Reliable exporters: find them and meet them

HONG KONG, March 9, 2011 – China suppliers of car electronics are adding value to products for sharper competitiveness, as they ride the industry's upmarket shift. This is according to Global Sources' (NASDAQ: GSOL) China Sourcing Report: Car Electronics (http://www.chinasourcingreports.com/carelectronics).

The Report covers car DVD players, PCs, safety electronics systems, GPS navigation systems, FM transmitters, DVB-T receivers, mounting devices and chargers. It shows that as China manufacturers venture into the growing high-end segment, they are seeking an edge with releases that feature enhancements in car infotainment, mobility and digital broadcasting.

Publisher of the Report, Livia Yip, said: "With demand shifting rapidly to the high end, China suppliers of car electronics realize they must enhance products to grab more share in the aftermarket, which is their crucial domain. R&D efforts are increasingly focused on greater multifunctionality and, in fact, new models can now compete against portable electronics such as mobile phones in terms of GPS and media capability. Even car PCs are emerging as all-in-one units.

"This comes amid widespread optimism in China's car electronics export industry, with 83% of surveyed suppliers foreseeing sales growth in the year ahead. To broaden their export reach beyond the rebounding North America and Europe markets, companies are also taking steps to cultivate emerging opportunities in South America, the Middle East, Russia, India and Southeast Asia."

Differentiation driving expansion and creativity

Even though most of China's nearly 1,300 car electronics suppliers still engage in mixed production, more companies are making efforts to differentiate themselves from the pack. In fact, differentiation is fueling expansion and creativity in this highly competitive segment.

China Sourcing Report: Car Electronics reveals various measures by manufacturers who aim to stand out. These range from developing their own firmware and solutions to specializing in customized units for niche markets. To attract buyers, some companies are releasing models that feature wireless technology, more user-friendly interfaces, larger memory and screen size, better aesthetics, and even compatibility with the newest generation of the iPad and the iPhone.

Yip said: "Besides offering the potential for more sales, the product differentiation efforts should help suppliers justify the higher prices they charge for such sophisticated devices."

Other trends revealed by China Sourcing Report: Car Electronics include:

• 70% of suppliers plan to increase capital expenditure to support new measures for greater competitiveness
• 64% of companies are rolling out plans to improve their operating efficiency
• 36% of suppliers increased prices in recent months to cover product upgrades and higher labor and material costs
• Additional measures by suppliers include more staff training and use of "green" manufacturing techniques

Supplier profiles, price forecasts, and the latest car electronics for export

The 171-page China Sourcing Report: Car Electronics provides detailed profiles of 47 suppliers with verified manufacturing and export credentials, plus contact details of 41 more suppliers. It also includes a Product Gallery featuring 196 of the most popular export models, with key specifications and full-color pictures.

The Report's surveys, price trends and supply forecasts aim to help buyers make better-informed purchasing decisions.

Specialized Global Sources websites, face-to-face events, trade magazines and research reports

China Sourcing Reports are part of Global Sources' sourcing and product information services. These include Global Sources Online (http://www.globalsources.com), China Sourcing Fairs (http://www.chinasourcingfair.com), Private Sourcing Events (http://www.PrivateSourcingEvents.com) and Global Sources monthly magazines (http://www.globalsources.com/SITE/MAGAZINES.HTM).

For more information about Global Sources' products and services that connect quality buyers with verified suppliers, visit http://www.corporate.globalsources.com.

China Sourcing Report: Car Electronics is available for purchase at http://www.chinasourcingreports.com/carelectronics .

Free information about China suppliers of car electronics can be found at http://www.chinasuppliers.globalsources.com/china-suppliers/Car-Electronics.htm .