Car mount R&D is matching customized requirements in portable navigation devices

	The CL-589BR model from Chelong is a car dashboard mount for monitors or TVs.

China suppliers of car mounts are riding on the latest trends in car infotainment to boost the auxiliary line. Makers are centering R&D activities on matching developments in portable in-vehicle A/V and navigation products, mobile Internet devices or MIDs, and even laptops and security systems. They are paying particular attention to the newest generation of the iPad and iPhone to be able to roll out compatible accessories.

Universal types are expected to continue dominating output, but manufacturers are introducing more customizable variants to cater to the diverse needs of buyers. The latter’s share of aggregate supply is expected to rise steadily in coming months. Large enterprises with an R&D workforce of up to 20 personnel can handle in-house design work for such units. Models can be developed within a week or longer depending on the complexity of requirements. Mikosi Technology Co. Ltd and Shenzhen Chelong Electronics Technology Co. Ltd are releasing three to four new items monthly that are compatible with in-car devices.

Makers are also enhancing cosmetic and structural properties. White, silver and other colors are increasingly adopted in recent releases instead of the traditional black. Compact housings and rounded corners are gradually replacing rugged and bulky styles. Some upscale models are being equipped with elastic material inside holders and locks to enhance holding capability and stability, and prevent surface damage on devices.

Integrated wire and connector management features, which are used to tidy up cables and wires, are also supported by new releases. Makers such as Qest Group Ltd have developed foldable car mounts to save space.

Multifunction designs are in the pipeline as well. These include units that double as foldable headrest tables for laptops, or even for reading or dining. Chaozhou Zhanhong Electronic Co. Ltd’s car mounts feature hooks that can be placed behind the chair for bags or for hanging water bottles. A new model from Mikosi integrates a cigarette lighter charger and an iPhone port in the holder.

To enhance flexibility, some suppliers have introduced versions with several mounts and holders. A rabbet or screw secures the mount and holder/adapter so that they can be used interchangeably. These products are marketed as kits containing a universal mount and dedicated holders or adapters suitable for the iPhone or iPod, and Blackberry handsets.

Manufacturers in China are banking on the robust car electronics industry worldwide and the growing linedomestically. The country is forecast to displace the US as the largest market for such devices by 2012. The rosy outlook is expanding the maker base, which will then boost output.

Companies ship in-vehicle mounts to importers or car infotainment equipment suppliers that bundle them as accessories. North America and Europe are the key export destinations, followed by South and East Asia.

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	The MKS-CM044 model from Mikosi has adjustable angle, universal design, and fits all types of iPod, MP3 player, PDA, GPS, and mobile phones.

A typical car mount from China consists of a pedestal, holder, and a fixed or adjustable neck. Basic models usually adopt plastic and steel for cost considerations, while aluminum alloy is preferred for upscale variants. Some makers use ABS, which is UV-resistant and does not crack in high or low temperature.

Manufacturers offer two main product types, one for infotainment electronics such as mobile phones and GPS devices, and the other for large car TVs found on buses. The first category dominates supply, and comprises dedicated and universal configurations. The former is optimized for specific in-vehicle gadgets, while the second works with a slew of products.

Universal car mounts feature adjustable clip locks on the holder to suit different device dimensions and car models. Such variants can also fit most mobile phones, PDAs, GPS, MP3 and MP4 players, and portable TVs smaller than 7in. Makers can customize designs for more compact or larger products.

Standard units can support in-vehicle electronics measuring 40 to 70mm wide and 10 to 20mm thick, and weighing up to 500g. They have a rack with multilevel adjustment. Other styles come with an elastic structure.

Car mounts are also classified according to the mounting methods used such as suction cup, dashboard, headrest, roof mount and air vent. The first two varieties are designed for GPS devices, mobile phones or other portable in-vehicle equipment. They are the most popular models because they are easy to install.

Suction cups are made of PVC and have an absorption force exceeding 1kg. Dashboard types come with a beanbag or adhesive tape, or anti-slip matting for easy fixture. Headrest and roof-mount designs, meanwhile, are used for car monitors or TVs. The first has a plastic clamp and can be attached to the neck posts of the seat. The maximum loading capacity is 2 to 3kg. Other models can also work with MIDs or the iPad.

Roof-mount types feature screw fixing. Air-vent car mounts are for small devices such as mobile phones, GPS and portable TVs. Most designs sport a Cardan shaft or gooseneck, and a wrench or screw lock for a better viewing angle.

Car mounts for large TVs used in vehicles are typically made of cold rolled steel or aluminum alloy. The bulk of models adopt roof and wall mounting. Basic units support 13 to 27in LCD TVs and boast a maximum loading capacity of up to 20kg with tilt/pan angle adjustment. High-end versions enable electric angle adjustment or folding function. Prices of car mounts depend largely on the design, size and material used.

	The universal car mount kit from Bondale fits PDAs, mobile phones, GPS navigators and PSPs. It features an adjustable angle and a 9in flexible gooseneck pedestal.

Suppliers of car mounts in Hong Kong are pursuing the integration trend, combining car chargers, auxiliary line out and FM transmitters in latest releases. High-end models incorporate Bluetooth handsfree functions. Many are marketed as dual-purpose car mounts and chargers that plug directly to the cigarette lighter socket. These come with CE, FCC, E-Mark and RoHS certification.

Products from the territory are available in custom and universal versions. The first type is vehicle- or phone-specific. Examples of these are units designed for Apple’s iPhone or Nokia’s N97.

Universal car mounts have generic holders with an adjustable width for supporting a range of mobile devices. Suppliers of such variants update their lineups as soon as a new major handset is released. At present, the majority of models are compatible with the iPhone, which is the most accessorized portable gadget.

The windshield mount is one of the best-selling designs, boasting ease of installation and flexibility. Makers in this category find ways to ensure the suction cup’s sturdiness can withstand strong vibrations during bumpy rides yet remain detachable.

Besides mounting stability issues, R&D work emphasizes improving mobile phone signal reception.

Flexible designs enable up to 360-degree rotation. Some models offer multiple mounting options. Such varieties cover units with suction cups that can also be attached to the car’s vent.

Dashboard and air-conditioning vent types with adjustable hooks are also available from most Hong Kong suppliers.

There are about 15 makers in the territory. Companies mostly offer miscellaneous mobile accessories led by cases, handsfree kits, chargers, antennas or styluses, with car mounts as a secondary line.

Kidigi Co. Ltd has more than a hundred universal and custom models. It also provides ODM/OEM design services.

Bondale Industries Ltd specializes in antennas and other mobile phone parts. It has recently added universal car mounts to its growing roster of products.

Chaozhou Zhanhong Electronic Co. Ltd

(mainland China)
Model: ZH-837
MOQ: 500 units
Delivery: 7 days
Description: Headrest mount for in-car portable DVD player; distance of 80 to 210mm between two posts of headrest; 200x151mm mounting plate

Kidigi Co. Ltd

(Hong Kong)
Model: CX-NN97
MOQ: 100 units
Delivery: 7 days
Description: For Nokia N97; cradle, DC charger, belt clip, pedestal and smart stand; short-circuit protection; LED charging indication; 120x59x23mm; 43g

Mikosi Technology Co. Ltd

(mainland China)
Model: MKS-CM0909
MOQ: 500 units
Description: For iPad; adjustable angle; mounts to windshield via suction cup; pedestal absorbs vibration, provides stable viewing platform; release button for extending

Qest Group Ltd

(mainland China)
Model: Ringhold_01.647
MOQ: 1,000 units
Delivery: 7 days
Description: For iPad; patented swivel ring holder; 360-degrees rotation angle; 3M adhesive base; grip ring; foldable; double-layer suction cup

Shenzhen Chelong Electronics Technology Co. Ltd

(mainland China)
Model: CL-808BR
MOQ: 500 units
Delivery: 7 days
Description: For in-vehicle GPS navigators, smart phones; 8kg maximum loading capacity; 30 to 110-degree temperature resistance; aluminum alloy