Radarway’s HUD model XR-1010 has a GPS speed camera radar detector. Its split-type design allows for easy installation.

MCU- and GPS-based units are on offer. These come with value add-ons to boost marketability in competitive car electronics industry.

A head-up display (HUD) shows the details from vehicle gauges, promoting safety on the road by reducing distraction to drivers. At present, it is mostly used to display the speed of the vehicle.

The available HUDs in Taiwan are either based on a microcontroller unit (MCU) or GPS. An MCU-based HUD can link to a vehicle’s controller area network (CAN)-bus for a more accurate information relay. This makes an MCU-based HUD harder to design and require professional installation, but it has the double advantages of being more accurate and more cost-effective.

In the original equipment (OE) market, MCU-based HUDs are gradually becoming accepted as standard equipment.

A GPS-based HUD, on the other hand, usually has easy installation features, as well as an add-on GPS receiver function. Usually aimed at the aftermarket, this product is often promoted for its multifunction features. Cosmetic design and form factor are important and, thus, highlighted in GPS-based HUDs. More GPS-based HUDs are emerging in the market.

There are more than 20 HUD suppliers in Taiwan. The industry grew in 2007 and attracted major car electronic manufacturers such as AnTec Electric System Co. Ltd and Tung Thih Electronic Co. Ltd.

	Unshun’s SW-HUD is an MCU-based HUD that connects to an automobile’s CAN-bus system, ensuring a more accurate data gathering.

Taiwan HUDs are mostly MCU-based, but GPS-based units have started appearing in the market. Most offerings have add-on functions for enhanced value. Prices are forecast to remain stable.

Unshun International Co. Ltd’s most popular HUD model is the SW-HUD. The model achieves compatibility with most cars by using the CAN-bus structure. It can retrieve signals from speed generators, and features a beeping or flashing alarm/warning alert signal for overspeeding.

The SW-HUD has four different display modes that can simultaneously detect speed and acceleration. The whole HUD kit comes with a main console, a display monitor, a flashlight and a remote control. The screen has adjustable brightness for day and night use.

KindMinds Innovations Inc.’s model K132-2 is a GPS-based HUD. Using GPS technology, the unit calculates a vehicle’s speed and projects the result onto the windshield. It also serves as a GPS receiver and can be linked to navigation programs in any onboard computer. In addition, it also gives out a warning beep if a vehicle is overspeeding.

The K132-2 has an LED projection panel. It comes with a built-in Bluetooth module to link with a PDA or laptop and can use the device’s embedded navigation program. The model also has auto brightness adjustment that adapts to ambient light. It is small and compact, and can be easily installed.

Rayee Tech Ltd Co. (Radarway) offers the XR-1010, a multifunction HUD. The unit features a split-type design, which makes it easy to install. The XR-1010 can be connected to the speedometer, and also has a GPS speed camera radar detector. It can also function as a navigator if connected to a PDA or laptop through an optional Bluetooth feature. The model has auto brightness adjustment for day and night modes. It also has alarm/beep alerts, and performs auto power/connection status checks as enhanced safety features.

The water-resistant XR-1010 also has a built-in radar-sensing mirror that supports up to 250 sets of coordinates. Its temperature tolerance is up to 220°Celsius.

The price of an HUD is about $300. It may vary depending on the order quantity. GPS-based HUDs are priced slightly higher than MCU-based units because of the additional GPS modules.

HUD prices are projected to remain stable in the coming months.

	Kindminds Innovation’s K132-2 is a GPS-based HUD featuring an LED projection panel, compact design and add-on GPS receiver function.

Most Taiwan makers target the automobile aftermarket to take advantage of the increasing worldwide awareness for road safety.

To further develop the line and increase its competitive edge, some makers like Unshun have expressed interest in developing models that combine HUDs and vehicle data recorders or in-vehicle black boxes. At present, major suppliers treat HUD as a secondary product.

Unshun exports its HUD products to Europe and Southeast Asia markets. Established in 1995, the company specializes in automobile accessory products, specifically in automobile gauges. The company’s major product lines and services cover automotive electroluminescent (EL) glow dial face panels, automotive motor sports gauges, automotive LED lamps and lights, and GPS modules, as well as automotive performance tuning and automotive electronic tuning. Production is done at its manufacturing facility certified under the ISO 9001 standard. Unshun accepts OEM/ODM orders with private labeling. Aside from Europe and Southeast Asia, the company sends shipments to countries in North America and other parts of Asia.

Radarway develops and manufactures high-performance and low-cost products such as radar detectors, laser shield systems, GPS radar detectors for speed camera, GPS data log and personal trackers, wireless radar detectors and laser jammers, and GPS/GSM dual mode car alarm and trackers. It holds patents on VCO and Gunn Varactor Diode Oscillator technology.

Radarway offers OEM and ODM services. It exports 30 percent of its products and Europe is its major export destination. It also sends shipments to Greater China. The company was established in 1997.

KindMinds Innovations was established in 2004 as a trade and engineering consultancy company. It offers one-stop shopping for importers in the household convenience industry.

KindMinds Innovations’ major product lines include consumer electronics, tools, housewares and fitness equipment. The supplier also provides a wide range of engineering services to clients worldwide. The company offers OEM services. It has well-established partnerships with its suppliers. The company exports all its products, shipping 60 percent to Europe, 30 percent to America and 10 percent to other regions.