CES 2024 Automotive Audio (The Good News)

The Consumer Electronics Show has become a showcase of products of the future, and this year’s content was stronger than ever. The automotive sector in the West Hall was filled beyond capacity, with Mobility spilling into the North Hall. Roger Shively reports on how hardware-dependent development is shifting to software. How Artificial Intelligence has found a practical role. How it all changes car audio systems.

Sony introduced the Mobile ES car speaker and subwoofer range, including five new drivers, which the company believes will set a new standard for in-car entertainment. Developed with various technical updates, the Sony Mobile ES range includes four coaxial designs and one new subwoofer driver, all featuring newly optimized speaker diaphragm materials and ready to support High-Resolution Audio source material.

The pace of innovation within the automotive industry is contributing to the competitive growth of premium audio system solutions. The latest report from SAR Insight & Consulting, "In-Car Audio Distribution: The Connection Between Audio and Vehicle Brands," highlights the significant rise and transformation of in-car audio systems and speakers exceeding the expectations of the connected consumer.

The level of interest in adding a premium audio system as an option at vehicle purchase increased from 2017 to 2018 in both the US and Western Europe. In the new 2018 Premium Audio Report from the Strategy Analytics’ In-Vehicle UX (IVX) team, consumers in the US, France, Germany, Italy, and the UK were surveyed in respect to their interest and willingness to pay for an in-vehicle premium audio system. Bose was the preferred brand, while Sony gets the most recognition among consumers.