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Holiday Gift Ideas for Car Owners from Pioneer

Americans view few things with as much pride as their automobiles. We dote on them, care for them and even give them names. They are extensions of us, reflections of our personalities, members of our extended families. And, why not?

This year, the average American will spend more than a month's worth of time in their car.(1) Whether it's a road trip, daily commute or simply a cruise down main street,we want to make sure our vehicles look, feel and sound as good as they did the day we brought them home.

As the holidays and a new year approach Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. offers a quick list of ideal gifts.

  • Air Fresheners: Some people love the smell of a new car. Unfortunately, that fresh-from-the-factory scent is usually a fleeting perk. Air fresheners make an inexpensive gift that will keep your car lover's ride smelling fresh. Inject some fun into freshening the air with spinning models that attach to your car's air vent. Available from companies like Wildcat $2 whirly-birds distribute scented air throughout the vehicle in flavors such as Exotic Citrus, French Vanilla and Country Berry.

  • Designer Pedals: For those looking to spruce up their interior with a little foot flash, consider designer pedals inspired by the auto-racing world. Companies like Sparco offer a variety of screw-in pedals in multiple colors and designs for a sports car feel when putting the pedal to the metal. Sets of designer pedals are available from a variety of manufacturers for as little as $20.

  • Car Covers: Protecting your investment is a primary concern for anyone who cares about their car. California Car Covers, one of the leaders in custom-fit car covers, protect automobiles from the harsh elements and help your car's exterior and interior stay looking their best. Covers start in the $100 range and are available in a plethora of colors, sizes and materials.

  • Car Stereo: A great car stereo can help make any trip memorable. Pioneer's DEH-P5500MP lets users play back music CDs and recorded discs (CD-R or -RW) as well as compressed audio files such as .mp3 and .wma (Windows Media Audio). The attractive unit boasts a multi-color LCD display, flap face and is XM satellite radio ready. All in a package for around $250.

  • Light Kits: Want to add some flair to your car without breaking the bank? Light kits are becoming a popular option that can change the entire look and feel of your vehicle. APC Lights offers an extensive lineup of headlights, driving lights, taillights and even fluorescent, "Icy Hot" and "Glo" packages. Lighting up your ride will turn heads. Depending on the extent of your purchase, you can expect to pay anywhere from under $100 to several thousand.

  • Subwoofer: Ask anyone serious about cars to talk about their sound system and watch their eyes light up as they talk about their tuner and speakers -- and no, they don't have to be massivly loud. While these are key elements of a top-quality audio experience, the third dimension is delivered by way of a good subwoofer. The addition of a sub brings home the bass and delivers music to the car the way it was meant to be heard. Companies like Pioneer offer numerous subwoofer options for car owners to upgrade their mobile audio experience. Subwoofers begin at around $100. and can go as high as $900.

  • Grille Guards: Protect your automobile and make it look cooler? Who wouldn't be interested in that? Front and rear grille-guards can give a car, truck or SUV a more rugged, adventurous look, while providing a protective barrier for the exterior. Made of sophisticated materials complete with non-scratch powders and finishes, this stylish armor for a truck or sedan is a great gift idea.

  • New Wheels and Tires: Changing wheels and tires on an automobile is like giving a car a face-lift. It can do wonders. Larger wheels from manufacturers and shops like Axis Sport Tuning and Wheel Power can make an older vehicle look brand new. Of course, new wheels also require reliable tires. The cost for refitting wheels and tires can run anywhere from $600 - $4000 or more depending on manufacturer and model -- it's a small price for the looks you'll receive as you drive down the boulevard.

  • Multimedia Entertainment System: Imagine music, movies, television, satellite radio and more in one device ... in your car. Pioneer's mobile electronic multimedia unit delivers AM, FM and XM Satellite Radio (optional) as well as playback of DVD movies and DVD-Audio discs, so anyone can enjoy multi-channel surround sound in the car for both movies and music. It also has a built-in TV tuner and a bevy of customizable audio features. All operation is touch-screen via the unit's 7-inch monitor, and its dual-zone capability means front-seat passengers can listen to AM, FM or XM Satellite Radio, while rear-seat occupants can enjoy DVD movies or play games.

(1) Arbitron, 2003.