Rockford Fosgate
 | |
| Type | Public company |
|---|---|
| Industry | Consumer electronics |
| Founded | 1980 |
| Headquarters | Tempe, Arizona U.S.A. |
| Key people |
Bill Jackson Jim Fosgate |
| Products | Car audio |
| Website | Rockford Fosgate |
Rockford Fosgate is an American manufacturer of aftermarket and OEM car audio and In-Car Entertainment (ICE) products and accessories, as well as limited Pro Audio, and personal electronics such as earphones. Lightning Audio is a subsidiary brand of the company.
History
The Rockford Fosgate audio company was founded by Jim Fosgate in 1973. Fosgate worked from his garage in Arizona, and he thought of the idea of adding an amplifier formatted for low-impedance loads into cars. These amplifiers were applied to speakers, which in turn made it able to drown out road noise and any other noise that prevented someone from listening to their music.[1]
Products
The company markets currently three distinct product lines with the brand's name. Prime is entry level, Punch line is more in line with other enthusiast level products, and Power represent their high end products.
Lightning Audio's products are marketed separate from the main company's product as a value oriented brand.
New Technologies
In 2008 Rockford Fosgate introduced a new amplifier technology they call hybrid technology or HT for short. It was unveiled at the consumer electronics show (CES) in Las Vegas. The technology makes it possible for the amplifier to put out more power than it takes in during extended musical transients. The technology was invented by one of Rockford's Design Engineers, Anthony D'Amore.
Partnerships with Car Manufacturers
Rockford Fosgate and Toyota South Africa partnered to create the Yaris RF Edition in Sedan and Hatchback variations featuring upgraded Rockford Fosgate sound systems. The Yaris RF hatch features a two speaker upgrade plus subwoofer while the sedan version has a four-speaker upgrade. These models were sold as limited editions, priced higher than standard models. Rockford Fosgate also produces audio systems for Nissan as well as Mitsubishi Motors and Suzuki.[2]
References
- ↑ "Historical Timeline." Rockford Fosgate. Rockford Fosgate, n.d. Web. 4 Dec 2010. <http://www.rockfordfosgate.com/history/>.
- ↑ Wheels24: 14 March 2008 08:05