What Cedar Electronics does

Cedar Electronics Holdings Corp. is a privately-held parent company (Delaware-incorporated) that owns and operates two consumer-electronics brands — Cobra Electronics (65-year legacy in radio communication) and Escort (50+ years in radar detection) — from its headquarters in Rolling Meadows, Illinois, with R&D in West Chester, Ohio, distribution in Chattanooga, Tennessee, a regional European office in Dublin, Ireland, and supply-chain operations in Hong Kong. The portfolio spans connected radar detectors (Cobra RAD 480i/490i/700i, ESCORT Redline 360c and MAX series), smart dash cams (Cobra SC 250R/220C/120), two-way radios spanning consumer CB, CB professional, marine, GMRS off-road (TrailBlazer), and the SMB-focused Cobra Performa licensed LMR and DMR Tier II digital lines, plus the Drive Smarter connected platform that fuses community data, GPS-aware filtering, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration.

Underlying technology combines Digital Signal Processing for radar detection, AI/heuristic IVT (In-Vehicle Technology) filtering to suppress false alerts from automotive ADAS, GPS-driven AutoLearn Intelligence that learns and silences repeated false-alert locations, and a cloud/community layer that publishes over 50 million vehicle-to-vehicle shared alerts annually and powers integrations such as the BMW Traffic Camera Information service via HERE Technologies. Products are delivered to consumers primarily through direct e-commerce (Cobra.com, EscortRadar.com) and mass retailers (Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart), supplemented by travel-center chains (TA, Petro, Loves) for CB distribution, while B2B sales, VAR partnerships (Bunzl, Edward Don & Company), and an exclusive European distributor (Airsys, Fall 2026) serve the SMB and enterprise radio segments.

The revenue model is anchored in hardware product sales at price points ranging from $79.95 (TrailBlazer 250 GMRS) to $259.95+ (premium detectors and 4K dash cams) on a one-time/perpetual license basis, with a secondary data-monetization stream via the Drive Smarter community. Customer segments span everyday commuters, Gen Z/millennial drivers, professional truckers, off-road/overlanding enthusiasts, marine/boating users, and SMBs in hospitality/education/warehousing — indicating a horizontal segmentation strategy rather than concentration in a single vertical.

Name

Cedar Electronics

Legal name

Cedar Electronics Holdings Corp.

Website

https://cedarelectronics.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2015

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Cedar Electronics is a privately-held consumer-electronics holding company operating Cobra Electronics and Escort, two brands with 50+ year legacies, selling connected radar detectors, smart dash cams, two-way radios, and the Drive Smarter community platform to commuters, truckers, off-road enthusiasts, marine users, and SMBs across North America and Europe.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Consumer Electronics

NAICS

Other Electrical Equipment and Component Manufacturing (3359), Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing (33451)

SIC

Electronic & Other Electrical Equipment (No Computer Equip) (3600)

akta.pro primary industry

Consumer Electronics & Gadgets DTC (CRAFACAF)

Keywords

• Radar detectors
• Two-way radios
• CB radios
• Dash cams
• Consumer electronics

Headquarters

HQ city

Chicago

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Hardware Product Sales: Primary revenue from selling connected automotive and consumer electronics hardware including radar detectors, two-way radios, CB radios, dash cams, and accessories through retail and direct channels.
2. Connected Device Network: Community-based alert network from connected detectors generating over 50 million vehicle-to-vehicle and shared alerts annually, creating network value for customers.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion4 records

Distribution channels9 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Cedar Electronics designs, manufactures, and sells connected automotive and consumer electronics through two flagship brands — Cobra Electronics (65-year legacy in radio communication) and Escort (50+ years in radar detection). Its product portfolio spans radar detectors, two-way business and consumer radios, CB and marine radios, smart dash cams, and accessories, complemented by the Drive Smarter connected platform that delivers community-based real-time alerts and cloud-enabled features via a mobile app.

Product overview

Cedar Electronics is a global supplier of connected automotive and consumer electronics solutions operating two primary sub-brands: Cobra Electronics (65-year legacy in radio communication) and ESCORT (50+ years in radar detection). The portfolio spans radar detectors (Cobra RAD series and ESCORT Redline/Max series), smart dash cams (Cobra SC series), two-way radios (Performa Digital DMR radios, TrailBlazer GMRS radios, PX280, CB radios including 75 All Road wireless), and the Drive Smarter connected platform enabling community alerts and vehicle integration via Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Products emphasize connectivity, advanced filtering using DSP and AI-based anomaly detection, and cloud-enabled features for enhanced driver awareness and safety.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Cobra Electronics: Consumer and professional two-way radios, CB radios, marine radios, radar detectors, smart dash cams, power solutions, and accessories. 65-year legacy in radio communication.
• Escort Radar
• Drive Smarter

Products and services

• Cobra Performa Digital Series (Performa 600 Digital and Performa 850 Digital) DMR Tier II compliant digital two-way radios designed for small and medium-sized businesses. Includes Performa 600 Digital (2W, compact, mobile teams) and Performa 850 Digital (4W, extended range, larger facilities) with IP67 waterproofing and MIL-STD-810H certification.
• Cobra RAD Radar Detectors (RAD 490i and RAD 700i) Connected radar detectors with advanced filtering, Bluetooth, and Drive Smarter app integration. RAD 490i offers up to 15% more detection range and 22% quieter operation at $169.95; RAD 700i is the flagship model with premium DSP-based detection range and Defender Database access at $249.95.
• Cobra SC Smart Dash Cams (SC 250R, SC 220C, SC 120) Next-generation smart dash cams with cloud connectivity. SC 250R features 4K dual front/rear cameras; SC 220C offers quad HD front/interior capture; SC 120 is a compact single-view camera. All support cloud video management, emergency mayday notifications, and Drive Smarter app connectivity.
• ESCORT Redline 360c Radar Detector ESCORT's flagship radar detector with extreme detection range, 360-degree directional awareness, and 100% true stealth operation. Features Ka Band response time of 0.29 seconds, advanced filtering against automotive safety systems, and automatic firmware updates.
• ESCORT MAX Series Radar Detectors (MAX 4, MAX 360c MKII, MAX 360 MKII, MAX 3) Premium radar detector series featuring advanced filtering, Drive Smarter community access, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration. MAX 4 offers twice false alert filtering accuracy; MAX 360c MKII provides 50% improved range; MAX 3 delivers essential features with IVT Filter.
• Cobra PX280 Radio Compact, license-free two-way radio designed for fast-paced workplace environments. Features easy-to-wear holster design, headset compatibility, 12-hour battery life, and dual dock charger. Ideal for dining, retail, and hospitality settings.
• Cobra TrailBlazer GMRS Radios (250, 450, 500) GMRS two-way radios for outdoor adventure enthusiasts. Feature repeater compatibility for extended range, IP54 dust/water resistance (450/500), USB-C charging, 12-16 hour battery life, and removable antennas for customization. Designed for off-roaders, overlanders, and outdoor adventurers.
• Cobra Performa Licensed Two-Way Radios (400, 450) Licensed LMR two-way radios for professionals in hospitality, retail, warehousing, education, construction, and event production. Features IP67 waterproofing, 18-hour lithium-ion batteries, USB-C charging, and 6-way dock charger compatibility.
• Cobra 75 All Road Wireless CB Radio First wirelessly connected CB radio combining dual-mode AM/FM with Digital Signal Processing (DSP) for superior sound clarity. Features Bluetooth connectivity between handset and transceiver, IP66 dust/waterproof rating, and wireless hands-free operation via compatible Bluetooth headsets.
• Cobra AM/FM CB Radios (29 LTD Classic, 29 LTD Chrome, 19 MINI AM/FM) Dual-mode AM/FM CB radios enabling FM mode communication in the US after FCC approval. Feature clearer audio with less background noise compared to AM-only models. Designed for professional and recreational drivers requiring reliable communication.
• Drive Smarter App Mobile companion app connecting Cobra and ESCORT radar detectors and dash cams. Provides real-time community alerts from other connected detectors, red light and speed camera locations, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration, cloud video access, and automatic incident reporting.

Quantifiable outcome

• Ka Band response time of 0.29 seconds - nearly 50% faster than traditional detector average of 0.5-0.6 seconds
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration5 records

AI capability9 records

Feature10 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered major, minor and core.

• AirsysmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 14 May 2026Exclusive European distribution partner for Cobra Performa Digital DMR Tier II compliant radios. Airsys will distribute Performa 600 Digital and Performa 850 Digital to small and medium businesses across Europe beginning Fall 2026.
• BunzlminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 29 October 2024Value-added reseller partnership for Cobra Performa licensed two-way radios, expanding business portfolio reach to professional customers.
• Edward Don & CompanyminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 29 October 2024Value-added reseller partnership for Cobra Performa licensed two-way radios, capitalizing on value-added distribution model.
• National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. (NBCF)minorOthers · 4 October 20235th year of partnership supporting Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Limited edition 29 LTD Pink CB Radio sales contribute to NBCF's mission of Helping Women Now through early detection, education, and support services.
• Boat Owners Association of the United States (BoatUS)minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 April 2023Partnership offering complimentary 1-year BoatUS membership with purchase of new Cobra marine radio. BoatUS provides 24/7 towing dispatch, member savings on fuel, dockage, boating gear, and insurance to more than 700,000 members.
• HERE TechnologiescoreTechnology or Integration · 15 October 2020Partnership to integrate Cedar Electronics sensor-based alerts with HERE Safety Cameras database for BMW Traffic Camera Information service. HERE provides exclusive database of fixed-location traffic cameras while Cedar contributes real-time radar and laser detection data from its connected driver community.
• BMWcoreTechnology or Integration · 15 October 2020BMW Traffic Camera Information service powered by Cedar Electronics sensor alerts and HERE Technologies location intelligence. Enables BMW drivers to receive warnings for red light cameras and speed cameras that automatically issue tickets.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Uniden: Uniden is a direct competitor to Cedar's Cobra/Escort brands, manufacturing radar detectors and consumer two-way radios (CB and FRS/GMRS). Overlapping product lineup and retail distribution make it the closest peer in the consumer radar and CB radio category.
• Valentine One (Valentine Research): Valentine Research's V1 radar detector has been a direct premium competitor in the enthusiast radar detection segment for decades, overlapping Cedar's ESCORT flagship positioning and similar high-end enthusiast customer base.
• Standard Horizon (Yaesu/Vertex Standard): Standard Horizon is a focused marine VHF radio competitor with the same BoatUS-adjacent marine safety buyer that Cedar targets through its Cobra marine radio and BoatUS partnership.
• Midland Radio: Midland is a direct competitor in the two-way radio and CB radio consumer category with overlapping trucker, off-road, and outdoor enthusiast segments, plus comparable retail distribution.
• Whistler Group: Whistler manufactures radar detectors and consumer electronics aimed at a similar everyday-driver price point as Cedar's Cobra RAD lineup, with parallel distribution through mass retail.

Broad incumbents

• Garmin: Garmin competes via its own connected dash cam and GPS/truck navigation products that overlap Cedar's Drive Smarter ecosystem and Cobra SC dash cam portfolio. As a much larger, publicly listed incumbent, Garmin defines the upper bound of the automotive consumer electronics competitive set.
• Hytera: Hytera is a major global DMR Tier II radio manufacturer competing head-on with Cedar's Cobra Performa Digital line in the SMB and enterprise two-way radio segment.
• Motorola Solutions: Motorola Solutions dominates the licensed business/LMR and DMR radio market that Cedar's Cobra Performa line is now entering. Comparable enterprise sales motion and target SMB customer base, though at vastly larger scale.
• Icom Inc. Icom manufactures professional and marine two-way radios overlapping with Cobra's marine radio partnership with BoatUS and Performa business radio family. Comparable product engineering and certification requirements.

Emerging players

• Nextbase: Nextbase is a fast-growing European dash cam brand whose connected cloud features and retail placement compete with Cobra's SC dash cam line as the segment shifts toward app-connected camera hardware.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/CobraElectronics
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/cedar-electronics
• Instagraminstagram.com/cobra_electronics
• Xx.com/cedarelectron

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Cedar Electronics