End of the Road for Navdy?

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Navdy heads up display now distributed by Harman

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Navdy, which makes an aftermarket heads up display with high tech features, is liquidating inventory after filing for a form of bankruptcy, according to TechCrunch.

Harman, which has acted as a distributor of the product to 12 volt retailers, said only it is continuing to sell the product at this time and to support its retailers, according to a spokesman.

Several retailers we contacted had not yet been informed of the “bankruptcy.”  One confirmed that Navdy is in the process of withdrawing from the market and one said Harman will warranty the product.

Navdy has filed for an alternative form of bankruptcy designed for smaller businesses as a means of liquidating, and distributing its assets to creditors, reports TechCrunch, citing a legal notice dated October 26.

However, TechCrunch said the company replied on Twitter to a customer November 20, saying that it was in the middle of a reorganization, which could leave the door open to a bankruptcy alternative.

The Navdy is currently shown as in stock on the Crutchfield, Car Toys, Al & Ed’s and Best Buy web sites at prices between $399 and $499. It originally sold for $799.  There was some indication that return rates on the product were unusually high.

Harman is also an investor in Navdy.

The Navdy heads up display (HUD) uses augmented reality to project info on the windshield including incoming callers, and directions.  Texts and tweets were delivered through the system as well as traffic updates.   Images from Navdy appeared to float 6 feet in front of the driver, allowing users to keep their eyes on the road.

The Navdy began shipping to retailers around April 1.

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6 Comments

  1. Problem with all these head up devices is that they sit on the dash and look out of place. I have yet to have one client be ok with how they look. The concept is pretty good but people don’t like the just sitting on the dash look… and price of course. At least with people I’ve talked with.

  2. We knew the second we saw it at CES that it didn’t have a chance. Way too expensive for starters.

  3. They should have only sold that product to specialty retailers who could explain the product better and ward off returns with expertise. Instead they went the mass sales route and it bit them in the a$$.

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