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Our Beginning

Built in Chicago, Driven by Innovation

Mid City Engineering was founded in 2005 with a clear vision: to create automotive electronics that integrate so seamlessly, they could be mistaken for factory-installed. From a small workshop in Chicago, we set out to solve a problem no one else was addressing, bringing truly premium, OEM-quality accessories to luxury vehicles.

Our breakthrough came with the SmartKey Starter for Mercedes-Benz, the first plug-and-play remote start solution engineered specifically for luxury vehicles. Unlike aftermarket products that required cutting wires and voiding warranties, our approach preserved the vehicle's factory integrity while adding capabilities the manufacturer never offered.

That philosophy of engineering products that belong has guided every decision since. From our display integration products to fleet and OEM interface systems, every product is designed to feel like it came with the car.

Today, all design and prototyping and core manufacturing still happens at our Chicago headquarters with additional manufacturing capacity in Northern Illinois.Every unit is individually tested before it leaves our facility, because our reputation depends on the same precision our customers expect from their vehicles.

20+
Years of automotive engineering excellence
6
Countries served across three continents
100%
Designed & manufactured in Chicago, USA
What Sets Us Apart

The MCE Difference

True OEM Integration

Our products don't sit on top of your vehicle's systems, they integrate within them using patented plug-and-play technology. The installation is so seamless, it could be mistaken for factory. That's the standard we hold ourselves to on every product we make.

Designed & Built In-House

From initial concept to final quality check, everything happens under one roof at our Chicago headquarters. We design the circuits, write the firmware, engineer the housings, and test every single unit before it ships. Complete vertical control means complete quality control.

Dealer & Customer First

We built our reputation on relationships, not just products. Our factory-trained dealer network ensures expert installation, and our direct support team stands behind every unit we sell. When you work with MCE, you're working with the people who designed and built your product.

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Our Mission

Your car isn't finished when it leaves the factory. Make it complete.

We exist to build the most reliable, seamlessly integrated automotive interface devices on the planet, and to make the experience of ordering and using them as enjoyable as possible. It's because of our loyal customers and dealers that we can continually push the boundaries of what's possible in vehicle electronics. Every product we make reflects a simple belief: the best can always be made better.

Our Journey

Key Milestones

2005
Founded in Chicago
Mid City Engineering starts the process of expanding from high end custom installations into product research and development, purchasing our first test vehicle.
2007
First CANBUS products launched
Mid City Engineering starts selling the first integrated CANBUS network products to customers.
2008
Smartkey Starter
Our flagship product: the patented Smartkey starter. The world's first remote starter for Mercedes Benz is released to market.
2012
Escort Radar Cluster Integration
Pioneering the world's first seamless radar-to-instrument-cluster interface, displaying alerts through factory screens with zero visible components.
2018
Sprinter Fleet solutions
Mid City Engineering releases new core remote starter and idle control products for the new W907 Sprinter vans
2020
Global Expansion
Mid City Engineering expands its product offerings to OEM, fleet and government operators through its upfitter program.
Today
Continuing Innovation
From camera display systems and alarm integration kits to network integration, MCE continues to expand its product line while staying true to its founding principle: the best, made better.

Ready to make the best better?

Explore our product range, find an authorized dealer near you, or get in touch with our team to discuss your needs.