Did you know we have modular CarPlay/Android Auto radios?
With the newest modular‑form radios, Pioneer opens the door to installations in vehicles that were once off-limits. By separating the touchscreen display from the main AV chassis, modular design gives you unmatched flexibility and together with our partners at Metra Electronics and iDatalink Maestro, these radios become turnkey upgrades even for tricky dash layouts..
What Makes a Modular Receiver Different
With modular receivers:
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The touchscreen display is physically separate from the main AV chassis / brain. The display can be mounted where space allows dashboard shelf, custom dash kit, or even an overhead console.
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The chassis containing tuner, amp, inputs/outputs can be mounted elsewhere (behind dash, under seat, center console, etc.) to bypass shallow dash cavities.
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Pioneer supplies the factory 12″ screen-to-chassis cable, but extension cables are available for more flexibility (important when routing farther away).
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Because of the modular design, installers gain access to many vehicles previously considered “impossible” for a large‑screen NEX install older cars, compact cars, trucks with limited depth, 2‑door coupes, etc.
In short: modular = flexibility + fitment + fewer “no’s.”
📦 Modular NEX Models to Know
| Model | Screen Size & Form | Key Use Cases / Selling Points |
|---|---|---|
| Pioneer DMH-WC6600NEX | 9" wireless‑enabled touchscreen + separate chassis | Great for large‑screen installs, modern CarPlay/Android Auto, Alexa built-in; works well in trucks and vehicles with deep dash constraints. |
| Pioneer DMH-WC5700NEX | 6.8" wireless touchscreen + separate chassis | Compact‑display option when dash space is limited — ideal for compact cars, older vehicles, or budget-conscious customers who still want modular flexibility. |
| Pioneer DMH-C5500NEX | 8" wired touchscreen + separate chassis | Mid-sized screen option — balance between size and fitment flexibility, good for builds requiring wired CarPlay / Android Auto. |
| Pioneer DMH-C2550NEX | 6.8" wired touchscreen + separate chassis | Best for extremely tight dashboards or compact vehicles where traditional double‑DIN won’t fit — minimal footprint, full NEX features. |
Note for dealers/installers: Always check dash depth, HVAC controls, vents, shifter location, and glove box clearance. Modular makes many installs possible, but knowing the vehicle’s layout up‑front avoids surprises.
Benefits That Sell! What Modular Lets You Do
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Broader Vehicle Coverage: Install big screens even in older or unconventional dashboards. Great for classics, imports, compact cars, or American trucks with odd dash depth.
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Custom Mounting Options: Shake up the install with dash‑top pods, overhead consoles, custom shrouds, or even glove‑box mounting especially for stealth or minimalist installs.
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Better Fitment without Compromise: Retain all NEX features wireless CarPlay/Android Auto, Bluetooth, HD Radio, backup camera, iDatalink Maestro support without worrying about depth or dash interference.
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Cleaner Installs: With the chassis tucked out of sight (under‑dash, behind glove box, under seat), the dash layout stays clean, OEM-style a strong selling point for modern vehicles or luxury builds.
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Future-Proof & Flexible: The same chassis can serve multiple screen sizes (for wired display models), and aftermarket dash kits (from Metra) make installs easier and more factory-looking.
Installer Tips & Resources
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Check Fitment Carefully: Measure dash depth, vents, HVAC controls, and mechanical obstacles before installing modular helps, but clearance still matters.
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Use Extension Cable if Needed: The factory 12″ cable may not reach desired chassis location use the extension cable for flexibility when mounting away from screen.
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Understand Kit Compatibility: Modular radios are fully compatible with iDatalink Maestro & harnesses also many vehicle-specific kits from Metra to make the finish look OEM.
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Plan Wire Routing Early: Because chassis and screen can be in two locations, plan wiring (power, ground, antenna, camera, inputs) early to avoid messy installs or signal interference.
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Use Demo Installs for Upsell Opportunities: A modular install that “looks custom” is a strong selling tool. Show customers how a clean install with big screen, CarPlay, camera looks helps justify higher sale price.
Modular Makes More Cars Possible
With Pioneer’s modular NEX lineup, “no fitment” becomes “challenge accepted.” Whether it’s a compact import, a late‑80s sedan, a lifted truck, or a two‑door coupe, modular design gives you the flexibility to upgrade almost any dashboard.
For dealers and installers, modular NEX means fewer limitations, fewer compromise installs, and more opportunities to sell modern head‑unit tech where it didn’t make sense before.
