1947 Kenwood A100 - The first product manufactured by Kenwood was a toaster, model A100 with a toasting function.

In 1947, entrepreneur Kenneth Wood founded Woodlau Industries, which was soon renamed Kenwood.

1950

1950 - Kenneth Wood invented the Kenwood Chef kitchen machine with THREE cavities, rotating with different speed. It allowed you to cook an unlimited number of dishes in a short time.

1956 - Kenwood's international success is recognized in food preparation. Kenwood is expanding its product range.

1960

1960 - The Kenwood Chef kitchen machine became world famous.

Style icon- Kenneth Wood made the Kenwood Chef kitchen machine a design icon. To expand production capacity, Kenwood moved to the city of Havant in the south of the UK.

1979

1979 - Kenwood introduces the de-luxe series kitchen machine.

By the way, even now this car can be bought at auctions in the USA and England in excellent working condition.

Kenwood is the first manufacturer to introduce electronic speed control into home appliances.

2001

2001 - Kenwood became part of the De "longhi group, expanding its product range, production and distribution channels.

2015

Today - the company is one of the key players in the market of small household appliances. Every 3 seconds, one Kenwood product is sold worldwide.

Kenwood Corporation is a Japanese company that designs, develops and markets different kinds car audio equipment, home and personal audio Hi-Fi class, professional equipment two-way radio and amateur radio equipment.

Post-war Japan had no time for music. But everyone wanted to listen to the news, so the three brothers with the surname Kasuga - Nakaichi, Jiro and Hisao - together with a friend Hideo Nakano decided to build their business on radios.

On December 21, 1946, they registered the Kasuga Electric Wireless Corporation - Kasuga Wireless Electric Corporation.

Within a short time, the company became one of the leading consumer electronics companies in the country, and in 1949, Kasuga made a significant leap in science-intensive manufacturing with the introduction of the very first high-frequency transformer.

Throughout the 1950s, the company continued to develop innovative products for the consumer electronics industry. In 1957, the company's engineers developed and launched the first FM tuner in Japan.

Around the same time, the company also began producing a wide range of measuring instruments- oscilloscopes, voltmeters and regulated DC sources.

In January 1960, the company received a new name - Trio Electronics, Inc.

By the time the 1960s dawned, the company was ready to move from a national to an international level. Having already completed a comprehensive strategic expansion plan in the late 1950s, the company's management took the first step in 1963 by founding Kenwood Electronics, Inc. in Los Angeles (California). The company was founded as a distribution company and began selling Trio products under the exclusive Kenwood brand.

The first Japanese firm to operate in the United States under its own name, Kenwood is catapulted to the top of the rapidly growing consumer electronics market in the United States within a few years. At the same time, the company has set up large production and marketing subsidiaries in France, Belgium, Italy, West Germany, Canada, the UK, Australia, Hong Kong and Singapore.

By the mid-1960s, Trio began to mass-produce audio, communications, and test equipment around the world.

In the early 1960s, the company designed and manufactured a solid state amplifier, the first of its kind in Japan. This development signaled a major change in the electronics industry from the use of vacuum tubes to the widespread use of transistors.

In the mid-1960s, the firm produced the world's first all-solid-state amplifier, and very soon after that, it began to outshine the traditional tube amplifiers that had held a stranglehold on the electronics market for years.

By 1969, the firm had grown so much that it was registered at the First Section of the Tokyo stock exchange. The company's shares began to be traded on the stock exchange in October 1969.

The decade of the 1970s was the best for the company in its history. Sales continued to rise, driving profits up and stock prices up. Trio factories around the world produced electronic consumer goods at a breakneck pace. In 1976, Trio introduced the first DC amplifier made in Japan and the first amplifier with two power supplies.

In 1977, the company produced a 40-watt receiver that sold for less than $300, breaking the price point in the industry. Over the next two years, this receiver model outperformed every other model on the international market.

In 1978, the company received many professional awards for its FM tuners. Many media called the KD-500 turntable the best in its class.

1979 was just as productive. Trio introduced the first amplifier with multi-stage power supplies and the first liquid crystal display.

In the early 1980s, the company began developing car audio products in both Japan and the United States. Since the introduction of automotive products such as cassette receivers, which were the first in the industry to offer automatic noise reduction, sales have skyrocketed. The company soon received even more awards from various design and engineering competitions. In 1982, Trio took another step into the future with the introduction and shipment of their first VCR.

The rest of the 1980s was an impressive list of company innovations in consumer electronics. In 1982, the company introduced and sold its first CD player. In another major breakthrough in 1983, Trio developed and released the very first car stereo with 24 presets. In 1983, the company also launched its first land mobile radios. One of the most popular and profitable products created by the engineering team was the first "anti-theft chassis" car stereo. Simply put, Trio was the first to make a radio that you could just pull out their cars and take with you.

In 1985, Trio introduced the first satellite receiving system. In the same year, the company's engineers developed the company's first CD player, designed and built specifically for a car, with a unique suspension that minimizes road shaking.

In 1986, the company's management decided to change the name of the firm to reflect a streamlined and efficient organization. Now the company became known as Kenwood Corporation.

In 1995, Kenwood acquired Ariete, a major Italian design company and manufacturer of high-end home appliances such as food processors, irons and espresso machines.

In 1996, the company announced the expansion of its existing production in Malaysia, near Johor, to double its production capacity for items such as homewares and car audio systems.

Although Kenwood held a significant share of the consumer electronics market by the mid-1990s, competition was fierce and consumers themselves seemed unable to tell one company's products from another. In light of this, Kenwood management has committed to implementing a new marketing strategy to distinguish the company's consumer electronics products from competitors. Consequently, Kenwood began to develop and manufacture new product lines. As a result, by the end of the 1990s, the company focused on the high-end market segment and introduced products such as remote control with touch screen, home theater systems, and a new $2,800 tuner.

In October 2008, Kenwood merged with JVC to form a new holding company called JVCKenwood.

In 2011, JVC and Kenwood merged their trading operations to better counter rising competitors, and the company became known as JVC KENWOOD Corporation.

Gadget manufacturers

Kenwood Corporation is a renowned Japanese manufacturer of amateur radio, hi-fi and portable equipment. Engaged in the design, development and manufacture of a wide range of automotive, home and professional audio systems, two-way and amateur radio equipment around the world.

The company was founded in 1946 in Nagano Prefecture. When created, it was called Kasuga Radio, but by 1960 it was renamed. Earlier, in 1955, mass production of audio and measuring equipment began. The first amateur radio went on sale as early as 1958.

In 1963, the first overseas office was established in the state of California. At the same time, full-scale foreign operations begin. In the 70s, an office will open in Singapore. The beginning of the 1960s was marked by a rebranding. The company also decided to focus on 23-channel CB radio stations. During this period, products were sold in the US under the RadioShack and Lafayette brands.

The company was named after William "Bill" Kasuga, a first generation Japanese American. He was born in the United States in 1915, but moved to Japan with his father and siblings. When the boy was three years old, his mother died of a flu epidemic. At the age of sixteen, William returned to the United States to learn English and graduate high school.

In 1941 he entered the University of San Francisco as an economist, but after the US entered World War II, he was placed in a Japanese boarding camp in Arizona. This happened in May 1942. To escape from the unbearable camp conditions, he volunteered for the US Army. William was fluent in both Japanese and English, and therefore taught them to intelligence officers.

When the war ended, Kasuga made the decision to remain in the army until 1958. He soon married and became the father of two children. In addition, he began to think about a quiet civilian life and entrepreneurship. In one of his interviews, William recalled that he wanted to do what he liked. "Ever since I started studying economics, I've been thinking about business all the time - some kind of business of my own." A friend told him about trading corporation, which handled the import of Japanese audio equipment for RadioShack.

As a result, he got a position as a sales manager there and moved with his family to New York. Three years later, Kasuga co-founded Kenwood Electronics with Mikasa president George Aratani, which was set up as a distribution company for Japanese audio manufacturer Trio (aka Kasuga Radio). Aratani passed away in February at the age of 95.

William knew that a resounding American company name was an important part of success. "The name was the most difficult," he recalled. “At that time, Japanese products were considered a bit of garbage. Most of them were, with the exception of those audio products that were known to me. And Trio also made quality products.”

Kasuga chose "Ken" as the name was well known to both Japanese and Americans and played an important role in the development of the Kenmore brand, after which he added "wood" ("tree" in translation from in English), since it was a solid substance, and the word itself reminded him of Hollywood.

Gradually Kenwood grew into a major consumer brand whose name became synonymous with quality. The brand was well known to fans of car stereos. Trio eventually bought Kenwood Electronics from William and began using the brand worldwide. The American division was also renamed.

In 1993, the company managed to achieve sales of more than $500 million. At that time, more than three hundred employees worked for it, and Kasuga was appointed chairman of Kenwood USA. He retired from this post in 1995, but remained a trustee and advisor to the company for many years. As for the American division, it became famous for its innovative products for the market, including the first home theater AV amplifier and the first anti-theft car cassette player that could slip out of the dashboard.

William died in California at the age of 98. After retiring as chairman, he was awarded the Consumer Electronics Association Award in 2001. In the same year, Kenwood introduced its Sovereign line.

A few years later, an intention to merge with JVC was announced. New company was named JVC Kenwood. The merger took place in autumn 2008. It was also quite natural that the new large corporation was able to better withstand competitors.

A well-known product of the company are transceivers for amateur radio communications. Among them are portable models (including those with a built-in digital data mode) and the HF, VHF / UFH lines and so on. The modems needed to send and receive these protocols are also manufactured. Separately, we can highlight the TS product line, which includes high-frequency transceivers (bands from 1.8 to 30 megahertz). The company also offers a "B" model, a transceiver with no display or control, fully controlled from remote computer, or with a separate control unit.

In 1977, a series of stereo power amplifiers were launched. They were produced until the mid 80s. Most of these elements turned out to be designed in such a way that they had a double stereo output. The front consoles were usually made of polished aluminum with knobs and switches; glass caps were also provided.

In 2000, a series of mini Hi-Fi systems with cutting-edge design was announced. The line was named NV.

2002 was the year of work on the network interface module for digital broadcasting via communication satellites. Bought out a few years later American firm Zetron connections, and formed a strategic business alliance with Victor Company, better known as JVC. The final announcement of the creation of the corporation came in 2008. The global launch of NXDN, a digital two-way radio communication system, was also carried out, after which it was put into operation.

In 2010, the first ATEX certified analog radio was introduced. In addition, Kenwood won the Radio Business Innovation Award. The following year, they announced the OTAP standard, an important feature of which was that it was now possible to send updates to all users from one control center, and they were installed automatically.

With the formation of JVC Kenwood Corporation, the KSDP program was introduced to better serve customers and markets by delivering radio communications solutions that are sure to meet their needs. By 2013, the company announced the launch base station pioneering TS-990S amateur radio.

In 2014, EF Johnson Technologies were acquired. In parallel, a series of portable digital radio stations and repeaters were launched.

The company is a well-known manufacturer automotive equipment and home electronics systems. It also deals with professional and mobile electronics (including projectors, camcorders, television displays). The Automotive business segment is responsible for the development and supply of audio, audiovisual and navigation systems. In addition, the company produces RFID systems, satellite reception systems, radios and other electronic devices.

Today, the key figure of the corporation is Shoichiro Eguchi, the representative of the director, as well as CEO JVC Kenwood in Europe since 2003. He is a member of the Board of Directors. Previously, Eguchi was the company's executive vice president and president of another electronics firm.

Of course, the modern Kenwood company does not exist separately from JVC, and therefore the history of the corporation would be incomplete without the history of the latter organization. Let's start with the fact that JVC became famous in Japan as manufacturers of amateur and professional electronics. They were founded in Yokohama in 1927. JVC was talked about after the first Japanese TVs were introduced. The company also made a name for itself in the production of home video systems and VCRs.

Between 1953 and 2008, JVC's majority shareholder was Matsushita. After that, the company decided to team up with Kenwood to create large corporation, which could adequately withstand competitors.

Second World War influenced JVC no less than the brainchild of William Kasuga. The company was founded as a subsidiary of the leading US record label, Victor Talking Machine. In 1929 the controlling interest was transferred to RCA-Victor. In the 1930s, JVC made phonographs and released records.

By 1932, the production of radio began, and in 1939 it was the turn of the first locally produced television. During the Second World War, the company had to terminate many partnerships. Today, the record label is known in Japan as Victor Entertainment. After the war, a majority stake in JVC was bought out by a corporation.

In 1970, the Videosphere device, a portable cathode ray tube television, was released. This product was a great commercial success. The following year, the company introduced the CD-4, the first discrete system for four channels of quadraphonic sound on vinyl records, or Quadradisc (as the Radio Corporation of America called it). The system showed great promise, especially since it processed two channels separately (while the matrix systems worked on a completely different principle).

In 1975, JVC introduced the first combined battery-powered portable radio with built-in television, the Model 3050. The 3-inch monochrome screen was based on a cathode ray tube. A year later, the model was improved by adding a cassette recorder (3060). The result became known as the world's first boombox - a portable audio center with support for radio, cassette and TV.

In the late 70s, the company developed the VHS format and introduced the first corresponding recorders to consumer market in 1976 for the equivalent of $1,060. A year earlier, Sony introduced Betamax, which is why they became JVC's main competitor. The following years are even known as the period of the so-called “format wars”.

The Betamax cassette was smaller and had excellent picture quality compared to VHS, but it offered limited recording time. The competition between the companies was fierce, and none wanted to cede the palm to the other. By 1984, 40 companies were using the VHS format, and only 12 were using Betamax. Four years later, Sony began producing VHS recorders. After 1993 they completely stopped making Betamax recorders.

In 1979, JVC demonstrated a prototype of its high-density VHD disk system. Unfortunately, the release was preceded by numerous delays. The product was launched only in 1983 in Japan, and then in the United Kingdom. True, this happened too late: by this time, Sony and Philips CDs were already popular on the market, and therefore the VHD format did not become commercially successful.

Throughout the 1980s, the company produced its own portable audio equipment, reminiscent of the Sony Walkman. In 1986, JVC introduced the HC-95 personal computer with a sophisticated hardware interface and various interactive video processing features. The PC first entered the Japanese market, and then - and Europe. True, sales were disappointing. The company also started producing video cameras.

What happened in the 21st century? JVC, which later became part of the same corporation as Kenwood, won an Emmy for "outstanding achievement in technological advancement" and "innovation in the development of consumer camcorders." JVC's annual sponsorship of the world-famous Tokyo Video and Jazz Festival brought even more attention to JVC. The company has become famous as a generous sponsor of sporting events. She is especially famous among English football fans.

In 2007 it was officially confirmed strategic alliance capital with Kenwood. In the spring of the following year, Matsushita agreed to merge with this company and create a corporation. JVC no longer manufactures TVs in separately. Today they are marketed under the JVC Kenwood brand.

Kenwood Corporation(Japanese: 株式会社ケンウッド kabushiki-gaisha ken'uddo) (TYO: 6765) is a Japanese manufacturer of video-audio electronics, radios, etc. Not to be confused with the Kenwood Limited brand, a manufacturer of kitchen appliances.

Kenwood was founded in 1946 (after World War II) as Kasuga Radio Co Ltd. in Komagane, Nagano, Japan. The history of Kenwood has been around for about 70 years. When it opened, the company was engaged in the production of high-frequency converters for radio broadcasting systems in Japan.

In 1960, the company was renamed Trio Electronics, Inc. Under the new name, the company launched the first transistorized amplifier on the market and opened a sales office in the United States. From 1978 to 1979, the company began producing commercial radio equipment and built the first manufacturing plant in Singapore. From 1980 to 1983, the beginning of the production of car audio equipment and the beginning of sales of its products in the United States. In 1986, the company received a proper name Kenwood Corporation(Kenwood Corporation) and became a sponsor of one of the largest sailing regattas Kenwood Cup.

The end of the 80s and the first half of the 90s were very successful for the company: a new direction was opened - mobile satellite communication systems and the installation of amateur radio equipment on the Russian space station Mir, the commissioning of one of the company's largest plants in Malaysia, the signing of the official contract with McLaren for the supply of wireless radio equipment and Kenwood radios for the world championships in Formula 1 racing - all this brought the world fame to Kenwood.

In 1999, Kenwood takes part in the development of the first digital radio station. Since 2003, Kenwood has posted record-breaking net income reports. In 2005, a technical and financial alliance is formed with Icom Inc in order to conduct joint research in the field of standardization specifications wireless digital radio equipment, also Kenwood Nagano Corp. receives the "ISO/TS 16949" certificate of conformity international standard quality control operating in the automotive industry, completed the construction of a new factory building in Shanghai.

In 2006, on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the company, new logo and the motto "Listening to the future". In 2007, Kenwood purchased these famous companies like: JVC and Zetron In the same 2008, Kenwood wins the first lawsuit against manufacturers of counterfeit equipment and Kenwood radios, violating China's law on the protection of rights to trademark and product design. In 2011, JVC and Kenwood merged their trading operations to better counter rising competitors, and the company became known as JVC KENWOOD Corporation.

Kenwood has become one of the leaders in the production of radio communications, navigation equipment and audio equipment. Kenwood equipment is shipped to all corners of the globe and performs reliably increasing respect for the quality of Kenwood equipment.

Kenwood has a history of over 60 years. The Kenwood company was formed in 1946 immediately after the Second World War. When it opened, the company had a different name - Kasuga Radio Co., Ltd, and it produced high-frequency converters for Japanese radio broadcasting systems. In 1960, the company was renamed Trio Electronics, Inc. Under the new name, the company launched the first transistorized amplifier on the market and opened a sales office in the United States. From 1978 to 1979, the company began producing commercial radio equipment and built the first manufacturing plant in Singapore. From 1980 to 1983, the beginning of the production of car audio equipment and the beginning of its sales in the United States. In 1986, the company received the name Kenwood Corporatoin and became a sponsor of one of the largest sailing regattas, the Kenwood Cup. The end of the 80s and the first half of the 90s were very successful for the company: a new direction was opened - mobile satellite communication systems and the installation of amateur radio equipment on the Russian space station Mir, the commissioning of one of the company's largest plants in Malaysia, the signing of the official contract with McLaren for the supply of wireless radio equipment and Kenwood radios for the world championships in Formula 1 racing - all this brought the world fame to Kenwood. In 1999, Kenwood takes part in the development of the first digital radio station. Since 2003, Kenwood has posted record-breaking net income reports. In 2005, a technical and financial alliance is formed with Icom Inc. in order to conduct joint research in the field of standardization of the technical characteristics of wireless digital radio equipment, also Kenwood Nagano Corp. Receives "ISO/TS 16949" certification, indicating compliance with the international quality control standard in force in the automotive industry, completed the construction of a new factory building in Shanghai. In 2006, on the occasion of the company's 60th anniversary, a new logo and slogan "Listening to the future" were invented. In 2007, Kenwood acquired such well-known companies as: JVC and Zetron. Also in 2008, Kenwood wins the first lawsuit against manufacturers of counterfeit equipment and Kenwood radios, violating China's trademark and product design protection law. Kenwood has become one of the leaders in the production of radio communications, navigation equipment and audio equipment. Kenwood equipment is shipped to all corners of the globe and performs reliably increasing respect for the quality of Kenwood equipment.

Significant Milestones in Kenwood's History

December 1946	Founding of Kasuga Radio Co., Ltd. (predecessor of Kenwood Corporation) in Komagan, Nagano Prefecture.
January 1949	The high frequency converter is the first in Japan to receive the NHK (Japanese Broadcasting Corporation) conformity certification.
January 1950	Change of company name to Kasuga Radio Industry Corp.
February 1955	Opening of an office in Ota-Ku, Tokyo and mass production of audio, communication and measurement equipment.
January 1960	Renamed to Trio Electronics, Inc.
September 1962	Market launch of the industry's first transistorized amplifier.
August 1963	Founding of the Hachioji Business Center in Hachioji, Tokyo.
December 1963	Establishment of a distribution company in the USA and the beginning of full-scale sales operations abroad.
January 1966	For the first time in the industry, all-transistor audio components are released.
October 1969	The company is included in the first section of the list of participants of the Tokyo Stock Exchange.
February 1978	Start of sales of wireless commercial radio equipment in Japan.
June 1979	Opening of the company's first overseas manufacturing facility in Singapore. Start production activities abroad.
June 1980	Getting started in the field of car audio equipment.
December 1980	The development and promotion of the corporate identity was launched. Kenwood was chosen as the corporate brand.
July 1981	Establishment of a sales branch of Tohoku Trio (currently Kenwood Yamagata Corp.) in Tsuruoka, Yamagata Prefecture.
October 1982	Beginning of activities in the field of general audio equipment.
April 1983	Launch of sales of commercial wireless audio equipment in the US.
June 1986	Renamed to Kenwood Corporation
June 1986	The company becomes the main sponsor of the Kenwood Cup, one of the four largest sailing regattas in the world.
February 1989	The next direction of the company's business is mobile satellite communication systems.
August 1989	Opening of a new business center in Midori-Ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture (with simultaneous closure of the Tokyo office).
June 1990	Establishment of a production branch of Kenwood Nagano Corporation in Ina, Nagano Prefecture.
March 1991	Start of sales of license-free transceivers.
October 1991	Signing of an official contract with McLaren for the supply of wireless radio equipment for the world championships in Formula 1 racing.
March 1992	Beginning of activities in the field of car navigation systems.
December 1993	Developing one of the industry's best speech recognition ICs.
June 1994	Establishment of joint manufacturing venture Shanghai Kenwood Electronics Co., Ltd. in Shanghai, China.
July 1995	Installation of amateur radio equipment on the Russian space station Mir.
January 1996	Commissioning of one of the company's largest plants in Malaysia.
December 1996	50th anniversary.
June 1997	Kenwood becomes the first Japanese manufacturer to launch car receivers capable of receiving digital audio broadcasting (DAB) signals.
December 1997	The company is starting to develop wireless radio communication systems that are important for the development of the regional economy.
March 1998	Sale of an exclusive model of the walkie-talkie "K" s Esule "called" Silver Signature "through the order system.
January 1999	Kenwood is co-development of the world's first mobile digital radio.
June 2000	20 years in car audio development.
March 2001	Announced medium term plan reorganization of the company's activities - "Mid-term Reconstruction Plan".
September 2001	Issuance of new shares totaling 7.1 billion yen distributed through a third party.
February 2002	Development of a network interface module (NIM) for receiving digital broadcasting signals via communication satellites (CS).
May 2002	Sale of part of the shares of Kenwood TMI Corporation (due to the closure of the business area of ​​control and measuring equipment).
June 2002	The head office is moved to Hachioji, Tokyo.
July 2002	The "Revitalization Action Plan" is announced, developed on the basis of the results of the fiscal year for March 2002, which showed a negative difference between the company's assets and liabilities.
August 2002	Start of commercial wireless digital radio sales in the US.
October 2002	Issuance of new shares worth 2 billion yen through a third party placement.
December 2002	Eliminates negative balance equity by exchanging debt for securities for equity participation in a corporation in the amount of 25 billion yen.
January 2003	Collaboration with the Advanced Telecommunications Research Institute International has begun to introduce speech synthesis technology into automotive electronic equipment.
February 2003	Launch of the production modernization program "Production Innovation".
May 2003	According to the results of the last fiscal year (as of March 2003), a record net profit was achieved.
May 2003	The first medium-term business plan "Excellent Kenwood Plan" is published.
August 2003	A joint manufacturing enterprise Shanghai Kenwood Electronics Co., Ltd. converted to subsidiary with 100% participation of the founder.
April 2004	Signed an agreement with Toyo Communication Equipment Co., Ltd. on acquiring from her the rights to operate radio equipment.
April 2004	Participation in a joint project to create a service for providing music content Any Music Inc.
May 2004	According to the results of the fiscal year as of March 2004, record levels of net profit were achieved for the second time in a row.
August 2004	The implementation of the "New Financial Strategy" was completed, cumulative losses were completely eliminated, the first tranche of class "A" preferred shares was redeemed, financial agreements were annulled and the amount of interest-bearing debt obligations was significantly reduced.
March 2005	Release of car navigation systems own design to the consumer market.
March 2005	Formation of a technical and financial alliance with Icom Inc. with the aim of conducting joint research in the field of standardization of the technical characteristics of wireless digital radio equipment.
March 2005	Kenwood Nagano Corp. obtains the "ISO/TS 16949" certificate, indicating compliance with the international standard for quality control in the automotive industry.
May 2005	The second medium-term business plan "Value Creation Plan" was formulated, aimed at increasing the consumer value of products.
June 2005	The launch of Kenwood's first portable HDD player with hard disk storage coincides with the 25th anniversary of in-car audio development.
August 2005	The redemption of the first tranche of class "B" preferred shares has been completed, resulting in the full redemption of all preferred shares.
August 2005	Completed the construction of a new factory building in Shanghai.
August 2005	Kenwood Design Corp enters R&D partnership with Tama Art University for joint research.
October 2005	The cycle of testing equipment on various road surfaces, carried out at the plant in Nagano, has been completed.
February 2006	Launch of the company's first integrated in-car navigation AV system of its own design.
April 2006	The factories in Shanghai and Malaysia receive the ISO/TS16949:2002 certification, indicating compliance with the international standard for quality control in the automotive industry.
December 2006	It has been 60 years since the founding of the company. On this occasion, a new logo and motto "Listening to the future" was invented:
May 2007	The acquisition of Zectron Inc., a communications company based in the US, has been announced.
April 2007	Kenwood announces the release of the TM-V71-TM-V71144/430 (440) MHz Dual Band FM Node Modules compatible with the EchoLink® Radio System with VoIP Gateway for Voice over Internet Protocol. This opens the possibility of communication with all amateur radio stations in the world.
April 2007	Kenwood wins first lawsuit against counterfeit hardware manufacturers for violating China's Trademark and Product Design Protection Law.
August 2007	Invested more than 20 billion yen in Victor Company of Japan, Limited and thus formed a strategic business alliance between Kenwood and JVC.
May 2008	Merger of JVC and Kenwood and creation of a new holding company (transfer of shares).
September 2008	Technology development joint venture J&K Technologies (founded by Kenwood and JVC) is presenting its first development at the IFA Show in Berlin, "Kenwood AV receiver with new HDMI/DSP modules".
October 2008	KENWOOD and JVC officially announce a new joint venture