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Panasonic, Harman Drop GPS Lines
The two are the latest manufacturers to exit the portable GPS market.
Harman Becker
Harman announced the Becker-branded GPS earlier this year. Prices were expected to be between $399 and $699.
December 17, 2008 by Rachel Cericola

For a while there, it was easy to get lost in the GPS market. Now the smoke seems to be clearing just a bit. Hot on the heels of Magellan’s announcement, both Panasonic and Harman/Kardon say they are also getting out of the portable GPS market.

Who knew they were in?

Well, Harman did introduce the Becker earlier this year. However, the product never made it to the U.S. market. Also, Panasonic will keep its Strada in-dash navigation line, says Twice. The economy has been cited in both decisions.

Earlier this week, Magellan announced it would sell its consumer line to Mitac, the makers of Mio. Audiovox, JVC and Cobra are a few of the others that recently got out of the GPS market. 

Tom Bancroft, Crutchfield’s merchandise director, is cited in the report saying that GPS sales are expected to be flat for the fourth quarter this year. In 2007, numbers were up about 400 percent.

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Rachel Cericola - Contributing Writer
Over the past 15 years, Rachel Cericola has covered entertainment, web and technology trends. Check her out at www.rachelcericola.com.

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