Tough Markets Ahead - PND's on Downward Spiral
The market for Personal Navigation Devices (standalone units) has been in a downward spiral since the market peak in 2008 according to a recent Reuters article. The recession couldn't have helped as the markets reach the saturation point. As the big makers try to diversify their offerings, Garmin's move into the smartfone business has been a less than rewarding experience that clearly isn't meeting their expectations for the Nuvifone products.
As the market shrinks, prices continue to drop, although at a slowing rate. Both the prices for PND's and navigation Apps on smartphones continue to drop with significant price pressure going forward. Garmin expects a flattening of the price curve as the steep price drops year over year are a thing of the past.
More on the topic at Reuters
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Posted by Scott Martin at September 10, 2010 10:13 AM
I agree to the shrinking PND market. Perhaps I am one of those last ones that truly don't need my PND to be mobile. I need it in the car. If I want a mobile PND, I will use my smartphone. I would like to see more and better options in the built-in after market. Factory navigation systems are ridiculously overpriced for what you get. The Garmin system does exist in a head unit but more choice would be much appreciated and I think could be marketed a little better. I believe the PND could do a better job of offering a more built in aspect which could do a lot to save their market share.
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