How Will the Installation Trade Change by 2005?

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Mobile electronics installation is changing, spurred by increasing integrated electronics from the OEMs. ME’s Top 12 Installers for 2000 predict higher prices, more training and more vendor support.
What was once considered to be a backyard hobby is quickly turning into a legitimate career. This is a positive for the mobile electronics community because it improves consumer perception. If customers are more willing to entrust their vehicles to install shops as they do mechanics, it means more business for all.
But there’s one more reason that the legitimacy of mobile electronics installation is a plus: the carmakers have caught on to what was once an almost exclusive niche for the aftermarket. More and more vehicles have — as an option or are either being equipped with — navigation, telematics and video systems, in addition to vehicle security, in-dash CD changers and radio controls stuffed in with climate controls.
While there are still aftermarket options available for retailers to sell, the task of installing components or integrating them into sophisticated OEM systems is becoming increasingly difficult. Installers need to have a standard method of training, sharing information, and evaluating and certifying installation skill levels. And when IDB (Intelligent Data Bus) or some form if it hits the market, the job will be harder still.
With such an uncertain road ahead for installers, how will the trade change down the road in say, five years? Well, besides smaller power cells for powered hand tools, more intuitive diagnostic tools, and maybe a self-levitating portable air compressor, other concerns go beyond the tools of the trade and get into the skills needed to perform the trade itself. Here’s what some of this year’s Top 12 Installers have to say.
Anthony Bonanno
Electronic Emporium
Independence, Mo.
“Keeping up [with the carmakers] is a full-time job. There are technologies on the horizon like the 42-volt system that are going to change things. Installation will need to become a true technical craft, complete with specialized training in electronics and computers. I just hope that soon we’ll get the respect that we deserve.”
Chad Wynens
Freeman’s Car Stereo
Charlotte, N.C.
“As vehicles progress the products they come equipped with will become highly advanced. The basics of installation will stay the same, but with more specialized product categories appearing there will have to be more specialized training. The training will not be as broad-based. Manufacturers will need to get involved. Some companies might even require training on their specific products or product line before an installer is even allowed to install their products.”
Rod Kechter
Quality Autosound
Lakewood, Colo.
“I think installation will involve a lot more navigation, vehicle tracking and video; basically entertainment. I would probably say it’s going to deal more with factory integration because of what manufacturers are going to do with vehicles. I think an installer is going to have to be a jack-of-all trades. We will still have to do upholstery, electronics and wiring, but we’ll need to learn more about navigation systems and satellite tracking.
As far as training, I think it will be important to be MECP certified and ASE certified. It will be a must down the road because of the way vehicle electrical systems are changing and to keep up with what the manufacturers are producing.”
Frank Pilcher
Frank’s Auto Electronics
Savannah, Ga.
“I’m sure we’re going to have to have a lot more training on factory systems, since everything is going to a databus architecture. We need to train on how the systems work and how to integrate with them. We will still depend on our manufactures to come up with ingenious modules to integrate with the factory systems.”
Clayton Squire
Sound Waves
Prospect Park, Penn.
“Installers will probably have to know more computer skills; at least the basics to understand how computers in the car talk to each other and operate. Many products will be modular, and be connected using some type of data transfer like IDB [Intelligent Data Bus]. I think computer programming will be part of certification.”
James Mc Cright
Frank’s Auto Electronics
Savannah, Ga.
“I figure in the future, everything will have an operating system. There’s going to be a sweeping integration of computers. I do think that the education / training will be key to integrating into any mobile environment. Mobile video will go further and MP3 will be more prominent in the industry because of the space that it saves.”
Eric Hunn
Mobile-One Autosound
Slidell, La.
“I’m assuming that most of the car manufacturers will start combining other vehicle electronics with the audio systems. Many have already started with climate controls and anti-theft systems. It will be very difficult for us to start interfacing with these types of products.
We’ll need more training and more help from the manufacturers in the form of custom interfaces that come out when the car does. Also, installation times may be longer as we figure out how to interface with the system, and as a result, prices will go up. We’re looking to the industry to help us out.”

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