HSM’s Easy Flex Wireless/EWC-3000 universal car holder supports Qi-enabled wireless charging and 2 to 3.7in-wide devices.

Makers release units with value-added electronics features to enhance competitiveness in the saturated market.

Intense competition is spurring South Korea suppliers of universal car holders to continue supporting product development and come up with more differentiated designs. Manufacturers have introduced NFC-enabled types, anticipating growth in the category overseas. They are also eyeing the market for units with wireless charging function.

HSM Co. Ltd has created a corresponding platform for the NFC chip. “We invested a significant amount of money in developing the programs,” said president Dennis Yeo. Hyo Ryoung AMD Co. Ltd is embedding the component in its products, with the application under way, said sales/marketing assistant manager Brian Lee.

The latter supplier has scheduled the launch of models with wireless charging capability, targeting distributors in Germany. “There is demand from Europe, including England, Norway and the rest of Scandinavia. Maybe this is because Galaxy models are quite popular there,” said Lee.

HSM, which received the innovations design and engineering award at CES 2014 for its Qi-compatible units, however, is not as confident about the type’s sales potential. “For us, they were just concept models to boost our position as a market leader. Considering the high costs to develop the mold as well as to get certification, they are still far away from coming to market in the near future,” said Yeo. “The certification expense for the enabling chip is simply too much for us,” said Edgar Bong, overseas sales department manager of Shin Hyeong INT.

Besides electronics features, makers highlight patented designs to attract more buyers. CPC Co. Ltd offers gel and magnetic car holders based on materials developed in-house. The former units are patented in the US and China, and waiting for the copyright in Japan and Germany. The supplier exports mainly to the US, Japan and Europe, and aims to enter emerging Southeast Asia and South America markets.

Shin Hyeong INT adopts stainless steel plate spring to make its latest silicone-sheathed versions sturdier. It has models for smartphones and tablet PCs, which can be used outside the car as well. The selection includes dashboard- and air vent-mount kinds, with the former making up the bulk of exports.

HSM’s catalog includes one-touch locking and rotating car holders marketed under the Onetto brand. Both types with pending patents are in Apple stores. The company turns out copyrighted units for iPhone 6, which have one moving part instead of the typical two for easy insertion of the handset cable. It sends 70 percent of output to the US. “The US is our main market because of its rigid patent laws,” said Yeo.

At Hyo Ryoung AMD, products are made of flame-retardant materials and can withstand up to 130 C. These can hold mobile devices ranging in size from 5.5 to 10in. The lineup consists of air vent-, dashboard-, windshield- and CD slot-mount variants, which are shipped mainly to North America and Japan.

Product gallery

CPC Co. Ltd
(South Korea)

Model: AnyGrip RS
MOQ: 1,000 units
Delivery: 28 days
Description: US, China patented suction cup; dashboard or windshield mounting; 360-degree rotation; one-hand install, release; sky-blue, black, red or gray arms, black or white base; for up to 6in devices

CPC Co. Ltd
(South Korea)

Model: AnyGrip Z1
MOQ: 1,000 units
Delivery: 28 days
Description: US, China patented suction cup; dashboard or windshield mounting; 3-step width adjustment; one-hand install; sky-blue, black, red or gray arms, black or white base; for 3.5 to 6in devices

HSM Co. Ltd
(South Korea)

Model: Easy Flex Wireless/EWC-3000
MOQ: 3,000 units
Description: Suction cup; dashboard or windshield mounting; Qi-enabled wireless charging; one-hand install, release; 66mm-diameter suction pad; 360-degree rotation; PC/ABS; 205g; for 2 to 3.7in-wide devices

HSM Co. Ltd
(South Korea)

Model: Easy Flex 3/GP2&ST2
MOQ: 3,000 units
Delivery: 30 days
Description: Suction cup; dashboard or windshield mounting; one-hand install, release; 66mm-diameter suction pad; 360-degree rotation; PC/ABS; 90x58x66mm, 85g; for 51 to 84mm-wide devices

Hyo Ryoung AMD Co. Ltd
(South Korea)

Model: Kropsson NFC
MOQ: 1,000 units
Description: Suction cup; dashboard or windshield mounting; built-in NFC chip; 360-degree rotation; one-touch release button; washable gel pad; PC; for smartphones, MP3 players, GPS devices with 3.5 to 5.8in screens

Hyo Ryoung AMD Co. Ltd
(South Korea)

Model: HR-P850FTP
MOQ: 1,000 units
Delivery: 28 days
Description: 360-degree rotation; release button; PC/ABS; for 150 to 200mm-long, 25mm-thick devices