Cobra 2009 Annual Report Download - page 8

6 Cobra Electronics Corporation
The Company’s enduring leadership in the radar detection
market segment was evident in 2009. Enhancement and
expansion of Cobra’s exclusive AURA database coupled with
the introduction of the world’s first full color touch screen
radar detector put Cobra at the top of the field. Here again,
the strength of Cobra’s brand and its depth of innovative
features gave consumers the best selection of radar detectors
with the widest range of price points in the industry.
EXPANSION OF AN INTERNATIONAL PRESENCE
2009 featured the launch of Cobra products into new
territories outside of the United States. Cobra products are
now distributed throughout Europe and the Middle East. There
was a 40% expansion in the distributor base to support the
growth potential in these new markets for Cobra products.
PPL also pushed Snooper product category growth and
expansion in 2009. More distribution outlets resulted in
increased sales, with the most significant factor being the sale
of the Snooper satellite navigation products, specifically in
the Truckmate and Ventura product lines for the professional
truck and recreational vehicle markets, respectively. These
products were received well by the market; notably, the sales
were actually constrained by the lack of available units as
demand exceeded supply.
POSITIVE PARTNERSHIPS
It was six years ago that the Company began its aggressive
expansion into the marine market. Now, in 2009, Cobra’s
marine products are well-known, proven and award-winning.
The equity of the Cobra brand is strong and offers opportunity
not only for Cobra but also for those who partner with the
Company. Sea Tow and C-pod™ are two partners that were
secured in 2009 for the marine market segment.
In Summer 2009, CobraMarine® and Sea Tow Services
International Inc. announced a long-term agreement to
promote reliable communications for boaters by naming
Year in Review