Las Vegas, NV (January 7, 2010) - Kenwood USA Corporation announced the launch of a year-long business development and support program that brings together all primary marketplace elements - sales programs, product delivery and merchandising - under the header,  "Leadership 2010."

Keith Lehmann, Senior Vice President of the Consumer Electronics Sector for Kenwood USA, said "Our mission this year is to solidify Kenwood's brand position in the mobile electronics industry by building upon the progress we've made over the past few years, particularly with our Kenwood Excelon dealers.  These successes were made possible by consistently raising our standards in every business area, demonstrating leadership in the industry and taking on every challenge presented to us.  ‘Leadership 2010' takes us to a higher level, particularly at a time when leadership is needed more than ever." 

At the 2010 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, NV, Kenwood is introducing 28 new in-dash audio, video and navigation models, 17 new loudspeaker models, 4 new power amplifiers and 7 electronic accessories for a total of 56 new products.  In-dash navigation/multimedia continues to dominate the mobile electronics industry in terms of dollar growth, and Kenwood enters 2010 with seven new models with upgraded, built-in Garmin navigation.  "The in-dash navigation category is entirely too important to be treated as a ‘me-too' or, even worse, as a low-dollar proposition," said Lehmann.  "Higher ASPs, better performance and unique features will command the market in 2010 as it did in 2009, and we expect Kenwood's offerings to drive consumers into our specialty retail locations as these customers look for better product than what's available in the mainstream channels." 

In-dash audio products continue to play a key role in Kenwood's product strategy, even as the category suffers double-digit decline industry-wide.  "Kenwood's in-dash audio category delivered a net gain in sales dollars in 2009 even as the industry took another tremendous loss last year, indicating a very positive marketshare swing in our favor," said Lehmann.  "For 2010, we are following up with the introduction of 13 new in-dash audio products with selling prices ranging from $100.00 to $500.00, including our first in-dash controller/receiver dedicated for iPod, iTouch and iPhone integration.  Coupled with expanded offerings in amplifiers and speakers at new price points, we are making it easier than ever for our dealers to sell full-line Kenwood systems, drive ASPs up and become more profitable in a tough retail market."

The Leadership 2010 program contains a year-long calendar of sales-related programs including Kenwood's annual Spring Promotion, dealer trip incentive contest, the X Rewards incentive program for salespeople and installers, various consumer incentives and seasonal programs for promoting dealers.  Lehmann explained, "We have placed all of these programs on a calendar, the purpose of which is to help dealers plan their business throughout the year.  Kenwood will keep higher inventory levels during these periods so that our promoting dealers have better access to the highest-turning models.  It's a practical way to act on the increased demand generated by these programs."

In support of this sales promotion calendar, Kenwood is also delivering enhanced merchandising tools such as ad templates and in-store POP tied to specific promotions, direct mail opportunities for dealers to re-connect with existing customers and an upscale rewards program for Kenwood Excelon dealers timed for the aggressive sell-through periods of the year.  Heightened sales training and technical support is also geared toward product introduction timing as well as consumer purchase incentive periods. 

"This year, Kenwood celebrates its 30-year anniversary in the mobile electronics industry, and that milestone obligates our company to deliver the best products, sales programs and promotional support than we ever have," said Lehmann. 

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Kenwood Corporate Information

Founded in 1961, Kenwood USA Corporation is a leading developer and manufacturer of audio and video products for home, car, and personal use. Offering more than 250 products, Kenwood is one of the three largest selling brands of audio and video entertainment products in the United States and is recognized by consumers and the consumer electronics industry for providing superior quality, reliability and value.

Kenwood Communications, based in Suwanee, GA, established in 1983, maintains a leadership position in North and South America for mobile and portable two-way radios and custom systems.  Clients include prominent federal, state and local government agencies and first responders and private industry including manufacturing, contracting, security, hospitality and education.   Kenwood USA Corporation, based in Long Beach, Calif., is the largest subsidiary of Kenwood Corporation (Japan).