10 Predictions in Car Audio For 2014

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2014

With 2014 around the corner, it’s time to look at what to expect next year in products, trends, and sales.   Here’s some of our own predictions and some from industry experts and industry members.

  1. Expect more HDMI and MHL in car radios  for mirroring a smartphone onto the car radio screen (including video and apps)
  2. Expect suppliers to introduce more driver safety products for the aftermarket including advancements in night vision and possibly even blindspot detection.
  3. We’ll see more car audio brands offering car-specific speaker/amplifier systems.
  4. The car audio aftermarket will decline by 11.4 percent in North America  in 2014 over 2013, according to Strategy Analytics.  Aftermarket revenues for 2014 will drop to $2.360 billion, from $2.663 billion in 2013.
  5. There will be a push to find the killer app in the Connected Car.  In other words, suppliers will look for a way to market and better monetize the Connected Car in the aftermarket.
  6. Audiovox’s Tom Malone believes that WiFi hotspots in the car will start to gain prominence.
  7. Expect to see more tablet integration in the aftermarket.
  8. Wireless charging of devices in the car will gain a foothold in the aftermarket.
  9. For car sales in general: Kelley BlueBook projects 16.3 million For 2014 up from 15.6 million in 2013
  10. For the U.S. economy in general:  gross domestic product (GDP) is forecast to climb 2.9 percent, up from 1.9 percent growth in 2013. See economic predictions here.

Source: CEoutlook

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7 Comments

  1. #4

    I see the profit down to pennies on a lot of products in our industry. A lot of manufactures chase the big orders which are far less profitable. Example is the “D” security company, I’ve been a dealer since the early 90s. I buy into their programs, but only to receive calls from their authorized dist/dealers offering me their products at a far less discount then they can give me as a dealer. These are the guys who supply the discount internet guys and supply the people right down the street who are not authorized dealers. I met with a manager from the company who once came to my store this year, I asked about the pricing and all the gibberish about tracking products etc, I really got no answer, just that they were working on it.

    At this point we have the option of buying else where, which we are going to look into this CES, but its sad when you are a long time loyal customer who took in their products in the beginning. I still can do some good business with them, specially since the weather has helped us a lot this year.

    There are some good partners in my store and I will fully support them.

  2. The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.
    Winston Churchill

    The Test

    What do you see in this word “NOWHERE”?

    a) NO-WHERE?

    b) NOW-HERE?

    If you answered “a” Good luck your going to need it.
    If you answered “b” you are an Optimist and see opportunity in everything.

  3. Expect more HDMI and MHL in car radios for mirroring a smartphone onto the car radio screen (including video and apps)
    dead duck. see mirrorlink.com

    Expect suppliers to introduce more driver safety products for the aftermarket including advancements in night vision and possibly even blindspot detection.
    driver safety is not saleable.
    We’ll see more car audio brands offering car-specific speaker/amplifier systems.
    there is already much product chasing sales.

    The car audio aftermarket will decline by 11.4 percent in North America in 2014 over 2013, according to Strategy Analytics. Aftermarket revenues for 2014 will drop to $2.360 billion, from $2.663 billion in 2013.
    great. getting rid of the hobbyists in the biz.

    There will be a push to find the killer app in the Connected Car. In other words, suppliers will look for a way to market and better monetize the Connected Car in the aftermarket.
    there is none. the app kids don’t like cars.

    Audiovox’s Tom Malone believes that WiFi hotspot in the car will start to gain prominence.
    just load the sd card before you go.

    Expect to see more tablet integration in the aftermarket.
    not a large enough market. the kids don’t buy.

    Wireless charging of devices in the car will gain a foothold in the aftermarket.
    no market. needs a hot shoe to work.

    For car sales in general: Kelley BlueBook projects 16.3 million For 2014 up from 15.6 million in 2013
    great. the cars come loaded nowdays anyway.

    For the U.S. economy in general: gross domestic product (GDP) is forecast to climb 2.9 percent, up from 1.9 percent growth in 2013. See economic predictions here.
    crystal ball is cloudy for now. 50% right.

  4. #4. #4. #4. In light of all of the possibilities, and still a declining category. #4 is #1. Happy New Year anyway!

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