Overview
Kenwood is a Japanese electronics manufacturer known for amateur radio equipment, communications systems, consumer audio products, car stereos, and professional two-way radios. The company became one of the major names in amateur radio during the 1970s through the 1990s with popular transceivers including the TS-520, TS-820, TS-440, TS-930, and TS-940 series.
The company originally operated under the name Trio Corporation before adopting the Kenwood name globally. In 2008, Kenwood merged with JVC to form JVCKENWOOD Corporation.
History
Historical Timeline
- 1946 – Founded as Kasuga Radio Co. Ltd. in Komagane, Nagano Prefecture, Japan
- 1950s – Produced transformers and communications equipment
- 1960 – Company renamed Trio Corporation
- 1963 – Opened first United States office in Los Angeles, California
- 1960s – Trio amateur radio equipment distributed heavily in the United States through Lafayette Radio
- 1970s – Kenwood became a leading global amateur radio manufacturer with the TS-series HF transceivers
- 1980s – Expanded into digital electronics and automotive audio systems
- 1986 – Official corporate name changed to Kenwood Corporation
- 1990s – Introduced DSP-equipped amateur radio transceivers and advanced mobile communications products
- 2008 – Merged with JVC to form JVCKENWOOD Holdings
- Present – Continues producing amateur radio, land mobile radio, and consumer electronics products
Description
Kenwood amateur radio equipment became well known for:
- Strong receiver performance
- Reliable construction
- User-friendly controls
- Effective filtering systems
- Advanced DSP features in later models
- Wide availability of accessories and service information
Popular product lines included:
- TS-series HF transceivers
- TM-series VHF/UHF mobile radios
- TH-series handheld transceivers
- TR-series early VHF amateur radios
Kenwood also produced:
- Car audio systems
- Home stereo equipment
- Professional communications systems
- Public safety radio equipment
Historical Address
Trio Corporation
Tokyo, Japan
Kenwood USA Corporation
Long Beach, California USA
References
- Kenwood Corporation company history and background
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kenwood_Corporation - Official Kenwood USA company information
https://www.kenwood.com/usa/about/ - JVCKENWOOD corporate history timeline
https://www.jvckenwood.com/en/corporate/history/ - Historical business history and expansion information
https://www.company-histories.com/Kenwood-Corporation-Company-History.html - Kenwood historical company overview
https://mobileinfo.kenwoodusa.com/aboutus/