The OnStar FMV retail mirror is now scheduled to land in dealers August 1, with many retailers placing final orders this month, they said.
“Pre-marketing” for the mirror may begin at some retailers this week or next, they added.
OnStar would only confirm “summer” as the launch period.
Best Buy is currently collecting email addresses from its Web site for customers interested in more information.
Just what level of demand awaits the $299 add-on mirror–one of the most significant products to hit the car stereo retail market in years–is anyone’s guess, but a handful of key retail veterans have mixed expectations.
On the plus side, some say customers over the years have asked repeatedly for a “universal” OnStar that fits any car. Others said they foresee moderate demand, at least initially.
One concern mentioned by retailers is that the FMV offers relatively low margins to the retailer and there’s no stipend for the dealer for signing up a customer (as has been the case with satellite radio). Minor complaints are that the mirror lacks a dimmer and compass and that it’s a bit large.
The industry hopes that GM’s heavy advertising budget will help bring customers into consumer electronics stores.
IHS iSupply predicts the mirror well sell 230,000 units this year and one million units in 2012.
An OnStar spokesman said the company is working on a broad campaign that will include advertising and in-store promotions.
One leading chain said it will start premarketing this week. Sixth Avenue Electronics said it may offer free installation for the mirror at launch.
OnStar service fees start at $18.95 a month or $199 a year.
The FMV mirror’s key features are:
- Automatic Crash Response: The mirror determines that you’ve been in a crash and alerts a call in center. It uses GPS to send for help even if you don’t respond. A crash is detected through the mirror’s accelerometer plus algorithms
- Turn-by-Turn Navigation
- Emergency Services: Press a button to speak to the call center
- Stolen Vehicle Tracking: When you report your car stolen, OnStar provides real time tracking via GPS of the car to help authorities locate it.
Roadside Assistance
- Door Unlock (via Locksmith)
- Handsfree calling without your cellphone
- Bluetooth handsfree calling via cellphone
Source: CEoutlook
being old atx and guidepoint dealers-we know how to sell the product.
gar
I’m waiting to get these in my store. One local hillbilly Chevy dealer (orders alot of base model vehicles) cant wait for me to get them.
We’ll see what happens. And no Dimmer or Compass, thats kinda backwards thinking, is’nt it?