Blaupunkt Ships First Redesigned Radios Under Rockford

Rockford Corp., the new North American distributor of Blaupunkt, announced it is now shipping six new car radios with upgrade features that will be on display during the SEMA Show in Las Vegas starting October 30.

The strategy for the return of Blaupunkt is to replace some of the well-known brands that have exited the market in recent years with high quality product at attainable profit margins, she said.

The new products are all single DIN models that range in suggested price from $89.95 to $169.95. Double DIN and AV and navigation radios will be introduced during the Consumer Electronics Show in January.

The new line has a Codem tuner. “Many competitors use standard tuners so when you switch from the iPhone to the tuner there’s a noticeable sound quality difference.  With this Codem tuner, it gives you high quality audio even from the FM tuner,” said Hephner.

The iPod/iPhone control of the radios is  “instantaneous,” she said, without the usual time delay before accessing music.  The same instant access applies to a USB drive.

The line includes front USB, SD, and aux in slots.

Shown above is the “Toronto 420” with Bluetooth handsfree calling and audio streaming.

Blaupunkt will also show newly designed car speakers during SEMA, while new amplifiers will debut in January.

Blaupunkt left the U.S. car audio market in early 2009 and returned last year under the distribution of American Music and Sound, based in South Haven, MS.  Rockford Corp. announced it assumed control of the North American distribution rights to Blaupunkt in July.  The first head units under Rockford began shipping 10 days ago.

Rockford continues to set up a distribution network for the products and invites distributors to visit the Rockford suite during SEMA by contacting Ginny Leff, Market Development Manager, or Dan McLeod, Director of Global Aftermarket Sales.

Source: Rockford Corporation