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New-Vehicle Multimedia Systems and Features in High Demand

Some 55% of new-vehicle owners say they have satellite radio capability in their audio systems and 25% have navigation systems - up from last year’s 39% and 20%, respectively - according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2008 Multimedia Quality and Satisfaction Study.

Consumer demand for such multimedia features continues to rise. Nearly 60% of consumers say they want a navigation system on their next vehicle, and 66% want the ability to play MP3 files, according to Allison LaDuc, senior research manager of automotive product quality at J.D. Power and Associates.

The annual study evaluates owner experiences with quality, design satisfaction and features of automotive multimedia systems in new vehicles. Problems are measured per 100 vehicles (PP100). A lower PP100 score indicates higher quality.

Company rankings in specific categories:

• Alpine Electronics of America ranks highest in the AM/FM/single CD player segment with an overall PP100 score of 2.6, marking an improvement of 1.3 PP100 from 2007, while Panasonic Automotive Systems Company of America (4.4 PP100) ranks second, and Clarion Corp. of America and Continental Corp. tie to rank third with 4.5 PP100:

• In the AM/FM/multi-CD changer segment, Panasonic ranks highest with an overall PP100 score of 4.3, followed by Pioneer (4.6 PP100) and SANYO Automotive USA, with 5.0 PP100.
• Delphi Corp. ranks highest in the AM/FM/single CD player/satellite radio segment with an overall PP100 score of 2.7. Visteon Corp. (3.6 PP100) and Panasonic (4.1 PP100) follow in the rankings.
• Clarion ranks highest in the AM/FM/multi-CD changer/satellite radio segment, with an overall PP100 score of 5.4, followed by Delphi Corp. (5.6 PP100) and Visteon Corp. (6.0 PP100):

About the study: The 2008 Multimedia Quality and Satisfaction Study is based on responses from 81,530 new-vehicle owners who purchased a 2008 model-year vehicle. The study was fielded between February and April 2008. Twenty-eight multimedia permutations were evaluated, which include different combinations of the following systems: AM/FM radio; cassette player; single CD player; multiple CD changer; navigation system; and satellite radio. Multimedia system suppliers are ranked based on the number of problems experienced per 100 vehicles (PP100) in four segments: AM/FM/single CD player, AM/FM/multi-CD changer, AM/FM/single CD player/satellite radio and AM/FM/multi-CD changer/satellite radio.