North America dominates the $9.68B car audio aftermarket – and premium brands drive the highest margins.
The car audio aftermarket was supposed to decline, but it’s doing the opposite. For years, analysts predicted its downfall. Yet, the market is expanding. Manufacturers and those importing their own product lines are now securing long-term, high-margin growth. With North America driving 40% of global revenue of this $9.68B market and branded products outperforming unbranded alternatives, the question isn’t if this market is viable—it’s who will capitalize on it first.
For years, the car audio aftermarket has been written off as a sunset industry. Factory-installed systems, shifting consumer habits, and the rise of streaming services were expected to render it obsolete. The assumption was clear: aftermarket audio would slowly fade away.
Yet, reality tells a different story.
The demand for car audio isn’t just surviving—it’s evolving. While traditional head units are losing relevance, speakers, subwoofers, and amplifiers are booming. The market is not only alive but positioned for growth. Those who recognize these shifts and act accordingly are already seeing the rewards.
North America Is Leading the Charge:
Despite global skepticism, North America remains the backbone of the car audio aftermarket, accounting for 40% of global revenue (Cognitive Market Research, 2024 [2]).
Several factors fuel this growth:
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Consumer demand for personalized in-car entertainment systems
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Advancements in audio technology
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A rising trend in do-it-yourself (DIY) installation
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High disposable income levels and a strong car culture
With these tailwinds, North America continues to drive innovation and profitability in the space. The question isn’t whether the market is viable—it’s why some businesses thrive while others struggle to keep up.
What the Data Actually Says
The global car audio market is valued at $9.68 billion
(2023) (Fortune Business Insight [2]).
The projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) for the aftermarket segment from 2024 to 2031 is equally telling:
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9.7% in North America
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10.9% in South America
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10% in Europe
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13.5% in Asia Pacific (Cognitive Market Research, 2025 [2])
This growth is not uniform across all product categories. The highest demand is in:
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Speakers, subwoofers, and amplifiers
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Head units, on the other hand, continue to decline (Fairfield Research - In-Car Audio System Market [3]).
In terms of regional strength, the revenue breakdown looks like this:
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North America: 40%
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Europe: 30%
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Asia Pacific: 23% (Cognitive Market Research, 2025 [2]).
The data is clear: the market is moving, and those who understand its direction are positioning themselves for long-term success.
Why Some Are Winning While Others Are Losing
Here’s the harsh reality: companies that adapt are thriving, while those that cling to outdated models are being left behind.
Businesses that complain about pricing pressure, increased competition, or changing consumer habits fail to acknowledge a simple truth—market shifts don’t kill businesses; failure to adapt does.
The companies that succeed do three things exceptionally well:
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They leverage brand power to stand out in a crowded market.
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They focus on product differentiation, rather than competing on price alone.
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They understand regional market trends and position themselves accordingly.
Proof It Works – How Evosales Is Outperforming the Market
Matthias Wagener, CEO of the Blaupunkt licensee for European automotive products, made a decision years ago that most wouldn’t dare to take.
Instead of following the industry’s race to the bottom, he took a different path—one that many called a dead end.
He focused on a niche that had long been written off: retro-style car radios designed to fit the dashboards of vehicles from the 1980s and 1990s.
He didn’t just repackage old units; he invested in developing dedicated models with authentic aesthetics and modern internals, carving out a space that no one else was seriously serving.
“Back then, someone told me: you might get a good one-time shot out of this—10,000 units, and then the market is done,” Matthias recalls. “Now, five years later, we’ve passed that many times over—and sales are still growing.”
What started as a single product line has evolved into a profitable portfolio, with price points reaching above €400—multiple times higher than standard units based on the same internal technology.
It worked because the execution was sharp. And it scaled because the brand behind it—Blaupunkt—still holds real weight in the automotive world. Product vision and brand credibility combined turned a fringe idea into a sustainable business.
There’s visible proof of interest, too.
A recent LinkedIn post by Matthias introducing a new retro model reached over 30,000 views and more than 120 engagements in just five days.
(≫ Read the LinkedIn post)
“I never had a post that reached so many views and so much engagement,” he told us. “And all that just for a radio.”
On a B2B Plattform segment, that kind of response is rare—and telling.
Even Amazon confirms it: Blaupunkt currently holds two of the top three spots on Germany’s bestseller list for car radios, with the premium retro units sitting comfortably in the top 20. Brands that used to dominate the category are now trailing behind.
It’s a simple but powerful lesson:
The market isn’t dying. Demand is growing—but only for those who adapt and build on a brand that still matters.
The Licensing Advantage for Manufacturers and Product Makers
Licensing from established brands provides an immediate competitive advantage for manufacturers looking to gain an edge in the market.
Brands like Blaupunkt and RCA have built decades of credibility in the automotive industry. Their long-standing presence isn’t just about name recognition—it’s backed by hundreds of millions in marketing and brand investment, creating a trust factor that money simply can’t buy.
This isn’t just a theory—industry insights back it:
“The branded category dominated the industry. […] Reputable and established brands have a high level of consumer trust, making them the go-to options for those purchasing automotive audio systems.” (Fairfield Research - In-Car Audio System Market [3])
A licensing agreement with Blaupunkt or RCA puts a manufacturer ahead of the competition overnight. Instead of spending years building brand equity, licensed partners gain instant consumer trust and faster sales.
At established.inc, We Are Powering Global Growth Through Licensing
established.inc - the creative licensing company is one of the largest pure electronics licensors in the world. With a portfolio that includes RCA, Blaupunkt, and 10 other brands, we work with over 100+ licensees, generating over $1 billion in retail turnover.
More than 80% of our licensees renew and extend their contracts—a testament to the effectiveness of our brands. Unlike many licensors, we go beyond simply signing agreements—we collaborate closely with our licensees to ensure sustained success.
With 7 offices worldwide, established.inc continues to be the trusted partner for companies looking to leverage brand power to drive growth.
Next Steps: Find the Right Brand for Your Market and Stay Ahead
The car audio market is shifting, and the brands that consumers trust are winning. Licensing a recognized name is just about differentiation and instant market credibility, stronger margins, and long-term competitive positioning.
RCA and Blaupunkt are among the most established names in car audio, but availability is already limited as key manufacturers have secured exclusive regional rights—especially for Blaupunkt.
However, other high-value brands remain open for select partners, each with a proven legacy in sound and entertainment technology:
- Thomson – A globally recognized name in consumer electronics
- Victrola, Victor, Saba, Nordmende – Trusted for high-fidelity audio and entertainment products
- Exclusive High-End Sound Brand – A name so prestigious that it remains undisclosed.
This premium brand is available only to carefully selected partners looking to elevate their market positioning and command a premium price point. Keeping its identity confidential ensures that only the right licensees gain access—without competitors racing to secure the same advantage.
These opportunities are exclusive—and once a region is secured, it’s off the table. Connect with established.inc today to discuss availability and find the best strategic fit for your business.
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Sources / Credits:
[1] Fortune Business Insights: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/de/automobil-car-audio-markt-105470
[2] Cognitive Market Research: https://www.cognitivemarketresearch.com/car-aftermarket-audio-system-market-report
[3] Fairfield Research - In-car Audio System Market - https://www.fairfieldmarketresearch.com/report/in-car-audio-system-market
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