CD-less (mechless) radios are gaining momentum, and should see a 42 percent boost in sales this year, even while the overall aftermarket car radio market shrinks.
Aftermarket CD-less radios are forecast to reach shipments of 388,000 units this year in North America (including Mexico), up from 272,000 units in 2011, according to IMS Research.
Although CD-less decks have been on the market for many years, until recently, they were not a fast moving sector.
IMS analysts Jack Bergquist said, “However toward the end of 2011 and now in 2012, we’re seeing suppliers coming out with really low cost mechless units at the $100 to $150 price point.” At that price, the decks have a feature advantage because they include front USB slots and iPod control (while typical low cost CD radios don’t).
In other data, IMS Research forecasts that aftermarket navigation/radios will fall to 184,000 unit sales in North America, down from 200,000 in 2011. In dollars that translates to sales of $165 million this year compared to $190 million last year.
AV deck and rear seat device sales (combined) will drop to 420,000 units from 496,000 last year. In dollars they are projected to fall to $117.2 million from $132 million last year.
The data is part of IMS’s report “In-Car Audio, Infotainment & Driver Information Systems – World – 2012”
Source: CEoutlook
