Pioneer Corp. has announced one of the first aftermarket in-dash car multimedia systems to provide Apple CarPlay, allowing consumers the ability to upgrade the vehicle they already own to the safer way to use an iPhone in the car. CarPlay compatibility will be available in early summer 2014 via a firmware update to the five 2014 NEX in-dash multimedia receivers.

Utilizing large, in-dash Pioneer LCD displays, CarPlay featuring Siri voice control, gives iPhone users the features while allowing them to stay focused on the road. With CarPlay, consumers with iPhone 5s, iPhone 5c and iPhone 5 can use Siri to make and receive calls, compose and respond to text messages, use Apple Maps for navigation and listen to their music, podcasts and iTunes RadioSM. For more information about CarPlay, visit www.apple.com/ios/carplay.

"Pioneer’s years of expertise integrating smartphone connectivity into the automotive environment has provided us the opportunity to be among the first to offer CarPlay to drivers," says Ted Cardenas, vice president of marketing for the Car Electronics Division of Pioneer Electronics (USA). "By providing an aftermarket option, Pioneer’s 2014 in-dash multimedia systems give many iPhone owners the ability to add CarPlay to their current vehicles."

In addition to a host of on-board navigation and embedded entertainment options, Pioneer’s 2014 in-dash multimedia systems boast a more advanced and responsive user interface than previous Pioneer in-dash receivers as well as many sound quality, convenience and safety enhancements.

The AVIC-8000NEX (US$1,400), AVIC-7000NEX ($1,200), AVIC-6000NEX ($900), AVIC-5000NEX ($750) and AVH-4000NEX ($700) are currently available at authorized Pioneer Car Electronics dealers nationwide, including Best Buy, Crutchfield and Car Toys. To find the nearest Pioneer retailer, visit the Dealer Locator.