Tier One Distribution has signed a deal to equip Land Rovers being exported to Nigeria with video/DVD systems. The systems will be fitted to Range Rover, Discovery and Freelander models.
The contract adds to Tier One Distribution`s local client base of MG Rover, KIA and Toyota for the fitment of portable and installed units, which it distributes for US-based Audiovox Electronics Corporation.
Tier One Distribution sales and marketing director Mark Axon says that while fewer than 5 000 vehicles in SA have had in-car video/DVD technology installed to date, sales are snowballing.
"Tier One Distribution has been in the mobile video business for about 18 months in which time we have signed four vehicle manufacturers. We are also currently in negotiations with about 11 other vehicle manufacturers.
"Moving into Nigeria is a key breakthrough for us. With the resolution of the war in Iraq, the next few months will see us increasing our marketing campaign in the Middle East, Africa region, not only as far as Land Rover is concerned, but with other car manufacturers as well," Axon says.
In its first shipment, 11 in-car DVD systems were sent to Nigeria, all fitted into Land Rover demonstration vehicles. Since then, a further six in-car DVD systems have been sent to Nigeria, Axon says.
Locally, around 50% of all Range Rovers sold are fitted with an in-car DVD system, Axon reports.
He says the portable system comes in a bag slightly smaller than a notebook case and can be strapped to a seat, drawing its power from the cigarette lighter. The installed solution hangs down from the roof between the driver and the front passenger seat, or can be fitted into the vehicle`s headrests, or a small screen is mounted in the dashboard. The system can be connected to the car`s sound system and also supports infrared wireless headsets.
The portable DVD and/or VHS units sell for between R5 000 and R15 000, while the installed system is priced between R15 000 and R28 000.
"Our target market is obviously larger vehicles and 4x4s. While the mounted system for rear seat passengers will operate while the vehicle is running, DVDs on the mounted screen on the dashboard (which doubles as a navigational tool) will only run when the handbrake is up or if the car is going slowly enough," he says.
The system supports PlayStation, Nintendo and Sega, and is MP3 compatible. It can also support multiple screens allowing children to have their own consoles. One of the screens is also PC compatible.
"By adding portable screens to the system, children can have their own screens for gaming or one can play games while the other watches a DVD."
Axon says with the advancement of technology, the Internet will also be available in vehicles within the next 18 to 24 months.
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