GCH Automotive Systems is not exactly new, but many of you may not have heard of it yet.
The supplier/distributor based in Riverside, CA, has been offering navigation add-on kits for a few years and is starting to ship a new round of products for a number of vehicles that are not yet addressed by navigation kit makers, it said.
GCH just began shipping electronic navigation kits for the 2013-2014 Honda Accord and 2013 and newer Toyota RAV4.
Other industry “firsts” include kits for the Buick Encore (crossover SUV) and kits for 2013 and newer Honda Pilot and Odyssey launching this week.
The company offers solutions for about 25 car models and will announce 7 additional kits at the SEMA show at the end of the month. CEO Greg Delgado says the kits are navigation only so they can keep the original OEM built-in features, and many of the newer cars already come with Bluetooth, iPod and other high tech functions.
As more cars include video-capable screens, the need for these type of electronic kits will grow, he said. “This is where navigation systems are heading for the future,” he added.
The GCH kit for the 2014 Silverado includes a GPS module and brain module that installs behind the dash plus a connector cable. It can come with an overlay for non-touch screen models.
The overlay is a flexible membrane that acts as a transparent remote control directly on the factory screen. It is “non-invasive” as does not require opening the screen.
Some of the new navigation kits GCH will add at SEMA will work with Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep vehicles and late model Honda Civic, CRV and Toyota Tundra and Corolla vehicles, said the company.
GCH said it currently sells to about 375 retailers and expediters. To contact GCH click here.
Source: CEoutlook
