Scenic tell M.E.N about their heated seats and plans for the future

parK SaFe raNGe

13 – SAILES MARKETING

• HPS Range • 4 Eye audible • 4 Eye front / Display • Plastic and Metal • Paintable through the range

Essential information on their latest CB-2 CAN Bus interface

16-17 – WHAT THE INDUSTRY THINKS Leading figures in the industry share their thoughts on 2009

18-19 – COMING TOGETHER The In Phase/ Fast Car 350Z demo car and why it’s a great project

22-23 – GPS SPEED CAMERA DETECTORS A complete guide to the best in GPS camera detectors

24 – Morel Elate Ltd Edition The premium three-way speakers and how profitable they can be

26 – PUTTING THE FUN BACK IN How fun can be the selling point you’re forgetting to use

30 – BEAT RANGE OF HEADUNITS

Carpet raNGe • Accoustic carpet • Roam back trims • Trunkliner • Vinyl

Simple, comprehensive and low cost, BEAT prove hard to better

32 – RAYNER RANTS

aCoUStiC oriGiNal parCel SHelVeS

Adam Rayner on technology that keeps roads safe from SIDs!

34-35 – SEMA 2009

UK’S MAIN DISTRIBUTORS

• Fully carpeted • Removable back board • Available in Black and Grey

An absence of big names, but Las Vegas still has some positives

36 – M.E.N EXPO More details for dealers, plus confirmed exhibitors to 2010’s show

38 – ARE YOU WASTING MONEY Daltec remind us they can also supply consumables at great prices

40 – FITAS FOR FITTERS The FCS accreditation scheme for installers of in-vehicle comms

42 – RAAMMATT BXT II A closer look at the latest sound deadening from Raam Audio

44 – VCE GUIDE A guide to gaining access to the ’09 model Octavia VRS’ headunit

45-46 – M.E.N DIRECTORY Contact details for key suppliers to the mobile electronics market

UK aNd irelaNd diStriBUtorS waNted

aerialS - HaNdSFree Car KitS - eleCtriC wiNdow KitS CeNtral loCKiNG KitS aNd More .........

GOLD AWARD BEST SECURITY

PRODUCT OF THE YEAR

GT ALARM GT908 21A CAN BUS

SILVER AWARD BEST ALARM GT ALARM GT908 CAN BUS

CONTACT US 01332 669920

sales@carsoundsupplies.co.uk Charlotte Body PUBLISHER Tel: 01268 754 897 or 07903 944666 Fax: 01268 754429 email: charlotte@creativemedialtd.co.uk Andrew Mills EDITOR Tel: 07730 542263 email: andy.mills@creativemedialtd.co.uk Neil Hunt SPECIALIST EDITOR Tel: 07721 612460 email: neil.hunt@creativemedialtd.co.uk Lucy Poet BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Tel: 01268 754 897 or 07951 698873 Fax: 01268 754429 email: lucy@creativemedialtd.co.uk John Barratt ACCOUNT MANAGER Tel: 01268 754 897 Fax: 01268 754429 email: lucy@creativemedialtd.co.uk

In partnership with:

www.park-safe.co.uk www.carsoundsupplies.com www.parcelshelfdirect.co.uk

Peter Johnson ART DIRECTOR e: peter.johnson@creativemedialtd.co.uk t: 01268 754 897 Charlie Crocker DESIGNER Tel: 01268 754 897 Fax: 01268 754429 email: charlie.crocker@creativemedialtd.co.uk Shauna Peters ADMINISTRATOR Tel: 01268 754 897 Fax: 01268 754429 email: shauna.peters@creativemedialtd.co.uk If Creative Media publish any supplied text or photographs by way of contribution to the magazine, you automatically and hereby grant Creative Media a perpetual, royalty-free, irrevocable, non-exclusive right and licence to use, reproduce modify, publish, translate, create derivative works from and distribute such text or photography into any from, medium or technology now known or hereafter developed.

In addition, as between you and Creative Media, you assert and waive any and all moral rights in such text or photography. The views and opinions expressed by any contributors (including advertisers) to the magazine are not necessarily those of the magazine and should not be taken as such.

January Issue will be distributed 10th January 2010 Mobile Electronics News magazine is a supporter of the Mobile Electronics & Security Federation and the Mobile Media Specialist Association

MOBILEELECTRONICSNEWS.CO.UK

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GO

12/09>>

www.mobileelectronicsnews.co.uk

GO FORWARD WITH MOBILE ELECTRONICS, TOMORROWS TECHNOLOGY FOR THE TRADE. TODAY

AN EYE ON 2010

camera detection units. From a personal point of view I know that 2010 will bring a new

As we head into 2010 things aren’t quite as our parents and

know figure in this market and will hopefully be contributing to future issues of M.E.N. Yet

grandparents expected them to be. Flying cars are a little way off and

while I know his are big shoes to be filling I also realise that M.E.N magazine is not about

you’re not likely to find me wearing an all-in-one Lycra space suit any

who edits it, it’s about making sure that the mobile electronics industry, from manufacturer

time soon. Having said that though, the technology that we have at our

to dealer, is served as well as it can be by these pages. Having over ten years experience

disposal now (though it may be more subtle than the sci-fi movies would

in the performance and styling sector of the aftermarket, I feel passionate about helping

have wanted it to be), is truly incredible. Our parents and grandparents

ensure the longevity and prosperity of the industry from alloy

would certainly have been impressed with what a phone can do

wheels to sat nav, not only as an enthusiast but as someone who,

nowadays. Yes, you can have a wireless one in your pocket, and of

like you, aims to making a living from it. I know there’s no other

course you can take photos and play music on it! You probably haven’t

industry I’d rather be working in and I’m sure you feel the same.

heard of the internet either have you, but you can access that on your

And with that in mind I look forward to working with you all to

phone too. Mind-blowing stuff.

keep this industry exciting and profitable, and hopefully meeting

And in the mobile electronics world the advancements have been equally impressive.

a lot more of you at the M.E.N Expo at Stoneleigh Park near

Innovations that have made life easy like satellite navigation or hands-free calling, let

Coventry on 7th-8th March, if not before.

alone parking sensors, tracking devices and speed camera alerts are really the stuff of scifi movies from yesteryear. And in-car entertainment is equally as far out, the sound quality achievable while on the move, in-car movies, PCs in cars…the list goes on. Sometimes

challenge as I take over the editorship of this magazine from Neil Hunt. Neil is a well-

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Andy Mills (Editor), Mobile Electronics News

stepping back and looking at exactly what this market offers can be a really good refresher, a reminder of just how good the products you supply to the end user really are.

It can be easy to keep your mind focused on the bad things when economic times are tough but it’s crucial to remember the good things this industry offers in order to keep your enthusiasm for selling them high. If you don’t have the enthusiasm for them than how can you expect your customers to feel it!

With that in mind for this issue we’ve looked at ways of putting the fun back into selling mobile electronics and also asked key industry figures what they think 2010 will bring.

There’s also the latest news from this fast-moving industry and a focus on the latest speed

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MICRO

the art of car integration

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MICRO the car holder fo r

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www.scenicgroup.co.uk

www.scenicgroup.co.uk www.scenicgroup.co.uk www.scenicgroup.co.uk

0870 166 2563

r all mobile devices holder fo

all mob il e d e

ices www.scenicgroup.co.uk v

News

taking you to the future of the aftermarket 08•03•10 stoneleigh park, warwickshire. www.mobileelectronicsnews.co.uk

EMMA EUROPEAN FINALS

IN-CAR PC CATCH A FARE In-CarPC’s computers are being used to display in-vehicle advertising in taxis across Jersey. Each vehicle includes a

The ultimate sound off event and highlight of

PC and two headrest screens,

the season, the EMMA European Carmedia Championships 2009, took place at the Ahoy

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with the vehicle ignition and

Centre, Rotterdam in October. The competition

display advertising content to

was the star feature of the 100% Tuning Show, Holland’s biggest modified car show with more than 60,000

passengers. All the PCs include

Visitors over the weekend. Six exhibition halls were filled with the hottest vehicles including 242 EMMA

3G internet connectivity, which

competitors from 25 Nations. EMMA Netherlands organised a spectacular show over two of the halls which comprised the

allows the advertising content

“Audio Village”, where Dutch in car entertainment distributors and delaers displayed their skills and products relating to all areas

in individual vehicles or the

of mobile entertainment. Judging teams were truly international also with judges nominated by 17 different nations working under

entire fleet to be updated

the direction of head sound judges, Henrik Johannson from Sweden and Mika Taipalus from Finland. Four categories had more

remotely at any time, with no

than 15 participants requiring a round of pre-judging to whittle the entry down to the six top competitors. The Advanced 5 Channel

need to manually visit each

This year, the silverware was gold in colour

6

which automatically turn on ESPL competition for the noisy boys!

category was so close that pre judging threw up

vehicle.

nine competitors who could not be separated.

Currently the system is installed in

They were all put through to the final round which

around 30 vehicles across Jersey,

was judged by a completely different team to the

with further deployments expected

pre qualifiers. ESPL was judged and measured on

in the near future. In-CarPC built the

the Saturday as a pre qualifier to Sunday’s grand

computers to order, and also supplied

finale. Always a crowd puller, ESPL final rounds

replacement leather headrests with

happened in front of the Pioneer Show vehicle

built-in screens. Custom screens

with other show sponsors; Clarion, Ground Zero,

without any buttons were used,

Hifonics, Rockford Fosgate, Bewith and DLS in

so that passengers are unable to

close attendance. The UK was strongly represented

interfere with the system, and the

with no less than 11 competitors in 9 classes

headrests were supplied in a variety

and also supplied two judges in Carlo Corbin

of colours to match different vehicles’

and Lee Frost. It is a fantastic feat just to get to

interiors. Jamie Harkness, Director

the finals, European competition is fierce and the

of 360 Vision, the company behind

fact that the UK can compete in many categories

the project, said “We are delighted

after such a short time competing to EMMA rules

with In-CarPC’s computers, and have

deserves respect. To pick up silver ware is even better and the UK collected three trophies with Andrew Liddle collecting 1st place in

received very positive feedback

Experienced 5 Channel in his first year of competition. Arun Sharma collected 2nd place in Experienced Unlimited and Mark Turner

from the vehicle owners about the

came 3rd in Master 5 Channel. Three other competitors missed out on silverware by one place but, the UK definitely made an impact

equipment. We are looking forward

on the finals which augers well for next year. To see the full results listing visit www.emmanet.com.

to working with In-CarPC in the future

EMMA’s reputation as a fun and relaxed competition format was reinforced on the Friday night when 500 people turned up for

as we increase the number of vehicles

the EMMA party. Drinking and dancing abounded and helped to break the ice before the serious side of the competition kicked

in the advertising fleet.” For more

off on Saturday morning. So, sound off competition is dead? Not one bit of it according to the success of this year’s season locally

information please contact In-CarPC

and the continued growth of the Euro Finals internationally. Next season’s UK competition kicks off next year at MEN’s Auto Sound

on the details below.

& Style show March 7th whilst the international season starts at a brand new show, Amicon, which will take place in Leipzig,

Contact: In-CarPC

Germany April 10th to 14th. Contact: EMMA UK, info@emma-uk.com or call Carl Hynes 07899 891513,

0117 972 1775

www.emma-uk.com

or in-carpc.co.uk.

MOBILEELECTRONICSNEWS.CO.UK

CAR AUDIO / PUBLISHER INTERVIEW

FIVE MINUTES WITH CHARLOTTE BODY, M.E.N’S PUBLISHER After years of trying we’ve finally persuaded M.E.N’s publisher, Charlotte Body, to put her thoughts down on these pages. With an exciting year planned for the magazine and the M.E.N Expo coupled with her years of experience in the industry she’s certainly in a good position to comment about the market as we head into 2010.

How did M.E.N come about?

I worked as a sales manger for In Car (Car Hi-Fi) in London. When the title closed I always thought it would have worked better as a trade magazine. I worked out of my dinning room for a year free lancing on various magazines, to fund my vision of Car Audio Retailer magazine which launched in July 2002, and the rest, as they say, is history!

How have you seen things change in the industry since the magazine launched?

The industry has changed a lot. The market this down to the obvious factors. In fact, the

What’s been the toughest part of running M.E.N so far?

their tickets on the Sunday for free entry with

industry is probably half the size it used to be.

2008-2009 has been very tough for all of us. And

there friends or family, which will hopefully go

We are all having to work harder and gone are

as a company we have had to diverse into new

down well as I have had pressure over the years

the days of lunches with clients… they simply

markets and we have recently expanded the

from them to make the EXPO a weekend event.

do not have the time to see us; the market has

business!I have to say though my heart belongs

We want retailers to get involved so we are

definitely consolidated.

to the aftermarket. I am still very passionate about

sending Auto Sound & Style dealer packs which

the industry and feel very lucky to work inside a

include an A2 poster of the show, 50 branded

market that is so fuelled by enthusiasm.

airfreshners for give aways and up to 20 VIP

has digressed somewhat and we could all put

However I think what we need to do as an industry is to create consumer demand for the

It also means that retailers will be able to use

tickets to sell on to there customers for their own

When I first came into the industry ten years ago

The M.E.N Expo for 2010 has a consumer day (Auto Sound & Style). What was the thinking behind that?

I was blown away by the installs and there was

It would have been easy for us to keep the

We are launching our EU site on Dec 1st so

the start of my passion for great sounds! I still have

same format for the Expo, as the show this year

are very excited about that. We have a new

a stealth install in my car and I get some strange

was a success even though a lot of companies

dynamic team, to drive us forward in 2010.

looks when I pick up my girls from school with the

lost there balls to exhibit! We have really pulled

system cranked up!

out all the stops on the launch of the consumer

Do you have any regrets no regrets!

day with an unprecedented marketing budget

You live and you learn...

fantastic products that we have in this market. I am very surprised at how very few people selling audio do not have it installed in their own cars.

What are you most proud of when it comes to M.E.N?

and have invested in employing a specific

profit… every little helps!

What other plans do you have for the magazine heading into 2010?

It has to be the first EXPO show back in 2003. I

industry to survive we have to be getting people

Is there anything else you’d like to say to the readers of M.E.N?

took a real gamble doing an exhibition but I felt

excited again and where else will consumers

We all need to work together in 2010 we are here

the industry needed and wanted one. This was a

get to see and hear such a range of products

to help if there is anything we can do for you we

real challenge for me. The best part was seeing

all under one roof? The industry has really got

will. On behalf of us all at Creative Media we wish

the happy exhibitors as they can be a hard

behind the new format and for that very reason

everyone a Merry Christmas and a prosperous

bunch to please.

it will be a success.

new year! And see you ALL at EXPO

marketing team. We need this to work, for the

MOBILEELECTRONICSNEWS.CO.UK

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7

The Ultimate Car Enhancement Show 07•03•10

News

stoneleigh park, warwickshire. www.autosoundandstyle.co.uk

THE UK’s largest a U T o m o T i v E

Van lock s p E c i a l i s T

ALPINE NAVIGATION ADD-ON This latest product from Alpine is their new navigation device, the NVE-M300P, which is designed to work in conjunction with any of Alpine’s touch screens. The unit, which is about the size of a cigarette packet, allows for easy installation thanks to its size and the fact it doesn’t require a speed pulse connection. This is due to the fact it includes their accurate SIRF Ttian Processor for the best GPS and Gyro & Acceleration testing and for accurate positioning in tunnels or built up areas where GPS can be lost. Alpine believe this unit has the fastest start up, fastest route calculations and fastest re-routing of any comparable device on the market. With a trade price of around £499 Alpine claim the price that customers will pay is difficult to establish; bricks and mortar with installation versus web sales etc. However, Alpine claim they will be offering dealers some great package deals with their existing range of single and double DIN screens as well as their IXA-WR404R and 407BT media stations.

Contact: Alpine, 0870 3333763 or alpine-europe.com

EUROLOGICS ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM FOR BMW Automotive Styling are now exclusive distributors for the new Eurologics Touch Screen entertainment systems designed for active BMW headrests. The system comprises of a display console including a built-in DVD player, with crystal clear pictures displayed via the high resolution, tiltable 7in TFT LCD 16:9 ratio touch screen. With safety being a high concern the headrest preserves it strength and security as it remains unaltered. The console construction has been tested and approved according to European standards (R17/R21) by the prestigious German TUV institute. Available with a DVD player in one or both headrests, the system is secured with a vehicle specific bracket concealed under a factory matched leather console which fits neatly into the contours of the front seat. Recommended prices for an installed system start from £1695 plus VAT with a two year warranty. For more information on these BMW systems contact Automotive Styling on the details below.

Contact: Automotive Styling, 020 8863 8333 or automotivestyling.co.uk

Van DeaDlocks

• Vehicle door specific kits • Widest range of cylinder lengths aVailable as standard • keeps & brackets finished in textured poWder coat to preVent corrosion

ADDITIONAL SOURCES FOR GT ALARMS CSS have announced their new partners for GT Alarms as from the 16th November 2009. JY Autoparts (01706 220 555 orjyautoparts.co.uk) and Drive-Imcopex (01943 882 708 or imcopex. co.uk). JY Autoparts have become a sub distributor while Drive are now a Northern GT stockist.

slamlocks

Mick Barber, MD of CSS, said “we are pleased to inform Mobile Electronic News with this exciting

• l4V slamlocks are aVailable in both our s and thatcham accredited t series.

• l4V slamlock kits are designed to utilise the manufacturers oWn internal escape facility for full h&s compliance.

new. Having recently been awarded the Best Security Product of the year, followed by Best CanBUS of the year, the interest of the GT Product has been overwhelming. In addition to that we have had a tremendous amount of new and exciting customers taking an interest in our security range, with JY AutoParts becoming a sub distributor offering a full technical and sales support”. Meanwhile Drive, already an existing partner of CSS Group, have also become a GT stockist. Drive, already known throughout the UK and Ireland as a major distributor will offer support in sales and welcomes

DIaBlocks

Locks 4 Vans are The soLe Uk ImporTers of The DIabLock eLecTromagneTIc boLT • ideal for coVert use • stand alone bolts • uniVersal kits • Vehicle door specific kits • 12 / 24 Volt Versions

any existing and new customers to contact them for more information.

Contact: Car Sound Supplies, 01332 669920 or carsoundsupplies.co.uk

ICD OFFER IPOD SOLUTIONS ICD’s new range of iPod Interfaces provide a direct audio link to an OE head unit through the CD changer port and charges the iPod’s battery through its Docking Connector. iPod functions are still controlled from the iPod device so using the device is still relatively straight forward. The range of interfaces

www.locks4vans.co.uk

01474 560077

is available for an extensive range of vehicles including Audi, BMW, Ford, Toyota and VW with a price of £45 each. Also from ICD are their simple but effective iPod Docking Harnesses.

They terminate with a pair of RCA/Phono plugs so will easily connect to any headunit or interface that has an Aux In connection. They can also supply an RCA to Jack Plug connector for an additional £2.99 on top of the £19 price of the docking harness.

Contact: ICD, 0121 580 7540 or icd-ltd.com

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MOBILEELECTRONICSNEWS.CO.UK

News

taking you to the future of the aftermarket 08•03•10 stoneleigh park, warwickshire. www.mobileelectronicsnews.co.uk

REVERSING CAMERAS FROM AUTOMOTIVE STYLING Automotive Styling have introduced two new reversing camera systems to their ever increasing range. The new systems have an operating range of 10-32v so are ideal for any type of light or heavy commercial vehicle, bus or coach, as well any car and caravan/trailer/horse box combination or small van. The camera is housed in a rugged metal casing which is waterproof to IP68 standard and will withstand shock and vibration to 10G. It also features a high quality CCD lens with a wide viewing angle of 130 degrees, 12 infrared LED’s for night vision to more than 10m, an automatic shutter system which only opens when reverse

CELSUS APPOINTED AS NEW JEHNERT DISTRIBUTOR

gear is engaged, keeping the lens free from dirt and dust, sending a clearer image to the high resolution TFT LCD monitor.

5in and 7in screen options are available, both with a removable sun visor and wide viewing angles for clear viewing in any conditions. Each monitor will support up to three cameras with easy switching by the buttons on the front of the monitor and each camera can be used in either normal or mirror image. Each kit contains comes complete with a 20m camera lead plus all the necessary connectors and brackets for any vehicle.

Celsus UK Limited has recently been

Contact: Automotive Styling, 020 8863 8333 or automotivestyling.co.uk

awarded exclusive UK distribution of the Jehnert Brand. Jehnert the European manufacturer of high-end replacement door builds has a prestigious reputation for exceptional build quality, significant sound improvement and seamless integration with the OE interior.

For more information on this great product range contact Celsus on the details below or visit their new website.

Contact: Celsus, 01202 664 390 or celsusice.co.uk

The Scenic RouTe Need a supplier that has years of installation experience and some truly innovative products? Then Scenic Group is the answer.

At this time of the year it can be difficult to sell anything with a ‘seasonal’ twist, outside of the usual promotions of Christmas gifts. However, Scenic believes that their impressive new CarboComfort carbon fibre heated seats could be just the ticket to add to your seasonal profits over the cold months. Carbon fibre allows for a much more even dispersion of heat than traditional wire elements, plus compared to wire, carbon fibre is virtually indestructible, so this revolutionary aftermarket product capitalises on these properties. The carbon fibre back and seat pads are installed within the seat under the original cover to provide a truly OEM finish, with a simple switch installed to the outside of the seat squab, making for a really discreet package. Two levels of heat are also available, from a full on blast to a more economical and constant level that runs at around 30per cent of its full potential. Not only will this product add greater comfort to your customer’s vehicle but it could also add to the saleability of that vehicle when the time comes. For dealers though, there’s also the additional benefit of not only making a profit on the product itself, but by charging for the fitting. Due to the nature of this product, installation should be carried out by professional installers in order to get the best finish and as such it can be yet another service you can offer your customers, and crucially an extra income stream.

Should you need any help though, Scenic’s years of experience as installers can be called upon. They cite their knowledge of the issues involved with installation as a great reason for dealers to use their products, as they know and understand the problems you come across. Obviously that’s not the only reason they believe dealers should work with them though. They take a professional approach to everything they do, making sure that duty of care and risk management is balanced with the constant pressure to drive down costs, listening to customers and using their knowledge of legislation to resolve any issues promptly while also going to great lengths when it comes to research and development of new products. In fact, their knowledge means they are frequently involved with key design and operational features on new and existing products within their range and as they continue to install their own products, their research and development is on-going, ensuring you get the very best.

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MOBILEELECTRONICSNEWS.CO.UK

All of this really puts Scenic in a strong position, and realising this, they are keen to strive forward in 2010 with their offerings to the trade. Aside from the carbon fibre heated seats, another key product for Scenic will be the Micro bracket. This product does away with the need of sticking brackets to windscreens (and giving thieves tell-tale signs of high value goods inside) yet it also allows for any kind of mobile device like iPhone, Sat Nav, iPod etc to discretely attach to it. Interest has already been shown from major mobile communications companies as they know the value of such a product to their customers, so Scenic are keen to ensure specialists don’t miss out on supplying their customers as well. So add the Micro bracket and CarboComfort heated seats to the products Scenic already supply and factor in the raft of new lines due in 2010 and it makes sense to get in contact with them to discuss trade terms. If you want a company that knows exactly what you need and will supply your customers with innovative products backed up with the support of years in the industry, then taking the Scenic route makes perfect sense.

ContaCt: Scenic Group, 0870 1662563 or scenicgroup.co.uk

With Parrot, you can talk hands-free and listen to your music

Bluetooth速 Hands-free System Wireless remote control Removable colour screen.

Play your music from your iPod速 or iPhoneTM, USB key, MP3 player or SD card.

Training-free voice recognition.

Available from:

T:01206 500 848

T:0161 494 4200

USB

T:0116 244 9845

T:01943 882 708

www.parrot.com line-in

News

The Ultimate Car Enhancement Show 07•03•10

stoneleigh park, warwickshire. www.autosoundandstyle.co.uk

CAR AUDIO MUSEUM ON THE CARDS

GO BALLISTIC

This is one for all of you audiophiles! Steve Digva of In Phase

audio install, so Connects2 reckon dealers and installers should

International Ltd has been amassing some choice pieces of car

know all about their Ballistic range. Ballistic sound dampening

audio from days gone by to the point where he believes it’s a

material is an elastomeric butyl and aluminium layered vibration

shame to keep them hidden away. With that in mind they’re planning

dampener that conforms and fuses easily with sheet metal and

on creating a car audio museum at their Nottingham headquarters that will

other hard surfaces. The product comes in five dedicated kits; SSLICB, SSSK,

be open to the public and allow some of the rare products and past favourites

SSDK, SSTKT or SSBK. These range from the SSLICB number plate kit through the

to be fondly gazed upon by fellow enthusiasts. Like any museum though they

speaker and door kits, to the SSTKT and SSBK kits for boots and bulkheads, all

could always do with more exhibits and are requesting any M.E.N readers

cut to the right kinds of shapes and sizes for the job at hand. Compared to their

to have a dig around at the bottom of their drawers, behind the sofa or in

competitors, Ballistic also claim that their product is thicker, meaning that naturally

the corner of that stock room for your unwanted but interesting old audio.

the dampening capacity is improved. If you’re building quality installs for you

In particular they’re on the lookout for products from the likes of Sharps and

customers then going Ballistic really could be the way forward.

Hitachi, but anything is welcome including manuals and instructions from any

Contact: Connects2, Connects2, 0845 2575588 or connects2.com

Sound dampening material is a crucial part of a sweet sounding

manufacturer. Hopefully with co-operation from M.E.N readers we can help create a sanctuary for some of those products that have been a part of our car audio past and allow future generations to understand just how it used to be.

Contact: In Phase, 0115 9758600 or inphaseaudio.co.uk

PURE CLASSIC PARTS Raptor installation accessories offer something a bit different for dealers; quality parts at more affordable prices. Raptor products are developed and overseen by an in-house staff of mobile audio professionals with years of experience in design, engineering, installation, competition and automotive development. They also claim that their economy of scale in the industry allows them to provide an upgrade hardware experience at an exceptional value. All materials are top quality, right down to the 24K gold plating for plugs, connectors and terminals. The result: leading-edge accessories that deliver true-to-spec performance, with a degree of style typically reserved for premium-level brands. Their latest products demonstrate this, their Twisted Blue Series RCA cables for example, coming with twisted-pair construction twisted three turns per inch with an aluminum foil shield for extra noise rejection, plus right-angle plugs for easy installation in tight places. On top of that, Raptor have also extended their offerings to the trade with a new series of speakers and subwoofers, that also deliver outstanding performance for their price. Raptor’s distributors Connects2 firmly believe that Raptor can offer dealers and installers a great alternative, re-iterating the point that all products are brimming with quality yet have price tags that will have you in raptures.

Contact: Connects2, Connects2, 0845 2575588 or connects2.com

PARKING WITH LASERLINE

Laserline SpA Limited have announced the launch of a new range

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of parking systems in addition to their current comprehensive EPS

colour-coded before installation if the black or silver standard sensor finish is

parking system products. Models include the 9040 rear four sensor kit

not suitable. To place an order or for further information on the above products

with black or silver sensors, 2140 rear four sensor kit with black angled sensors,

and the rest of the Laserline range including cruise control kits, Trackstar

1940-16 rear four sensor kit with rubber sensors for metal bumpers, 9040FB

products, Thatcham Approved CanBus alarms, Can adaptors plus standard

front four sensor kit with speaker and 9046 front four sensor kit with display.

alarms and immobilisers contact the Laserline SpA Limited sales office on the

Angled sensors are available in standard or rubber and rear kit displays can

details below.

be supplied as spare parts. All kits come with a three year parts only warranty

Contact: Laserline SpA Limited, 01925 265252 or lynn.tedcastle@

and the ability to ignore spare wheels and tow bars. They can also be fully

laserlinespa.com

MOBILEELECTRONICSNEWS.CO.UK

SAILES MARKETING

Interface

Essential

Sailes Marketing unveil their latest CB-2 CAN Bus interface which now provides two outputs.

Sailes Marketing can rightly claim that their CB-1 CAN Bus interface has been a huge success. After 30-years in the business they know that research and hard work to create a fine working product is the key to success and with their CB-1 they have certainly found that. Not ones to rest on their laurels though, they are now offering dealers the CB-2 CAN Bus interface. This latest product can now provide two outputs, rather than the CB-1’s one output, adding an RPM signal to the speed pulse signal that both units offer. The new interface is the same size as their CB-1 item, which means because of its very small size and lightweight construction it’s just as simple to install.

The benefits of the CB-2 interface will be felt by

likes of fleet management systems, mobility

those installers who are, for example, installing

systems etc.

recognise the vehicle type that it is fitted to and extract the correct signal information. There is no complicated programming required by the end user ensuring that the interface will work first time every time.”

cruise control systems to a vehicle. For the cruise control to function correctly they need

Matthew Sailes of Sailes Marketing commented

to locate the speed pulse wire and the RPM

on their CAN Bus interfaces, following the

signal. Using the CB-2 now means that they do

announcement of the new part number CB-2;

not have to go searching around the engine

“ We are constantly working to improve our

just like their recent products SpeedWatch and

bay looking for a pick-up point, which in turn

CAN bus interfaces by analysing the latest

SpotCheck, all of Sailes Marketing’s CAN Bus

means that installation time is considerably

vehicles and adding them to the database

interfaces have passed EEC Directive 72/245

reduced. Similarly this ability to locate an RPM

of recognised CAN Bus data. This means

(E Mark). Plus, as with all of their products,

signal will help those companies installing the

that each interface is able to automatically

the team at Sailes Marketing prides itself on

Quality is also assured thanks to the fact that

being able to offer complete technical back up to the industry, with technical support for dealers where necessary. And if that’s not enough, as reported in last months issue of Mobile Electronics News, Sailes Marketing have focused hard on their pricing structure when it comes to their existing CB-1 and CB8-R CAN Bus interfaces which offers dealers an even bigger reason to speak to them. As pioneers in the CAN Bus interface field for the last 10 years Sailes Marketing clearly have the knowledge and database of CAN compatibility that can make the difference to your business, and with exciting new prices and advances in product as with the new CB-2, isn’t it time you gave them a call?

Contact: Sailes Marketing, 01386 554210 or sailesmarketing.com

MOBILEELECTRONICSNEWS.CO.UK

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/ CAR AUDIO /

M.E.N gets an insight into what some in the industry thought of the last year and what they believe the future holds.

What the Industry Thinks It’s not a scientific piece of research, but with 2010 around the corner M.E.N decided it would speak to figures in the industry to find out what they made of 2009 and what they think 2010 will have in store. Despite such tough times over the last twelve to eighteen months hopefully there are some reasons for optimism in the coming year.

MATTHEW SAILES – SAILES MARKETING

TONY GREEN - CEL TRADE

NEGATIVES: Our views on the past 12-months of business is that

NEGATIVES: The recession is a massive negative and the way this

although there has been an obvious downturn in the aftermarket sector

government, and governments before this, have been running the

due to the significant decrease in the number of new car sales, we

country. In the end our children are going to have to deal with this and it’s

haven’t seen this as an altogether negative situation.

a major issue.

POSTIVES: As the business has continued to develop over the last 30 years, we know that to succeed in this tough economic climate

POSITIVES: Double DIN continued to grow in 2009, although that hasn’t

you need to focus even harder on providing a quality product at a

offset the decline of single DIN. For us, a lot of specialist installers have lost

competitive price backed up by a first class service. This is what we’ve

their direct accounts which has helped us pick up the business of the bits

been concentrating on in the last 12 months and we have now started

and pieces they still need.

to see the first signs of the market returning to previous levels.

2010: This is when we’re going to reap the true harvest of the seeds we

2010?: Who really knows which way things will go, but we are confident

sowed in the 2000 era… massive unemployment and realistically a massive

that business will continue to recover and the companies that provide

downturn in the standard of living. How many specialist installers will go bust

the right service will continue to succeed and those that don’t will

in 2010 or look to use their skills elsewhere too? I think there’s further demise

without doubt fail.

in our industry yet.

BRIAN PARTON - FOUR 2010: We’re extremely positive. We will come out of this recession

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NEGATIVES: One of the things that stands out is people stopping doing

and we’re confident that we have put in place for our customers and

anything. People cutting marketing budget is something that shouldn’t

ourselves things that will actually make us stronger. Since I started in

be happening.

this business in 1986, one thing has never changed and this is that

POSTIVES: In business terms, none. However we launched the first ever

people still like listening to music. There are 30 million cars in the UK so

car hi-fi dedicated publication featuring real people; Driving Sounds.

even if as an industry we can convert 1 percent then you can see the

You cannot grow if you are not communicating with customers.

potential.

MOBILEELECTRONICSNEWS.CO.UK

STEVE DIGVA – IN PHASE INTERNATIONAL LTD

EMMA WARD – MIDBASS

NEGATIVES: 2009 represented one of the most

NEGATIVES: The biggest threat for the entire industry during 2009 was the economic crisis. The

challenging in commercial business for our industry.

perception of the recession by the worlds press had an impact upon consumer spending,

We had all the problems of the world in addition

forcing dealers to close and competitors to fall, however the aggressive marketing and

to price increases, limited stock availability, and a

prominence of the MidBass brands only strengthened the sales of the company, allowing

shrinking market! I feel our biggest loss was good

significant growth in these hard times.

retailers that decided to close down making our specialist industry ever weaker. This is our real

POSITIVES: 2009 has seen MidBass Distribution go from strength-to-strength. The reason for

weakness here, what makes us specialist?

continual growth and success mid-recession? Well, this has come from many aspects. The first being the launch of the brand new range, EDGE which has exceeded all expectations,

In my business many of my dealers ask me questions

establishing itself quickly as a leading entry level audio brand. MidBass also emphasised upon

to answers they should know! Why is this? Simple lack

their dealer support network, with additions to the UK team allowing additional dealer support

of support from manufacturers.... not all, some are

via dedicated account managers, sales reps and innovative superstore schemes. Even during

very proactive and have helped and supported us

the global recession, the MidBass team have remained at the forefront, supplying outstanding

where others are the direct opposite. The only way

quality audio products across all of their ranges. Continual marketing campaigns here in the

we can combat this is we need to create a united

UK and globally, which include web, print and shows have cemented their position. MidBass’

front in the form of an established retail network

newest venture into Home Cinema and Lifestyle has also been a huge success. Consumer

that will allow manufacturers to sell guaranteed

demand continues to grow with all MidBass products due to the ‘stronger than ever’ line up.

volumes, and offer us the dealers the advertising and training support we all need! Remember price is not

2010: 2010 looks set to be another exciting year for MidBass with the promise of a number of

everything!

new ventures. With a complete new product range from one of their brands - using the very latest technology and innovative design, diversification into new areas, further international

POSITIVES: Positives for 2009 are few, the first big one

brand development, and massive growth plans, 2010 will sure to be the most successful year to

is that the high street market leader is not so keen as

date for the company.

before so allowing us to reclaim some of our market back. Lack of interest on ecommerce we have many dealers informing us that they had in some cases

CHRIS BENNETT - CELSUS

increased face to face sales, this of course has been at the expense of other retailers closing down. Stabilty

NEGATIVES: Everyone talking about negatives in 2009!

to the market, I touched on that price increases had

POSTIVES: BBG and Celsus coming together.

not helped but in fairness why are we selling MP3 at

2010?: Our Miami dealer incentive in March is something personal for 2010 that is a positive.

£50.00! I remember when cd tuners cost me £800.00+

Through harder times the better companies have thrived from great relationships and the

vat! Average price has now increased, although we

correct support being given to help them grow their business. Selling only on price dumping

cannot take credit for this it was well overdue! This

stock on a dealer and running away is not the way. Celsus believes that the regular training

momentum in my opinion needs to continue as we

we offer helps dealers to get sell through. This strategy also generates more store traffic and

see our volume market shrink we need to see the

the retailer is able to raise it’s average ticket price .

value remain higher! So lets all try to achieve this

These seeds of success have already been sown. Celsus look forward to watering and

bring back the days of entry level £129.99 I would also

cultivating these so we can all have a flourishing business in 2010.

add that the extra margin the government gave us of 2.5% will soon be gone, can we all increase our prices? He who dares wins!

KEITH HOLNESS – ALPINE ELECTRONICS

2010: I do not wish to be the bearing of bad

NEGATIVES: Sadly, we had to make one person redundant as part of our cost reduction and

news but I feel this period in our life will be more

restructuring activities.

challenging than the last. I would suggest that more dealers need to unite, we must take action

POSITIVES: We still have four people handling sales and technical support, four Area

and educate our customers to the benefit of good

Managers out there looking after our dealers and a “Message of Positivity” to all our

speakers in cars, amplification, not forgetting the

customers and staff. We see no point in going on about how bad things may be - no point!

accessories we should all sell like power caps,

None of us in going to win sales by moaning and groaning. We are happy people and we all

distribution blocks etc. I feel as an industry we have

like to deal with happy and positive people.

lost our passion, our love for what we did. Think, why did you sell car audio? How many of you have a

2010: At Alpine, we genuinely believe that with the line up we have for 2010 we will increase

good demo car? What about your staff?? I suggest

both our turnover and share of the market out there. With it becoming more and more

that it is a must! You all must have good demo cars,

difficult for DIY installations / interfacing or upgrades, the Specialist is here to stay - and we

show every customer what a good system sounds

want their business.

like, spend time to explain why one product in your

Alpine have a great balance of OEM and Aftermarket business and with the knowledge we

opinion is better, not that it just is! Like most things

have of what the car makers are planning for the future, we are well placed to come up

little changes help, I often give advice to my dealers

with viable alternatives and upgrades.

of which most tell me they have improved sales and

Of course 2010 will not see an end to the current downturn, but it will be a good year to look

profitability. This is free! I am here to help as your

for new sales opportunities and future business. The dealers that are able to change their

survival means mine so I am helping myself..... I hope

ways, and actively do something about improving their business and the way that they work,

to help dealers improve 2010 and look forward to

will be very well placed to move on to better things when the economy perks up.

the challenges it brings,

The difficulty is actually making and taking the decision to change. Will you?

MOBILEELECTRONICSNEWS.CO.UK

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/ CAR AUDIO /

Coming Together

In Phase Audio and Fast Car magazine prove that a joint venture to create a demo car can be a really smart move.

Fast Car magazine are calling this latest dark look ‘murdered out’, but for In Phase Audio it’s certainly not put the touch of death on their business…in fact, the opposite is likely to be true. The Nissan 350Z is a collaboration between the two companies, the log book having In Phase’s name on it, but the build-up of the car taking place in the pages of the magazine. However, it’s not quite as straight forward as a planned contra deal, in fact many of you may recall that In Phase previously had their own Nissan 350Z demo car. But with that car at the end of it’s tour of duty the plan had been to sell it and start anew until Fast Car turned up with another suggestion.

“The only downside to this whole project is that there really are limited opportunities for manufacturers to enter into this kind of collaboration.

But it’s surely not impossible.”

The deal basically worked out that Fast Car

point. Obviously, while this meant In Phase put on

as one of their project cars for the magazine. To

magazine would take the car away and use it

hold some of the capital they could have raised

get a 350Z onto their project pages themselves

to turn up to events in. They would put it in the

from its sale to build a new demo car, the benefits

would probably have been a stretch too far

projects pages of their magazine every month

for them were clear to see. Despite it’s progress

for the magazine’s budgets and for the wages

and give it a styling refresh as ultimately it was only

perhaps taking a little longer than planned, In

of the staff, so this kind of deal is often the only

the audio that had been touched up until that

Phase have benefited from the regular association

way higher end cars end up on any magazine’s

to what is a very cool car

project pages.

in the eyes of the Fast Car

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MOBILEELECTRONICSNEWS.CO.UK

readers. With the 350Z

But it’s not just the specific gains that each party

recently being featured

stands to make from this venture which are worth

on the magazine’s cover

noting. Both In Phase and Fast Car are really doing

too, further exposure has

something good for the mobile electronics market

been given to them, plus

by building such a high profile, audio-based demo

there’s now shows for the

car. With Fast Car magazine now outselling the

car to attend in its current

likes of Max Power their support of this project

guise in 2010. It’s not only In

should be applauded by the industry, as it begins

Phase who benefit either,

to raise the profile of car audio once again.

as already mentioned

With so few consumer magazines around for the

there’s some definite kudos

message to spread it’s important that the likes of

of having a car like a 350Z

Fast Car are getting behind it. Some may disagree

and suggest the audio market has been too tiedin with the young male sector at the expense of reaching the broader population, but while there may be a point in that, there’s no denying the proven potential in this area. Take a look at the install in this car for example and if you want to keep seeing these creations where three XT12 12in subs flow beautifully in the boot, IPA 2001d and IPA 1601 amps are positioned cleverly for effect and the doors are littered with speakers and an In Phase XT8 8in sub in each, then it’s only this market that will really keep pushing the extreme end. Sure, sell the discreet and subtle benefits of upgraded audio to the wider market, but for extremes it has to be the young male dominated modified scene.

All in all then, this makes the tie-up between In Phase and Fast Car something of a masterstroke, not only benefiting each party but doing something positive for the industry at the same time. While dealers may struggle to find the opportunities, or indeed the reasons, for entering a joint project like this, audio manufacturers and distributors should surely be searching for similar ways to get their products out there in front of your customers. What this project has shown is the forward-thinking approach of In Phase, who could quite easily have said ‘no’ to the whole thing but are now benefiting from some superb exposure for their products and their brand.

There are additional levels of benefits too with this tie-up, readers of the magazine surely trust what the magazine tells them so an obvious close working relationship with In Phase can in turn win In Phase their trust too. If Fast Car magazine didn’t respect the products of In Phase then this project would have in all likelihood have never got off the ground associations like this where magazines essentially endorse a product are really the type of publicity that money can rarely buy, because editorial integrity is still a key for most..

The only downside to this whole project is that there really are limited opportunities for manufacturers to enter into this kind of collaboration. But it’s surely not impossible. While other collaborations between audio companies and magazines may have to be a more formal agreement (after all, magazines rely on income from advertisers and rightly realise the worth of coverage on their pages), it shouldn’t stop the discussions taking place. It’s not a ‘them and us’ battle with magazines and it’s short-sighted for any manufacturer or distributor to think that.

Magazines help inspire enthusiasm for products, manufacturers create those exciting products and dealers supply them to the end customer.

It’s a cycle that needs all parts to be working well with the ultimate aim of getting the end customer spending. Without the end customer buying products then none of us would be here so it begs the question; why don’t more parts of that cycle don’t come together to reach the end customer,

What Fast Car magazine say about the project: “All Performance Automotive titles at Future target the modern car enthusiast and our editorial teams go to great lengths to inspire readers to become more heavily involved with their passion; invigorating sales for the supporting industry. The mission for Fast Car is to define car culture; educating its readers about the latest products, exciting them about styles that reflect the cutting edge of car enhancement, and leading the ‘modified’ scene into new phases of evolution. The 350z project is a prime example of how we seek to work with the industry to help drive this progress. It takes a lot of hard work and input to realise such a project; but the results deliver fantastic impact for the brand we partner with, while the readers find the promotion highly engaging and inspirational. The results are well worth the effort and investment.”

just like Fast Car magazine and In Phase have done by creating this stunning 350Z.

Gez Jones, Publisher

MOBILEELECTRONICSNEWS.CO.UK

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/ CAR AUDIO / GPS SPEED CAMERA DETECTORS

GPS Speed Camera Warning Units Using co-ordinates to keep drivers safe and free from tickets

When it comes to speed cameras there are three main devices that can keep you away from points and costly fines; jammers, radar detectors and GPS speed camera warning units. Jammers essentially block laser signals from the likes of roadside speed check vans so can save any kind of prosecution. Although, on the flip side, while they are not illegal, using one to block a signal and avoid a fine could result in further prosecution.

Radar detectors on the other hand alert drivers to any kind of radar signal meaning early warning for speed cameras. However, once again some people claimed these are flawed, not only

because they can alert you to things like electric doors at the petrol station and similar, but also because of the speed at which some speed traps can actually log a motorists speed compared to that motorist’s reaction time in slowing down. The third kind is increasingly becoming the product of choice though, using GPS to alert drivers well in advance of where speed traps are (often both the fixed kind and the known locations of mobile speed traps), via plotted co-ordinates. While there haven’t been lots of new products in this area recently, M.E.N has taken a look at some of the most popular and up-to-date offerings.

NOVUS

TRAFFICMASTER

One of the most revolutionary products from the Novus camp is

The Safe Speed option has been designed as

the tiny Piccolo. This miniscule unit (not much bigger in diameter

an additional subscription offer available to

than a £2 coin) comes with a free lifetime speed camera

Trafficmaster Smartnav customers. It alerts you

database subscription and even comes with voice alerts of UK

when you approach zones monitored by fixed

speed camera locations…not bad considering its diminutive size.

safety cameras, variable safety cameras and

There’s also a chiming sound and row of LED lights that provide

multi-camera detectors. Two levels of audible

early warnings of fixed speed cameras, possible mobile sites,

warning are provided, one of three beeps as

red light camera locations, accident black spots and congestion

you approach the monitored zone, giving you

charging zones, with clear spoken voice announcements nearer

sufficient time to correct your speed and a second

the point. Naturally it’s easy to install in the car, its small size

(five beeps) immediately before the monitored

meaning a discreet position for it on the dashboard isn’t difficult

zone. The system is designed to encourage safer

to find, while it can be powered via the cigarette lighter. If

driving by giving drivers sufficient time to adjust

desired it can also be hard-wired into the car’s power for more

their speed and alert you to concentrate on the

permanent use. Aside from it’s convenient size and excellent

road ahead. If you continue to drive above the

functionality though is another bonus…the price. With a retail of around £60 it’s possibly the best value GPS speed

speed limit through the monitored zone, you will

camera detector on the market as well as being one of the most discreet… Novus even claim some people are buying

hear continuous beeps until your speed has fallen

them as incentives for staff etc thanks to the low cost. Also in the Novus range are the Novus Rider and Novus Alpha,

below the specified speed limit. The database of

which expand on the Piccolo’s offerings. The Rider is one of their fastest selling products, using a high sensitivity Sirf Star III GPS Engine to give you maximum signal which is obviously quite crucial. It’s not much more expensive than the Piccolo but also includes a screen showing your speed and can be powered by the internal rechargeable battery that lasts for 4-5 hours in normal operating (making it ideal for motorbikes). Once again, there’s no subscription, plus

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Novus offer free updates for life. The Novus Alpha is the top of the range model, coming with an organic LED screen

safety camera zones is automatically updated by

making it totally visible at both day and night. With a range of warnings too, including things like sharp bends, the

Trafficmaster on a regular basis and downloaded

options for which can be changed via a remote control (which is actually quite useful), one of the real benefits of this

to the Smartnav unit in your car. Safe Speed

unit is the road profiling. The unit can be switched to be relevant for particular vehicles such as HGVs (lower speed

subscriptions, when added to a Smartnav system

limits) or cars with caravans which is an important extra for those planning on using the speed camera detector in

are £9.99 per month or £109 per year; bundled

different vehicles. At £149 it’s at the top end of Novus’ offerings yet offers incredible value for money against many of

options are also available.

its competitors and comes with free lifetime updates, so really holds a lot of trumps.

Contact: Trafficmaster PLC, 01243 759000 or

Contact: Novus Systems Ltd, 0845 6590959 or novusgps.com

trackstar.co.uk

MOBILEELECTRONICSNEWS.CO.UK

is the tracking, which is built in

ROAD ANGEL

and allows the units location to

Two of the most popular GPS speed camera detectors from Road Angel are the

be identified in an emergency

Road Angel Professional Connected and the Road Angel Professional. The Road

by friends, family and the

Angel Professional is one of the most popular safety camera and blackspot alert

rescue services. Road Angel

device and comes with a remote control to make programming it even safer.

offer this tracking service for

The device has numerous alerts factored in including fixed camera locations,

free for the first month, but

mobile safety camera locations, average speed camera zones, black spot areas

after that it is £5.99 per month

and school zones. Not only does it have the GPS information but there’s also an

on top of the £4.99 standard

in-built laser detection too meaning that all angles of camera detection are taken

subscription. An expensive

care of. With automatic switch on or off too, users won’t get caught out by their

option, but the popularity of

forgetfulness. Road Angel offer 6 months free subscription followed by a monthly

the Road Angel Professional

direct debit of £3.99 per month with a 12 month minimum contract required. The

and Road Angel Professional

Road Angel Professional Connected is a little pricier than the previous model and

Connected suggest customers don’t mind paying for up-to-date information, and in

doesn’t have the in-built laser detector. However, it uses a built-in SIM and the

the case of the Connected, the reduced hassle that the built-in SIM card offers.

mobile phone network to download updates as the car is being driven. “No wires, no computers, no hassle!” as they say on their website. One other function it adds

Contact: CEL Trade, 01162 449846 or celtrade.com

SNOOPER The newest offerings from Snooper are the LYNX and the 3ZERO. The Lynx connected utilises a 2.7in screen and GPS and GPRS technology. Using the mobile phone network it updates every 2 minutes allowing users to share and receive information, giving real time alerts with automatic wireless downloads wherever you are, doing away with needing a PC connection, while keeping the driver safe from unintentional tickets

TOM TOM

and accident blackspots. On top of

Bit of an unusual one and not likely to be very beneficial

this the LYNX can also operate as a portable tracking and reporting device, the LYNX air time contract

to most dealers is Tom Tom’s latest update for their iPhone

providing customers with access to a secure, password-protected website. This allows users to track the

application. Naturally it’s a navigation unit, and the update

position of LYNX at any time, view current as well as historical journey reports as well as other useful

has not only added Text-To-Speech but it has also included

information including average speed and daily, weekly and monthly mileage. This air time contract costs

speed camera locations in selected European countries.

users £9.99 per month, £27.99 per quarter or £99.99 per month.

With a download price of £59.99 and an average rating

The Snooper 3ZERO is quite a cool piece of kit too. It’s nicely compact and easy to quickly fit to a car,

by users of three out of five, one of the main criticisms is the

offering a bright LED display telling the driver of camera type, distance to speed trap and speed limit

intermittent loss of GPS signal. However, those who have

on the particular stretch of road. This is accompanied by a voice warning and a series of beeps, but

bought the Car Kit Cradle have found this essentially gets

only if the driver is over the speed limit. The real neat bit about the 3ZERO is not only does it use the

rid of that problem and is the way in for dealers to make

comprehensive Aura database for GPS locations of speed traps, but there is also a laser/radar detector

at least some money out of the application. One reviewer

built in. The laser detector allows alerts for all types of mobile laser guns and Snooper claim it to be the

also claimed the speed camera locations were out of date

most accurate laser detector yet. The radar detector can similarly detect ‘scatter’ from speed traps to

compared to their earlier TomTom navigation unit, but as we

provide advance warning as well as tell you whether the speed camera is live or not. With a retail price

haven’t tested this we cannot really comment. Certainly future

around the £144 mark and subscriptions from £29.99 per year the Snooper 3ZERO is a reasonably cost-

updates should iron out any issue like this though.

effective way to ensure you’re safe on the roads and free from expensive tickets.

Contact: TomTom, tomtom.com

Contact: CEL Trade, 01162 449846 or celtrade.com

ROADPILOT

across the globe, speed camera location devices account for a significant proportion of the Personal Navigation Device

RoadPilot pioneered GPS speed camera location systems

(PND) market. Further to this, speed camera location devices

in the UK and has been creating dedicated speed camera

give aftermarket retail outlets a lower priced product (instead

detection products since the firm was established in 2000.

of a full ‘turn-by-turn’ sat-nav device) to offer their customers. In

RoadPilot’s latest product, the diminutive microGo, has been

addition to manufacturing products, RoadPilot is also Europe’s

extremely popular across Europe, and offers excellent value

leading provider of GPS speed camera location data to the

for motorists keen to protect their licence. The product has

satellite navigation industry. The firm’s Omni database is

consistently been highly commended by top UK car magazine

widely regarded as the most comprehensive in the industry,

Auto Express in its annual product honours. At just 5 by 6

and RoadPilot currently has data provision agreements with

centimetres, the microGo is the world’s smallest GPS speed

mapping firms TeleAtlas and The AA, plus leading mobile

camera locator, and currently retails for around £79.95. With

phone manufacturer Nokia. Contact: Roadpilot, 0844

the number and sophistication of roadside cameras increasing

4487777 or roadpilot.com

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MOREL

Utter Elation!

Adam Rayner reviews the Morel Elate Ltd Edition Three-way speaker system

Have you heard of the Red Sea Effect? It’s where the profit (as against the prophet) parts the waters. You get the Edge, the Juice, the Beat Audios and other entry level kit selling still and you get a bizarre smattering in sales at the rarefied top end. Mid-price products do not sell as well these days. The buyers are out there for the finest kit and these are the Bugatti Veyron of speakers. “Review”, are you kidding? They scored a terribly rare Talk Audio State Of The Art award when I gave them a 1,300 word pull through on the www.talkaudio.co.uk consumer magazine website…

there are some compelling reasons ‘why’ for your better heeled customers. One is that they have a keen youth image from Whips, Dubs and Cribs and such on the TV and as they are so awesome they get used by Sound Quality Judges at EMMA sound offs as a reference. If you want to win in SQ, buying Morel really helps.

But the Big One is simple.

Margin; sell one set of Morel Elate and you will garner the same profit as selling four hundred sets of piffle as Morel is NOT going to found shagged

But for the speaker geeks amongst you, here’s the tech to get it out of the way by way of extract from that review…

on the net and it won’t be in stock up and down the nation. So you get exclusivity, profit (not a dirty word despite current rumours) and the deepest most aching desirability – and that CASE!

“Supplied in what looks a little like a case for

to best allow airflow around it and the magnet

This is the sort of thing to tempt particular targeted

a high end sniper rifle, these are a very high

structure is shielded to prevent flux from interfering

customers with, this is the sort of thing to keep in

quality set of loudspeakers indeed. Made as an

with the rest of your system’s wiring. All very

a glass cabinet of it’s own, just reeking of über-

especially desirable limited edition of only 500

advanced stuff.”

cunning Israeli engineering.

sets, each distributor in the world was to be given Now just lately I have been lucky enough to

end outlet. If you get those High Net Worth punters

the top end of the discerning ice trade that they

hear some absolutely astonishingly expensive

with nice cars in your bay, you need to let them

quickly sold their allocation and then begged for

home equipment, with a pair of speakers priced

know about these….

that of another territory. In fact, Morel have had to

£150,000 made by Steinway. (Yes, the Piano

Oh yeah, that’s a 10 by the way…..

admit that the UK is better at finding lovers of high

people.) Yet these Elate speakers at a ‘mere’

ASR

end speaker systems than other places and the

£1,750 are able to raise that utterly audiophile

Flagship guys have had even more of the 500,

result in-car. The incredible speed and accuracy

Morel: Distributor: Flagship Distribution

beating the rest of Europe! Comprising the MT-24LE

of really serious reproduction.

www.morelhifi.com

Acuflex™ coated soft dome tweeter and the

You might think it impossible to sell such items but

Typical Selling price: £1,750.00

CDM-88LE dome midrange with the same coating and the SW 6LE woofer with the Accuset MX-22.2LE passive crossover. The passive can be used singlewire with jumpers, bi-wired or else bi-amplified with a separate amp to run the woofer and the midhigh section. The woofers are made of two layers of Carbon fibre with a Rohacell layer between them. The mid and HF drivers’ magnets are double Neodymium types, so very strong, while the woofers’ magnets are hybrid Neodymium/ Ferrite but still six times more powerful than regular Ferrite-alone types. The voice coils are external to the magnets so are three times the ‘normal’ size.

These coils are Hexatech™ Aluminium and are lighter and yet more efficient due to small air gaps and allow faster transient response. The woofer has a ‘Controlled Acoustic Resistance’ air filter on its base to attempt to mimic the effects of it being mounted in an enclosure as such speakers are normally mounted ‘free-air’ or without the acoustic support of an enclosure. The chassis is shaped

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A real statement product that says you are a high

only ten. The UK distributors are so well hooked into

MOBILEELECTRONICSNEWS.CO.UK

Meta Blue

PUTTING THE FUN BACK IN

Putting the Fun Back in

Using the ‘fun factor’ to sell audio equipment shouldn’t be a forgotten art. M.E.N investigates how you can inject that fun into your pitch.

As a dealer yourself you have probably witnessed at first hand how ‘fun’ can become a selling point. Take for example two separate visits from sales reps from two different manufacturers. Both of these reps want you to place big orders with them or take on a new product that they’re offering and they will do whatever they can to clinch your interest. Naturally, as a business, you will want to know all about the profit margins, delivery times, support offered by the manufacturer and more, as well as what the product actually does. But consider that both the products are virtually identical with similar profit margins and you know that both companies speaking to you are good suppliers…which one are you going to choose then?

There may be external factors such as long-standing working relationships with a particular company, but if for instance both of these reps are from companies you’ve never dealt with before the difference can be down to how they sell their products to you. Do you go with the guy who puts the product on the desk, bores you to tears about the functions and pushes you into a ‘yes’, or do you go with the rep who takes you out to his demo car, gives you a no-hassle example of what that particular product does and gets you in a good mood? For the majority of people, the second rep would probably get the deal, after all, if he can sell it to you then you shouldn’t have a problem selling it onto your customers.

purchase and when times are hard people will be more likely to keep their hands in their pockets when it comes to the kinds of products you sell. But even in these times people will want to have fun and holding things like an open day can certainly help them to do that. With many distributors willing to bring along their demo cars to these days it gives you the chance to show the public the fun

But turn this example around on yourself, and ask

enjoyable. And it can pay to remember that. If

side of the industry, and once they’re having fun

yourself whether you really sell to your customers

a customer comes to your shop wanting audio

they may be more amenable to spending. It can

like the first rep or the second? As was mentioned

equipment it’s because they realise this, they want

even come down to what you do with your own

in the introduction to last month’s issue of M.E.N

to enjoy their car audio more and so it’s down to

demo cars, perhaps even buying a £300 shed of

magazine, this idea of putting the fun back into

you to show them just how they can do that. One

a car but making it sound fantastic while looking

the market is something that may not be a new

of the best methods for this (as the example of

terrible will attract the attention of those who

idea. Especially on the audio/visual side of things

the two reps earlier suggested) is to have a demo

would normally pass you by. It doesn’t always

the fun element is the key reason for purchasing.

vehicle. Get the customer inside, play a track of

have to cost you a lot of money, but the key is

A stereo in a car isn’t really a necessity like a

the kind of music they want to hear and impress

simply to remember that the products you sell are

washing machine is to a home, but by having a

the socks of them, then watch them open their

fun, so the way you sell them should be fun too. If

stereo car journeys can become a whole lot more

wallets. Take your time with them, explain why

people see you having fun with them they will be

your set-up sounds so good and try to give them

attracted to your company, much like the guy

options that will suit their budget, all on the back

who’s the life and soul of the party always has

of this fun experience. If they’ve got as far as sitting

people eager to spend time with him. With that in

in your demo car then they’re likely to be a serious

mind, try and figure out ways that you can employ

customer so you don’t need the hard sell, instead

the ‘fun factor’ in your business, whether that’s

you need to focus on what will give that customer

an unusual demo car, an open day or something

the best result and what they’ll enjoy the most.

even more creative and let Mobile Electronics News know about it so we can tell the rest of the

But the fun factor can go beyond just individual transactions with a customer, it can be employed in all manner of other ways. In the current climate dealers face a battle to get any custom, especially when products like up-graded head units, subs, amps etc are all luxury purchases. But this may be the very point. What you’re selling is not a necessity

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MOBILEELECTRONICSNEWS.CO.UK

industry.

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Give your music what it deserves… the Best.

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23/11/09 09:44:21

/ CAR AUDIO / BEAT

Hard to BEAT

When it comes to function-packed head units at bargain prices the BEAT range certainly holds its own.

In a market that has increasingly been driven by price in recent times, having a product like the BEAT range of head units from Connects2 is essential for any dealer.

These are the kinds of products that can not only attract new customers but also win them over to the possibilities of car audio in general, while at the same time giving dealers a decent profit margin. From the lowest specification to the highest, the four BEAT head units will cover virtually anything a customer will want, which in turn means a clear and simple solution for dealers too.

DIN panel and the top-spec BEAT600 employing a 7in version of that monitor on a double DIN unit.

The BEAT550 allows a no fuss solution for customers needing a single DIN DVD solution, but it also offers those other functions such as Bluetooth hands free and MP3 playback, which are often on their shopping lists. Extra tricks for this unit are the built-in TV Tuner, A2DP streaming of Bluetooth audio, AV input/output and reverse camera in capabilities plus EQ3 ability offering audio in Classic, Pop, Rock and Flat theatres. Impressively, all of this still retails at a very achievable £139.99 with a healthy £109.99 trade price, offering customers and dealers alike a great value entry-level DVD

The entry-level BEAT275 product has a trade price

price of just £55. This single DIN head unit with

head unit. The BEAT600 steps things up a gear

of just £39.99 and features the basic radio facilities

touch sensitive panel has a USB port, SD/MMC

though, still retailing at a bargain price of £259.99

you would expect. However, on top of that it is

memory card slot, plays MP3 and WMA files with

(and an excellent £179.99 trade price) but offering

CD/CD-R and RW compatible yet also has a front

ID3-TAG and is CD/CD-R and CD-RW compatible.

plenty of other features to the customer. Already

mini USB port, a front Aux In and an SD Memory

But the real selling point of this brand new head

mentioned is the 7in touchscreen upon which

card port. Ultimately this means that most forms

unit is the fact it has a built in Bluetooth hands free

numerous controls can be made, including dialling

of music can be played via the BEAT275 which

phone kit and uniquely, when purchased with

of phone numbers, but one of it’s real strengths is

makes the recommended retail price of £59.99

the optional BT-IPD lead (£9.99 trade price), it is

the formats the head unit can play. DVD/DVD-R/

extremely attractive. Naturally, dealers can also

iPod compatible. With the Bluetooth kit, calls can

CD/VCD/CD-R/DivX formats are all supported,

benefit from that decent margin too.

be answered and ended from the head unit’s

while there is again a USB port and SD/MMC card

The next step up is perhaps the most

front panel, there’s background noise reduction

slot. Many of the other functions of the BEAT550

comprehensive unit to cater for the entry-level

and phone number display on the screen and

are included too, yet customers also get a fully

customer. The new BEAT375 is hot off the press

thanks to the built-in microphone there’s no

functioning OSD remote control and a 1200x234

and is set to be an absolute winner with a trade

time-consuming additional fitting involved. On

pixel resolution on the screen with this double DIN

the iPod side of things,

unit, making it a hugely entertaining product for

all the functionality of

the money.

the iPod is retained on

BEAT may not be a household name just yet,

the screen with the

but the value for money on offer from their

added advantage that

range of four head units, coupled with great

it recharges the iPod

functionality could well change that. For

while in use. Considering

dealers there are clearly excellent margins to

that hands free calling

be had, plus Connects2 are a highly reputable

and iPod compatibility

distributor already so dealers can order with

are essentially basic

confidence. With the upcoming release of the

needs for consumers

BEAT375 there truly is an affordable option for all

now, the BEAT375 is

of your customers within the relatively straight-

sure to be a hit; all the

forward range, so no matter what their in-car

features customers

entertainment requirements are BEAT can meet

want with a price

them. For more information on the BEAT range

they’re sure to love.

visit beat-audio.co.uk or alternatively contact

The remaining two

Connects2 on the details below and find out how

head units in the range

you can take advantage of these hard to beat

are both DVD players,

products.

the BEAT550 using

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MOBILEELECTRONICSNEWS.CO.UK

a small 3in TFT-LCD

Contact: Connects2, 0845 257 5588 or

monitor on the single

connects2.com

Digital Receiver Ad 125x180:Headrest Monitors Ad 125x180

5/6/09

12:21

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RAYNER RANTS

Rayner Rants

Adam Rayner muses on SIDs, CLODs and even SLITs and dreams of full automation….

OK, get a biscuit and cuppa and take a moment for this one, I need you in a contemplative mood….. Still here?

Good. OK, it’s the future, so far ahead that people refer to our era now as “back at the turn of the century, you know, the Noughties” and the technology that started as a bit of radar controlled super-duper cruise control in the Mercedes SL500 is now standard, far more advanced and hooked to a global telematics system that is increasing its detailed coverage every day. It is literally an era of self-driving cars. Soon, 90% of the population will be able to get into their car and tell it to go anywhere and it’ll do the rest from parked to parked.

phone springs into life, “So Adam, what’s a SID?” So of course I told him my two penn’orth about the octogenarian I saw on the local high street.

“So if anyone can produce a sort of device like a no-start-till-sober breathalyser, that can tell you if you are still of sound mind and body before it lets you drive off, they would make a mint.”

Solomon off X factor – ESSEX BIRD YAY TEAM! – sorry

Who in a series of French Curves had zoomed

but we are an Essex-based publication.)

backwards out of the Off The High Street car park and had to have her keys removed from the

And by then you shouldn’t be driving.

ignition by a passer by as she wheelspun against a hedge and onlookers were aghast.

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And that’s what I really wanted to rant

So if anyone can produce a sort of device like a

about. I was on the wireless today (BBC Radio

no-start-till-sober breathalyser, that can tell you if

Northampton on the phone in fact) asked to

you are still of sound mind and body before it lets

That’ll mean that every occupant is up for

talk about Senior Drivers. I call them SIDs or Senile

you drive off, they would make a mint. As long

infotainment (or work) and the computing power

Incompetent Drivers (and of course CLOD is a

as it becomes compulsory after the seventieth

will be awesome. The entirety of the accumulated

Centre Lane Owner-Driver who I also detest) and

birthday. SAGA holiday brochure cover man

knowledge of mankind, available via the aether,

the radio researcher had been white-hot. I was

bounding off the cliff to do a bomb into the sea

with every piece of music ever recorded available

told 1.20pm but worried not when the time came

would have no problem but those who can’t

to play. Mongolian Throat Singing, Inuit Chant or

and passed as radio has to ‘edit’ on the fly. It

follow the random series of control requests like

Punk? You’ll talk to the electronics or wave your

happens sometimes, the phone-in moves on and

wipers and indicators on and off to disarm the

hands around. It’s Knight Rider meets Tony Stark

they don’t call. But the phone does ring and a bit

SIDMobiliser, can’t go mow down a bus queue.

out of Iron Man. (Which if you haven’t seen it is a

hurried, the same researcher lass puts me on hold-

And I know I’m getting old as a new breed of

delicious slice of future tech imagination on the

with-the-station-feed-

stroppy young girl racer has really been getting

computing and display front!) The new thought

audible. Here’s what

on my tits, too. All the stupid recklessness of new

pulse controllers will be just coming out. Think left

she had lined up…

drivers but without the spatial awareness of their

and you’ll go left. (Again, Clint Eastwood in Firefox)

“So Erica, tell us about

less thoughtful and sensitively intuitive brethren,

Which is just as well, as you’ll be an old coffin

your husband?”

the boys. That’s SLITs for Silly Little Idiot Totties.

dodging git by then if you haven’t been gathered

“Yes, the DVLA wrote

(ducks to avoid thrown stilettos across office….)

to your fathers to face the irate souls in hell of

to him to take his

every punter you shamelessly switch-sold against

licence away as he

their better interests! (Or you could be in true audio

was diagnosed with

heaven, where everyone can sing like Stacey

Alzheimer’s…” And the

MOBILEELECTRONICSNEWS.CO.UK

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/ CAR AUDIO / SEMA SHOW

SEMA 2009

What were the mobile electronics industry upto at one of the world’s largest aftermarket events? M.E.N found out.

In the lead-up to this year’s SEMA show there were grunts of discontent amongst some. Rumours that major companies across all parts of the aftermarket were pulling out due to the financial reasons created a worry that the event wouldn’t be as good as previous year…although some claimed 2008’s event had felt smaller than usual anyway.

While it’s true that some major companies stayed away for 2009, including large car manufacturers

and huge tyre corporations, there was still a huge number turning up. Stands may have been smaller, but the crucial thing was that across the board there was support being shown for the event and therefore the industry. Judging by many reports there was also a sense of relief amongst many exhibitors that the worst of the economic downturn had happened…and quietly spoken, there were even hints of optimism for 2010.

For the mobile electronics market though there could be some concern. Big players in this industry had stayed away meaning that the area of the show devoted to mobile electronics and new technology was considerably depleted this year. Perhaps with the relatively close proximity of the Consumer Electronics Show at the same venue early next year, manufacturers had decided their marketing spend would be better used on an event more focused on what they do. On the flipside of this, some commentators on the event suggested

“Judging by many reports there was also a sense of relief amongst many exhibitors that the worst of the economic downturn had happened…and quietly spoken, there were even hints of optimism for 2010.”

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MOBILEELECTRONICSNEWS.CO.UK

that it actually meant some of the smaller

attention were to do with diagnostics and

players with quite innovative ideas managed

monitoring via OBD II, which, while relevant,

to get in on the limelight, and that this could

isn’t what all dealers want to be hearing about.

well be a good thing. Certainly there were

Hopefully C.E.S will see the big guns roll out in

some smaller players getting in on the act, but

force and show the world what they’ve been

innovative products on the audio side of things

upto in the tail end of 2009, but until then read

were in short supply. Most of the items getting

on to get the pick of the action from SEMA 2009.

TECH OF SEMA 2009 Garmin Nuvi ESP Module

CARS OF SEMA 2009

This little box will plug into the OBD II diagnostics port and feed information via Bluetooth to the Garmin Nuvi GPS system on the dash. Users can then view a set of customizable gauges, view and clear fault codes when the Check Engine light comes on, and monitor real-time fuel economy and emissions data. The unit also provides data logging for users who want to track their performance and interfaces with the EcoRoutes software that’s already present on current Garmin devices

Naturally there was the usual mix of cars at the event,

PowerSafe Jumper Cables

the domestic market muscle cars as always one of the

It may be something you’d want to consider stocking and certainly got some press attention.

The PowerSafe Jumper Cables have a small electronic brain midway through the cables’ length that monitors the state of the connections and only lets power flow when everything is hooked up just right, adding the sort of safety that makes you think “why hasn’t anyone thought of this before?”.

dominant features, especially with the new Camaro catching the attention of companies in that sector.

Surprisingly there weren’t the masses of European cars on

“It’s always tough to call what the particular trends at SEMA are but greener cars continue to rise in stature at the event.”

display outside of the high-end exotica of Lamborghinis or M-Powered BMWs, which is unusual as

previous years had started to see increased interest in the likes of the Mk5 Golf. Perhaps the number of Nissan GT-Rs on show as well as the Hyundai Genesis Coupe and Nissan 370Z demo cars are proving that the Far East really know what the American crowd want. The Hyundai Genesis is certainly worthy of note, a fine looking, rear wheel drive coupe with the choice of 2-litre turbo or V6 powerplants that will hopefully come to the UK. On the other side of things Ford were actually demonstrating the new Fiesta’s capabilities to the Americans in the front parking lot, which is good news for the aftermarket here. In fact, if the Fiesta takes off in the USA the cross-over benefits could be great for the aftermarket in general, both here and there. Smaller cars are clearly winning favour still across the pond, the Scion brand once again being the basis for some of the coolest styled projects at the show, while the likes of the Kia Soul, Toyota Yaris and Smart car were all getting their greener credentials in on the act. It’s always tough to call what the particular trends at SEMA are but greener cars continue to rise in stature at the event. Other trends would certainly point towards the more outlandish finishes being produced for alloy wheels along with interesting paint finishes, whether they appear in vinyl format or not. Whatever the trends are though, there’s plenty of inspiration to be had from the cars on display, and maybe gives some food for thought for 2010 demo cars?

Grote Industries’ LightForm These flexible, thin strips of LED lights are designed to go anywhere, pliable into numerous shapes and able to bend around corners. They can even be sewn directly into fabric making them a potential winner for those looking to build eye-catching installs (this picture doesn’t do the product justice obviously!)

Sharpvision 7in Quad View Screen Chinese company Sharpvision Co. Ltd showed of this 7in TFT LCD monitor with built-in quad processor. Single, dual, triple, quad-view and picture in picture functions are all possible.

DashDAQ DashDAQ had a few new products on display, perhaps the most relevant one being the DashDAQ-Nav which, as they say now gives “the most powerful monitoring device” the power of turn-by-turn GPS navigation.

Gentex Rear Camera Display Auto Dimming Mirror As the title suggests this rear view mirror has a 2.4in monitor built in that shows what’s behind you when reversing, the glass going back to clear when forward gears are selected. Comes with a three year warranty too which is nice.

GoPod Essentially the sort of product you could keep by the counter as an impulse buy, the GoPod is designed to fit into cup holders and keep iPods or phones nicely secure from falling around the cabin.

Realm 12in Sub From Scosche Industries this is another subwoofer looking to reduce it’s space-hogging nature. The 12incher is half the typical depth of subwoofers in its class.

Mini Coyote The Mini-Coyote is a GPS Speed Camera Alert System that is always up to date and offers user input of mobile cameras for the benefit of the miniCoyote Community.

MOBILEELECTRONICSNEWS.CO.UK

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35

MEN EXPO 2010

Once again 2010’s M.E.N Expo is set to be the trade show that shouldn’t be missed. This time there will be one dedicated trade-only day on Monday 8th March, meaning that you the dealer can take the opportunity to see the manufacturers’ new launches and catch up

M.E.N Expo returns for 2010, and it’s set for even bigger things this time around!

with existing suppliers all under one roof. Taking place at the central location of Stoneleigh Park near Coventry, support from the industry has been high with many exhibitors already confirmed. The likes of Alpine and Kenwood will also be using the event to launch their 2010 line-ups so that’s something dealers shouldn’t miss, while there are sure to be opportunities to speak with your suppliers and work out profitable ways to work together over the coming year. If you can’t make it on the Monday though, the show can also be visited on the Sunday, where the doors are thrown open to the public for the first time under the Auto Sound & Style show. As dealers you’ll be eligible for free entry to the event providing you register beforehand, plus there are other benefits to be had too which are detailed further down this page.

Thanks to the feedback from exhibitors at previous M.E.N Expo events, 2010 will see an exciting new development for the show; a consumer day. Taking place on Sunday 7th March all of the exhibitors will be able to show off their products to the end user in a totally unique setting. No other consumer show places such emphasis on products, but from the comments we’ve received, this is exactly what the industry needs. It’s crucial to remember that products are often pushed to the side at shows, which doesn’t help manufacturers or dealers to create enthusiasm for them, but this event is sure to do so. Naturally dealers are also invited to this day and can gain free entry so long as they pre-register, making it perfect if you can’t make it on the Monday. On top of

CONFIRMED EXHIBITORS SO FAR:

Taking place on Sunday 7th March all of the exhibitors will be able to show off their products to the end user in a totally unique setting.

that there are free Auto Sound & Style packs that you can take advantage of.

These will be sent out with orders from event sponsors Connects2, or alternatively you can apply for a pack directly from us.

Inside is a poster to

promote the event plus VIP tickets that you can sell on to valued customers at your own profit (£10 per ticket!). There are also promotional air fresheners to give away to customers as an extra bonus. The consumer day will have lots going on, including the exhibitors from the tuning and styling world in the other hall, so not only could it be a useful way for dealers to talk with manufacturers and supplies, it’s also set to be a great family day out.

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8 MARCH 2010 th

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lucy@creativemedialtd.co.uk

DALTEC

Are You Wasting Money?

Daltec believe they could save installers money in an area they often overlook.

Dealers need to make a healthy margin on products to make a profit and manufacturers and distributors know this. That’s why they constantly try to make sure their products are not only attractive to you in terms of what they offer your customers, but also attractive to you in terms of what those margins are. In fact, some of you will place orders with specific distributors based on the better margins on offer compared to their competitors, which proves at least one thing… you’re careful about how you spend your money.

that area too. “At Daltec we aim to not only provide our customers with what they ask for, but also keep them informed of new and upcoming innovations to help them bring in business especially in these quieter times,” they commented, “with standard hands-free kits dropping in demand in favour of music streaming systems, we have pushed forward with solutions for installers and suppliers to allow for fitment in the highest range of vehicles. Our aim is to stay with and ahead of the times to help our customers get the best from the market”.

So with a forward thinking attitude to ensure that dealers

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But do you think in such detail about the everyday

over the odds at other supply outlets for their peripherals.

are one step ahead of the game when it comes to the

consumables that installing mobile electronics entails?

But don’t just take our word for it, take a look at our

latest hands-free products, coupled with the impressive

Daltec certainly believe that many of you may overlook

catalogue and then compare the pricing with your last

savings they can provide on those peripheral products,

this area, saying “we don’t just concentrate on the

consumables bill!”.

isn’t it time you gave them a call? Daltec realise that

new and the fantastic, we also supply the bare bones

Daltec are confident that their range of consumables are

keeping dealers happy and profitable is the key to their

solutions that all our customers need to tick along,

not only comprehensive but also much more affordable

success and certainly have everything in place to make

with our very comprehensive range of consumables at

than many other suppliers’ offerings, which can free up

that happen. If you would like to get hold of their latest

extremely competitive prices.” They go on to add, “most

your income and ultimately make a big impact on the

catalogue and check out the prices of those consumable

of our account holders have cut their normal monthly

profitability of your business. However, they’re also keen

items yourself, or would like to talk to them about any of

consumables bill by 50 percent, saving themselves

to point out that it isn’t just that side of their business that

their products, give them a shout on the details below

hundreds of pounds in the process. We do find it quite

should be attracting dealers. Many of you will know the

and prepare to be impressed.

strange that some customers will haggle for 50p on a

Daltec name for the vast range of hands-free devices

car kit, but don’t think twice at paying four or five times

that they supply and they continue to forge forward in

MOBILEELECTRONICSNEWS.CO.UK

Contact: Daltec, 0208 515 7820 or dal-tec.com

Burnt out?

There’s nothing new about feeling burnt-out, charred and cheated, but when business is far from hot, you need to be ready to make the most of every deal on the street. And work with the best people to help you with the products, support and commitment to get you through.

As others pull out or pull back, Clarion remains the most experienced, sustained and committed brand to the UK aftermarket, and to its appointed dealers. Red hot in fact.

Want to know more? Call 01793 870400, or e-mail active@clarion.co.uk and we’ll e-mail you a free copy of Clarion Active, the dealer guide to get you on the road to better business. Clarion (UK) Ltd, Unit 1, Marshall Road, Hillmead, Swindon SN5 5YU

FITAS

FITAS for Fitters

The FCS Installer Training and Accreditation Scheme is aiming to improve standards and get customers coming to you with confidence.

“Promoting and maintaining best practice for invehicle comms installation” is the aim set out by the Federation of Communication Services with their FITAS scheme. Essentially what FITAS looks set to be is the industry accreditation scheme standard for the fitters of communication devices in cars.

FITAS is based on the updated installation code of practice, FCS 1362, using continuous training to ensure that FITAS accredited fitters are at the top of their game and leaving behind them a trail of satisfied customers, while upping the credibility of the industry at the same time.

plus VAT, but the moment the second phase of training is complete, installers can advertise themselves as FITAS accredited, which could prove to be an excellent investment as this accreditation becomes the de facto industry standard.

So what does all this actually mean then? The motivation of the scheme is to train installers of in-vehicle comms to a level that can give both employers and customers confidence in their work. Aside from the technical knowhow the FITAS accredited installers will gain they also sign up to the FITAS member code, which highlights good workmanship, service, guarantees on their work, advertising through the proper means and complaint handling and

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and confident. Last of

rectification. Ultimately this is great news for

all, applicants must have

the industry as it not only helps installers gain

the MESF’s Certificate

crucial skills but it provides a great benchmark

1 (basic installation)

for employers looking for new staff, and in turn

qualification although,

should help improve the experience of the end

if they haven’t attained

customer thereby increasing the credibility of

this, FITAS will incorporate

the market in the process. Despite the scheme

this as the first training

being aimed at fitters of communication

element of the scheme

devices into vehicles FITAS claim that this is a

(as MESF are their official

relatively generic field as the boundaries are

training partner).

continuously getting blurred now (Bluetooth

The next stage in training

hands-free in head units for example). Added

is to demonstrate the

to that is the fact the scheme is regularly

installer’s knowledge of

reviewed to allow for advancements in

the code of practice in

technology and will continue to evolve for the

The accreditation process is relatively straight-

line with FCS1362 by undergoing a specially

needs of the industry. Support has already been

forward. Applicants to the scheme need to

written training module which has been

given by some major names in the market such

have either worked in continuous employment

incorporated into the MESF training at their

as Parrot, Blackberry, Motorola and ifitstuff.com

in the sector for two years or alternatively have

Certificate 2 level. Once this is completed a

and if the rest of the industry gets behind it then

a qualification like an NVQ or City and Guilds

fitter is awarded FITAS accreditation although

hopefully we’ll have something very valuable

that has been gained within the last five years.

they also undertake to be subject to live

that can add a level of credibility which only a

The aim of this is to make sure it is experienced

auditing, once within every three year cycle of

scheme like this can give. For more information

fitters entering the scheme although the FCS

membership and unscheduled on-line testing.

on how you or your staff can sign up to the

are also currently thinking of apprentice routes

The MESF Certificate 2 examination must also

scheme and start on the route to becoming

into FITAS for people such as school leavers.

be retaken in every three year cycle to ensure

FITAS accredited contact FCS on the details

On top of this applicants need to have current

the fitter is up-to-date with any updates that

below.

and appropriate public liability and either

may have occurred to cater for what is, as we

product liability or defective workmanship

all know, a fast-moving industry with constant

Contact: Michael Eagle or Stuart

insurance, which re-enforces the scheme’s aim

new innovations. To sign up to the scheme

Charlesworth at FCS, 0208 249 6363 or visit

of keeping both fitters and the public covered

there is a minimal charge of just £20 per month

www.fitas.org.uk

MOBILEELECTRONICSNEWS.CO.UK

Fast Car and Redline readers spend over £26 million on car audio every year On average, that's over £529 per reader of Fast Car, and £583 per reader of Redline.* Make sure you get your slice of the market!

To speak to one of the Performance Automotive advertising team, call Steve Grigg, Mike Pyatt, Paul Guest or Emily Smith, on 01225 442244 *Data from Fast Car and Redline Reader Research, April 2009

RAAM

RAAMmat BXTII

The difference between rattly French farm cars and a Bentley is the sense of Splendid Isolation.

Adam Rayner investigates the latest sound deadening product to hit the UK

There are those who would give a testicle to have my job. I do get to go poncing about the planet (Japan, ‘Vegas, Canada, Germany, France, Greece, Iceland and Belgium on press trips) and all over the UK on stories and press events. But just sometimes it can backfire on you! It might seem really cool to go and see the McLaren production facility and how they make their supercars but while I came out with many really cool bits of technology (Google ‘Inconnell’ - the exhaust manifold of an F1 cost more than a whole BMW seven series) the whole experience was ultimately demoralising. Looking that deeply into a world I can never inhabit was actually depressing.

fan can buy. What we have here is the BXT mat in it’s MkII guise, which is a about a slightly higher, denser spec. It’s 40% denser than their first version and apparently that now means it is at least as dense as the ‘branded’ gears’ top lines.

It’s got a nice thick and yet soft and squishy Aluminium foil on the surface which, as well as being a crucial part of the absorptive powers of the stuff, is also a lot more installer friendly as those who have cut fingers on the edge of foils doing cars in the past will know! The idea is that a significant amount of the sound energy is converted to other kinds at the junction between the dense yet pliable bottom layer and the foil.

And the trip to see the McLaren Mercedes being made was even worse. Engineering as Art!

RAAMmat BXTII is available in large twelve sheet packs of 37.5 square feet and will retail between £180 and £200, which is way lower than many other brands. The full on techy analysis is called

But one thing astounded me on that first factory

Fast Fourier Analysis and takes a science lab

tour, which was to see that they were sticking

to do it, although I have done comparative

small pieces of Dynamat’s lightest and most

tests with bits of mat and a cymbal and an old

efficient vibration-absorptive matting in small

rubber armoured steel ball from a mouse, with a

carefully-located spots inside the gold leaf-lined

stopwatch in the past!

engine bay. Now this is on a car where boss Ron

The real deal for the trade is it’s an upgrade sale

Dennis was recorded as objecting to the one

to anyone who ever bought an amp or sub and

and a half kilos of weight the knobbly protective

you can be supplying their need with a new,

paint underneath the carbon fibre body cost!

better value product with a nice margin as chewy

Funny thing was, the then distributors BBG

as the mat itself.

couldn’t rave about it, unless they paid McLaren

It’s a Good Product, I’d rate at least an Eight.

BIG for the privilege!

‘feel’ and a posh motor is in the sound. It’s in

For the difference between a cheap car’s

the enveloped feel you get in old fashioned menswear shops with suits on racks lining the walls and the sense of the world simply ‘going away’ when you shut yourself into a really nice car. Best of all, the equipment you have, whatever it is, will work less hard to entertain you if you improve the noise floor of the ride. Less noise, more music.

The really big story with RAAMmat seems to be its cost effectiveness versus many of the more famous ones. And sound deadening has always been described as the most cost effective upgrade any ice

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MOBILEELECTRONICSNEWS.CO.UK

www.raamaudio.co.uk or call Aaron on 07707 080040

the result of many years of development, testing and installation, raammat bxt ii is designed for maximum effectiveness and ease of application. raammat bxt ii is a premium butyl mat.

DisTRiBuToRs oF WoRlD ClAss in CAR enTeRTAinMenT soluTions raammat bxt ii has landed! after a long wait, and lots of hard work, raammat bxt ii has finally landed in the uk for the first time. the new bxt ii is even better than the old product… easier to apply, doesn’t cut your fingers due to the soft aluminium top used, and the same good value for money.

temperature rating

adhesive/ damping layer butyl based

guaranteed to 250°f

square feet per pack 37.5

raam audio: exclusive uk distributor for raammat and raam line products RAAMline FoAM

RAAMMAT BXT ii

raamline, a very durable, light weight, closed cell foam is the ideal sound absorbing material for automotive applications. most products sold for this purpose are outrageously expensive leading many diyers to use inferior materials that do the job, but can’t stand up to your car’s harsh environment.

the days of using industrial-strength solvents, heat guns and rollers are over! raammat bxt ii satisfies car audio competitors while being easy enough for the casual diy installer wanting to dramatically improve the sound of their audio system and reduce road and engine noise

w: www.raamaudio.co.uk t: +44(0)1732 457762 m: 07707 080040 e: info@raamaudio.co.uk raamaudio uk ltd, 25 the drive, sevenoaks, kent, tn13 3ab

DEALERS

INSTANT EXPERT

Skoda octavia vRS 2009

OK, you will be thinking for a while how to remove the radio, but fear not,

8 There isn’t an ignition supply at the rear of the radio, therefore we

we will show you the way……

found an ignition supply located at the fuse box. To route the cable easily, remove the panel in front of the driver’s legs. Start by removing

1 To start, the stereo looks like this:

the drivers end panel and then the light switch housing. (The clips are shown below):

2 Remove the silver facia that surrounds the stereo and heater control unit, and then unclip the facia of the radio as shown below:

9 Leaving this and showing the torx screw that requires removing. There is also another torx screw on the left of the steering wheel behind a small piece of

3 The clip locations are shown here:

trim, along with another 3 running along the bottom of the panel:

4 The stereo is secured by 4 torx screws located in each corner of the radio

10 We have since found out to save damage to the light switch trim and

which need to be removed. Release the radio and unplug the quadlock

remove the whole switch, push the turn button into the dash and turn slight to

connector and aerial leads:

the left and pull the whole switch out!

5 The vents and cubby box above the radio can also be easily removed to help routing the quadlock loom over and above the stereo housing:

Completed installation:

6 The interior light is the same as the older VW’s and is removed in the same

Overall installation time: 60 minutes.

way. Remove the clear lens, then the 2 x Phillips screws, pull back the spring

Kit installed: THB Bury

clips on both sides and drop the whole light:

Autolead: 06-976B Dashmount: 711330 (Same as Golf MK VI)

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7 To run the microphone lead behind the ‘A’ pillar pop out the ‘Airbag’

Installation & advice: Calum Cole (Total Car Kits), Vernon Craig (Freedom

cover and remove the screw, this will then allow you to route the cable

Installations) & Jason Reynolds (Rencom)

behind the airbag:

Compiled by: Vernon Craig: www.freedominstallations.co.uk 07813303398

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MOBILEELECTRONICSNEWS.CO.UK

www.mobileelectronicsnews.co.uk DIRECTORY

For as little as £17 per month, you can list your

company details here. For more information, contact

0870 444 3531 or e-mail info@creativemedialtd.co.uk

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20:20 Mobile Contact: Marc James T: 01270 411838 E: marc.james@2020mobile.com W: www.2020mobile.com Brands: Nokia, IO, BlackBerry, Sony Ericcson, Jabra, Motorola, LG

BF.UK (The Bass Factory Ltd) Contact: John Nutting T: 01902 458 010 E: bf.uk@hotmail.co.uk W: www.bfuk.zoomshare.com Brands: Custom built bass boxes made to manufacturers specifications for all makesof subwoofers. Plus large Universal range. All made in the U.K.

Alpine Electronics of UK Ltd Contact: Keith Holness T: +44 (0) 2476 719623 E: support@alpine-electronics.co.uk W: www.alpine-electronics.co.uk Brands: Alpine

Blaupunkt T: 01895 838880 E: blaupunktsales@uk.bosch.com W: www.blaupuntkt.com/uk Brands: Blaupunkt, Velocity

Armour Automotive Limited Contact: Sales T: 0800 783 9125 E: sales@armourauto.com W: www.armourauto.com Brands: Autoleads, CTi, iO, Mutant, Radiomobile, Veba, Clifford, Kicker, Orion, Hornet, Viper.

Anglia Fleet Services T: 01493 888017 M: 07760196088 W: www.angliafleetservices.co.uk E: james@angliafleetservices.co.uk Brands: Anglia Fleet Services Ltd offer a One stop shop. Vehicle Conversions Specialists. Customer operations and national vehicle installation services of the highest quality including a wide range of accessories such as Racking, Roof Racks, Tow Bars, Graphics, Van Vaults, Bulkheads, Light Bars, Beacons, Hands Free kits, Tracker, Sat Navs.

Audiovox Incaar Systems GmbH Contact: Ian Rosevear T: 01483 722531 E: ian.r@audiovoxincaarsystems.com W: www.audiovoxincaarsystems.com Brands: AIS, Incaar Audio Wave LTD Contact: Grant Hanan T: +44 (0) 1702 589722 E: grant@audiowaveltd.com W: www.audiowaveltd.com Brands: Audio Wave - Handcrafted bespoke amplifiers Audiopipe Contact: Pav / REJJY T: 01604 601500 / +44 (0) 7810652661 E: pavkapoor@hotmailcom W: www.caraudiosupplies.com Brands: Audiopipe, Earthquake & Mobile Spec

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Cobra Automotive Technologies UK Ltd Contact: Helen Richardson T: +44 (0) 1932 772400 E: salesuk@cobra-at.com W: www.cobravehiclesecurity.co.uk Brands: Cobra, Cobratrak, Rosen, Entertainment Systems Commercial Electronics Contact: Salim Ali T: +44 (0)208 404 7105 F: +44 (0) 208 404 7104 E: sales@hawkcaralarm.com W: www.hawkcaralarm.com www.demonalarm.com Brands: Designed & engineered in UK. Est. over 25 years.

OEM service available. Hawk Car Alarm, Hawk Reversing Angel, Hawk Motorcycle Alarm, Hawk GPS, Demon Alarm, Demon iReversing , Demon Motorcycle Alarm, Demon Tracking.

Bravox Audio (Hexen A.D) Contact: Ajay Maisuria T: +44 (0) 20 8904 7099 E: sales@bravox.co.uk W: www.bravoxaudio.com, www.bsaaudio.com Brands: Bravox & BSA Speaker Systems

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Car Audio Security Contact: Reno or Allan T: 08707 220011 E: support@caraudiosecurity.com W: www.caraudiosecurity.com / www.jblcaraudio.co.uk Brands: UK Wholesaler for JBL, Infinity & Harman Kardon.

Authorised Dealers for: Alpine, Kenwood, Pioneer, Sony, JVC, Vibe, Fli, Boss Audio, Orion, Clifford, Snooper, Hertz, Rainbow, Fusion

Connects2 Contact: Andrew Simner T: 0845 257 5588 F: 0121 522 5589 E: sales@connects2.com W: www.connects2.com Brands: Connects2 – Interface solutions for O.E.M and after market systems, Includingadapters for iPod, USB, MP3, CD, MD, Aux, Stalk inc CAN-Bus, Stalk &Display, Telemute, Parrot and MOST fibre optic iPod & Bluetooth hands free interfaces

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Car Audio Supplies Ltd Contact: Pav / Rejjy T: 01604 601500 / +44 (0) 7810652661 Email address: pavkapoor@hotmail.com W: www.caraudiosupplies.com Brands: Earthquake, Audiopipe & Mobile Spec Canm8 Ltd Contact: Colin Palmer T: 08452266283 E: SALES@CANM8.COM Brands: Canm8 range of can bus interfaces can bus custom design

Daltec AI Ltd Contact: Peter Dallas T: 0208 515 7820 E: sales@dal-tec.com W: www.dal-tec.com Brands: Authorised distributers for Dice IPod, Dension, Steelmate, THB Bury, Nokia, Brodit, Bluetooth car kits and much more…..

Dashmount Contact: Steve Taylor T: +44 (0) 208 391 1911 E: steve.taylor@dashmount.co.uk W: www.dashmount.co.uk Brands: Dashmount

CSS GROUP (Car Sound Supplies Ltd) Contact: Mick Barber T: 01332 669920 E: sales@carsoundsupplies.co.uk W: www.carsoundsupplies.co.uk Brands: UK Distributors for PARKSAFE (www.parksafeuk.co.uk) - ONYX AUDIO - CLIMAX AUDIO - WATERMARK - GT ALARMS, Meta Distribution,Main inporter for CSS Sub boxes, Parcel Shelves, Accoustic Carpet, Facia`s, ISO /SOT Leads, RCA leads, I-POD Steering control convertor leads, Parking sensors, Reverse camara, ICE Products, Amp Kits. Parrott, Nokia, Bluetooth Phone Kits.

Directed Electronics Contact: Armour Automotive T: 01420 476 767 E: Customerservices@directed-uk.com W: www.directed.com Brands: Clifford, Viper, Hornet, Avital, West Coast Customs, Directed Audio, Orion, Directed Video, Directed Mobile Media

Automonitor Mobile Multimedia Ltd Contact: Hugh J McTernan T: +44 (0) 116 275 2020 E: sales@automonitor.co.uk W: www.automonitor.co.uk Brands: Automonitor, SAVV, Necvox, Visteon and Vizualogic

Cellular Trade Accessories (CTA) Contact: Sales T: 01296 425831 E: sales@tradeaccessories.com W: www.tradeaccessories.com Brands: Nokia, Sony Ericsson, Parrot, Motorola, Autoleads, Scorpion, Jabra

Drive Contact: Ben May T: +44 (0) 1943 882724 E: bmay@imcopex.co.uk W: www.drive-imcopex.co.uk Brands: IO Play, Hirschmann, Brodit, Bloomice, Steelmate, Plantronics, Parrot, Nokia, Sony Ericsson, Motorola, Siemans, THB Bury, Autoleads, Visorblade, Wallen, Plantronics, Road Pilot Micro Go, Laser Park Pro, Snooper, Smartnav, Trackstar, Connects2, Antenna’s, Consumables

Automotive Styling Contact: Mark Scarff T: 0208 863 8333 E: enquiries@automotivestyling.co.uk W: www.automotivestyling.co.uk Brands: C-KO, NESA, NECVOX, VST, DAS, Eurologics

Celsus UK Limited Contact Name: Sales T: 01202 664 390 E: sales@celsusice.co.uk W: www.celsusice.co.uk Brands: Celsus, Stinger, Calearo, JL Audio, MTX Audio, Dynamat, CAN Bus

Drivesync - Tracking Contact: Andrew Marsden T: 01162 449846 E: sales@celtrade.com W: www.celtrade.com Brands: Drivesync - Tracking.

Axis Contact: Chris Woods T: 0870 350 2460 E: chris@fouraxis.co.uk W: www.fouraxis.co.uk Brands: DLS, CDT Audio, Massive Audio, Skinz

CEL Trade Contact: Andrew Marsden T: 01162 449846 E: sales@celtrade.com W: www.celtrade.com Brands: Becker, Blaupunkt, DriveSync, Garmin, Navman, Road Angel, Snooper, Sony, TomTom

Dynamat see Celsus for contact details

Avian Mobile Ltd Contact: Simon Price T: 020 8605 2743 / 07860 556640 E: simon.price@avianmobile.co.uk W: www.avianmobile.co.uk Brands: Nationwide Installation Services - One stop shop for manufacturers of telematics and handsfree devices looking for a national solution that incorporates forward and reverse logistics with warehousing, customer operations and national vehicle installation services of the highest quality

Chameleon Codewing Ltd Contact: Kent Stabler T: 01206 500 848 M: 07702 565100 E: sales@thechameleongroup.co.uk W: www.chameleondirect.com Brands: Authorised Distributor for THB Bury, Parrot, Motorola, Kram Radio Mutes, Scorpion, Dashmount, Brodit, Steelmate, Alpine, Kenwood, Snooper & Nokia. Plus Trade & Corporate Nationwide installation.

Bazooka (Flagship Products) Contact: Greg Morris T: +44 (0) 20 8838 8844 E: sales@flagship-products.co.uk W: www.bazooka.com Brands: Bazooka, Morel

Clarion (GB) Limited Contact: Sales at Clarion T: +44 (0) 1793 870400 F: +44 (0) 1793 875881 E: info@clarion.co.uk W: www.clarion.co.uk Brands: Clarion

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Earthquake Contact: Pav / REJJY T: 01604801500 / +44 (0) 7810652661 E: pavkapoor@hotmail.com W: www.caraudiosupplies.com Brands: Earthquake, Audiopipe & Mobile Spec Electronics Worldwide Ltd Contact: Chris Williams T: +44 (0) 800 083 1893 +44 (0) 1928 759239 E: chris@electronics-worldwide.com W: www.electronics-worldwide.com Brands: Falcon Alarms Systems, DE Multimedia Fli Audio T: 0870 765 8423 E: dealers@midbass.co.uk W: www.fliaudio.co.uk Brands: Fli Focal See Armour for contact details

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DIRECTORY Follow Us Contact: Martin Brown T: 0871 425 4422 E: martin@followus.co.uk This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it W: www.followus.co.uk Brands: GPS Tracking and Mobile Phone Tracking

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Fusion Electronics UK Ltd Contact: Roy Bryan T: 01268 889580 E: fusionUK@fusionelectronics.com W: www.fusionelectronics.com Brands: Fusion

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Gemini Security Direct UK Ltd Contact: Kelly Pee T: +44 (0) 1354 695 946 E: k.pee@gemini-alarm.com W: www.gemini-alarm.com Brands: Manufacture of Car Alarms, Can-bus, Wireless Sensors, Parking Sensors Cellular Accessories.

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Becker (Harman Becker) Contact: Anthony Mills T: 07971 526616 E: anthony.mills@harman.com W: www.mybecker.com Brands: Becker

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SmarTrack Ltd - Global Telemetrics Contact: Andrew Newman T: 0845 833 6971 – 07787 106493 E: andy.n@smartrack.uk.net w: www.smartrack.eu Brands: SmarTrack – MotoTrak – TOADTRAK - uTrack Snooper Contact: Welshboy T: 0845 230 7077 E: welshboy@roadnetuk.com Brands: Snooper

Panorama Antennas Ltd Contact: John Thomson T: +44 (0) 20 8877 4444 E: enquiry@panorama-antennas.com W: www.panorama-antennas.com Brands: Design & Manufacture of antennas to suit DAB, GSM/ UMTS, Mobile Radio & Wireless Networking Technologies

Parrot UK Limited T: 0844 472 2360 E: sales.uk@parrot.com W: www.parrot.com Brands: Parrot

STB Online Contact: Simon T: 01903 732775 / 07773 374927 E: sales@stbo.co.uk Brands: Oxygen Audio Steelmate Automotive (UK) Ltd Contact: Kevin Kay T: 01582 475677 E: sales@steel-mate.co.uk W: www.steel-mate.co.uk Brands: Steelmate Parking sensors, Autolight, Audio products Streetwires See BBG Distribution Ltd for contact details

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Performance Products Contact: Jason Ballard T: 0870 787 0700 E: jballard@snooper.eu W: www.performanceproducts.co.uk Brands: Snooper

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Roadnet Automotive Contact: Simon T: 0845 230 7077 E: info@roadnet.uk.com Brands: Laser Star, Snooper , Road Angel, Origin, Blinder, Photoblocker Road Angel Contact: WelshBoy T: 0845 230 7077 E: welshboy@roadnetuk.com Brands: Road Angel

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SatNav Systems Ltd Contact: Tomasz Slaski T: +44 (0) 208 8700267 E: info@satnavsystems.com W: www.satnavsystems.com Brands: Audi, Volkswagen, Skoda, Seat

Tech-Tronics Ltd Contact: Steve Coates / Paul McKenna T: 0844 372 3003(Lo-Call)/ 0161 869 0050 E: enquiries@tech-tronics.co.uk W: www.tech-tronics.co.uk Brands: Suppliers of remote controls and immobiliser keys for car security systems, garage, gate and shutter systems.

Mobile installation service of vehicle security, tracking systems, bluetooth car kits, parking sensors, tow bars, window tinting and in-car entertainment.

Trafficmaster PLC Contact Name: Steve Dandy T: +44 (0) 7740 718654 E: steve.dandy@trafficmaster.co.uk W: www.trackstar.co.uk / www.smartnav.com Brands: Trackstar & Smartnav

ProgressiveICE.com T: 0871 871 9747 E: sales@progressiveICE.com W: www.progressiveICE.com Brands: Audiovox InCaar Systems, Becker, c~quence, Dension, Flash2pass, i-sotec, Parkology, Paser, Vizualogic

Kenwood Electronics UK Limited T: +44 (0) 1923 816444 E: enquiries@kenwood-electronics.co.uk W: www.kenwood-electronics.co.uk Brands: Kenwood Locks4Vans Ltd Contact: Sales T: +44 (0) 1474 560077 F: +44 (0) 1474 561112 E: sales@locks4vans.co.uk W: www.locks4vans.co.uk Brands: L4V, Diablock, Bodyguard, Containerlock, Deadlocks, Slamlocks, Defender

Select Products Contact: Matt T: 01233 62 32 36 E: matt@selectproducts.co.uk W: www.selectproducts.com Brands: Select Products

Origin Technologies Ltd Contact: Steve Doyle T: 0203 010 1000 E: steve@pogogps.com W: www.pogogps.com Brands: Pogo and Origin

Paragon Contact: Mike Poole T: +44 (0) 845 33 00 600 E: info@paragoncaraudio.com W: www.paragoncaraudio.com Brands: Connects 2, TR Speed Detectors, Alpine, Kenwood, Pioneer, Sony, JVC, Clarion, JBL, Infinity, Nokia Car Kits, Autoleads, ICD

InCar Expert Contact: Kevin O’Byrne T: 0118 9701612 E: admin@incarexpert.co.uk W: www.incarexpert.co.uk Brands: Shared online mall for In-car Specialists. Backed by the MMSA

JKM Entertainment Limited Contact: Matthew Wing T: 01298 808230 E: g4@jkmentertainment.com W: www.jkmentertainment.com Brands: JKM G4 (Double Din Car PC) and JKM S3 (Single Din Car PC)

Navman Contact: Andrew Marsden T: 01162 449846 E: sales@celtrade.com W: www.celtrade.com Brands: Navman Novus Systems Ltd Contact: Nigel Carter T: 0845 659 0959 E: info@novusgps.com W: www.novusgps.comm Brands: Novus speed camera detectors

In-CarPC Ltd Contact: David Hitchings T: 0117 972 1775 E: sales@in-carpc.co.uk W: www.in-carpc.co.uk Brands: In-CarPC, Mini Intel Atom Automotive PC, Mini Intel Core 2 Duo Automotive PC, Mini Via C7 Automotive PC, Pico Automotive PC

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Scorpion Automotive Ltd Contact: Petra T: 01257 249928 E: info@scorpionauto.com W: www.scorpionauto.com Brands: Scorpion Security, Scorpion Parking Systems, Scorpion Stolen Vehicle Recovery Systems, Scorpion Cellular Accessories, Scorpion Multi Media, Scorpion Reversing Cameras

MTX See Celsus for contact details

Hambro Cavendish Group Contact: WelshBoy T: 0845 230 7077 E: welshboy@roadnetuk.com Brands: Laser Star, Snooper , Road Angel, Origin, Blinder, Photoblocker

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Sailes Marketing Ltd Contact: Matthew Sailes T: +44 (0) 1386 554210 E: info@sailesmarketing.com W: www.sailesmarketing.com Brands: Manufacturer and Distributor of CAN Bus interfaces, Electronic Interfaces, Automotive Transducers, Data Logging Systems and SpeedWatc

Morel (Flagship Products) Contact: Greg Morris T: +44 (0) 20 8838 8844 E: sales@flagship-products.co.uk W: www.morelhifi.com Brands: Morel, Bazooka

Four Contact: Jas Dahele/Brian Parton T: 0845 450 1594 E: info@fourcars.co.uk W: www.fourcars.co.uk Brands: Audiocontrol, Audison, Hertz, Rainbow, Connection & Poket Frequency Telecom Ltd Contact: Stephen Donovan T: 020 8397 2222 E: s.donovan@frequencytelecom.co.uk W: www.frequencytelecom.co.uk Brands: Jelly Communications, CleverKit.com, UK Car Kits.co.uk

Mobile Media Specialist Association Ltd Contact: Kevin O’Byrne T: 0118 9701612 E: admin@mmsa.org.uk W: www.mmsa.org.uk Brands: The trade association of independent specialist retailers

Twd LTD Contact Name: Smudge T: 07980 594 579 F: 01902 863 999 W: www.twdlimited.co.uk Brands: Crunch, Hifonics, MB Quart, Toxic, Audiobahn

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Valeo Service (UK) Ltd Contact: Jim Worland / Ian Dore T: 01527 83 83 00 E: vsuk-enquiries@valeo.com W: www.valeoservice.com Brands: Driving Enhancements Vibe Audio T: 0870 765 8423 E: dealers@midbass.co.uk W: www.vibeaudio.co.uk Brands: Vibe

For less than £17 per month, you can list your company details here. For more information, contact 01268 754 897 or e-mail info@creativemedialtd.co.uk 46

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