In-Dash Navigation is Helping to Drive the Mobile Navigation Industry

In-dash mobile navigation is continuing to see growth even as portable navigation (the most popular segment of the market) is taking a back seat in sales. According to market research company The NPD Group's retail tracking service, in-dash mobile navigation grew 26 percent in units in June 09 compared to June 08, while portable navigation unit sales grew only 4 percent.

In-dash mobile navigation has been showing strength all year. Unit sales from January through June were up 36 percent, despite lower-cost options such as PNDs and strong consumer adoption of GPS enabled handsets.

A decline in average price is helping unit sales of in-dash navigation. The average price of an in-dash navigation unit in June was $701, down 26 percent from June 08.

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.

"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," said Ross Rubin, director of industry analysis at NPD. "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."

Posted to the site on 11th August 2009