Kenwood

Kenwood is one of Japan's most successful electronics companies. The company was founded in 1946 as the Kasuga Radio Company, and after many years and a few face-lifts, the company was renamed Kenwood. The Kenwood name emerged in the 1960's when the company made its way to the US. Ken being both a Japanese and American name and Wood in reference to the durable substance. Today, the Japanese-based company has manufacturing facilities and sales offices in a number of countries around the world. The company is renowned for its superior amateur radio and car audio components. Kenwood introduced the first FM tuner and solid state amplifier to Japan; the company also developed the first anti-theft car stereo receiver. Kenwood currently designs and manufactures a wide range of consumer electronics. These products include home and automotive products like: amplifiers, speakers and tweeters, receivers, CD and DVD players, audio/video control centers, equalizers, digital and satellite radio units, mobile video and navigation components. Kenwood also offers a variety of communications products, such as: amateur, business and land mobile radio, as well as base stations, conventional systems, trunking systems, and trunking networks. In recent years, Kenwood has transitioned its way into new markets, including meteorological satellite receivers. Car companies like Hyundai, Renault, SsangYonk, and Lamborghini's Murciélago line all have Kenwood partnerships; Kenwood is also the official supplier for the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes (Grand Prix racecar).