NPD: Single CD Player Sales Drop 16 Percent In 2006

PORT WASHINGTON, N.Y. — Sales of single in-dash CD players fell 16 percent in dollars in 2006 and 14 percent in units, according to The NPD Group.

Multimedia devices fared better last year in unit sales. Car DVD and mobile multimedia — which includes monitors and all multimedia except car DVD players — experienced unit gains of 36 percent and 23 percent respectively. However dollar volume increased only 3 percent for car DVD and declined by 1 percent in mobile multimedia.

Amplifiers and speakers also saw double-digit losses.

Industry members said the market currently faces many of the same challenges as last year but many suppliers reported strong orders during International CES and a positive outlook among retailers.

Also, despite the downturn, several suppliers, including Dual, Memphis Car Audio and Alpine, said sales were up last year.

JVC, which recently spun off its car audio division, said the reorganization has been positive. The new JVC Mobile opened 138 new independent retailers in the first nine months of its 2006 fiscal year with another 90 to 100 new accounts expected in fiscal 2007, VP Bill Turner said.