SEMA News—August 2011
Are You Entertained?
Innovations for Audio, Video, Safety and Performance
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Many safety and performance systems as well as traditional audio and video used to be restricted to hardwired installations. But smartphones, such as Blackberry, iPhone, Android and others, are creating a revolution in not only how navigation, audio and video are used, but also how vehicle maintenance and troubleshooting are performed, and we are already seeing communications from vehicle to vehicle as well as between vehicles and the infrastructure. Tablet computers, the latest innovation, are beginning to add yet another subgroup to the definition of mobile electronics.
As shown on these pages, more than 40 new mobile-electronics products were unveiled at the 2010 SEMA Show, including a wealth of devices that are compatible with smartphone technologies. We’ve also gathered comments about the current state and future of the industry from executives with some of the top companies in the field. As with electronics and automobiles, the combination is informative as well as entertaining.
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Controls your vehicle with cell phone apps. Packages include remote alarm status, door locking and unlocking, rolling windows up and down plus vent positioning for car cool-down. |
The all-new Passport iQ by Escort is the world’s first and only convergence of advanced automotive technologies, including radar/laser detection, 3-D GPS navigation and optional Bluetooth hands-free calling. The ultimate driving companion. |
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DGE’s Gateway development platform provides vehicle accessory developers with a cost-effective means to interface with standard vehicle communication buses, including CAN, LIN, K-Line, etc. |
BHF-2000 realizes a true definition of Bluetooth wireless hands-free. Features, such as voice sensing and solar, make it unnecessary for users to physically touch the unit. |
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Monster’s iMotion CarPlay Direct Connect charging device features an innovative in-car hand motion-control connection that lets drivers actually use simple hand gestures to control their iPod, iPhone or iPad! |
Ram Truck Upfitter Module (RTUM) provides |
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Cimble
Escort/Beltronics Radar Detectors
DGE Inc.
DriveNTalk
Monster
DGE Inc.
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The biggest trend we’re seeing is smartphone integration. People have their whole lives on these devices—their music, photos, calendar items, e-mail, social networks. It’s a huge thing with both the carmakers and aftermarket right now.
The smartphone is important because of its connection to the Internet, also called “the cloud.” Instead of having everything built into the car, you have it streamed over a wireless Internet connection. You don’t have to have the music nor a navigation system in the car; you have it on the phone. The only downside is that if you lose your cell connection, you lose your music or your way.
Internet radio is a another big trend. A lot of companies—Pioneer, Alpine and Kenwood—introduced head units that can stream Pandora radio. There’s also a new system that I just tried called Mog, which is kind of a cross between Pandora and an iPod. It’s a subscription-based system that allows you to stream music that you personally select.
Retailers and installers need to be aware of what’s happening with phone integration. The aftermarket has the opportunity to provide these technologies to people who want to keep an existing car or buy a car that doesn’t offer these systems.
—Doug Newcomb
Senior Editor, Technology, Edmunds.com
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The GoPoint Technology GL2 allows DIY and professional mechanics to use their Apple iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch to access enhanced diagnostics and repair information. |
The GoPoint Technology BT1 allows DIY and professional mechanics to use their Apple, Android or Windows device to access enhanced diagnostics and repair information. |
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The Solo S3 is the most powerful combination of long-range radar and laser detection without the reliance on a power cord. |
The ezVault: compact, easy to install, peace of mind. |
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The Passport Qi45 is a fully integrated, high-performance radar and laser detector system that offers award-winning performance in a discreet custom-installed unit. |
Super-loud dual truck horn package. Includes 130-psi compressor, 1-gallon air tank, wiring kit, horn button and tubing. Complete package. |
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GoPoint Technology 
GoPoint Technology 
Escort/Beltronics Radar Detectors 
ETL-Secure Logic 
Escort/Beltronics Radar Detectors 
Kleinn Air Horns |
Winner Best New Mobile-Electronics ProductThe first multi-functional automotive plug-and-play device that brings navigation, safety and entertainment into one device. Prodigy Series is a compact unit that integrates easily with many OEM and aftermarket screen-based radios and mirror display systems. |
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As carmakers become more aggressive with technology, aftermarket manufacturers and retailers need to offer something different. In the past, it was always aftermarket first; now you have somewhat even footing, depending on the car company. Retailers will want to offer products with advanced features, more real-time services and smartphone connectivity. We made similar transitions in the past when CD started to go to MP3. We saw it with iPod integration and USB, and I think the evolution now is smartphones. Capitalize on those products.
—Adam Thomas
Vice President of Marketing, Clarion Corp.
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A hands-free Bluetooth kit that works in English, Spanish and French right out of the box. Available in six colors to seamlessly integrate with a vehicle’s interior. |
Fits almost any vehicle and, with a camera, gives the driver a view of what is directly behind the vehicle. Brightest display available. |
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Color-changing LED ringz. Comes in six different sizes. They are cuttable to make different sizes. |
Laser Interceptor—the ultimate laser jammer. |
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The Monster CarTalk Bluetooth Car Kit (SRP: $79.95) is an all-in-one, on-the-road solution for enjoying exceptional audio from an unobtrusive compact Bluetooth car speakerphone. |
For the ’08–’11 Toyota Highlander. |
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MITO Corp. 
MITO Corp. 
Radiantz Inc. 
Laser Interceptor 
Monster 
Myron and Davis
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Runner-Up Best New Mobile-Electronics Product  |
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Users are going more toward smartphones with built-in applications and navigation software and trending away from in-dash nav devices. We make mounts and audio connectors to hold smartphones that can play turn-by-turn navigation through the car’s sound system.
Retailers and installers need to be aware of all the different mobile solutions and their price points. They need to find out from their manufacturers what accessories they might be missing. They need to have the right charging cables, iPod 30-pin connectors, Bluetooth kits, cases and backup batteries. People are buying these things. If dealers don’t carry these items, they’re leaving money on the table. Dealers need to understand that they should have high-end professional installation but also daily necessities for powering, charging and protecting.
—Kas Alves
Executive Vice President, Scosche
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NSV’s OE-designed daytime running lights are |
Oracle ColorShift halo kits can change to any color with the push of a button from our wireless controller. Many new vehicle applications available. |
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Universal license plate flipping bracket that flips the licence plate down to provide access to hidden gas filler nozzles behind the license plate. |
Seat-back entertainment system with a patent-pending mounting system, dual 7-in. LCDs with DVD, 25 video games, an aux input, a USB and more. |
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Computer car mouse in the shape of popular automobiles: Corvette, Camaro, Mustang, Viper, PT Cruiser and many more. |
The S3-1 is a radio replacement interface with steering-wheel controls. It covers 125+ applications, compatible with more than 40,000,000 vehicles on the road. |
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NSV Automotive 
Oracle Lighting 
Premier Auto Products 
Rosen Entertainment Systems 
Road Mice 
Scosche Industries Inc.
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Mobile-electronics parts retailers and installers need to commit to staying on the cutting edge in terms of trends, product knowledge and techniques that will distinguish their work. They need to remember to promote their businesses and not simply their brands. Their greatest opportunities lie in promoting their expertise and the fact that they have the knowledge and skill to enhance the consumers’ driving experience. It’s their knowledge that gives them the edge over the competition.
Succeeding at keeping the category foremost in the minds of consumers during challenging financial times will be the most significant hurdle. Remember why you got into this business—the passion and the pride—and commit to ongoing education to stay ahead of the competition.
—Kevin Campbell
Global Marketing Director, Kicker
