We recently had a customer in need of a navigation system for a 2012 Honda Accord. In order to get navigation as an option, like many factory features, you need to buy a package deal that comes with other options that the customer did not particularly want or need, making the vehicle noticeably more expensive. That’s where we come into the picture! Up until recently, there were no integration pieces made in order to take the factory radio out and replace it with a navigation system in this body style Accord. The solution is now available. We were able to professionally install a Kenwood DNX6980 in-dash navigation and multimedia system. As you can see in the pictures below, the integration kit that holds the navigation system in the dash is molded and color matched to fit as if it came straight from Honda. We were able to maintain the use of the factory radio controls on the steering wheel, so the customer was able to add many features to the vehicle without making sacrifices. The Kenwood multimedia device we installed in this vehicle utilizes Garmin navigation software, making it extremely user-friendly. The navigation system allows you to find and address, search millions of nearby points of interest, navigate home and many other features using large, easy to read buttons. No matter what media source is playing, the navigation system will mute all audio and speak the next direction to you through the speakers in the vehicle. It even speaks street names, which is a feature that is commonly left out of portable navigation devices.
Among other built-in features in the device we installed in this Accord, it has an iPod cable that is installed to the rear of the unit. This allowed us to route the cable into the customers glovebox. With the iPod in the glovebox there is an added peace of mind since they will be able to lock the glovebox and keep it secure. This also means there are no cables hanging out of the front of the navigation system giving it a cleaner, more factory style look. With the iPod plugged in, the Kenwood unit will display any text information saved for each song. It allows you to easily browse the music files via the touch screen. Since you no longer have to hold the iPod in your hand and try to focus on the small print to search for a song, this also makes your drive easier and allows the focus to be on the road and your surroundings, where it should be.
Every part about this particular job makes the customers drive easier. This also includes the bluetooth capabilities now built into the customers dash. The Kenwood will pair to their phone and allow them to make and receive phone calls without ever having to touch their cellphone while driving. It displays incoming call information on the touch screen, mutes any source of music that might be playing, and gives you the option to either answer or ignore the incoming call on screen. If you decide to answer the phone call, the microphone that we install on the headliner near the rear view mirror then picks up your voice while the voice of the caller is heard through the speakers in the vehicle.
This customer was able to achieve their goal of adding navigation to this 2012 Honda Accord cost effectively, and without having to buy many other features that they did not necessarily want to pay for. The customer may choose to upgrade the speakers and increase the quality of sound at a later date, but the navigation system was able to be seamlessly integrated into the existing stereo in the vehicle without any qualms. At the end of the day, the customer was very satisfied with the operation of this high quality piece of electronics, and our professional installation of it into their vehicle
