Mobile Electronic News

Connects2 prove to specialist installers that nothing’s impossible when it comes to head unit replacement
With most modern cars now a stereo is no longer just a stereo, it’s an integral part of the CAN Bus system of a car. This is all well and good if you have no plans on upgrading, but if you do, then it can seem an impossible task. Take for example the Vauxhall Insignia, a rep’s favourite that can be seen trawling up and down the motorways of the UK in droves on any given day. As such you’d expect it to come with sat nav as standard, but it was still a factory option from Vauxhall. While many buyers no doubt opted for it, others decided to cross off that box from the extras list with the intention of purchasing an aftermarket item later… the only problem is that aftermarket integration can’t be done, not even by Vauxhall. That is, aftermarket integration couldn’t be done, because thanks to Connects2 there is now a solution.



And the solution is one that will benefit the specialist retailer and leave the part shifters on the internet out in the cold. The new range of fascia kits and interfaces can’t simply be sold onto the end customer, as it requires specialist knowledge and ability to fit them. Any online seller working out of their front room who has any integrity would shy away from even attempting to sell them, due to the potential troubles customers will have fitting them, and the comeback it will have on them. This means it’s a golden opportunity for the specialist retailer/installer to once again win back that market and show the customer why they’re the people to trust.

Connects2’s ‘Head Unit Replacement Interfaces’ are available for a number of models at the moment, with more coming out all of the time. They work by replacing the existing fascia with the new fascia kit, within which the chosen head unit is fitted. These fascia kits do an excellent job of following the factory lines of the dashboard to achieve as OEM look as possible, which should make it easier to attract customers. Using the relevant interface kit and stalk controls, installers can then integrate the new head unit with the CAN Bus system and crucially allow the driver to keep all of the functionality of the original equipment, losing nothing in the process. Naturally, this can be a time consuming process as even the initial dismantling of the factory fascia can take more than an hour in some cases. However, this means that installers can make decent money from the labour costs as well as the profit margins on the products sold.



Connects2 believe that these interfaces solve what was seen as an impossible problem, which is great news on one hand. On the other hand though, they also believe that owners of these cars may not realise that a solution now exists, so aren’t likely to approach installers on the off chance. Considering the very specialist nature of the product, it’s a great chance for installers to shout about the fact that they can now offer integrated replacement head unit solutions, and if they do, Connects2 believe there’s plenty of profit to be made. The potential market for this type of integration is huge, and with Connects2 constantly launching new applications it’s likely that installers will be able to offer the benefits to virtually all customers stuck in the dilemma of having only the standard factory equipment. Times have changed since the good old days of swapping a head unit over in a matter of seconds and for specialist retailers/installers this is something they need to embrace, as it’s likely to become a staple diet for many of them.

For more information on how the ‘Head Unit Replacement Interfaces’ work or for a list of covered vehicles, contact Connects2 on the details below.

Contact: Connects2, 0845 257 5588 or visit connects2.com

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