Total audio revenues of manufacturer-to-dealer sales grew by six percent in 2000, reaching $8.6 billion, according to the Consumer Electronics Association. Portable audio, separate components, systems and aftermarket autosound all showed gains over 1999 numbers.
Portable audio rose 11 percent to nearly $2.7 billion for the year.
Portable CD products, comprising almost two-thirds of portable audio-the largest sector, increased 13 percent for the year. During 2000, portable compressed audio file devices (MP3 type players) sold 587,000 units, totaling $107 million.
Aftermarket autosound gained one percent to $2.2 billion. In dash CD players alone gained 12 percent, topping $1 billion in 2000.
"2000 was a solid year for audio sales," said CEA President/CEO Gary Shapiro. "With the continued interest of consumers' in new surround sound formats, DVD-Audio and other digital products that complete the audio experience, we can expect 2001 to be another successful year for audio sales."