Steelmate Ships High Tech Backup Cam

Steelmate USA is now shipping its top-of-the-line parking assist system.  It uses both ultrasonic sensors and video cameras and also combines voice warnings for an advanced back up camera system.

The 4-sensor system is compatible with any in-dash video unit or monitor. It also permits a video overlay.

Steelmate says installation is simple for the device as it works over existing wiring using a separate module called the  IPWRXTX1 at $399 suggested retail price.

The camera/sensor module is called the SPTSV401 at $499.

Steelmate claims a similar system found on S Class Mercedes AMG sedans is in a $3,500 option.

Source: Steelmate USA

M Rothman Named Sony Distributor

M. Rothman said it was named the Sony Mobile distributor in the Northeast effective last month.

The company, which also distributes Pioneer as well as JVC, JBL, Infinity, Audiovox, Viper and other brands, will handle Sony car audio for the areas of Trenton, NJ, Rochester, NY, Westchester/ Rockland, NY, and all of New England and upstate NY.

Source: M. Rothman

Fed Proposes Limits on Car Navigation

The Fed proposed Thursday that auto makers produce connected car radios that require the car is in park before drivers may look up an address on a navigation system, browse the Internet or dial a phone number.

An exception is voice activated use of any of the above functions, which would not require the car be in park.

A second set of guidelines on aftermarket car products will follow, said the Department of Transportation.

The edict is the first-ever “federally proposed guidelines to encourage automobile manufacturers to limit the distraction risk for in-vehicle electronic devices,” said the agency.

These are voluntary guidelines, but the agency expects that auto makers will fully comply, and in fact, many car makers already follow the guidelines.

The aftermarket is not excluded from the DOT’s radar.  A second phase of guidelines  will affect aftermarket products such as portable navigation systems as well as “smart phones, electronic tablets and pads, and other mobile communications devices,” said the DOT.

A third set of guidelines may address voice-activated controls to further minimize distraction in factory-installed, aftermarket, and portable devices, said the agency.

As for phase one of the guidelines for auto makers, public comments are invited over the next 60 days and public hearings will be held in March in Los Angeles, Chicago, and Washington D.C

The phase one guidelines apply specifically to any infotainment/navigation functions “that are not required to safely operate the vehicle.”

“We recognize that vehicle manufacturers want to build vehicles that include the tools and conveniences expected by today’s American drivers,” said David Strickland, Administrator for NHTSA  (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), the arm of the DOT responsible for the guidelines. “The guidelines we’re proposing would offer real-world guidance to automakers to help them develop electronic devices that provide features consumers want-without disrupting a driver’s attention or sacrificing safety.”

He also noted that data shows that “the vast majority of crashes occur because of dangerous behavior, including driving drunk, driving while distracted, and driving too fast.”

You can view the full guidelines and DOT press release here.

Source: DOT via The Wall Street Journal

Ford Expands Sync Availability

The Ford Sync is now available as standard equipment (standard, not optional) on all trim levels for the 2013 Ford Fusion and Flex, including base models.

The voice activated, phone-ready radio system is also now either optional or standard equipment on every Ford sold in North America, said Ford Thursday.

Over 4 million Sync systems have sold since 2007, but the sales pace will now accelerate.  Within 3 years, another 9 million Sync system should be on the road, or a total of 13 million, Ford said.

Ford claims it launched “the upgradeable car” with the Sync that offers a USB or Bluetooth smartphone connection to the radio and voice control over music and other features including hands free calls.

“Ford SYNC technology has led the industry in transforming the way we connect to our cars,” said Dave Mondragon, Ford General Marketing Manager. “SYNC has enabled Ford drivers to take advantage of the latest communication and entertainment technology with an easily upgradeable architecture that is friendly to use.”

Ford notes that 9 states have now completely banned the use of hand-held phones by drivers with at least 35 states prohibiting texting behind the wheel. At the same time, more than 300 million cell phones were estimated to be in use in the U.S. as of mid-2011.

Source: Ford

Fed Loosening up on Driver Distraction:WSJ

The Fed is changing its tune on calling for a full ban on cellphone use in the car, and the movement to legislate against “connected cars” appears to be fading, reported the Wall Street Journal Friday.

Lobbyists for the auto makers say the administration is indicating it’s changing its view on limiting car technology.  Also transportation Sec. Ray LaHood recently elected not to hold a 3^rd annual Distracted Driving Summit this year, “and signaled he won’t challenge auto makers that are integrating cellphones into their dashboard marvels,” said the WSJ.

Meanwhile, NHTSA, the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, is studying driver distraction and plans to release a report late in the year. It will look at the differences in hands free phone use, semi-hands free use and handheld use of smartphones.

The Transportation department will also release in a few weeks new guidelines for auto makers on driver safety, but these are expected to generally follow what car companies are already offering.

Technology remains a key selling point for auto makers who are trying especially to woo young people into the car market.

Source: Wall Street Journal (subscription required to view full article)

VOXX (Audiovox) Buys Hirschmann

VOXX, parent company to Audiovox Electronics, announced it entered an agreement to buy Tier 1 OEM supplier Hirschmann (Car Communication Holding GmbH) and its subsidiaries for 85 million euros.

Hirschmann, headquartered in Germany, supplies car products including antennas and digital TV tuners to leading auto makers including Audi, BMW, Daimler, Volkswagen, Renault, DAF and PSA.

The deal is expected to help Audiovox enter the budding Mobile DTV market, which allows digital TV transmission to a moving vehicle or portable device.

VOXX CEO Pat Lavelle said, “Their capability and existing worldwide digital TV tuner business holds great potential for us as we near deployment of MDTV in the US and we believe it will enhance our overall rear seat entertainment business. Additionally, their strong antenna engineering and R&D resources coupled with our existing RCA, Terk, and Schwaiger capabilities will allow us to expand antenna development and strengthen our position as a leading worldwide supplier.”

John Shalam, Founder and Chairman of the VOXX Board, stated, “This acquisition realizes my long term vision for VOXX International, which is to achieve global OEM manufacturing status…”

The deal is also expected to help VOXX expand into the Chinese market.

The purchase is expected to be completed in March and would make Hirschmann a wholly owned subsidiary of VOXX.

Source: VOXX

 

Harman TV Ads Feature Jennifer Lopez

Harman International will launch a new TV ad starring Jennifer Lopez during the Grammy Awards on February 12.

You can see the European version of the ad below, bearing the theme of “Beautiful Sound.”

The company says it will also air another new ad during the Grammy Awards show featuring “a legendary figure in rock history.”

Harman’s Chris Dragon told us that car audio will be included in the TV spots later in the campaign.

The new ads follow a Maroon TV spot (below) for Harman’s JBL brand that launched last September.

The company will also launch a print ad campaign.

Additionally, Harman is also a sponsor of the Grammy’s presentation for the 5^th year. It provides microphones, headphones, mixing consoles, amplifiers, loudspeakers and systems integration expertise for the broadcast.

Source: Harman International

Audiovox to Distribute Bongiovi Tech for OEM

Audiovox Electronics Corp. said it expects to become the exclusive U.S. distributor of the Tony Bongiovi designed Digital Power Station (DPS) technology, which Audiovox will make available to its OE customers

Bongiovi, of Bongiovi Acoustics, created DPS for the car as a way to bring studio quality sound to the vehicle in a cost effective manner.

“Tony Bongiovi knows sound and we believe his new patented DPS technology will make a significant impact on the industry because it provides the car manufacturers with the ability to take a basic factory sound system and dramatically improve the audio quality….ostensibly delivering sound normally found on much higher-end, step up systems,” said Audiovox Electronics President Tom Malone.

DPS digitally remasters the audio signal in real time and helps optimize the audio signal for a particular car model.

Audiovox announced Tuesday, it signed a letter of intent  with AVG Group to become the distributor for DPS.

Alpine Reports Lower Net Income

Alpine Electronics reported lower sales and net income for its fiscal year to date, citing continued fallout from the Japanese earthquake, floods in Thailand as well as a competitive aftermarket in the U.S.

For the nine months ended December 31, 2011, Alpine’s net sales fell slightly, by 1.3 percent compared to the same period a year ago, but net income dropped 55 percent.

The company “suffered from a shortage of parts” due to the recent national disasters.  However, auto sales are rebounding and Alpine’s OEM sales grew 9.3 percent to almost 105 billion yen.

Sales were down, however for aftermarket car audio in the U.S. and Europe, said Alpine citing, “the aggressive marketing strategies of our competitors and deteriorating market conditions.”

Alpine said it continued to innovate, offering car radios with MirrorLink connections for smartphones  (but not in the U.S.).

Net sales for the nine months topped 1.45 billion yen compared to over 1.47 billion yen a year ago.  Net income per share was 42.53 yen compared to 94.14 yen a year ago.

Alpine expects to end the full fiscal year with net sales of 200,000 million yen, down .6 percent from a year ago and net income of 3 billion yen, down 50 percent from a year earlier.

Source: Alpine Electronics

MECP Exam Launches Feb. 1; New Study Guide

The next MECP (Mobile Electronics Certified Professional) exam  car audio installers will launch February 1, 2012.  And now there’s a new study guide for those planning to take the exam.

At over 860 pages, it’s far more comprehensive than past MECP study guide editions and now includes more real world examples, images and diagrams. MECP has also updated the  Vehicle Check-in Sheet, said the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA).  You can see the  online Table of Contents and purchase the guide for $55 from the CEA Store or $57 from Amazon.com.

The CEA also reports:

The new exam covers much of the new material found in the 3rd Edition of the study guide. Starting on February 1, only the new Advanced Installation Technician exam will be available (Basic, Master and Mobile Product Specialist exams remain unchanged). If you have been studying from the “old” MECP Advanced Study Guide and wish to take the corresponding “old” exam, you must do so before February 1. To learn more about how to register for an exam, click here.

In the meantime, if you’re wondering what you’ll find on the new exam, here are some quick facts:

• Advanced exam now includes an on-screen calculator for your convenience;
• Still 200 questions with a 3-hour time limit;
• Many more questions come with supporting images;
• Questions break down as follows:
• Section 1 – Advanced Electronics and Vehicle Electrical Systems – 45 questions
• Section 2 – Advanced Installation Knowledge & Technique – 45 questions
• Section 3 – Advanced Mobile Audio/Video Systems – 45 questions
• Section 4 – Advanced Security and Convenience Systems – 45 questions
• Section 5 – Advanced In-Vehicle Information & Safety Systems – 20 questions

MECP is dedicated to growing the skills and professionalism of the 12 Volt community. The new Advanced Installation Technician Study Guide and exam are the most comprehensive information sources available for 12 Volt professionals. MECP could not produce such great-quality materials without the hard work and dedication of a number of industry volunteers and subject matter experts, each of whom is among the best-of-the-best in the industry. MECP thanks them for their hard work! Be on the lookout for another edition of On The Move in February where we’ll cover a bit more about the Subject Matter Experts who helped create these world-class training materials.

Source: CEA via Ramsey Consulting Group

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