In-dash mobile navigation is currently experiencing growth while portable navigation sales sit on the sidelines, says market research company The NPD Group.
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In-dash mobile navigation sales from January through June were up 36 percent, despite lower-cost options such as personal navigation devices and strong consumer adoption of GPS enabled handsets.
The NPD Group says that a decline in average price of in-dash navigation units is helping unit sales.
Forty percent of all in-dash unit sales in June were in the $600-$699 range, up from 15 percent last year. Portable navigation customers are searching for much more inexpensive options, as 84 percent of all PND unit sales were under $200 in June.
NPD’s Director of Industry Analysis, Ross Rubin said, “With consumers seeking greater value in their purchases, aftermarket in-dash navigation units are an attractive option to consumers who want a large-screen navigation experience and advanced multimedia features.”
“While aftermarket in-dash navigation systems still command a significant premium over in-vehicle systems that offer only audio and video capabilities, these navigation products cost significantly less than those offered as factory options from many car manufacturers,” concluded Rubin.
