Car sirens

	The H07C car horn from Ningbo First Pacific measures 130mm in diameter and has a frequency of up to 400Hz.

Makers turn to customized selling to boost exports. Prices continue to slump amid a weakening vehicle market.

China suppliers of car sirens and horns see signs pointing to stabilization amid the global economic insecurity. The industry remains optimistic that a price rebound is due in the next six months after quotes fell 7 to 8 percent earlier this year.

The downturn in 1H09 was caused primarily by the 5 to 30 percent decrease in worldwide demand, particularly from previously thought to be strong markets such as South America.

Despite these challenges, orders are projected to pick up. Overseas shipments account for 60 percent of total output and continue to outpace those for the domestic market.

To facilitate a recovery, more attention will be devoted to the US and EU markets. The Middle East, has also evolved into an attractive destination.

To boost exports, signifi cant efforts are also being directed to customized selling, and improving product functionality and durability. Many companies are implementing upgrades that allow for more-compact housings, higher sound levels, and wider operating and frequency range.

Product performance is being enhanced through the use of tested materials and components. Advanced manufacturing technology is also being adopted to equip car sirens and horns with value add-ons.

As automotive applications expand, suppliers emphasize easy installation, and compact and contemporary designs in new releases. A small supply of stand-alone units targets the DIY market.

	The CJB-100CD from Wenzhou Golddeer Security Equipment Co. Ltd comes with a handheld microphone and a 2-switch light control.

China has 200 to 300 makers of car sirens and horns and produces more than 15 million units annually.

Zhejiang province is the biggest production base in China. Large manufacturers are mostly concentrated in the city of Wenzhou and mainly supply the OE needs of domestic automakers. Guangdong province is another major sourcing hub.

China makers can produce all types of car horns and sirens, including electric, air snail and disc versions.

Product development is mainly carried out in-house, and most activities are focused on custom-built layout.

The majority of car sirens are exported as stand-alone components or as part of vehicle security systems and are marketed for the low-end and midrange segments.

High-frequency and electronic types account for the bulk of the car horn line. These are fi tted with highgrade steel diapraghms, which help reduce friction and emit clearer sounds.

Both categories are exported mainly on an OEM and ODM basis and target the aftermarket. Some in-house brands are also available.

Most new models come in a universal design that allows installation onto cars, trucks, trailers, motorcycles and other kinds of vehicles.

Companies such as Wenzhou Golddeer Security Equipment Co. Ltd offer different sound tones for its clients. Some have also introduced wireless car sirens with an LCD screen and a remote control function.

Recent releases use new components, including light bars with LED.

For low-end products, companies generally source components from domestic solutions providers. For high-end models, most makers use PC from Bayer and imported PIC chips.

China-made car sirens come with 40 to 400W speaker peak power output. Units with 200 to 400W hi-fi speakers are staples in the domestic market while 100 to 200W models constitute the bulk of export.

These products typically have a sound pressure level of 100 to 130dB, frequency range of 350Hz to 5kHz and 12 or 24V operating power.

A 100W car siren from China comes with a $40 to $60 price tag, signifi cantly cheaper than Western brands that are between $300 and $400 per unit.

Snail horns make up the majority of output. These are priced at $1.50 to $3 each, while a disc horn is typically available at $2.50 to $4.

Models meet SAE, UL, CE, E-Mark and ECE R65 requirements and come with a one- to three-year warranty. These are 5 percent more expensive than products that do not carry approval.