Increasing demand for new digital entertainment features in the car will result in the automotive multimedia systems market reaching 97 million units by 2012, according to predictions contained in a report from Strategy Analytics automotive infotainment report.


The average revenue per system sold will increase rapidly, to US$375 – an increase of over 20% over 2005 figures.


Japanese suppliers, most notably Alpine, Panasonic, Kenwood and Pioneer, are taking the market lead in rolling out the widest range of features, particularly audio systems capable of playing compressed music files and digital radio, and offering connection for portable MP3 players. According to a Strategy Analytics automotive consumer survey conducting at the end of 2005, over a third of all new car buyers in each of the US, France, Germany and the UK intend to purchase an MP3 player in the next 12 months.


Joanne Blight, director in the Automotive Practice, noted that, “by far the most significant trend set to hit automotive entertainment in the next two years is the rapid adoption of digital music. Our survey shows that almost half of new car buyers in the US, France, Germany and the UK intend to bring compressed format music files into their cars in order to play music through their audio systems.” Radio also remains a very strong automotive entertainment media, but in-car radio and music listening habits vary significantly across countries.


She concluded: “Automotive suppliers who best understand demand trends for multi-featured audio entertainment outside the vehicle will be most successful at unlocking new opportunities inside the vehicle. By its very nature, a car provides an audio environment. But there is a real danger that too many automotive manufacturers will miss key consumer demand trends by getting distracted by the recent growth in portable navigation and DVD video.”

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.