Double-DIN Share Gaining

Industry members agree the car audio market is moving away from the single-DIN standard to new double-DIN chasses. Retailers, however, are finding the rate of demand for Double DIN varies widely by region.

A quick TWICE poll found that retailers who market to more affluent areas, where customers are likely to drive newer cars, say the shift over to double DIN has been dramatic this year. Dealers in less affluent areas, say the shift is gradual.

According to CEA, 51 percent of cars in the United States will have double-DIN openings for 2005-2006. This figure is up from 31 percent in 1996 and 40 percent in 2000.

Harvey Wright, CEO of Autosound of Lexington, Lexington, Ky., said double-DIN installs comprise about 94 percent of his business this year, up from about 60 percent last year. Similarly, John Haynes, product manager for Al & Ed's Autosound, Van Nuys, Calif., said, “Double DIN is skyrocketing.”

Conversely, retailers such as Audio Express, Scottsdale, Ariz,; Crutchfield, Charlottesville, Va.; and Breakers Mobile, Oxnard, Calif., said the shift is gradual.