Car rearview systems

	Guangdong Yongtaihe's G-3201 is a car alarm with car searching central lock, door closing reminder and trunk release function.

GPS, GSM and RFID remain the R&D thrust of alarms and locks, as rearview systems highlight function integration and easy installation.

Mainland China’s car safety and security industry has been relatively stable in previous years. In 2008, the industry registered a y-o-y growth of over 20 percent, with most of the revenue coming from the domestic market. The outlook for 2009, however, may not be as promising, due to the challenges posed by the global economic crisis.

Nevertheless, mainland manufacturers remain optimistic and expect the global market share of car safety and security products to continue increasing in the coming years. They are focusing on exports to enhance their competitiveness and avoiding the tight competition in the domestic market.

The region mainly produces car alarms, car remote starters, car door locks, car rearview systems and parking sensors. The majority of suppliers provide OEM and ODM services, targeting the aftermarket, particularly as original equipment service providers of carmakers and 4S shops.

Suppliers mainly offer midrange and low-end models, which are catered mostly to buyers in the developing regions. South America, Eastern Europe, Middle East and Southeast Asia are the major export destinations. The bulk of products carry CE and FCC approvals and/or RoHS compliance certificates.

For 2009, manufacturers are focusing on function integration and enhanced reliability. They will also improve aspects of cosmetic design such as surface treatment, texture of material and handling.

For the host of car alarms and car rearview systems, suppliers will continue to release models with wide voltage and operating current range, and weather-resistant material.

Car alarms from mainland China include one-way and two-way models. Mainstream products feature two-way control, shock sensor, remote starter, keyless entry, central lock/unlock, auto arm/disarm, car finder and trunk release. Engine immobilizing function is optional for some models.

Most car alarms support a remote control distance exceeding 1km, while some support an effective range of up to 5km. Many models are equipped with code hopping technology, which is used for anti-hijacking. Aside from the standard shock sensor, makers incorporate microwave motion sensor and ultrasonic motion sensor to improve reliability and reduce false alarms caused by loud sounds like thunder or firecrackers. Most products come in a variety of styles, colors and remote control devices.

GSM- and GPS-enabled car alarms topped makers’ product development agenda in 2008, and will likely remain the major R&D direction in 2009. GSM car alarms can send an alarm and receive instruction at any given time and place. By using a mobile phone or landline unit, the user can position the car, lock/unlock the car’s door and remotely start the engine. When the alarm is triggered, the system will automatically send the signal to the user’s mobile phone via SMS or to a landline using a preset voice alarm.

GPS-enabled models support most of the functions found in GSM-based units, but the GPS network—though more accurate and covers a wider effective distance—relies heavily on the availability of local service providers for optimum performance.

Model LC619C from LFF Security Equipment Co. Ltd is a GSM car alarm with remote control function. The model has a metallic main frame, hopping code, anti-hijacking function, intelligent voice operation, multilanguage SMS alert and control, car monitor function through phone, and remote engine start via phone or remote control. It also supports password change and false warning prevention function.

Makers are also developing intelligent alarms. They have started launching alarms with processors that can automatically evaluate the level of attack and transmit the corresponding alarm.

Steelmate Co. Ltd recently launched its model 6238 that exhibits this property.

Makers expect a good supply of RFID-enabled car alarms in 2009. The product line began only in 2008 on the mainland and a few suppliers have already released models. Several others are set to launch their own RFID car alarms before the end of 2008 or in Q1 2009.

Also expected to flood the market are products with multifunction LCD screens and remote controllers, temperature display, signal strength display and vibration function.

Mainland China’s car rearview systems are commonly equipped with a CMOS sensor and a color LCD monitor. Some upscale models come with a CCD sensor. Rearview cameras with CMOS sensors offer a resolution of 380 TVL, while units with CCD sensors can support 420 TVL resolution. Mainstream models feature a viewing angle of 110° to 130°.

Convenient installation and function integration will be the dominant R&D directions for car rearview systems in 2009. Some makers have released wireless models to simplify installation. Some suppliers have combined a camera and a license plate bracket, while others have integrated an LCD monitor into a rearview mirror or sun visor. Several companies have also launched parking sensor-and-car-rearview-system combo models.

Shenzhen Cisbo Technology Co. Ltd’s SB868L-4-T7 is a video parking sensor with a rearview mirror LCD monitor and license bracket camera. The model has four ultrasonic detectors and adopts OV 1/3in color CMOS sensor with a resolution of 420 TVL. It is easy to install, has audible alarm, and displays image and obstacle distance on the monitor. Sensors come in various colors and styles.

Steelmate’s recently released Redbat 638A, on the other hand, is a high-end car rearview system integrated with a parking sensor, GPS navigation and tire pressure monitoring function. The product can also enable Bluetooth handsfree calls.

Makers are inclined to manufacture central locking systems rather than standalone electronic car door locks. General-purpose models and special-purpose units are available.

Models typically have 12V DC and 10A input, 2.5kg or 3.5kg working force, 10mm to 20mm stroke distance and a lifespan of over 100,000 cycles. Most suppliers accept special requirements and OEM/ODM orders.

In 2009, makers of car door locks will focus on RFID-enabled keyless entry systems. In line with their thrust to improve reliability, makers adopt dual-track and anti-jam designs.

Car remote starter is offered as an optional function for car alarms or as a separate product. Standard models feature programmable timing for auto start and periodic start, while some advanced models support turbo timer delay and gear reservation mode.

The yuan’s higher valuation against the dollar has put a severe dent on the profits of mainland China suppliers, especially those who are export-oriented. More makers are now revising their strategies to reduce the risks associated with currency conversion. In fact, some suppliers have started using other currencies such as the euro, British pound, Australian dollar or even yuan to settle transactions with non-US customers. Others are adopting realtime settlement, converting long-term contracts to contracts with shorter validity, or shortening the renewal period of their price quotations.

Another major challenge suppliers face are the rising costs of raw materials, which bring significant increases in total production costs and, consequently, in product prices.

These two factors are causing makers to expect higher product quotes in 2009, especially for the low-end and midrange models.