Japanese electronics major Pioneer plans to set up a chain of experience zones across the country in a store- in- store format to showcase and popularise its car audio systems.
Introducing its new range of audio systems targeting both original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and after market sales and replacement market, senior executives of Panasonic on Friday said that new range of connected devices facilitate telematics and in-car entertainment.
Toshiyuki Yoshikawa, General Manager, Pioneer India Electronics, said that the proposed experience zones (about 20 of them) would be set up in a shop-in-shop format, to enable the network of dealers to explain the features of the new in car audio-cum- entertainment systems.
Pioneer has introduced Android Auto, for Android phone users, in its latest navigation-cum-entertainment systems. The products are also equipped with Apple CarPlay for iPhone users. It gives its users the best of both worlds. They come with simple interface and built for convenience of driving like Google Maps, WhatsUp and smart phone music integration. The Google speech technology enables one to control everything using voice interface.
Manvir Ahuja, sales head, Pioneer India, said, “Our new line up has several touch-screen options with very advanced but easy connectivity and navigation tools. For consumers who are budget conscious, the company has a number of USB players and other touch screen audio systems.”
Manufacturing plan The company currently sources its products made in Thailand for sale in India. However, it is in the process of undertaking a study to consider a manufacturing unit in India, which could either be set up on its own or through a joint venture.
“Though it is too early to speak about an Indian manufacturing plant, it will also be dependant on how the GST impacts the sector,” Yoshikawa said.
Ahuja said, “More than 20 million cars are on roads in India, and of them about 4-5 million cars, which are more than 5-6 years old could potentially be our customers as they seek to upgrade their in car entertainment systems. We have a number of products that meet specific requirements.”