Torrance, Calif. – Alpine pushed
back shipments of the aftermarket industry’s first audio/video/navigation (AVN)
unit with an 8-inch screen to June from an originally scheduled May.
It’s designed to be “a
cornerstone for the brand and a catalyst for sales of amps and speakers,” said
assistant sales VP Mike Anderson.
The $1,499-everyday INE-Z928HD AVN
with DVD-receiver fits into a standard double-DIN dash opening despite the
large screen size. It will be available through retailers and expediters.
To accommodate an 8-inch screen
in the dash, Alpine will package the AVN with one of 10 Perfect FIT
installation kits intended for 10 vehicle platforms and more than 70 vehicle
models. The kits, designed specifically for use with the nav system, feature
vehicle-specific wiring harnesses and installation accessories for direct
plug-and-play connection with factory wiring. The kits also feature dash panels
designed to match the shape, color and texture of a specific vehicle’s dash.
The kits are promoted as a better
looking alternative to third-party install kits for specific vehicles because
they’re designed specifically for one brand of head unit, not multiple brands.
