Makers boost production, software design capability

摘要

As competition heats up, suppliers are boosting output and R&D strength. Car DVD-TV combo is the most likely bestseller for 2005. The car entertainment industry across mainland China, Hong Kong SAR and Taiwan is seeing tremendous growth, driven by strong exports and robust sales. A wide selection of CD/ VCD/DVD/MP3 players and in-car TVs and monitors are produced in these regions. The higher-end models inevitably come from Taiwan but mainland China manufacturers enjoy economies of scale that allow them to quote the lowest prices. In-dash CD players are the most popular car A/V product on the mainland and are standard accessories on most new cars. Mid- and large-scale makers specialize in car DVD-TVs for their higher margins while smaller companies prefer in-car monitors and TVs given the low technology content required. Hong Kong produces in-car A/V products including CD/DVD/MP3 players and LCD TV/monitors but makers increasingly believe DVD-TVs will be this year's hot-ticket item.