New cars with aftermarket units: Should I wait?

With an ongoing chip shortage, many automakers have had to adjust the features available to them in order to continue to sell cars.

In some cases, manufacturers have swapped the original infotainment system with an aftermarket head unit. This is an infotainment system that has not been developed or designed by the automaker.

Instead, the automaker can purchase a system from a brand like Alpine (similar to models available at stores like Supercheap Auto or Repco), and then install them in the vehicle with the help of a license. minimal editing.

Sometimes, a manufacturer will import a vehicle without any infotainment systems and then install these aftermarket units locally, before the vehicle reaches the dealership.

As a car’s infotainment system becomes increasingly important to consumers, who value screen size, speed, ease of use, and the presence of features such as electric mirroring. Smartphones, the quality of the system can make or break the purchasing decision.

So, is it better to wait until the automaker offers the in-house infotainment system again, or switch to an aftermarket option?

Benefits of the after-sales system

Since the aftermarket system is developed by a third party that is not tied to the OEM’s production schedule and other limiting factors, such a system may have more features than the equivalent OEM system. This could include more advanced smartphone mirroring capabilities like wireless Apple CarPlay and/or Android Auto.

For example, recent introduction Subaru Forester 2.5X costs the same as the base 2.5i, but brings features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to the base version. Forester range for the first time using an Alpine-branded infotainment system.

If the customer doesn’t like the user interface and design of the factory system, an aftermarket option can also be a step up. For example, Suzuki has equipped models like the Jimny with an aftermarket 9.0-inch head unit since late 2021 and claims the unit has better speed and resolution than the 7.0-inch system. previously supplied by the factory.

With automakers not having to recoup the cost of developing their own system design, another potential benefit to customers is that a reasonably sourced third-party system can provide feature and performance benefits described above at a negligible price penalty.

Suzuki, for example, did not adopt any price imposition with the adoption of an aftermarket head unit.

For automakers and customers, installing an aftermarket leader will ultimately help ensure a steady supply of cars and keep goods flowing, helping to reduce Long waiting time for customers.

Disadvantages of the after-sales system

Since the aftermarket unit is not developed by the car manufacturer, a major drawback is that it may not match the design of the rest of the interior and therefore may not offer the same integrated look and feel. like the factory infotainment system.

Most aftermarket parts manufacturers continue to develop infotainment systems sized to accommodate previous industry standard single or dual DIN slots in the console, which may not be suitable. seamlessly with all models currently on sale.

For example, the Alpine head unit used in the Subaru Forester 2.5X, which fits in a dual DIN slot, unfortunately leaves a gap above that the factory infotainment unit normally takes.

This can also affect resale value, if a future buyer believes the owner modified the vehicle with a non-factory infotainment device.

While aftermarket infotainment systems may offer wireless smartphone mirroring that the automaker’s systems may lack, they may also lack certain features and May not integrate with other vehicle systems.

For example, some aftermarket systems may not have built-in satellite navigation or turn-by-turn directions in the instrument cluster. These systems may also lack the ability to display and adjust vehicle functions such as climate control, driving modes and driver assistance features.

While infotainment systems are usually covered under the vehicle’s new auto warranty, aftermarket systems may not have been developed with the quality and durability of an OEM alternative, raises doubts about the long-term, post-warranty reliability of the system.

Which vehicles are currently equipped with aftermarket parts?

Most of the cars currently equipped with aftermarket infotainment systems are entry-level popular cars. This includes the special edition Subaru Forester 2.5X, priced from $37,890 (same as the regular base Forester 2.5i), equipped with a 7-inch Alpine infotainment display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

However, this system omits the CD player, over-the-air (OTA) update capability, and voice command recognition of the factory infotainment system, as well as being slightly smaller than the 8.0-inch screen. of that system.

Subaru says the Forester 2.5X is simply a special edition and not to address chip shortages – although it’s worth noting that the aftermarket infotainment system is the only notable differentiator. .

The Mitsubishi Triton has also recently seen component shortages and to make up for this, certain variants in the MY22 range, such as the GLX and GLX+ models, are equipped with an infotainment system. 7 inch aftermarket ‘MiDisplay’ location.

Most models in the Suzuki series, including Jimny, Ignis, Fast and Vitaraequipped with a 9.0-inch unbranded infotainment system that looks similar to those commonly available from online retailers like AliExpress.

While the device offers a larger screen and faster processor than the previous 7.0-inch device fitted to Suzuki vehicles, it lacks that system’s built-in satellite navigation.

The company has also used a simpler head unit, without a touchscreen, in the Jimny Lite.

Suzuki Australia presented the idea to its global parent company to install third-party systems locally after learning it had slowed down production at plants in Asia and Europe. partly due to a lack of leading Bosch-supplied parts in its supply chain.

After being given the green light by the Japanese parent company to reach a suitable agreement, Suzuki’s local management made an agreement with Australian distributor, developer and OEM supplier Directed, the company company with Fuso Trucks and Sony.

THAN: How Suzuki Australia landed more cars by installing its own touch screen