DECEMBER 2011
ALPINE’S SPY IN THE SKY X5 DEMO CAR WITH TOPVIEW CAMERAS
INSIDE
FREE 2012 WALL PLANNER INSIDE SPECIAL DECEMBER Christmas stOCKiNGs
HIGH-END AMPLIFIERS COmPLEtE GUiDE
PORTABLE SATNAVS FULL rEViEW
W W W. M O B I L E E L E C T R O N I C S N E W S . E U
BOOK NOW FOR THE MEN EXPO 13TH-14TH MARCH 2012 RICOH ARENA, COVENTRY
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2
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DECEMBER 2011
04 ED SPEAK: The ed rants about the bit of plastic surrounding some head units
6 STOCKING FILLERS: Special seasonal offers from organisations full of Christmas cheer
08-12 NEWS: PURE launches an integrated Digi tuner, CES comes to town, Pete Gilmore gets promoted plus lots more…
14-15 COVER FEATURE: German car, German install – Alpine’s X5 with Top View cams
18 – VIBE BASS STATION X: Product review on this important profit-boosting bass generator
20 – EXPO UPDATE: New signings for the MEN EXPO Show coming in March 2012
24 – CAR COMMUNICATIONS: Up and coming distributor seizes market opportunity
26-30 – PRODUCT GUIDE: Millsy looks at HIGH-END AMPLIFIERS
32 – DEMO CAR: LASERLINE Q5 Laserline’s new car showing off important new products
34-37 – FEATURE: PORTABLE SATNAVS Editor Williams roams through this market
iPod/iPhone interfaces
CONTENTS
38 – PRODUCT REVIEW: Chapter and verse on Kenwood’s DAB head unit
40 – INDUSTRY PERSONALITY: CEL TRADE’s Darren Waddingham
42 – OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS: All about making the most of customer interfacing
46 – DOWN AT THE DEALER Some dealers do well due to geography – Ian Bannings
48 - RAYNER RANTS: Adam talks about Digital Radio topics to Members of Parliament
50 – V.C.E GUIDE: BURY CC9900 goes into Skoda Fabia
52 – M.E.N DIRECTORY: Compiled this month by ed’s assistant Sir Les Patterson
l usB/sd interfaces – SD card / USB drive audio integration with OEM system.
Charlotte Body PUBLISHER Tel: 01268 754 897 or 07903 944666 Fax: 01268 754429 email: charlotte@creativemedialtd.co.uk Martyn Williams EDITOR Tel: 07768 083748 email: edunit@edunit.plus.com Shauna Peters PUBLICATION MANAGER Tel: 01268 754 897 Fax: 01268 754429 email: shauna.peters@creativemedialtd.co.uk Peter Johnson ART DIRECTOR Tel: 01268 754 897 Fax: 01268 754429 email: peter.johnson@creativemedialtd.co.uk Loraine Winter DESIGNER Tel: 01268 754 897 Fax: 01268 754429 email: loraine.winter@creativemedialtd.co.uk Contributors: Adam Rayner: adam@talkaudio.net, Andy Mills (Millsy): millsy-max@hotmail.com, Arthur Deebie arthur.deebie@gmail.com Ben Chandler ben@scene-media.com 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.
l Video in Motion interfaces – Unlocks the original DVD or TV tuner while vehicle is in motion.
l MultiMedia/rear caMera interfaces – Add video sources (Such as TV tuner, DVD player etc) to the existing OEM screen. Reverse camera input with automatic switching on reverse.
For further information/trade prices please call 020 3393 4308 or trade@xcarlink.co.uk www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu 3 www.xcarlink.co.uk
GO 12/11 ED UNIT SPEAKS
MERRY CHRISTMAS! Ho Ho Ho! Now is the season where special offers and a special thrust into the market is required to get some attention from punters straying away from thoughts of their mud-spattered cars to indoor entertainment. Check out our special offer pages in the Christmas Stocking section – something for everyone here… The MEN Team would like to wish readers the very best season’s greetings and a Happy Christmas and a stunning New Year for us all. We are kicking off 2012 in this issue with a FREE wall planner which has lots of important dates shown, including MEN EXPO in March – book your stand now to get the right price and the right position. The longer it’s left, the longer the walk to a booth at the back! Putting punters off? Do installers lose business due to the bit of plastic that fits between an aftermarket head unit and the fascia plate? I dropped a Sony doubledinner into my car and the finishing touch was the bit of trim mentioned. For some strange reason Sony supply a trim in the box with the head unit which doesn’t fit. The gap between the front edge of the unit and the trim is so big that I could actually see the mounting sleeve. If I was a punter, it would make me think twice about having a head unit fitted ever again. I bought an off-the-shelf piece of thin black plastic trim which didn’t match either the finish of the head unit or the fascia and it was so thin that it was also naturally wavy so didn’t look all that good regardless of the finish. Again, if this was fitted, would the customer ever come back again? My next move was to think about using some 6mm Corian plastic (used for working surfaces). The smallest sheet however, was about £200 so this idea was abandoned. I then remembered a guy, Paul Godden who
4
www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu
www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu used to do a natty line of MDF replica parcel shelves who also used to laser-cut plastic using a highly accurate CNC machine. He offers a variety of thicknesses – I went for 5mm piano black which also had a carbon fibre finish on the reverse side and, after emailing the exact dimensions down to half a millimeter, the trim arrived a couple of days later. There is a curve on the top of the aperture which would be difficult to measure properly but the difference between the max height and the corners is only about a millimetre so it was easy to lightly file the edges to achieve a perfect fit. In the picture, the trim is concave on the verticals because it was too tight and still needed some filing. It might also need a small filler piece behind the centre of the vertical section to get a slight outward curve. Once finished, I expect to have a trim which looks better than any items commercially available. I would be interested to hear from any installers who believe that I have not researched the market properly and that there are some aesthetically better products out there. I am ready to publish your comments! In the meantime, Paul can be contacted on 01403 823628 or by email to sales@cnc-it.co.uk if you are interested in his service. Featured link of the month: A profit opportunity? http://www.flyeyeskit.co.uk/index.php NEXT ISSUE – SEND YOUR LATEST INFO – BE A PART OF IT! Features: Rear seat entertainment systems, security products and Apple device update
MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM MIDBASS – FREE CALENDAR INSIDE
MARTYN WILLIAMS
Editor edunit@edunit.plus.com
www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu
5
Christmas CHRISTMAS OFFERS
STOCKING
Now is the season to be jolly and there are some jolly good offers about from selected companies sharing Christmas-time warmth with their customers
BURY
|2011
CAR COMMUNICATIONS Car Communications have put together a generous thank you stocking for MEN readers. Whether you are new to OEM integrated products and want to try them out or you already selling them it will for sure put some
ELECTRONICS WORLDWIDE
extra money in your pocket.
touch panel visor kit is ideal for multiple
Santa’s elves
•1 x ViseeO MOST-A Audi MMI 2G OEM
vehicle users as the
have been busy
kit can be installed
at Electronics
into a different
Worldwide to put
vehicle’s within a
together a special
matter of seconds
festive package
via its straightforward sun Visor
of products from
Normally sold for £650 plus Vat but you can buy
fitment. The cigarette lighter charging will
Sniper Automotive.
this Xmas package from now until 31st Dec (or
provide power and charge the units built-in
The Spirit of
whilst stocks last) for an amazing price of £465
battery allowing wireless use in the vehicle
Christmas package includes the
+ Vat. That’s a massive saving of £185. This offer
or office with up to seven hours talk-time or
following:
will not be repeated! To order this Xmas deal
350 hours standby. The ergonomic compact
• 5 x Sniper X1 Car Alarms
call Car Communications on 01254 694537 and
design features an integrated speaker and
• 1 x Sniper X2 Pager Alarm
quote ref. MENXMAS
microphone and with its illuminated touch
• 2 x Sniper HID Conversion Kits (offer excludes
*one order per customer
panel sensor keys for call handling and volume
H4 & D2S HID kits)
Car Communications 01254 694537
control the CV7000 is simplicity itself to use.
• 4 of our new Sniper parking sensor kits that
www.carcommunications.co.uk
With Bluetooth wireless connection the Bury
are compatible with tow bars, rear mounted
CV7000 can access voice tags stored on
spare wheels and metal bumpers.
the Mobile phone for dialling and music
Normally this little lot would cost you £354 plus
playback via A2DP and will audibly provide
VAT but can buy this Christmas package from
CONNECTS2
status announcements in various different
now until the end of January for the special
Connects2
languages. The power saving feature comes in
price of only £300 +VAT. Whether you use it to
Christmas offers
handy fading out diodes when the kit is not use
give away as presents or just to put a bit of
include an iPad
optimising talk and standby times.
extra money in your pocket we hope it brings
2 Headrest Mount
Christmas Special Suggested Trade Price is
you a little joy this Christmas and don’t forget
offered at £59. It charges iPad 2
£39.95 and you can purchase this from any of
that you can buy these products and much
and has an integrated FM Transmitter plus an
BURY’s Official UK Distributors.
more at very keen prices all year round.
IR Transmitter for IR Headphones (Headphones
For more information contact BURY
To order this special Christmas package
not included) and an integrated speaker plus
Technologies 01489 881118 or
log onto our website at www.electronics-
a 3.5mm jack audio out. The holder also has
www.bury.uk.com
worldwide.com or call us free on 0800 083
an adjustable tilt and can be used as desktop
1893 or 01928 759 239 from a mobile.
mount with supplied stand.
The new BURY CV7000
The Xmas package includes the following* Bluetooth Kit •1 x ViseeO MOST-B Porsche PCM 2.x OEM Bluetooth Kit •1 x ViseeO MB-3 Bluetooth adapter with iPod music streaming
Special DAB tuner offers for December include
SAILES MARKETING
the BEAT 400 is offered at £42.99 In-Car DAB
Sailes Marketing is making a special Christmas offer of
Digital Radio Tuner which includes Aux-Input
20% off all stock parking sensors. All prices quoted are
for iPod/MP3 Players and transmits DAB Digital
subject to delivery and VAT and the offer ends 23rd
Radio to the car stereo via FM powered via
December 2011 or while stock lasts. Just a reminder
Car 12v Power Socket. The BEAT 490 is offered
that Christmas closure starts Friday 23rd December
at £99 – a DAB Digital Head Unit with iPod/
2011 at 12 noon and re-opens for business Tuesday
iPhone Full Control, USB, AUX-In, SD/MMC
3rd January 2012 at 8.30am. Sailes Marketing’s offers include one of its most popular parking sensor
Memory Card and full spec CD deck.
kits, the front sensor kit PS746B. The sensors automatically switch on and off when the car reaches
Connects2 0845 2575588
a low level speed (same as O.E sensors), in this case the PS746B-CB1PK is the ideal kit as it comes
www.connects2.com
complete with a CAN interface to deactivate the sensors and is compatible with over 300 vehicles. The new CB1-PK interface is also available separately to purchase for customers who may already have front sensors installed. We would like to take this opportunity to wish all our customers a Merry Christmas. Sailes Marketing 01386 554210 www.sailesmarketing.com
6
www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu
SMARTRACK SmarTrack Christmas BOGOF Offer - Buy One Get One Free on Protector Pro devices.* The SmarTrack Protector Pro Tracking device is tested to Thatcham Category 6 standard. The tracker operates using GPS, GPRS and GSM technology. Having an inbuilt battery back-up the tracker has the ability work if the vehicle power supply is cut. The tracker has internal aerials and motion sensor, the tracker will know if the vehicle ignition is switched on. The tracker is also water resistant to SGS type1/IP56 standard. • Thatcham TQA208 Assured • Aproved for Car, Motorhomes, LCV, HGV, Motor Cycle, Boats and Caravans** • Battery disconnect/Low level alert • Movement sensor alert • The Unit is fully transferable*** • Small covert black box with internal GSM and Sirf Star111 gps aireal • 3 year warranty (Extendable to 12 years)* Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from all the Team at Global Telemetrics and we look forward to working with you in 2012. SmarTrack. Please call 0845 833 6971 Option 3 for Sales or Andy Newman on 07787 106493 or Dave Thornber on 07710 092871 www.smartrack.eu *Terms and conditions apply. **Approved keyswitch required for caravan. ***Charges will apply. Maximum order 20 trackers (10 and 10 free per company).
Steelmate Automotive Steelmate Automotive will be running a Christmas prize draw throughout December open to their trade customers, offering you
NEWS
MEN EXPO NEARLY FULLY BOOKED MEN EXPO, coming up for its tenth successful year - sponsored by
the chance to win some great prizes
Midbass, Kenwood and Scorpion Automotive – already has over
from their product range.
70% of its stands booked for the 2012 event held at the Ricoh
1st prize is an all-in-one GPS system which features rear parking sensors,
Arena in Coventry in March on Tuesday and Wednesday 13/14.
rear camera and TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System) all combined
Exhibitors confirmed for the Show include Alpine., Armour
into one navigation compatible 4.5 inch screen which will also play MP3s
Automotive., Autosound., Blaupunkt., Bury., CEL TRADE., Celsus.,
and videos from an SD card.
Chameleon., Connects2., Denison., Fusion., Kenwood., Meta,
2nd prize is a PTS800EX and a TP-01. The PTS800EX is Steelmate’s best
Midbass., Parrot., Rockford
selling eight sensor front and rear upgrade kit, and the TP-01 is their stand
Fosgate, Scorpion., SmarTrack.,
alone TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System).
plus many more currently
3rd prize is a PTSD4 the latest addition to the Steelmate budget four
signing. Trade visitors to the
sensor range and comes with a small visual, and a PTSD2 their most
show will be able to use an
popular budget four sensor kit with dash mounted visual display.
added electronic registration
One prize entry will be given for every £40 (exclusive of spent up until the
feature for electronic tickets
21st December 2011 where the winners will be picked at random.
that can be sent out via email.
Invoice entry value (before VAT and carriage) £40 equals one entry, £80
For more information contact
equals two entries, £120 equals three entries.
Shauna Peters on
Steelmate 01582 475677 or www.steel-mate.co.uk
01268 754897
SPONSORED BY HEADLINE SPONSOR
FREE CONFERENCE PROGRAMME
FREE AFTERSHOW PARTY
www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu
7
NEWS
PURE LAUNCH AN ADDON DIGITAL TUNER PURE, well-known for its radio products, has launched the PURE Highway 300Di, an in-car digital radio adaptor that can upgrade almost any car to receive digital radio. While it is exclusive to Halfords, it’s worth dealers taking note of this latest offering as it boasts some interesting features. “Highway 300Di includes best-in-class digital reception, full control of music stored on iPod, iPhone or iPad, pause and rewind of live digital radio and dual tuners, which enable a dynamic station list,” said their release to the press. Additionally they say it is “a professionally installed, high-performance and feature rich,” device, that will have a launch promotion of free fitting, set-up and demonstration all backedup by a radio advertising campaign. This latest model from PURE is a clutter free solution with smart touches like the glass mounted aerial and a compact controller unit, that is dash-mounted and comes with an OLED display. That independent retailers can’t sell this new product is unfortunate, but there is potential for PURE and Halford’s partnership to boost the recognition of in-car digital radio. This may offer dealers a chance to promote their digital radio solutions and try to profit from the potential uplift in interest. After all, the potential for growth in this area could be large enough for all car audio retailers to get in on the action. Contact: PURE, pure.com
CES UNVEILED IN PHASE COMES TO UK LAUNCH RAC-BACKED HANDS-FREE By the time you read this, a unique event will have
taken place at London’s Excel exhibition centre.
CES Unveiled@London was a new UK-focused media
In Phase International has developed
event set as a preview to the
a range of three Bluetooth hands-
International CES, the world’s
free solutions that have been tested
largest consumer technology
for quality and backed by leading
tradeshow put on by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA).
motoring organisation RAC.
The London event was part of the pre-International CES programme
Worrying statistics compiled by RAC about
that includes Unveiled press events in both New York and Las Vegas.
the use of smart phones while driving or in
It was held in partneship with UK Trade & Investment (UKTi) at the end
control of a vehicle (particularly amongst
of UKTi’s TechWorld conference and exhibition located close to Tech
younger drivers) reinforce the fact that
City. “With the Tech City initiative announced earlier this year and the
dealers should actively promote safer
established TechWorld show, London is the place to be for anyone
use of mobile electronics such as phones to their customers. The RAC
involved in the technology industry,” said Gary Shapiro, president and
themselves insist that motorists should only ever initiate calls when they
CEO, CEA, before the event. “We are very excited to bring the CES pre-
are parked safely (and presumably only answer them to ask the caller
show build-up to London for the first time with CES Unveiled@London.
to call them back when it is safe). The three solutions from In-Phase are
Partnering with UKTI to promote British innovation in the technology
Voice-port, a simple portable Bluetooth ear piece, Quick-fix, a clip-on car
sector is of great benefit and further cements the technology industry’s
visor mounted device using the latest in solar power and text-to-voice
collaborative approach.” Shapiro was to discuss trends expected
conversion technology and the Pro-fix, which are installed devices with
at the 2012 International CES and the future of the global consumer
greater functionality. Pro-fix solutions can come as either easy-fitting plug-
technology industry. Additional speakers included CEA market research
and-play units powered from the cigar lighter or as professionally installed
analysts presenting on global CE sales data and the Christmas selling
solutions. These can add DAB, video and parking camera functionality.
season, as well as Nick Baird, Chief Executive of UK Trade & Investment.
Prices range from £19.99 to £299.99 for a fully installed, interactive and
A good sign that the UK’s consumer electronics market still has global
integrated solution, and all in the range work with the vast majority of
importance, which is sure to give a confidence boost to those in the UK
Bluetooth-enabled phones. Don’t let your customers put themselves
looking to expand their mobile electronics innovations and businesses.
in danger by phoning while behind the wheel, and point them in the
Contact: CES, cesweb.org
direction of these RAC-backed solutions. Contact: In-Phase International, 01159 758600 or ipiltd.net
8
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www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu
9
NEWS
SCORPION & TURNBULLS SIGN MARINE PARTNERSHIP
Left: Gary Kirby, Scorpion’s Head of Sales with Marketing Ian Garton, Managing Director, Turnbulls Marine
Scorpion are pleased to announce the launch of the new ‘SCORPION TRACK’ MARINE unit to the market place. Although following the platform design of the ST60 unit, Scorpion Track Marine offers bespoke protection for all types of marine craft from jet skis to larger craft as well as the various storage housings used for them. Protection modes for water, land and transport are just some of the very cleverly-designed features available to the customer via mobile app technology. Scorpion’s Head of Sales and Marketing, Gary Kirby, commenting on the partnership said: “I am very pleased to have worked with Turnbulls Marine on the development of the new product and proud to appoint them as the UK distributor for Scorpion Track Marine. Their expertise and contacts in the industry has proven invaluable in bringing the product to market and I look forward to working with Ian and his team in securing a firm hold in this exciting market place. Turnbulls and Scorpion have also secured a sponsorship deal with a relative newcomer in the annual Aqua Cross jet ski endurance race series which can be seen on Sky Sport – we will be giving out regular updates on the series throughout the season next year.” Ian Garton, Turnbulls Marine Managing Director replied: “We are delighted to further cement our relationship with Scorpion by becoming their distributors for marine products. This is a very exciting time for us as the Scorpion Marine Tracking enhances our portfolio of products and look forward to a long and successful partnership with them. To order SCORPION TRACK Marine product, or for more information, contact Ian Garton on 01752 665524 or email iangarton@turnbulls.com Turnbull’s website is www.stinginthetail.co.uk For dealership opportunities Gary Kirby can be contacted on 07841 189024 or email gary.kirby@scorpionauto.com
KICKER: JUST AS ENTERTAINING AT HOME Back in 2009, Kicker entered the home
Focal’s IFP207 dedicated component kit IK501
marks a new
audio arena by introducing the IK500 iPod
chapter in speaker
Docking station, which Kicker claims was
installation as the
instantly recognised as “the loudest docking
new Integration
station in the world”. Since then, not only
range from Focal
has the IK500 been aesthetically updated
10
MODEL-SPECIFIC FOCAL COMPONENTS
IK100M
takes shape. That’s
to the IK501, but it has brought with it a full
what Focal say of
family in the IK350, IK150 and small but
the fully-loaded 4-speaker solution, specific for the
powerful IK100M.
Peugeot 207, which they suggest is France’s most
Alarm clock models, battery packs and
popular vehicle and number five in the UK.
square subwoofers all feature within the
The set comes with polyglass woofers and aluminum/
range, as well as some very unique ways
magnesium inverted dome tweeters with custom
of producing the Kicker Bass Sound Signature that audio fans expect. This
molded housing for perfect integration in the original
comprehensive range, with suggested retail prices of £99.99 through to £199.99,
location and dashboard design. All the tools needed
offers dealers a comprehensive docking station line-up for consumer. Added to this,
to complete the job, including spare panel clips in
Kicker also offer a fantastic range of earbuds and head phones from suggested retail
case of breakage come with the sets, which have a
prices of £14.99 to £49.99. These make for deal stocking fillers for music lovers to listen to
profitable £329.99 suggested retail price.
their music just about anywhere.
Contact: Armour Auto, armourauto.com
Contact: Armour Auto, armourauto.com or 01420 487110
or 01420 487110
www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu
The car receiver with web service apps, voice recognition and hands-free calling.
Maps
The Maps App offers advanced mapping and geolocation services
Runs on ANDROID, with 3G and GPS connectivity, allowing further App development
The Orange LiveRadio App provides access to over 10,000 internet radio stations and podcasts worldwide!
Connect your iPod or iPhone to listen to your music.
The iCoyote App warns you about speed cameras, accidents and traffic jams
Advanced hands-free calling and music streaming with compatibile devices
The Fuel For Less App provides information on the cheapest petrol station nearest to you
The Voice Recognition feature allows you to search your music library, whether on your iPod, iPhone, USB or SD Card, by stating the artist or song title
Scan this QR code using a QR reader on your Smartphone to learn more about the Parrot ASTEROID!
Parrot dealers are now able to purchase stock from any of our Approved Partners:
T:01206 500 848
T:0161 494 4200
T:+353 1 448 1288
T:+353 45 407000
T:01162 449846
“Made for iPod” and “Made for iPhone” mean that an electronic accessory has been designed to connect specifically to iPod, iPhone, respectively, and has been certified by the developer to meet Apple performance standards. Apple is not responsible for the operation of this device or its compliance with safety and regulatory standards. iPhone and iPod, are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. The Bluetooth word mark and logos are owned by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Parrot is under license. COYOTE, iCOYOTE and COYOTE logo are trademarks of COYOTE. LIVERADIO, ORANGE LIVERADIO and ORANGE LIVERADIO logo are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of France Telecom. Parrot trademarks figuring on this document are the property of Parrot SA. Other trademarks and trade names are the property of their respective owners. Parrot SA - RCS PARIS 394 149 496.
www.parrot.com www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu
11
NEWS
MOVING ON UP AT MIDBASS MidBass Distribution Ltd has announced the
Talk to a consultancy that understands your business
promotion of Pete Gilmore to Head Of UK Independent Sales. Pete will now lead MidBass’ dedicated UK support team for the VIBE, FLI, EDGE and FU brands, overseeing all aspects of account handling and retailer support. Pete brings a wealth of experience to the role, with over 23 years in the mobile electronics industry and 33 years of sales experience. UK Sales Director Kate Venables says; “Pete has been an invaluable member of the UK team for many years and is the ideal choice to lead our UK business forward, ensuring we continue to give our UK independent retailer network the high level of support MidBass has become known for across the industry.“ From everyone at M.E.N we wish Pete the best of luck in his new role, and no doubt many of you will see him in the coming months to give him a pat on the substantially experienced back! Contact: Midbass, 0121 311 9090 or midbass.com
l Company Handbooks l Corporate Policies and Procedures
HARMAN EMBRACES 4G/ LONG TERM EVOLUTION Harman has announced a partnership with Sierra Wireless to bring high-speed broadband connectivity to the car, as the company commences road tests through LTE-networked (Long Term Evolution) areas in Europe.
l Grievance and Disciplinary Advice
Test vehicles will be equipped with the latest infotainment system platform technology, integrating an
l Training on HR related issues
on”, ultra-fast connectivity experience to drivers. Broadband connectivity in your car is becoming a
l Managing change
AirPrime embedded wireless module developed by Sierra Wireless. As LTE continues to emerge as the next generation broadband connection to the car, HARMAN and Sierra Wireless claim their work will allow drivers to have a truly connected driving experience, giving them access to a vast array of web content and services right from the cloud. “HARMAN is leading the industry to bring the best “always fundamental expectation and lifestyle requirement”, said Sachin Lawande, HARMAN Chief Technology Officer and Co-President, HARMAN Infotainment Division. “Just as HARMAN is meeting today’s demands for integrated navigation and infotainment solutions, we are pleased to work with Sierra Wireless to address the emerging requirements of automakers for an increasingly connected car.” The idea of a ‘connected car’ is not brand new, but with companies like Ford promoting the idea with their recent EVOS concept car, and companies like HARMAN and Sierra Wireless working to get ahead of
Contact us:
the game, it may only be a matter of time before all dealers will be getting asked by customers how
ISR Consulting T: 01494 445084 M: 07525 911894 imurdoch@isrconsulting.co.uk www.isrconsulting.co.uk
area to give dealers the best information possible. Contact: Harman, harman.com
they too can be connected. M.E.N will continue to report on developments in this potentially expansive
MOTORMOUTH BLUETOOTH HANDS-FREE The MotorMOUTH Bluetooth hands-free kit with A2DP audio streaming plugs directly into the customers in-car MP3/AUX input to allow for Bluetooth hands-free conversations through the car’s speakers. The supplied kit includes switching audio splitter Y lead so customers don’t lose connection to their iPod or MP3 player, and they can also stream music from iPhone or Android mobile phones. With a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that provides up to 6 hours of talk time and 120 hours standby, DSP echo cancellation for clear conversation even in noisy vehicles and the option of voice dialling, the iLounge 2010 CES Best of Show winner is another useful solution for customers. Contact: In Car Tec, incartec.co.uk or 01392 829435
12
www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu
GREAT NEW HEADUNITS NEW - DAB Headunit MT5068DAB
Features
G...
BLUETOOTH MUSIC STREAMIN
DAB/DAB+ DIGITAL RADIO (BAND III) AM/FM MPX PLL Tuning Radio CD/CD-RW/MP3/WMA compatible USB.SD Card Slots 4 x 40 Watt Max Output 2Ch Line Out 3.5mm AUX IN Fold Down, Detachable Panel Antenna Included
NEW - Bluetooth Headunit
Features MT7609BT
CE...
EN HIGH QUALITY DIGITAL EXPERI
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CALL FOR LATEST COMPETITIVE PRICING
NEW ADDITIONS
available in 4”, 5.25”, 6.5” & 6x9”
EF
LU A V C I T TAS
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M-Series Speakers how to order... for more information and to place your order please call sales on +44(0) 1420 487110 or email sales@armourauto.com
for full specifications please visit
www.mutant.uk.com
AUTOMOTIVE www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu
13
DEMO CAR
ALPINE’S SPY IN THE SKY The power of camera processing has pushed back the boundaries of the possible with a system which allows the driver to get a ‘helicopter view’ of the car as it’s being parked. Alpine’s German division has come up with the first Alpine system designed expressly for the X5 which is also fitted with a custom audio install with the fabulous H800 processor at its centre The X5 demo car created by the German Alpine install team is headed up by the Manager of Technical Promotion Michael Lenatz, who explained the system and the reasoning behind its construction. He said:
a stealth installation. Nevertheless, can’t be too boring as we want to attract people interested in our aftermarket products. This led the installers to the concept of dropping as much stuff as they could possibly find in the trunk area but so all of it can be hidden under the original cover, leaving the car with what appears to be a ‘virgin’ trunk. The only two things obvious at first glance are the Subwoofer in the left
“The X5 had to fulfil two purposes, a showcase for our Topview camera
side of the trunk and the RUX-C800 controller in the centre console. Both
that can be used for demonstrations to potential customers in the
can be hidden under the original covers which will make you believe it
automobile industry, and also to show off our latest and greatest audio
is an ordinary X5. This is until the listener hears the brilliant staging, tight,
processor, the PXA-H800.
pounding bass and an overall sound quality not found in any factory system installed to this vehicle.
“It was important to show a regular series vehicle and not one of the usual spaceships our guys tend to create. It was imperative to have
“The whole system evolved around the idea to create a proper 5.1 solution without limiting the original system. The core of the system is the PXA-H800 audio processor. This processor allows the installer to use the speaker outputs from the BMW system as one of the audio sources. In the setup of the BMW X5 radio, CD, MP3 use the original system, a DVD changer with optical digital connection enables DVD video with genuine 5.1, Dolby Digital or dts. “In order to maintain the original looks without compromising the sound quality, the installers decided to leave the factory speakers for front and centre. The rear fill speakers were replaced with 13 cm Type R component speakers. The whole setup was tuned with the all new IMPRINT EQ. In the automatic measurement process many of the sound deteriorations of a vehicle cabin are eliminated.
|2011 ALPINE TOPVIEW – FUNCTION AND APPLICATION
helps to save expensive rims from damage.
The HCE-C500X5 TOPVIEW camera system consists of four wide
The front corner view
angle cameras (186° horizontal angle) with1.2 megapixels
increases safety while
resolution, a video processor, and a car specific video interface
pulling out of small alleys
and installation kit.
as it will show pedestrians, bikers and obstacles
The cameras are mounted at the front, below the number plate,
before they can be seen
at the rear in the original X5 cam position; and in both side mirrors
from the driver’s position.
- also in the original positions. The images of the four cameras are composed in real-time in the video processor to give the driver a top
The camera settings are entirely controlled by the BMW iDrive with no
down view of his vehicle and the surroundings.
additional controllers. The driver can choose between a full screen image of the cameras in various scales or from combinations of the
Apart from the top image, there is choice of eight different viewing
car’s navigation image plus camera image.
combinations between front, rear and side cameras. Using the side cameras in a front orientation for instance, enables the driver to
The TOPVIEW will be available from end of 2011 initially for the
have a good view of his wheels when parking close to curbs and
BMW X5 (E70 2006 – 2013 with more applications being developed.
The new IMPRINT EQ is able to achieve what the original IMPRINT system was unable to do, namely, deal with three-way front system and the two-way rears “The new IMPRINT EQ is able to achieve what the original IMPRINT system was unable to do, namely, deal with three-way front system and the two-way rears. “The key to allow such a setup is the careful selection of dividing networks. For the front, the Alpine team created a new passive crossover, able to cope with the four channel MRX amplifier. The front woofers are driven by 500 Watts mono amps from the MRX series. The crossover is active and this kind of setup and the installation positions of the speakers enabled the processor to achieve proper equalising as well as excellent staging by applying time correction to each set of speakers. Also, to make the system suitable for action movies and tracks with heavy bass, one of the new flat Type R subwoofers was added. The 12 inch woofer requires only a very small volume (less than 17 litres) which allowed installation in the side of the trunk taking up very little space. The SWR-T12 is driven with a 1000 Watt amp, allowing sufficient headroom for shaking up the whole ride!”
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17
PRODUCT REVIEW
|2011
VIBE’S BASS STATION X Bass is one of the first meaningful steps for a customer to take into better audio and the Bass Generator Station such a simple way in which to demonstrate. Martyn Williams takes a serious look at Vibe’s latest profit-prompter
Answer the punter’s question – ‘what does this bass box sound like in my car?’ auxiliary input for use with MP3 or jack plug input. This is handy as it allows an easy way to loop an iPod or MP3 player into any system at low cost. In addition to this is the red ‘fun’ button. A
Long ago there was a car audio dealer in Birmingham who used to ‘mug’ customers (in a friendly way) by taking their keys and driving the car into the workshop and fitting the head unit in which they expressed interest. It was made absolutely clear that there was no obligation to buy and that they would return the car to standard within minutes, but the dealer reckoned that once they sat there seeing and hearing a brand new head unit in their motor, it was very difficult to say no.
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A two-second bass ‘burp’ is generated by pressing either the remote button or the button on the front panel. The two-second blast can be programmed out to run continuously but Midbass warn that this can blow drive units
one touch button is mounted on the front of the unit along with all the variable crossover selection dials. In the back of the unit is also a wired remote control with an additional button for use outside the vehicle.
in-built tone generator ‘burp’ or connect an
Each time the button is pressed the signal to
iPod/MP3 Player to AUX input.
the amplifiers is overridden by the selected frequency for about two seconds. For advanced
The possibilities for a professional installer to
users the two-second blast can be overridden
add to the Bass Station’s capabilities are
and replaced with complete linear tone.
enormous – it could be built up with a small stand with it’s own battery and could be rigged with its own FM transmitter via an iPod or MP3 player to bring full range sound to a customers car for a demo. Also, the fitting of a bass amplifier with the unit would allow the
The possibilities for an installer to add to the Bass Station’s capabilities are enormous
demonstration of passive bass boxes. As a unit in its own right, the Deltabox Bass
The product offers dealer a low cost item
Seeing, or rather hearing is believing, and
Generator is a compact half DIN piece of
retailing at £59.99 which can add to a sale to
Vibe’s Bass Station X is a fantastic selling tool
equipment which is completely universal
offer something different.
which can take less than a minute to set
and can be used on any brand audio install.
up in the punter’s car to demonstrate any
At its core it’s a parametric equaliser with
The trade price of the demo unit is £145.99,
active bass unit. It’s initiated quickly and
frequency ‘Q’ and frequency boost/gain.
however in order to get it into the hands of
easily by connecting up the phono lead to
Installation is available as a high input or via
as many dealers as possible the company
a Midbass Active Enclosure and powered-up
RCA low input. This makes the product useful
is giving them away to dealers for free with
by plugging the auxiliary supply cigarette
if you wish to upgrade a factory installed unit
any order of four different Midbass subwoofer
lighter plug into the car’s socket. After that,
with no RCA pre-outs into an amplifier.
enclosures.
it’s simple to demo the enclosure using the
Another key selling feature is that it has an
Midbass 0121 311 9090 www.midbass.co.uk
www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu
New Can Bus or analogue drive by wire cruise controls or speed limiter with a choice of custom wiring looms and command modules.
Winter Warmers New Heatshot heated fluid windscreen wash system. 12 & 24 volt kits, unique product with all year round applications, simple installation.
KIT ICeS PR OM FR 95 £1 NEW CM22 Command Module
New Heated seat kits, 4 kits available. 2 or 4 heat pads, 2 position or rotary 5 position switches, all heating pads can be cut to fit the seat.
CeS PRI T I K OM FR 25 £1
Laserline S.p.A Limited. For further information, to place an order or to become an Authorised Laserline Dealer please contact our Sales Office on 0845 2712890 or 01925 851164. Tim Kent on 07866 725298 or Colin Wroe on 07866 725302 info@laserlinespa.com www.laserlinespa.com
KIT ICeS PR OM FR 0 PeR £5 AT Se
CM35 Command Stalk
All prices exclude VAT and shipping. Laserline reserve the right to effect changes to the product without further notice. E&OE accepted.
INDUSTRY SHOW NEWS
|EXPO 2012
MEN EXPO 2012 SPONSORED BY
THE PERFECT MEETING AND INFORMATION POINT FOR THE INDUSTRY - CAN YOU AFFORD TO MISS IT?
Our tenth successful show coming to you at the Ricoh Arena on Tuesday 13 and Wednesday 14 March MEN EXPO 2012 in the Olympic Year will be an extra special celebration of the Show’s 10th successful year. Over 75 exhibitors are projected to be at the Show and those currently confirmed at the time of writing include Alpine, Armour Automotive, Autosound, Blaupunkt, Bury, CEL TRADE, Celsus, Chameleon, Connects2, Dension, Fusion, Kenwood, Metasystem, Midbass, Park Safe, Parrot, Rockford Fosgate, Scorpion, SmarTrack, plus many more currently signing.
HEADLINE SPONSOR
FREE CONFERENCE PROGRAMME
FREE AFTERSHOW PARTY
Digital Radio EDUCATIONAL WORKSHOP There are questions about Digital Radio development that need to be answered which is why this workshop is a ‘must attend’ for all those wishing to profit from the DAB opportunity. Business planning will be helped as we get closer to knowing when the digital radio switchover will happen. Other questions such as the traffic info dilemma
THE EXHIBITION One of the Show’s catch-phrases has always been – “can you afford to miss it,” and for the 2012 event this will be more relevant than ever with the presence of ALL the important manufacturers, distributors and service providers in the industry. Apart from the special discounted deals that always come with the Show, many exhibitors will be demonstrating new products – Kenwood and Rockford have already stated that it will be the first chance to see some additions to their 2012 range. The 2012 conference programme will have extra seminars, extra speakers and even more practical information than before. More manufacturers will be offering information on key features and selling points. The popular digital radio seminars will be extended and more information about developments in this area will be revealed. Also planned are some talks by specialists who will introduce ‘thinking outside the box’ business opportunities for dealers wanting to enhance their established specialist platform.
REGISTER NOW TO BE INVOLVED IN… l THE EXHIBITION to see a full spectrum of products and services from over 70 exhibitors specialising in all aspects of mobile electronics including car audio, multimedia, security and navigation plus specialist diversification. l SHOW OFFERS to make it worth the visit with free products on a first come, first serve basis and some cracking discounted deals. l CONFERENCE PROGRAMME in 2012 to beat all previous programmes in its strength and depth including a comprehensive update on Digital Radio, practical OEM Integration and informative talks on closing a sale, marketing techniques and diversification of business. l NETWORKING – is essential not only to keep up with industry gossip but to discover new opportunities within the industry as you talk with manufacturer and distributor personnel. l VIP AFTERSHOW PARTY at the Lady G Casino for dealers and exhibitors, a FREE night of fun with your industry peers! There will also be an Olympic slant at the 2012 celebrations with champion gongs and games, plus a spot of karaoke!
FREE ENTRY TO THE TRADE! REGISTER ON-LINE TODAY FOR YOUR FREE ELECTRONIC EXHIBITION E-TICKET VISIT: WWW.MOBILEELECTRONICSNEWS.EU Ricoh Arena directions: Come off M6 at Junction 3 to the A444 signed for the Arena. Full address: 71 Phoenix Way, Foleshill, Coventry CV6 6GE. Website: www.ricoharena.com
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will be discussed and, most important of all, the ‘Digital Tick’ plan for approved installers. Currently it is hoped that an approved installer digital radio ‘tick’ mark similar to the digital television campaign should be in full swing by the end of 2012 but it will be essential to be familiar with the infrastructure behind it. Subjects covered will also include a comprehensive guide to integrated digital tuners being talked through by specialist suppliers. There will also be representation from Government-backed Digital Radio UK discussing all aspects of the medium including digital tuner performance conformity.
CONFERENCE PROGRAMME A Meeting of Minds More education and training is promised for the 2012 Show. It will include talks from OEM integration specialists, top installers and expert guidance both practical and , as such a conference programme has been created to allow delegates to gather, enhance and develop their knowledge regarding primary subjects within the Mobile Electronics Industry. After the success of last year’s Digital Radio seminar, we will offer you the chance to learn about the advancements within this domain. To keep your business at the forefront and learn the best ways to promote, publicise and gain maximum exposure, we will be holding sales and marketing workshops, permitting visitors the chance to improve their skills and ability in this field, learning from the best in the market.
EDUCATIONAL WORKSHOP RUNNING TUESDAY 13th & WEDNESDAY 14th MARCH l I nside track on DAB - Everything you should know about Digital Radio including the Approved Installer programme. EM Integration – Specialist presentation of new product discussing lO both marketing and installation. l S elling school – Making the most of every customer - sales and marketing techniques from the industry Gurus. iversification – Workshop and showroom space devoted to mobile lD electronics is so easily adaptable to other purposes. Experts on hand to help you maximise profit opportunities. l F uture Tech – New product intelligence covering car manufacturers and the aftermarket – futuristic products that you can sell including iPad dashboard technology Be sure to read future editions of Mobile Electronics News magazine, for further programme announcements! Plus product launches to be revealed!
THE GREAT BRITISH AFTERMARKET TRADE EVENT
10T ANNH MEN IVERSA EXPO RY
A N O LY M P I C E V E N T NOT TO BE MISSED! SPONSORED BY HEADLINE SPONSOR
FREE CONFERENCE PROGRAMME
FREE AFTERSHOW PARTY
REGISTER ONLINE FOR: The exhibTion ShoW oFFeRS ConFeRenCe PRoGRAMMe neTWoRKinG oPPoRTUniTieS ViP AFTeRShoW PARTY
VIP PARTY NOT TO BE MISSED! JOIN US FOR THE 2012 I.C.E CHAMPIONS AWARDS AN OLYMPIC SESSION! Getting into the spirit of London 2012, the Expo VIP Party will take on an Olympic theme. So join us for a night of free beer, food, DJ games and karaoke! As this will be taking place at one of the UK’s largest casinos, we will providing free gaming or, if you’re wanting to gamble, take advantage of the many casino tables on offer! To reserve a space please contact admin@creativemedialtd.co.uk or call 01268 754897
SEE US AT THE EXHIBITION
REGISTER ONLINE FOR YOUR FREE EXHIBITION TICKET V I S I T W W W. M O B I L E E L E C T R O N I C S N E W S. E U www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu
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PRODUCT REVIEW
|2011
Kenwood’s Digital Radio CD receiveR DAB4551U The Ed has lived with it for nearly three months now and tells it how it is
windscreen aerial is awesome in the true sense. It is so small and discreet anyone could be forgiven that it wouldn’t be up to much in terms of performance but, I can honestly say that it fought to deliver a signal in some of the proven worst reception areas that I have found. Top marks (five stars even!) go to this little masterpiece. Use-ability of the unit is first class and the extremely comprehensive sound correction menu proved useful for setting up some slightly quirky component speakers I was experimenting with (could I ditch the crossovers and use just a cap?). Dealers will be familiar with the features which include iPod control and optional addon box for Bluetooth hands-free calling and music streaming. Dealer DAB impressions Peter Huet, owner of Huet’s at Shoreham has got a sprinkling of DAB4551U units in stock and reports a steady, if not large, flow of sales. Buyers are mainly of more mature years, mainly because it’s ‘not cool’ to listen to the radio according to Peter.
Young people don’t consider it because radio is for old gits He said: “I really think there’s a market out Kenwood digi radio head unit has excellent lighting
there for young guys with One Xtra and similar stations and make them think about radio. At the moment they largely don’t consider it
R
egular readers may remember that I installed, and have been listening to, Kenwood’s top DAB receiver in August and shortly after had a run-in with Auto Express magazine who panned it on tuner performance.
because radio is for old gits – but if you could them to know about the stations they could listen to – you could be on to a winner.” Peter is a fan of the Kenwood screen aerial after fixing up a customer who had been using one of the old-style windscreen aerials in a Luton Transit. Pete commented: “The customer has had a digital radio fitted for
Having found the tuner of my set was no worse than the rival that was stated to be superior (five stars against the Kenny’s three), I strongly suspect that the excellent Kenwood stick-on windscreen aerial was incorrectly installed by the tester on that magazine.
Antenna positioning and connection point plus fixing of the ground plane tab are all critical for getting maximum performance – get this right and results are far better than most would expect from a stick-on windscreen aerial
about two years and could tell you exactly where the signal would drop out to the metre! He was fed up with it and asked us to sort it – he was up for us ordering a proper DAB/FM-AM aerial, but as he was so fed-up we thought we might improve things in the
My suspicion about a bad aerial installation
meantime by fitting the Kenwood item.
was given an extra stir by my own experience
Anyway, he thinks it’s fantastic and he is
of managing to stick it incorrectly on my own
going to have another one for his other van.
windscreen – back to the drawing board, and the shame of having to request another twig!
“I think that the real business will be in DAB tuner integration we fit the Celsus MediaDAB
22
Performance
and find that excellent. We have fitted them to
Once properly fitted (and it can be a little
several modern cars such as BMW with iDrive
tricky) the reception quality of the Kenwood
and it has installed and performed perfectly.”
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www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu
23
COMPANY FOCUS
|Car Communications
ORIGINAL DIN Blackburn-based Car Communications, run by Safi Ahmed, specialises in selling OEM equipment and head units. Arthur Deebie reports
One of the range of discounted OE head units includes VW’s RCD-310 DAB receiver
opportunity, which promoted me to ask him about the development of
S
sometimes it was more complicated and that’s where we
the company. He said:
have excelled.
“Only two years ago Car Communications was a fledgling hands-free
“Because of this, we ended up supplying engineers to which we sub-
company servicing a handful of customers and selling accessories
contracted installation work. The word soon got around that we offered
through its retail website.
complete service and we started getting more and more enquiries. We
afi is one of the few people I can send an email requesting
Audi OE DVD SATNAV RNS-E head unit (New Model)
information after midnight and get a reply five minutes later! He’s a hard-working guy looking to give installers an extra profit
were even approached by some well-known distributors who were new “Since those relatively modest beginnings it has now developed into an
to OEM and liked our approach. We started with FISCON and ViseeO
OEM specialist company with customers ranging from independent fitters
OEM integrated kits and slowly increased new lines including iPod AMI
to car franchises throughout the country.
kits, DVB-T digital TV and OEM reversing cameras. Within the last month we have also signed an agreement to resell OEM VAG head units at
Our success is based on seeing a gap in the market that was left by larger distributors
considerably discounted prices.”
The real deal Car Communications can offer original VAG head units at heavily discounted prices – considerably less than VAG dealerships. Car Communications OE head units are genuine original equipment sourced directly from VAG UK and Germany and all these head units come with a three year manufacturer’s warranty.
“To give you an idea of our growth, in the financial year ending 2011
Car Communications’ current top sellers include VW RNS-315 DAB,
sales have grown 60% and are set to increase to even further in 2012.
RCD 510 DAB Touchscreen, RNS 850 Touchscreen and Audi RNS-E Navigation. Other products include original OEM retrofit accessories
“Our success is based on seeing a gap in the market that was left
such as the Audi Rear View Camera, Parking sensors, AMI interface,
by larger distributors, although they could fulfil the order, it seems
Bluetooth and DAB radio. All accessories are genuine VAG parts.
like not all of them are able to deliver adequate after-sales support like we do at Car Communications. Part of their problem was that
For more information call the Car Communications trade sales
OEM integrated products had a lot of teething problems in the early
hotline on 01254 694537 or email sales@carcommunications.co.uk
days and engineers needed help whilst on the job with access to
Car Communications Ltd, Saturn Centre, Challenge Way,
someone at the other end of the phone who was available on the
Blackburn, BB1 5QB
spot and technically competent. Sometimes it was coding issues and
24
www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu
Original OEM Head Units & Retrofit Accessories 4 3yrs Manufacturers warranty 4 Genuine OEM Parts 4 Sourced from VAG UK & Germany
Audi RNS-E Head Unit High Res DVD Navigation System A3/A4/TT
Audi AMI Interface iPod USB
Audi TV Reception Analogue / Digital DVB-T Module
Audi Digital DAB Radio Module
Audi Rear View Reversing Camera Module
Audi Front & Rear Optical Parking Sensors
Audi Bluetooth Telephone Module LED Daytime Lights Upgrade
Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
VW RNS-315 Head Unit Navigation Bluetooth and DAB Radio
VW RCD-310 Head Unit with CD/ MP3 DAB Radio
VW Optical Parking System RCD-310 RNS-315, RNS-510, RCD-510
VW Reversing Camera RNS-315 RNS-510
VW Universal Retrofit Bluetooth Module
VW RNS-510 touchscreen Head Unit Navigation Bluetooth iPod
Trade Sales Call 01254
694537
This is only a small selection of OEM accessories we stock, please contact us for further details.
www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu 25 Car Communications Ltd Saturn Centre, Challenge Way, Blackburn, Lancashire, BB1 5QB • sales@carcommunications.co.uk
PRODUCT GUIDE
Premium Power High quality, high-end amplifiers; the driving force behind ultimate audio systems
|High-end Amplifiers
ALPINE Alpine’s PDX amplifiers have a host of premium features that help give them super-wide, industry leading frequency ranges, high frequency reproduction not often found in Class D amps and immense signal to noise ratios for extremely clean, uncoloured sound. PDX amps also include Alpine’s Power Management circuit, where the Power Management Processor controls all aspects of amplifier performance, monitoring voltage, temperature and output to ensure uninterrupted power output for non-stop listening. On top of all of this they’re 20 per cent thinner than previous models, can be stacked with minimum space usage and have cool interchangeable trim rings that can be customised for an individual look! Contact: Alpine, 02476 719620 or alpine-electronics.co.uk
Audiophiles rejoice! Just about every audio company is hot on the trail of advancing their technology when it comes to amplifiers, resulting in some of the smallest, cleanest and best performing models ever. Never has there been a better time for your customers to build premium sounding audio installs, and with the products focused upon in this guide, they can be sure of success.
PDX-M12
AUDISON Audison’s latest is the AV 5.1K, a five-channel offering a 1700W max output. It uses a unique hybrid design and is perfect for a front and rear plus subwoofer set-up or multi-amiplified front and subwoofer systems. Its high-quality AB Class output stage provides two channels with 250W, combined with another pair of A Class pure audio channels rated at 75W is perfect from active two-way front speaker systems. Meanwhile, the D Class mono section provides 1000W for a powerful subwoofer output. This Audison amp also allows users to replace the analogue input board with their digital one, the AV bit IN. Contact: FOUR, 0845 4501594 or fourcars.co.uk
DIGITAL DESIGNS The M4a, with its 6 transformer power supply, is DD Audio’s (Digital Designs) next generation mono-block, building on the M3 and Z2-LV circuits. The M4a was designed to be the best tool for hard street use, extracting extremely high power from real-world battery supply voltage and the ability to maintain that power for extended periods. The M4a delivers over 5000W of SQ quality RMS power at 12V and over 7000W of continuous RMS power at alternator charging levels. Digital Designs claims that, along with the rest of the M Series mono block amplifiers, these are probably some of the most durable, powerful and best sounding amplifiers on the market. Contact: RAAMaudio, 07707080040 or raamaudio.co.uk
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CLARION For high sound quality and power, Clarion’s 720W APA4360 4-channel amp is a good choice, especially considering its pricing. The stylish offering has an aluminium extruded heatsink with white power coat finish, cut and lacquered fin tops and inlaid aluminium brand badge. Like all APA amps, it features uncompromising resistance to magnetic noise and circuit design for easy subwoofer system configurations using it’s embedded high-pass and low-pass filters. Add to that the goldplated block terminals for low electrical and contact resistance to help with a clear sound, 2 Ohms stability and the reduced size due to clever heat sink designs and the Clarion APA4360 four-channel looks like a good bet. Contact: Clarion, 01793 859563 or clarion.co.uk
CONTACT SCOrpiON: 01257 249 928 Or emAil iNfO@SCOrpiONAuTO.COm ViSiT Our NeW WeBSiTe WWW.SCOrpiONTrACk.COm
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contact uK authorised distriButor tMl on Tel: 01752 665 524
SCOrpiON TrACk mAriNe • Marine specific technology • 24 hour MoveMent alert • land and water protection Modes • location-on-deMand via sMartphone • last journey data logging
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PRODUCT GUIDE
|High-end Amplifiers
DRAGSTER Dragster Audio’s DAF range of amplifiers, which is part of the EXTREME product line, gives users extremely dynamic systems with incredible power. Offering 7 different variations, there is a DAF amplifier to suit every need; from the pure mono power of the DAF 7001, which produces 7100W RMS at 1 Ohm or 14200W RMS at 2 Ohms if two are strapped together, to the four-channel goodness of the DAF 1004. All the DAF range includes four way protection circuitry, pre-amp outputs, variable phase control, a gunmetal finish, engraved Dragster logo and a heat sink in the traditional Dragster wing profile. The DAF range comes at a great power to pound ratio but also has an extremely good profit margin for dealers. Contact: RAAMaudio, 07707080040 or raamaudio.co.uk
FOCAL Focal’s Power Symmetric range of four amplifiers covers monoblock, two-channel and four-channel models. All amps in the impressive range provide an embedded doublesided PCB that eliminates the parasitic effects between the different electronic components and also reduces amplifier size. The additional tinning of specially studied track areas also provides the high-current transmission required, ensuring the power is that as indicated, whatever the circumstances. Each also uses an IGBT electronic component that combines the simple gate-driving characteristics of MOS-FETs with the low saturation voltage capability of classical bi-polar transistors. They also offer increased linearity whatever the audio output power required. Contact: Armour Auto, 01420 487110 or armourauto.com
JL AUDIO JL Audio is keen to point out that while their HD amplifiers are small, it was world-class fidelity that was at the core of their design. That they are powerful, efficient and small is an added benefit, made possible by the switching amplifier technology called Single Cycle Control. This exclusive core amplifier tech is mated to their regulated, intelligent power supply (R.I.P.S), advanced thermal management systems and a full complement of studio-grade processors to make a quality range of amplification solutions. Models available are the HD600/4, HD750/1, HD900/5 and the latest HD1200/1. That last model is a monoblock Class D subwoofer amplifier with an impressive 1x1200W at 1.5-4 Ohms. Contact: Celsus, 01202 664390 or celsusice.co.uk
JVC JVC offers two entrants here, the KSAR9001 mono amp and the KS-AR9004 four-channel amp. The former is a stylish 1200W Class D mono amplifier that offers flexible mounting options thanks to its compact size. Controls can be adjusted without the use of tools offering immediate tweaks on the move and installers can use multiple amps as they can be stacked on top of each other. The latter is a perfect match for that mono amp, the Class A/B KS-AR9004 providing 4x100W RMS into a 4 Ohm load or bridged, a mighty 2x240W of dynamic, undistorted sound capable of running high-spec, full-range speakers. Its use of variable input level control also allows users to build a system around their existing OEM headunit. They can then connect two channels to a pair of component speakers and bridge the other pair to run a subwoofer to achieve a proper hi-fi sound in their car. Contact: JVC, 0208 450 3282 or jvc.co.uk
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KENWOOD Kenwood’s KAC-X5D was released in the summer of this year and is the reigning champion of smallness in the five-channel amplifier world. Kenwood achieve the diminutive size by using its clever cooling technology and D Class amplification, both of which help to dramatically decrease proportions. Performance is not compromised though, with RMS power of 4x80W plus 1x350W for the subwoofer output, meaning that up to five speakers can be powered without this little box of tricks being strained. Other cool features include the MOS-FET switching power supply, built-in high and low pass filter and removable top plate. All together, the KACX5D can offer the versatility and performance that customers could certainly benefit from. Contact: Kenwood, 01923 816444 or kenwood-electronics.co.uk
It’s a funny thing
Clarion NX501E touch-screen multimedia innovation, with built-in navigation, Bluetooth... and fun
:-)
There are leaders, and there are followers. And its not unit in the industry and the first active matrix display. Most recently, surprising those with imagination and drive are usually Clarion was the first to develop a nav system dedicated to electric vehicles. the ones who come up with the bright ideas. If you’re still wondering why you should be talking with Clarion, isn’t The funny thing is that having done it once, they keep on doing it again, and again, and again. Like Clarion, originators it time you didn’t just follow the leader, but joined us too? Talk to Clarion, of Japan’s first ever line-fit car radio in 1951, ditto the first car cassette and be a part of a team of 9,000 employees worldwide, developing, player, the first voice guidance navigation, the first double DIN head manufacturing and selling the best. It’s good to share.
www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu
Clarion (GB) Ltd, Unit 5C, Interface Business Park, Bincknoll Lane, Wootton Bassett, Swindon, Wilts SN4 8QQ Tel: 01793 859560 E: amsales@clarion.co.uk www.clarion.co.uk29
PRODUCT GUIDE
|High-end Amplifiers
KICKER Kicker’s range of IX amplifiers delivers high-end performance in ultra-compact designs. They’re Kicker’s bestsounding and best-designed models that give dependable, high-efficiency Class D power to any system. Five models are available, a pair of Class D subwoofer amps, a full-range, Class D four-channel amp, a full-range Class D hybrid with sub channel and a fullrange, Class D stereo model. Incredibly, they all have a heat sink of less that 10in long making them not only powerful, clear and dependable, but also versatile enough to fit almost anywhere. Optional stacking hardware can also increase this flexibility. Contact: Armour Auto, 01420 487110 or armourauto.com
PHOENIX GOLD
LIGHTNING AUDIO For customers after big power, the 1,600W four-channel LA-8004 amp or the 3,000W LA-3000MD mono digital amp from Lightning Audio will hit the spot. The former features large power and speaker connectors to handle high current demands and a large top-mounted command centre with controls for input levels, selectable high-pass or low-pass crossover and a bass boost. The latter, is designed for 2 Ohm subwoofer loads like a pair of 4 Ohm woofers wired in parallel, or four 4 Ohm DVC woofers wired in series/parallel. This amp also features balanced/RCA inputs, low-pass crossover, bass boost with one band parametric EQ, subsonic filter and has master/slave capability with RCA inputs for daisy-chaining another amp. Contact: Path Products, 01844 219000 or path.co.uk
A long and illustrious history in innovating amplifier technology and the accumulated know-how has helped to Phoenix Gold to produce the latest Ti-Series of amplifiers. The range includes the Ti600.4, Ti800.4, Ti1500.1, Ti1600.5 and Ti2500.1 models. As an example, the four-channel Ti800.4 offers 4x400W at 2 Ohms or 4x125W at 4 Ohms, so the power is certainly there. All amps boast over-built, unregulated power supplies, hand wound transformers, extruding aluminium heat sinks and other cutting edge technologies that Phoenix Gold believes not only “pays homage to the brand’s heritage,” but can also be seen to be “setting the standard for tomorrow”. Contact: Celsus, 01202 664390 or celsusice.co.uk
PIONEER Thanks to a state-of-the-art circuit layout and carefully chosen audio components, Pioneer’s RS-A99 is compact in size yet still manages to couple massive power output to sonic virtuosity. The circuit is designed for Super High Voltage signal input, reducing any noise when used with the RS-P99 pre-amp. The RS-P99 has digital signal processing,
ROCKFORD FOSGATE
equaliser and network control functions similar
Rockford have their Prime, Punch and Power offerings aiming at different levels of budget.
source its optical digital inputs eliminate
The new Prime R600-4D is from the more affordable end of the spectrum, offering Class D
quality loss before D/A conversion. Hooked
circuitry and 600W across four channels, aimed at those running midrange/tweeters in the
up to the RS-A99 with its Total Vibration
front and back of their car. The Punch P1000X5D is also brand new, a 1000W Class D, full-
Control, high performance circuit with PWM
range, five-channel amp designed to run entire builds. The Class D design offers a higher
regulation for stable power supply and the
level of efficiency along with a tri-stage protection that covers thermal, over-current and
left/right symmetric circuit structure and users
short circuits. At the top of the price range, the T2500-1bdCP of the Power series, comes
can prepare themselves for some truly faithful
with a proprietary “Constant Power” configuration that delivers up to 25 per cent more
and inspiring listening.
power across all impedance loads for a cleaner and louder listening
Contact: Pioneer, 01753 789789 or
experience. Pumping out 2,500W it will easily drive an array of
pioneer.co.uk
subs wired to a 1 Ohm load, or 5,000W when two amps are linked in Power-Sync mode. Contact: Path Products, 01844 219000 or path.co.uk
30
www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu
to Pioneer’s RS-A9 yet is reduced in size by 30 per cent. When connected to the musical
Double
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A W A R D A SW A R D S 2 0 1 1 2 0 1 1
iPod, USB, AUX & Bluetooth “...what more could you want...?
**some vehicles may need activation
with a Gateway Five* - how about all of the above without changing the look of your factory system**
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www.dension.com
For more information on other Gateway Five compatible vehicles or to place an order please call sales on +44(0)1420 48710 or email sales@armourauto.com
Also available through Daltec The Authorised UK Partner for Dension Products
Telephone - 0208 5157820 Email - sales@dal-tec.com
also compatible with:
AUTOMOTIVE www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu
31
PRODUCT NEWS
|2011
LASERLINE’S WINTER WARMERS A winter sales thrust is on the way with Laserline’s new ‘Heatshot’ heated fluid windscreen wash system and a versatile range of aftermarket seat heating kits all wrapped up in an Audi Q5 demo vehicle for dealers to see these products plus a new innovative CAN-Bus cruise control system. Martyn Williams reports Punters put away their sporty roadsters in the autumn and generally, we are all familiar with the after-summer sales drop. Good news then that Laserline has come up with some key products to interest customers as they prepare for winter. They include Heatshot, the only proven
the factory, if the owner has had heated seats
offer your customers something they want and
previously then they will want them again..
really appreciate, add value to their vehicle
One of the biggest factors in gaining sales
and move into this very lucrative market.”
in this area with its valuable labour-charging quotient, is to present a true OEM-style product
Can Bus ‘drive by wire’ cruise control
with high quality controls able to fit discreetly in
and speed limiter
with the car’s interior trim.
Laserline’s new AP900C Can cruise control
The Laserline heated seat kits provide
or SL900c Can speed limiter breaks new
and effective heated fluid windscreen washer
universal fit suitable for cloth, leather or
ground offering currently over 100 Can
system that offers both safety and convenience
vinyl. Its most useful feature is cut-able
vehicle applications, constantly updated
at an affordable price, most importantly the
design without heat loss due to its carbon
software design enabling installation times
product is simple to fit, an ideal new market
filament construction which offers equal heat
to be slashed by at least an hour on most
and great dealer profit opportunity. The system
distribution (from 30 to 70 deg C).
vehicles, full technical support and the
is designed with applications for 12 or 24 Volt
The heater pads are supplied with cabling
complete range of command
vehicles with a minimal installation time using the
and the pads are thin and flexible enough
modules and accelerator
existing washer jets and controls. It will heat the
to be fitted directly underneath the outer
pedal harnesses are
fluid within 30 seconds of start-up and quickly
covering of the upholstery and held firmly in
stocked. Also the massively
allows the driver to clear ice and snow in the
place by self adhesive edges. It uses a modular
popular analogue AP900
winter and dead insects in the summer.
wiring system for ease of installation.
analogue drive by wire
It heats the fluid to a constant temperature
Most important of all, an OE-style
cruise kit covers over 350
while driving making sure the washer pipes
performance is assured with a fast warm-up
applications for standard
and jets don’t freeze on the move without
time. There are four single seat kits available
installations.
the risk of skin burns or cracked windscreens.
with a choice of two different heater pad
Other spin-offs include longer wiper life as
arrangements and the choice of two-position,
new innovative Laserline
or variable rotary heat switch. Trade prices
products to be launched
range between £50 and £80 per seat plus VAT.
over the coming months
Summing up, I asked Tim Kent, Laserline’s
and also there will be a
grime on the blade is reduced and the system being hot enough internally
Laserline’s heated seat kits come with a choice of two-position or variable rotary O.E. type switches, two or four pad cut-able design to give universal applications
There are many other Laserline offers a choice of O.E quality controller types with its CAN-Bus and analogue cruise and speed limiter packages
Managing Director, about availability of
much awaited Laserline
(news reports
Heatshot and the new heated seat kits. He
return to the EXPO 2012,
have identified
said: “We have always supplied heated seat
‘The future is bright, the future is green,
windscreen
kits but our new range takes us to the next level
white and red’ Laserline would also like to
washer fluid as
giving dealers more flexibility, a better pricing
say thank you to all customers old and new
possible distributor
structure and excellent profit opportunities,
for their continued valued support, let’s all
Headshot is a unique product, you will see the
look forward to a very positive, happy and
disease). The product
brand grow over the coming months, a three
prosperous new year.
of course carries a 12
year sponsorship deal with Leeds Rhinos Rugby
month warranty all the
Super League Club has been signed, national
relevant quality and
advertising with competitions and also exhibits
safety approvals.
at both Top Gear Live events have happened
to kill bacteria
of Legionnaires’
and the sales drive will continue into 2012.
32
Laserline’s new Audi Q5 demonstrator is fitted with lots of innovative products
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION OR TO PLACE AN ORDER: Contact Lynn or Tracy at the sales office on 0845 2712890 or 01925 851164.
Heated seats
Some of our dealers are even selling comfort
With the major proliferation of heated seats
packs with heated seats as the entry pack or
as standard in the last few years, there is an
a premium of premier pack combination of
Tim Kent, Managing Director 07866 725298
aftermarket opportunity with owners of older
Headshot and heated seats being supplied and
info@laserlinespa.com
cars or when the option was not selected from
fitted on a variety of vehicles. Get on board and
www.laserlinespa.com
www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu
Colin Wroe, Sales Manager on 07866 725302
www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu
33
PORTABLE SAT NAV MARKET
SAT NAVs WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU? The jargon is PND - Portable Navigation Devices – very much a mass-market product, so what potential does it have for the independent dealer? Martyn Williams looks at the market and the products
A
Gregory on 0870 603 8259 or by email to richard.gregory@gfk.com.
market has changed greatly since its peak around 2007 to 08. Saturation
unimpressed by them as earners. Paul Ellis at Source Sounds in Sheffield
and the success of navigation apps for smartphones have been major
thought that the margins didn’t justify the time involved in selling them
influences, TomTom’s navigation program for phones, for instance, is one
and with the warranty tied into the product it was end of game when the
of the biggest grossing apps on the market.
customer walked out the shop with the item.
n insight into how big the portable sat nav market has been can be answered partly by knowing TomTom’s total from first production up to 2010 - a figure of about 45 million units. The
The market according to to Richard
For information about the statistical available from gfk, contact Richard Dealers asked about portable sat nav sales were generally
Simon Partleton of Mill Autoquip based in St Austell, Cornwall, thought
Gregory, GfK’s Central European Senior
that smartphones with navigation apps pre-installed didn’t help the PND
Account Manager, has shown a steep
market and thought that being in a holiday area used to help sales but
decline since the peak of 2007. The latest
smartphones and low prices from chains had seen a tapering-off of sales
data shows that from October 2010
compared with just a couple of year’s ago. One small bright spot in sat nav
to September 2011 there were 1.65m
sales is the occasional interest in hard-wired set ups in customer’s cars.
units sold valued at £190m. However,
Byfleet-based shop Cartronics owned by Mark Godden sees a
compared to a full year in 2010, the
reasonable level of Garmin sales. Mark likes the Garmin for its reliability
decline in sales is showing signs of
and back-up.
reducing. Richard said: “As the market moves to replacement
I asked Mark about Garmin’s new camera-view system enabling users to monitor major junctions. He said: “With the things that are
new and innovative features are the ones
possible on smartphones nowadays, people more or less expect to
that will engage potential purchasers.
have facilities like that.”
Just a brief mention to customers telling them about life without sucker brackets and wires might bring in extra hard-wiring work
Larger the screen sizes are noticeable -
Mark also gets some portable hard-wiring business but tends to patch
the more obvious the difference between
in a hidden cigarette lighter socket using the existing power supply
a dedicated PND and free turn by turn
and bracket. Our own expert, Arthur Deebie thinks that, along with
navigation offered on smart mobile
hard-wiring, there are some persuasive avenues of conversation about
phones has helped with five inch screens
portable sat navs with potential customers. They are based around
reaching almost 20% of the market value in the last 12 months. “Live services with the ability to have constant live traffic updates and
having a phone free to use as a phone, extolling the now real
re-routing options, show the PND as an essential tool for every journey,
virtues of traffic queue avoidance,
live models again account for 20% of the market value in the last 12
and being able to dial in a
months. As pricing as reduced to below £180, live models should be an
destination by using the internet
necessary part of anyone’s range.
function on the premium quality
“It’s also easy to show the added value of additional maps, so
units, which also tend to have
European versions sell for a premium, manufacturers now using western
larger screens than phones and
European maps as a discounting tool (reached 9% of market value in last
better audio quality.
12 months). “Other features that need to be explained to consumers are voice control, iPod connectivity and Bluetooth for connecting mobile phones, all essential tools for many users.”
34
www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu
Performance-improving accessories can be a good impulse buy like this TomTom fast charger
|2011 CLARION l Now the only car audio manufacturer offering portables, two models are offered by Clarion, a general use type model MAP790 and a dedicated commercial vehicle type MAP690. Both have built-in navigation on a 2GB flash memory with mapping by TeleAtlas and 44 countries covered. Navigation functions can be selected via the touch screen and users are treated to a 360 degree 3D display mode for city maps, landmarks and terrain. Other navigation features include toll-free TMC traffic
l In Car Tec
information reception, lane indicator, speed limit information
In Car Tec has an interface model 10-655 which is an AUX in
and spoken street and city names. To keep up-to-date, users
and SAT NAV audio amplifier. With this item the installer can
can also update their maps and content through downloads
plug in the 3.5mm audio output from a portable sat nav and
from Clarion’s portal site. The Clarion units can also act as a
it will mute the car radio whilst transmitting the sat nav voice
movie player, a music player, a device to browse photos and
audio through the car’s speakers. It has an addition function as
crucially, Bluetooth hands-free. There’s even a trip computer
an AUX in amplifier for an MP3 player or iPod.
built-in, which could prove particularly useful for those business
In Car Tec 01392 829435 www.incartec.co.uk
users who need to keep track of their mileage. The other offering is the MAP690TRK for commercial vehicle users. The unit offers virtually all of the functions of the previous unit with a 4.3 inch LCD non-reflective touch screen. However, the crucial difference is that three different vehicle information profiles can be set-up, with the following data on each; height, width and height, weight (actual and Max), weight per-axle, trailer (yes/no) and hazardous material transportation. The route calculation then respects the following attributes; bridge (height, width, carrying capacity), tunnel (height, weight), road carrying capacity, water protection area, hazardous material transportation, general allowance and minimise bridge/ tunnels. The result of this is that drivers should never find their van, truck or lorry driving down roads that they’re either not suitable for or not allowed to be on. An added bonus is that the unit comes with a travel time monitor, basically acting as a trip computer that tracks driving and rest times and warns drivers when preset daily, continuous or break times are overtaken. That makes these units ideal for fleets, so could be an interesting
l Snooper
product for dealers to put in front of their commercial clients.
The Snooper range of specialist
Clarion 01793 859563 www.clarion.co.uk
products includes the popular S7000 Ventura Pro. designed specifically for caravans and motor homes, Ventura Pro calculates safe routes based on the vehicle’s width, length, height and weight. The user simply enters the height, width and weight of the vehicle and Ventura will automatically calculate a route avoiding low bridges, weight restrictions and many other hazards. It also includes a unique search facility of over 20,000 campsites and motor home stopovers in 31 countries. The latest version now includes Junction View, Lane Guidance and dedicated routing designed specifically for caravans and motor homes - plus Snooper’s multi awardwinning speed camera location technology. CEL TRADE 0116 2449846 www.celtrade.com
l MIO Mio added four new models to its Spirit range earlier in the year, the 480, 485, 685 and 687 combine state of the art features with quality navigation and ease of use. There are two screen sizes, the 4.3 inch Spirit 480/485 and the five inch Spirit 685/687. The Spirit 687 has Bluetooth and an integrated AV-in port for connecting a rear-view camera. The Spirit 485, 685 and 687 also come with built-in premium traffic information without the need for a subscription. All models come with ‘Parking Assistance’, ‘Pedestrian Mode’, ‘IQ Routes’, ‘LearnMe Pro’, ‘3D Junction Views’ and ‘Lane Guidance’. Voice Entry on the 687 allows drivers to enter an address by simply speaking into the device. The Spirit 485, 685 and 687 come with built-in TMC traffic information, keeping drivers updated with real-time data during a trip and suggesting alternatives to avoid traffic jams. With no additional fee, the subscription is free for a lifetime. The Spirit 687 has ‘MioMoreTM’ services, which give the latest weather forecasts while Google® Local Search helps drivers find information and points of interest in the local area. www.eu.mio.com
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35
PORTABLE SAT NAV MARKET
|2011
Garmin nuLink2390 showing extensive weather information
Garmin’s nuLink2390 indicating camera on the map plus live traffic view
l Garmin
junctions and exits. Garmin’s junction view database now includes
Garmin will be launching its 2012 products early in the year with a new
34,000 junction views across Europe.
marketing stance emphasising three product areas as follows: ‘Essential,
At the premium end of the Garmin range there is the nüvi 3400 series
Advanced and Premium’ designed to meet the lifestyles and budgets
featuring Guidance 3 electronics. At less than nine millimetres, it’s
of customers.
reputedly the thinnest in the world. The touch screen interaction and
The new line-up will use advanced ‘Guidance 2 and 3’ navigation engines for a faster and more intuitive experience. Commenting on the new range, Clive Taylor, Garmin’s Automotive Product Director, said: “The tiered structure of the new 2012 nüvi line makes it easy for buyers to pick the features and price point. They are designed to make everyday driving easier and provide time and fuel-saving benefits that only a dedicated navigation device can offer.” The three product headings starts with Essential, which is covered by the nüvi 30/40/50 series providing GPS navigation at its simplest with
orientation is smartphone-like in use. Guidance 3 includes photoReal Junction View technology and Bird’s Eye junction view. This technology offers an overhead perspective of the correct lanes to be in when approaching complex junctions which require multiple manoeuvres. Also on selected models is ‘Safe Texting’ which allows the user to hear and reply to texts on the move. Garmin also caters for iPhone users with its StreetPilot App which can be upgraded to include the latest traffic technology; 3D Traffic live services. The app also includes Google Local Search for routing straight to shops, and other commercial destinations.
accurate turn-by-turn directions and spoken street names - an entry-level product aimed at first-time drivers or as an extra unit for a second car. In the Advanced category, the nüvi 2405 and 2505 series is designed
Traffic avoidance There is a convincing PND sales story to high mileage drivers who are also the most likely to need their phone for its primary use – phoning. There is a
There is a convincing PND sales story to high mileage drivers who are also the most likely to need their phone for its primary use – phoning to offer sophisticated features at an affordable price. It comes with
good the better sat nav traffic avoidance systems are. Probably the best is TomTom’s Live HD Traffic but Garmin’s 3D Traffic technology is well-developed and is based on compiled historical traffic information (where traffic tends to be at certain times of the day), computed with 80 million current traffic sources (from real-time data). Worldwide, Garmin obtains two billion feeds per month from GPS probes on the road and also 80 million real-time sources. www.garmin.com
Garmin’s Guidance 2 navigation engine with up to ten times faster POI
l Navigon
search and routing which is twice as fast.
Now owned by Garmin, Navigon’s top model available at the
Some new Garmin models even allow the unit to be personalised
moment is the 70 Plus Live with a five inch display and covers 44
giving the nüvi a name, that when spoken, will wake it up ready for
countries in Europe. It has five Live Services: Traffic Live, Google Local
reliable hands-free voice commands.
Search, Mobile Safety Camera Live, Clever Parking Live and Weather
Junctions and exits are simplified using ‘photoReal Junction View,’
36
massive audience of this type of customer who will be unaware just how
Live. It has Reality View Pro function provides a photo-realistic display
road signs and junctions along the route are realistically displayed
of motorway junctions and exits.
with photographic detail to clearly mark the correct lanes to be in for
www.navigon.com
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www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu
37
PORTABLE SAT NAV MARKET
|2011
l TomTom Award-winning distributor to the industry, CEL TRADE, has long experience in the sales of PNDs and is currently looking at TomTom’s fleet management system. The thinking here is that the degree of sophistication of these products could form a highly profitable selling platform for ambitious dealers with the right infrastructure. The most recent models to be released are the GO 800 Series and Start models – the mid-priced 820/825 has the advantage of Live services and the Start is an entry-level model. One of the more interesting developments to come from TomTom is driver-friendly versions of Twitter and online travel services. The new ‘Search & Go LIVE Services’ includes Expedia, TripAdvisor and Yelp give users access to trusted online reviews plus navigation to a chosen venue. The iPad in America has become one of the latest iconic gadgets of the custom installer with dash slots being created to house these units displaying all forms of AV including engine and performance
GO 800 Series shares the fiddly mounting system used on lowerpriced TomToms instead of the superior GO 1000 Series mounting
parameters. TomTom has added to the stream of useful apps with the release of its iPhone 1.9 program which has been optimised for the iPad. It also has the bonus of offering a free download for iPad for existing TomTom app customers. The iPad app has a higher resolution for a sharper display and an enhanced user interface to fit the larger screen. The new release is also compatible with Apple’s brand new iOS5. Corinne Vigreux, Consumer Managing Director for TomTom said: “Our customers asked us for iPad features, and now they have them. We have enhanced everything the iPad user sees and interacts with on the touch-screen.”
The iPad app has a higher resolution for a sharper display It comes with a new map release with updated roads and more
TomTom Search & Go LIVE Services
accurate information about fixed speed camera locations and points of interest. Taking advantage of the extra iPad screen space, the fullscreen display shows both driving view and advanced lane guidance at the same time. Users can also switch to driving view with one touch from anywhere within the app, and can access guidance options again by tapping the screen. Customers also get HD Traffic as an added extra via in-App purchase. For existing TomTom HD Traffic and speed cameras subscription owners, drivers can simply switch subscriptions from their iPhones to their iPads, at no cost. That means all the navigation features from TomTom can now be enjoyed on iPad. HD Traffic and speed camera information is compatible with iPhone 3G/3GS/4, iPad WiFi + 3G models The TomTom Professional Fit range is available from CEL TRADE to dealers. Not only a profit opportunity but a security and user-friendly boost for the customer. CEL TRADE 0116 2449846 www.celtrade.com
38
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TomTom ipad
www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu
39
INDUSTRY PERSONALITY
|2011
DARREN WADDINGHAM General Manager, CEL TRADE Darren has been with CEL TRADE for nearly 20 years and has recently moved over from the Nottingham branch taking up his new post as General Manager at the Leicester headquarters to further develop the company’s forward-thinking and pro-active sales mission. Martyn Williams reports
Sales innovation is what CEL TRADE is all about, particularly in partnering with resellers to become virtual sales and marketing department with the efficiency and time-saving of a big company back office. Darren’s passion to keep the industry moving forward, is reflected in his comments: “Business innovation has meant that a lot of our resource time is spent working on automation. Part of that is our website development which means that a dealer can put an online order onto our system and we drop-ship it. If they are an online company and have an order for ‘Mr Smith,’ they can send the information through and we can ship it direct with their packing note. They will automatically receive an invoice and a despatch notification with the tracking details. “Another part of the automation for online dealers is being able to feed retail product information into their website. Ordering is streamlined with either a single feed or twoway data which is the ultimate in time-saving automation. This is all made possible with a massive investment in our own IT department. Most companies normally outsource this which can mean less control.” “Our aim is to make life easier for everybody – we offer them a one-stop-shop solution in the form of a package which includes regular
40
www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu
emails outlining information on new products and pricing – all that is overlaid into the CEL TRADE website. They can order up to 5.30pm and still get goods the following day. Some of the businesses we serve have limited cash flow and this makes it easier for them. “Another advantage to our customers is that we have a very experienced sales staff who can guide them through to the right products specific to their requirements. We’ve got a great team with excellent product knowledge – some of them have been with us over ten years such as Lee Andrews and Paul Howland – Paul’s specialist subject is tracking, a product area which we are increasingly involved with.” Part of the structure of CEL TRADE is that it has a couple of long-established retail outlets based in Derby and Nottingham. I asked Darren about them: “Times are hard and I think the next six months will be critical for all of us looking at the economy, but they have been doing good business by being pro-active and looking at new selling ideas. I’m from the old school in believing that every customer that comes into your store has got potential whereas a lot of dealers, in my opinion, a being a bit short-sighted if they see a customer as a
A CEL TRADE strength is that we don’t compete with our dealers ‘selling a box’ opportunity. “Personally, I always try to keep an open mind with every customer that comes in could be guided by my passion for making his or her car sound amazing. There are people willing to invest in an audio system – not just a head unit. I think some people are scared of selling say, a £3000 system when there are customers out there. Maybe it’s because they can’t relate it to their own circumstances but then again, how many Ferrari salesmen can afford a Ferrari? Above all with people who walk into a shop – never assume anything if they scruffy – they are often the people prepared to spend money. “Also, I don’t believe that it’s all doom and gloom as some dealers would have it. Dealers need to self-promote and need to always be
looking at new ways of getting business through to their store, they need to evaluate their own business and look at what lines keeping them profitable, vehicle and fleet tracking is a great example of what dealers should be selling, there is huge market potential out there, and a good way of making extra profit for your business. “The market has changed significantly since I started to do front line sales over 20 years ago – before that, I was an installer at London Car Radio in Nottingham. It’s obvious that Darren lives and breathes CEL TRADE but we had to ask him some personal questions such as what has been his proudest achievement in the industry? “I was given the opportunity manage the Car Electronics Nottingham store around eight years ago, at the time I took over it was achieving poor sales and had staffing issues. I brought in a new team and over a short period I turned it around into a profitable business, and it still is going well today.” And what about your proudest achievement outside of work? “Jumping out of an aeroplane at 12,000 feet! I hate flying and anything higher than a stepladder makes me dizzy, but it was for charity.” What do you hope the future holds for you professionally? “Well, I did a Jonathon Palmer track day a few year’s ago and the instructor said my talents are wasted and should be a racing driver! So, if any team managers are reading this...?” If you have any spare time Darren, what do you get up to? “Playing golf badly, building model cars and some averagely-played badminton. Best of all is a great social life with my girlfriend Emma.” Is there anything people may not know about you that you would care to share? “I have taken to loving horses and help my long time girlfriend Emma at weekends. Riding lessons are booked so God help me!” What are people at work most likely to hear you say? “So what can we sell today guys?” And finally Darren, give us some parting words? “Forget the rest, CELTRADE is the best!”
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41
|2011
Opportunity KNOCKS
Waste of Time? This month I look at how one specialist dealer identifies a sales opportunity from a seemingly annoying call for information!
Off the back of another busy show season, forums are alight with conversations regarding the correct way to install new amplifiers, head units, component speakers and subwoofers. A quick search of some key forums suggests that more than ever, young drivers are trying to do it themselves, declaring their need for a low cost route to car audio heaven. Many have purchased shiny products at very low prices working on the unenlightened premise that any amplifier is better than no amplifier. We know the young are brave and hapless enough to have a go at becoming a specialist installer form a base of zero knowledge in no time flat but what we are less certain of is how their adventures finish up.
route out of trouble. It is entirely up to them as to whether or not they take us up on it but at least they are not left to their own idea of what a proper job would cost.” But his approach is not limited to DIY audio installers. Jeremy told us of a customer who recently asked ‘can you just’ have a look at an OEM unit, as radio reception was very poor. Following a brief discussion the customer agreed to the £15 fee and his technical
It would be nice to think that after failing to get substandard kit to work to their satisfaction a young driver visits a local specialist and gets them to put a modest install in properly, setting them
Time is money but it’s worth putting effort into identifying a sales opportunity
team quickly identified that the radio was actually broken and advised the customer of their option to go to a car dealer and get a replacement or to upgrade to an aftermarket head unit that would also accommodate an
on the road to bigger and better future. However,
iPod. The delighted customer left with a new
our suspicion is that mostly, they end up frustrated and embarrassed, throw the whole lot in the bin
entering the store receives information regarding
head unit and Highdown made a sale that
and never go near car audio again.
the benefits of employing specialist expertise
would pass many less patient dealers by.
and back-up service and as a result some Jeremy Owen is the dealer principle at
become customers when things go wrong.
42
Of course, there are many lost causes out there and for the busy specialist, time is money but it
Highdown Car Audio & Security in Worthing and claims that a trained and experienced reseller
Jeremy told me; “Typically, a prospect who
may be wise in these austere times to put a little
should see potential in every enquiry. He and his
has gone down this route and ended up
more effort into identifying a sales opportunity. If
staff use their sales training and experience to
with a problem will become a ‘can you just’
it only results in a £15 buy-in for some advice, you
quickly weed out time wasters from bona fide
customer who will pop in with his car and ask
are at least engaging a possible future customer.
sales prospects with simple up-front questions
‘can you just’ look at his amp settings or check
such as; “if we can find you the right deal, are
the power wiring. This customer is offered our
Let me know of any anecdotes or evidence
you in a position to purchase today?” He calls
knowledge and experience for a nominal fee
you have of similar practice in your own store
this approach justifying the customer. Jeremy
of £15. For this we will point out any real howlers
by emailing Arthur.deebie@gmail.com. I will
sees a lot of those I describe and most simply
or dangerous practice and advise as to what is
print the best ones with a name check!
want to touch and feel a product before
needed to put them right and how much it will
purchasing it on eBay or similar and having their
cost for us to do it. Not always successful, we at
Contact Highdown Car Audio & Security on:
mate fit it for them. Where possible, everyone
least offer those who are out of their depth a
01903 238 119
www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu
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45
DOWN AT THE DEALER
| Ian Bannings
CRISIS WHAT CRISIS? The Ian Bannings Car Audio & Security unit with sales counter and huge workshop is based in the city of Guildford in Surrey heartland with more than its fair share of big houses and smart cars. Unsurprisingly, the company is jogging along quite nicely thank you…
With these facilities the company offers alloy wheels, exhaust systems and other tuning gear and even has an electric bike on display in the showroom, but a glance around the workshop shows that they mainly stay with their roots. The company was founded by Ian Bannings in 1975 who is sadly no longer with us but the name lives on and is currently run by Managing Director Dan Ratcliff. There is also an associate company on the same premises, Surrey Car Telephones.
“We do quite a lot of nonaudio stuff such as heated seats, cruise controls and parking sensors. The seat business is good for used cars where a customer might say that he or she quite likes it but wishes it had heated seats. The garage can do something about this by getting us to retro-fit them.
We do alot with local franchised dealers and have some good account customers that include the Mclaren F1 Team
There is a staff of seven working in the workshop and sales area - behind the counter is Paul Ashley, Sales Director, who is assisted by Dave Gravestock. Dave is the resident mad petrolhead, owner of a well-prepared Mk1 Golf, and works both on the sales and the workshop side.
“Round here is the sort of area where you really need to turn up in a Vogue at the golf club otherwise you hardly get noticed if you are lined up with the HSE’s in the car park. Lots of Range Rovers as family cars means that we get plenty of rear seat entertainment installation jobs – when they are prepared to spend £3000 on a set of 20 inch wheels, a couple of screens in the back is not a problem!” Any demo cars Paul? “We’ve had them in the past but as soon as you’ve built them, the kit can be out of date. As our customers mainly drive Rangies, Mercs and the like, a sound demo car doesn’t create much interest. On the audio side, our main business is integration of iPod including Bluetooth streaming, particularly with the latest iPhone.”
Paul Ashley
PA-ME P U Score:
R TE
www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu
BMW X6 and a Porsche Panamera parked outside serves as a business indicator
“Hands-free kits is steady business with the legal situation, on the security side we do tracking and a few alarms although the alarm business is limited by the amount of original equipment fitted. Tracking business is helped by a lot cars in area being high value leading to the insurance company insisting on them being tracked.
Bannings has occupied the current premises for about 25 years but a new large workshop location is currently being prepared with mezzanine offices in business area nearby which is within Guildford’s major car retailing area. It’s a strategic move to bring them nearer to the franchise dealerships who provide a significant part of their work – no longer will it require a two-car shuffle to bring vehicles back and forth to the workshop.
Paul on the other hand, doesn’t have time to get passionate about cars or anything else apart from family life with four children, he has been with the company since 1988 and has obviously seen a lot of changes. He said: “This business has turned on its head in the last ten years – when I first started, the alarm and audio business was about 90% of our activities whereas now it must be closer to ten! We do a
46
lot with the local franchised dealers and have some good account customers that include the McLaren F1 Team.
C
In a small factory estate near the city centre, Ian Bannings is first and foremost a mobile electronics specialist company but with the added advantage of a huge workshop offering the flexibility to work on say, a Team McLaren artic and a couple of mobile homes all at the same time with a hoist large enough to raise a light truck.
Workshop regulars with a typical customer’s car - from Left to right: Dave Gravestock, Perry Clapton, Terry Fay and Glenn Lansley
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47
ADAM RAYNER
|2011
RAYNER RANTS Adam Rayner muses on the nature of Government and bemoans how we seem to have done a bit of a Frank Whittle on DAB…. In the UK, we have a fine tradition of keen eager genius. Designing and inventing stuff so cool that we Brits (and especially Scots) have sent UK efforts around the world. Developments in TV and Radio, light bulbs and even jet engines. But just as Thomas Edison was the USA developer rather than the UK actual inventor of the light bulb (that was James Lindsay) and just like Frank Whittle may have invented the jet but failed to get the status he deserved for doing so, we have, in the UK, royally cocked up when it comes to digital radio. Don’t get me wrong, I am 100% behind the
music. Its supplied infra-red eye has to be sited
UK to get a ‘known good installer’ element to
joys of DAB and was pretty much the only
nearby and the remote bosses it.
Digital Tick. I think it should simply be the tick and
journalist at the recent Drive to Digital bash at
the words “Digital Radio UK ACCREDITED FITTER”
Broadcasting House (the hub of the BBC’s world
1920s art deco BBC Rehearsal Theatre for the
and a bloody great banner that you can put
service and radio generally) who was also there
opening address and had Ed Vaizey, Minister
up at your business – window, shop front, what
when they had their first ever meeting, some
for Culture, Communications and Creative
ever. That, and maybe even some help with local
12 years ago in the BBC council chamber, to
Industries, to start the big event. His speech
advertising for specialist businesses. It’s great to
announce DAB’s launch in the UK. I was also the
was about the fact that Government was
hear about Government and car makers and
only journalist at D2D to ask the really fucking
now properly behind the DAB thrust for cars,
radio makers and this not-for-profit-organisation
awkward questions and, it transpired, the only
with a two-year, ten million quid campaign
Digital Radio UK all working together but what
one in the room, who had any idea about ALL
planned and told us about the ‘Digital Tick’
about fuelling the sharp end? Which is YOU.
the DAB solutions, which slightly depressed me.
mark, like that used for TV products and
I was jammy enough to be there with a hat
Oh and as for the cock-up? Well, the UK has
how it would help makers’ products to be
lead DAB since the start and now there is the
on from CAR magazine. My first effort for them
recognised as ‘working’ and ‘fit’. It explained
better, not retro-compatible DAB+. As we have
was just an annotated photograph of a Jaguar
that Digital Radio UK and government and car
the world’s biggest take-up of DAB, there are a
interior under the “Great Options Rip Off” wherein
manufacturers and DAB radio manufacturers
slew of home radios out there that won’t work
I revealed the bombshell that you guys could
alike, were all pulling together at last.
with DAB+. So we are locked into the system for
supply better, cheaper and higher quality than
As soon as he’d finished and it was Q&A time, I
the foreseeable. DAB works on the codec used
OEM for such stuff as rear seat entertainment.
asked Vaizey: “Will there be any money set aside
for LaserDisc. It has all sorts of TV stuff in it that is
They didn’t let me publish the box-out of suppliers’
to protect the mark from illegal use by toe rags
unused for radio. DAB+’ codec enables lots more
phone numbers though, which was a shame.
selling kak at every market and railway arch?”
stations to be on the same complex and has a
This second oeuvre was about DAB and to
Ed was quite taken with my use of ‘Kak’
better quality sound, AAC as against MPEG2 – or
tell their readers what their options would be
and ‘Toe rags’ and even said, “Ah, not yet ten
MP2 (not even MP3) – which is better for listeners
to change over. These are hideaway units to
thirty in the morning and we have something
and broadcasters alike. In Germany, the only
convert OEMs, such as Celsus and Connects2.
positive” and then inviting me to come to the
people with DAB are early adopters who will
Replacement single DIN head units by known
next select committee meeting he has. The
forgive the need to re-equip for DAB+. In the UK,
makers, like Kenwood, who were exhibiting at
BBC chap who rounded that part up, also used
your aunty already has DAB and so does the caff.
the BBC event, and on-windscreen units, such as
the kak and toe rag terms and though I had to
that about to be launched by Pure to replace
leave before the boozy reception afterwards,
right now and the reality is the brilliant
the old Highway unit – called Highway 300Di.
I gather that they were also referred to in the
content. Transmitter numbers are exploding,
There is an entire category that the conference
final summation at the end of the day.
so coverage is rocking and the radio stations
had no idea about – which is the C-KO A/V
But basically, we are talking about TEN
But stuff all the tech, DAB is coming and
are proliferating to the point where Digital TV’s
input-using DAB box. This last, of course offers a
MILLION QUID! Over two years, the likes of Mobile
superiority to shitty analogue is just the same.
simple DAB option for those who have already
Electronics News and other consumer media are
To stay on FM is like insisting that five channels
bought into the aftermarket – your customers.
going to be kinda professionally erect to want to
of fuzzy TV is best. So gen up, guys and let’s ask
get just a teeny slice of that budget and paper
DRUK about shop support!
The C-KO gismo simply plugs an aerial into
48
Back at the Drive to Digital, we were in the
it to get the radio and then sends it all to the
our world with DAB stuff but I think we should get
A/V input of your set-up, so you get display and
rustling as a trade and get all over Digital Radio
www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu
Take care, now and avoid the old BOOMPH tinkle …
www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu
49
VCE GUIDE
|INSTANT EXPERT
SKODA FABIA
BURY CC9060 PHONE KIT FITMENT The popular Skoda Fabia only needs an hour of an installer’s time to fit the THB Bury CC9060 phone interface into a 2011 model car The stereo is the standard VW/Skoda double din with the fully populated VW Quadlock at the rear. (1) You need to remove the facia surround using trim tools to reveal four Torx screws securing the stereo. (2) As per normal now, no ignition at the back, so went to the fusebox. You will find this in front of the driver seat, pull the trim from the bottom to reveal two Torx screws that need to be removed. (3)
01
02
03
05
06
08
09
Once these are removed you can manoeuvre the fuse box out and lower it down. You will then need to squeeze a tab both top and
04
bottom about half way down the fuse box and this will allow the rear panel to slide off and expose the cabling at the rear. (4&5) Ignition feed can be found on this Black/Red cable. (7)
04
With the stereo removed you will see in the bottom left corner a small area where you can feed the cables through to exit into the passenger
07
footwell, there is no room behind the stereo to store any cables!!! The interior light is the same as the trusty VW standard. (8&9) The ‘A’ pillar clips off from the top to allow easy route for the
07
microphone cable, there was no air bag on the model I worked on. The door rubber is very tight against the dash at the bottom of the
10
pillar, I just eased it in with trim tools (11) PRODUCT & INSTALLER DETAILS
10 13
Interface lead: SOT-976FB
11
Dashmount bracket: 711222 Installation time: 60 Minutes Compiled and installed by Vernon Craig (Freedom Installations) covering Bristol & the surrounding areas. Tel: 07813 303398.
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Aftermarket Vehicle Solutions Ltd Contact: Peter Hughes T: +44 (0)1255 434353 E: sales@avs-ltd.co.uk W: www.avs-ltd.co.uk Brands: Distributor of Speed Limiters, Cruise Control, Parking Sensors, Security Products, CAN interfaces and Carbon Fibre Heated Seat Kits to the Aftermarket and the OEM Industries.
Brands: Cobra offers a complete range of vehicle security, safety and electronic systems: CobraTrak stolen vehicle tracking systems, Cobra alarms and immobilisers, Cobra ParkMaster parking sensors, Rosen retro fit in-car DVD systems, NSV Bluetooth handsfree systems, E-Cruise aftermarket cruise control and speed limiters, and Coyote live speed camera alert systems.
Alpine Electronics of UK Ltd Contact: Keith Holness T: +44 (0) 2476 719623 E: keith.holness@alpine-electronics.co.uk W: www.alpine-electronics.co.uk Brands: Alpine
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 aftermarket systems, Including interfaces for iPod, USB, MP3, Aux, Steering wheel controls inc CAN-Bus, Stalk & Display, Telemute, Parrot, and MOST fibre optic iPod & Bluetooth hands free interfaces. BEAT, Ground Zero, Tsunami, Shuriken, Balistic, Raptor, Zenec, Metra, LG, MAC Audio
Armour Automotive Limited Contact: Sales T: 01420 487110 E: sales@armourauto.com W: www.armourauto.com Brands: Autoleads, CTi, iO, Mutant, Radiomobile, Veba, VI, Avital, Clifford, Focal, Hornet, Kicker, Orion, Viper, Oxygen, Dension, Kinetik, Hushmat
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Audiovox Incaar Systems GmbH Contact: Damian Trybuszewski T: 01483 722 531 E: info@audiovoxincaarsystems.com W: www.audiovoxincaarsystems.com Brands: Audiovox, Audiovox Incaar Systems, AIS Automonitor Mobile Multimedia Ltd Contact: Hugh J McTernan T: +44 (0) 116 275 2020 E: hugh@automonitor.co.uk W: www.automonitor.co.uk Brands: Automonitor, SAVV, Necvox, Baton, Rosen, Visteon, Britax and Westfalia
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Autosound Limited Contact: Lee Fergus T: 01274 688990 E: lee.fergus@autosound.co.uk W: www.autosound.co.uk, www.blaupunktdirect.co.uk Brands: Blaupunkt, Bosch Car Multimedia, Funkwerk, Funtoro Mod Systems
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Celsus UK Limited Contact: Sales T: +44 (0)1202 664 390 E: sales@celsusice.co.uk W: www.celsusice.co.uk Brands: Celsus Accessories, Calearo, CANBus, Dynamat Europe, iPod Integration, Jehnert, JL Audio, MTX Audio, Stinger Electronics, PAC Audio, Stinger DSI 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. C-KO International Contact: Mark Scarff T: 020 8863 8333 E:enquiries@c-ko.co.uk W: www.c-ko.co.uk Brands: C-KO , Eurologics, Necvox, Nesa/ VST, Rosen Clarion (GB) Limited Contact: Sales at Clarion T: +44 (0) 1793 859563 F: +44 (0) 1793 859598 E: info@clarion.co.uk W: www.clarion.co.uk Brands: Clarion Cobra UK Contact: Cobra Sales T: 01932 772 400 E: salesuk@cobra-at.com W: www.cobravehiclesecurity.co.uk
Kenwood Electronics UK Limited T: +44 (0) 1923 816444 E: enquiries@kenwood-electronics.co.uk W: www.kenwood-electronics.co.uk Brands: Kenwood
L
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
N
Navigon AG Contact - Anthony Mills T: 07971 526616 F: +49 40 370 88 480 E: Anthony.mills@navigon.com W: www.navigon.com Navman Contact: Andrew Marsden T: 01162 449846 E: sales@celtrade.com W: www.celtrade.com Brands: Navman
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Dashmount Contact: Steve Taylor T: 01883741460 E: sales@dashmount.co.uk W: www.dashmount Brands: Dashmount, Bury, Nokia, Parrot, Adapt, Brodit, Autoleads, Elan, Kram, Park Control, Steelmate. DMC Business Machines PLC Contact – Steve McLean T: 0844 736 1144 E: steve.mclean@dmcplc.co.uk W: www.dmcplc.co.uk/auto Brands: Handsfree Car Kits – Nokia, THB Bury, Parrot, Motorola Parking Sensors – Steelmate, Veba Reverse Camera Kits – Veba GPS Camera Detection – Novus, Event Recording Systems – Novus Vehicle Lighting – Haztec, Ring Installation Accessories – Autoleads, Hirschmann, Bloomice, Wallen & More!
Canm8 Ltd Contact: Colin Palmer T: 08452266283 E: SALES@CANM8.COM Brands: Canm8 range of can bus interfaces can bus custom design
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Drivesync - Tracking Contact: Andrew Marsden T: 01162 449846 E: sales@celtrade.com W: www.celtrade.com Brands: Drivesync - Tracking.
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EDGE Audio T: 0121 311 9090 E: info@edgecaraudio.com W: www.edgecaraudio.com Brands: Edge
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FLYAUDIO UK Contact: John Pedlow T: 0333 4560236 F: 0333 7007120 E: sales@flyaudio.co W: www.flyaudio.co Brands: FlyAudio – In car advanced replacement media head units. Chevrolet, Ford, Honda, Kia, Hyundai, Jeep, Subaru, Toyota, Vauxhall, VW
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iGRIP® / Herbert Richter GmbH Contact: Scott Bouquet Email: s.b@igrip.eu T: +44 (0) 2081447413 E: www.igrip.eu Brands: iGRIP, Herbet Richter. Exclusively Available at Strax (UK) LTD In Car Technologies Contact: Steve Patient T: 01392 829435 E: sales@incartec.co.uk W: www.incartec.co.uk
Panorama Antennas Ltd Contact: John Thomson T: +44 (0) 20 8877 4444 E: sales@panorama-antennas.com W: www.panorama-antennas.com Brands: Manufacturer of antennas for DAB, Mobile Radio, Tetra, 3G Broadband and other wireless technologies. Parksafe UK Contact: Mick Barber T: 01773 746 591 F: 01773 743 251 E: Sales@Park-safe.co.uk w: www.Park-safe.co.uk Brands: Parking and Rear View camera systems Parrot UK Limited T: 0844 472 2360 E: sales.uk@parrot.com W: www.parrot.com Brands: Parrot
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Radio World Contact: Dale Johnson T: 01924 401756 E: sales@radioworld-online.co.uk W: www.rw-online.co.uk Brands: Accessories importers
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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, Parking Sensors, Speed Pulse Generators & Installation tools. Scorpion Automotive Ltd Contact: Dianne or Philly T: 01257 249928 E: info@scorpionauto.com W: www.scorpionauto.com Brands: Scorpion Security, Toad Security, Sigma Security, Stirling Security, Scorpion Parking sensors, Scorpion Track Stolen vehicle and fleet management tracking Select Products Contact: Matt Hurst T: 01233 62 32 36 E: matt@selectproducts.co.uk W: www.selectproducts.co.uk Brands: Select Products, Inigma 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, TPMS, HID
For less than £17 per month, you can list your company details here. For more information, contact 01268 754 897 or e-mail shauna.peters@creativemedialtd.co.uk 52
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