Vendor Newsmaker Q&A: Steve Crawford

Steve Crawford, vice president and general manager at the aftermarket division of Alpine Electronics of America, Inc., recently fielded a series of questions about this category:

What are some of the more popular auto electronics systems being sold within the aftermarket?

Audio/video/navigation (AVN) systems are still popular within the aftermarket. We are see various media sources (Pandora internet radio, audio streaming from a phone, Bluetooth hand-free calling, etc.) being used in the vehicle, via aftermarket source units or modules. Consumers are keeping their vehicles longer, so aftermarket products allow them to add new technology features without having to purchase a new vehicle. In some situations, these features (especially navigation systems) are not offered as OEM options in lower trim line models or are only offered within an entire high-end trim line package. These are instances when aftermarket products may be a more reasonable way to add technology features to a vehicle.

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Are there installation restrictions relating to the age/model year of a customer's vehicle? Or are these usually universal applications?

There may not be defined restrictions, but the ability to install particular products into a vehicle will depend on the age and model year of the vehicle.

Can much, or any, of this equipment be installed by a typical do-it-yourselfer? Or are these systems best installed by a do-it-for-me professional?

These products are best installed by professionals because they have access to the manufacturer in case issues arise during the installation process and may require sophisticated vehicle integration techniques.

What are the common challenges for professional installers when working with this type of equipment?

It is helpful for installers to keep updated on news from manufacturers, since there may be software updates or product installation bulletins which will help make for smoother installations.

Does a professional installer typically require specialized training?

For the aftermarket auto electronics industry, the answer is yes.

Where can this type of installation training be obtained?

Alpine is a supporter of the Mobile Electronics Certified Processional (MECP) program, which is sponsored by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA). The MECP program sets industry standards for the installation of mobile electronics, so that consumers can feel confident that their products are being correctly installed by professionals.

Do you have any basic tips as to how these types of systems can be more effectively marketed by an installer or auto parts store?

Just as with any business, installers should keep in touch with their customers and their local community. One medium that is gaining momentum is through social media, like Facebook. Social media not only allows installers to post samples of his/her work, it also allows customers to share peer-to-peer referrals of the work.

Regarding backup cameras, some drivers express concerns that the field of view is too limited, risking crashes when cars and trash cans, etc. are hit from the side as the operator's eyes are looking at the screen. Is this technology being improved upon?

In terms of Alpine’s product line, we offer camera systems with wider views at 185-190 degree angles of field. We also offer the HCE-C305R Active View rear camera system which detects moving objects behind the vehicle, then provides the driver with visible and audible warning sensors.

What are some of the developments in aftermarket parking-assist systems?

Alpine offers the VPX-B104R VPASS parking sensor system which is used in conjunction with an Alpine rear view camera system. When the parking space is viewed on the in-dash screen, a three-color grid (red/yellow/green) is overlaid onto the lines of the parking space in nine zones (three each to the rear, rear left and rear right). If an object is detected in any of the zones, the grid is highlighted and audible warnings are emitted. Although the VPX-B104 VPASS system is compatible with several Alpine camera systems, the driver gains a pretty comprehensive set of parking-assist features when it is used with the HCE-C305R Active View rear camera system.

What are some of the more intriguing new aftermarket auto electronics technologies that were displayed at the Consumer Electronics Show?

On behalf of Alpine, we debuted our first app which allows for the vehicle’s sound tuning to be done from a smartphone, then uploaded and applied to the vehicle through select Alpine head units. We also introduced the ICS-X7HD In-Dash App Receiver, which is our first head unit compatible with technologies such as MirrorLink and the Siri feature from iPhone.

What are some of the more intriguing and/or fun non-automotive electronics technologies that you saw displayed at the Consumer Electronics Show?

In general, TVs continue to get sharper and smarter as they come equipped with additional tech features; apps are everywhere and becoming more integrated with hardware products/appliances; and tablets continue to evolve.

For more information, visit www.alpine-usa.com.

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