CEA Market Research predicts factory sales of both aftermarket vehicle security and radar detector products will be pancake flat this year, with factory sales of radar detectors staying at $120 million and security devices falling ever so slightly from $255 million to $253 million.

While overall sales will stay at last year’s levels, one product category that has done an excellent job of bringing new customers into dealer’s shops is the remote starter system. Part of the reason is declining prices. Two-way remote starters now frequently carry price tags ranging from $300 to $350, about $150 less than they cost just two years ago.

Dealers and manufacturers also have done a great job of stressing the convenience of remote starter systems. With just the push of a button, and from the warmth and comfort of the home or office, consumers can open their car doors and trunk, start the car and, if they remember to leave these systems in the “on” position, engage the rear defogger, heater or air conditioner.

While remote starters are safe—they cannot be engaged unless the transmission is in "park" so the car won’t take off on you— they must be installed professionally, since the systems can interfere with the car’s security system to the point of inadvertently locking out the consumer. Some devices also intrude into the ignition and fuel delivery circuits of the engine and must be interfaced properly with the vehicle's on-board computer system.

	Aftermarket Vehicle Security
	Factory Sales
		Dollar Sales
		(Millions)
2000		218
2001		266
2002		265
2003		260
2004		255
2005p		253

Source: CEA Market Research, 1/05

For all of these reasons, CEA stresses the need for certification via the Mobile Electronics Certified Professional (MECP) program, the industry supported national certification program for the mobile electronics professional. MECP-certified professionals know the theory behind the techniques, they have learned the industry’s best practices and they have earned a certification developed and supported by the entire 12-volt industry. Certification assures consumers that electronic products will be sold and installed in a safe and reliable manner.

There are three levels of MECP certification for installers: bronze, silver and gold. The bronze level, or basic installer certification, tests on 12-volt electronics, installation technique, shop safety and mobile electronics components. The silver certification includes advanced installer and security specialists. The silver-level exam tests on advanced 12-volt electronics, autosound and security installation and troubleshooting.

The gold level or master installer certification is the most advanced exam, with fewer than 100 installers currently holding master certification. The master-level exam covers advanced electronics theory, advanced autosound, advanced security and advanced troubleshooting. Installers must have at least three years of retail installation experience and must have passed the silver-level exam to take the test for the master certification.