Ride Into the New Year in Style
Pioneer Offers Top 10 Gifts for Car Buffs - From Budget to Blowout
LONG BEACH, Calif., Nov. 12 -- Americans view few things with as much pride as their automobiles. We dote on them, care for them and even give them names. They are extensions of us, reflections of our personalities, members of our extended families. And, why not? This year, the average American will spend more than a month's worth of time in their car.(1) Whether it's a road trip, daily commute or simply a cruise down main street, as car enthusiasts, we want to make sure that our vehicles look, feel and sound as good as they did the day we brought them home.
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As the holidays and a new year approach, Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc., the long-time industry leader in mobile entertainment, offers a quick list of ideal gifts for the auto buff on your list. A company more-than-familiar to car lovers, Pioneer's recommendations are perfect for those who want to spruce-up their old ride or trick-out a new one. And with options in every price range, consumers have all the answers.
* Smells Like ... The smell of a new car is one of life's indescribable
pleasures. Unfortunately, that fresh-from-the-factory scent is usually
a fleeting perk. Air fresheners make an inexpensive gift that will
keep your car lover's ride smelling fresh. Inject some fun into
freshening the air with spinning models that attach to your car's air
vent. Available from companies like Wildcat (go to
www.dennisgreenltd.com for more info), these $2 whirly-birds
distribute scented air throughout the vehicle in flavors such as
Exotic Citrus, French Vanilla and Country Berry.
* Fancy Your Feet: Auto enthusiasts spare no luxuries -- even with what
lies beneath their feet. For those looking to spruce up their
interior with a little foot flash, consider designer pedals inspired
by the auto-racing world. Companies like Sparco offer a variety of
screw-in pedals in multiple colors and designs for a sports car feel
when putting the pedal to the metal. Sets of designer pedals are
available from a variety of manufacturers for as little as $20. Visit
sites like www.sportscar-parts.com for more.
* Cover Me: Protecting your investment is a primary concern for anyone
who cares about their car. California Car Covers, one of the leaders
in custom-fit car covers, protect automobiles from the harsh elements
and help your car's exterior and interior stay looking their best.
Covers start in the $100 range and are available in a plethora of
colors, sizes and materials. Check out www.calcarcover.com for more.
* Tune it Up: A great car stereo can help make any trip memorable.
Pioneer's DEH-P5500MP lets users play back music CDs and recorded
discs (CD-R or -RW) as well as compressed audio files such as .mp3 and
.wma (Windows Media Audio). The attractive unit boasts a multi-color
LCD display, flap face and is XM satellite radio ready. All in a
package for around $250. Visit www.pioneerelectronics.com.
* Let There Be Light: Want to add some flair to your car without
breaking the bank? Light kits are becoming a popular option that can
change the entire look and feel of your vehicle. APC Lights offers an
extensive lineup of headlights, driving lights, taillights and even
fluorescent, "Icy Hot" and "Glo" packages. Lighting up your ride will
turn heads. Depending on the extent of your makeover, you can expect
to pay anywhere from under $100 to several thousand. Visit American
Products Company's web site at www.performancestyleattitude.com.
* The Gift of Boom: Ask anyone serious about cars to talk about their
sound system and watch their eyes light up as they talk about their
tuner and speakers. While these are key elements of a top-quality
audio experience, the third dimension is delivered by way of a good
subwoofer. The addition of a sub brings home the bass and delivers
music to the car the way it was meant to be heard. Companies like
Pioneer offer numerous subwoofer options for auto enthusiasts to
substantially upgrade their mobile audio experience. Starting at
manufacturers retail price of a hundred dollars up to $900 for its
world record breaking subwoofer, Pioneer subwoofers will rock the
entire block (www.pioneerelectronics.com).
* "Grille-in": Protect your automobile and make it look cooler? Who
wouldn't be interested in that? Front and rear grille-guards can give
a car, truck or SUV a more rugged, adventurous look, while providing a
protective barrier for the exterior. Made of sophisticated materials
complete with non-scratch powders and finishes, this stylish armor for
your car lover's truck or sedan is a great gift idea. Visit sites
like www.autoanything.com for a selection of grille guards to suit any
vehicle at costs from $200-$600.
* Hot Wheels: Changing wheels and tires on an automobile is like giving
a car a face-lift. It can do wonders. Larger wheels from
manufacturers and shops like Axis Sport Tuning and Wheel Power can
make an older vehicle look brand new. Of course, new wheels also
require reliable tires such as those from Yokohama
(www.yokohamatire.com). The cost for refitting wheels and tires can
run anywhere from $600 - $4000 or more depending on manufacturer and
model -- it's a small price for the looks you'll receive as you drive
down the boulevard.
* Back-Seat Bliss: Imagine music, movies, television, satellite radio
and more in one device ... in your car. Pioneer's AVH-P7500DVD is the
pinnacle of mobile electronics. The multimedia wonder unit delivers
AM, FM and XM satellite radio (optional) as well as playback of DVD
movies and DVD-Audio discs, so anyone can enjoy multi-channel surround
sound in the car for both movies and music. The AVH-P7500DVD also
packs a built-in TV tuner and a bevy of customizable audio features.
All operation is touch-screen via the unit's 7-inch monitor, and its
dual-zone capability means front-seat passengers can listen to AM, FM
or XM satellite radio, while rear-seat occupants can enjoy DVD movies
or play games. The AVH-P7500DVD has an MSRP of $2700
(www.pioneerelectronics.com).
* The Ultimate: New Year, New Car? Better start groveling now.
Pioneer's Mobile Entertainment Division is the leading manufacturer of audio, video and information products for in-car use. Its focus is on the development of new digital technologies including audio video, navigation and satellite radio, while maintaining its strong heritage in products for car audio enthusiasts and competitors. The company markets its products under the Pioneer and Premier brand names. When purchased from an authorized dealer, consumers receive a limited warranty for one year with Pioneer products and two years for Premier products.
Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. is headquartered in Long Beach, Calif., and its U.S. Web address is www.pioneerelectronics.com. Its parent company, Pioneer Corporation, is a leader in optical disc technology and a preeminent manufacturer of high-performance audio, video, computer and cable equipment for the home, car and business markets. The company focuses on four core business domains including DVD, display technologies, Digital Network Entertainment(TM) and components. Founded in 1938 in Tokyo, Pioneer Corporation employs more than 35,000 people worldwide. Its shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange.
(1) Arbitron, 2003.
For further information please contact: Jaed Arzadon of Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc., +1-310-952-2451, jarazadon@pioneer-usa.com; or Steve Bonsignore, +1-212-537-8094, sbonsignore@gcigroup.com, for Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc.
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