CLARION (CAR AUDIO)

() is a Japanese manufacturer of car audio, automotive navigation systems, AutoPCs, visual equipment, bus equipment, and communication equipment. Up until the end of 2005, products in Japan were marketed under the brand name AddZest, while outside of Japan the same product typically carried the Clarion name brand. This was changed in 2006, and the brand "Clarion" along with a redesigned logo are now used worldwide. It is known for its close relationship with Nissan, who uses Clarion products almost exclusively in its vehicles, and owned a 6.25% share in them until 2002. [1]
Clarion has an OEM relationship with many automotive companies, providing car headunits and components to them for their production vehicles. Clients include Ford, Volkswagen, Subaru, Peugeot, Proton and others. [2]
A contest is held annually to select the Clarion Girl, who is chosen to represent Clarion's car audio equipment in television and print advertising campaigns during the following year. The contest was started in 1975, and is now co-sponsored by Fuji TV.

Contents

History

References

External links

History

In 1990, Clarion purchased the U.S. audio company McIntosh Laboratory and saved it from financial troubles. Clarion sold McIntosh in 2003 to D&M Holdings.
On October 11th 2006, Hitachi announced a takeover bid, spending up to ¥55.7 billion JPY (about $470 million USD, £250 million GBP) to expand its share of Clarion from 14.4% to a controlling stake of over 50%.^[1]

References

1. Hitachi announces bid for control of Clarion Kaho Shimizu

External links

★ Clarion Global Website

★ Clarion Corporation of America

★ Clarion Japan

★ Clarion Taiwan 歌樂旺企業股份有限公司