CES 2026 Picks Dealers Should Stock: In‑Car Tech and Aftermarket Accessories Customers Will Want

Hook: Stop losing accessory revenue — stock what customers actually asked for at CES 2026

Customers show up asking for the latest cabin tech, EV chargers and HUDs they saw online — then leave when the dealer can’t install it same day or add it to financing. If your accessory floor looks like last decade, you’re missing predictable profits from product sales, installations and high-margin service upsells. CES 2026 didn't just launch cool gadgets; it delivered a near-term product roadmap dealers can convert into revenue this year.

The fast take: What dealers must act on now

CES 2026 spotlighted categories that translate directly to accessory sales, installation labor and recurring revenue:

• EV chargers — portable, bidirectional (V2L/V2G) and smart Level 2 wall units
• Aftermarket HUDs and AR retrofit displays that pair with vehicle networks
• Wireless infotainment dongles and OEM-grade infotainment retrofit modules
• Cabin wellness and connectivity — HEPA/UV air purification, in‑cab cameras, smart HVAC controllers
• Advanced dash cams and ADAS-capable cameras with cloud telematics
• Onboard inverters, mobile power systems and EV accessory power modules
• Subscription-driven software bundles and hardware + cloud services

Why CES 2026 matters to dealership P&Ls in 2026

Late 2025 and early 2026 solidified two revenue drivers: accelerating EV adoption and consumer expectations for seamless tech in their cars. At CES 2026, exhibitors moved beyond prototypes — showing installable, dealer-friendly products designed for professional fitment and firmware updates. For dealerships this means three immediate advantages:

• High-ticket product attach rates: EV chargers and HUDs frequently sell for $700–$2,500 — prime territory for profitable accessory margins.
• Installation labor and service upsells: Many CES devices require professional installation, calibration and electrical permitting, creating recurring revenue and higher ARO (average repair order).
• Subscription and warranty revenue: New devices come with optional cloud services and extended warranties — a path to recurring profit beyond the sale.

Curated CES 2026 picks dealers should stock (and how to sell them)

The list below focuses on product classes that are available for dealer distribution, have clear install workflows and strong consumer demand in 2026.

1. Smart EV chargers — wall units, portable and bidirectional

What CES showed: multiple manufacturers revealed dealer-friendly Level 2 smart chargers with load management, integrated apps, and models offering bidirectional power flow (V2L/V2G) for emergency power and home energy management.

Why customers want it: EV owners want faster home charging, backup power and chargers that work with utilities’ demand response programs.

Dealer playbook:

• Stock a range: entry-level 32A chargers, premium 48A/48A+ units, and at least one bidirectional option.
• Installation services: offer three-tier installation (basic plug-in setup, hardwired Level 2, full-bidirectional with panel upgrades). Typical install time: 2–8 hours depending on panel work.
• Pricing and margins: product margins often 25–40%; install labor billed at retail shop rates (high margin). Bundle product + install + permit for a simplified customer price.
• Compliance: ensure in-house or contractor electricians are certified for local codes; prepare checklist for utility rebate paperwork. Promote available federal/state incentives during sales conversations.
• Marketing angle: “Home charger installed same day” and financing through F&I for hardware + installation increases attach rate.

2. AR and retrofit HUDs — heads-up displays that add navigation, alerts and ADAS overlays

What CES showed: compact, windshield‑mounted AR retrofit HUDs that integrate via CAN/OBD or accessory-grade integration kits. These devices project turn-by-turn navigation, crosswalk alerts and simple AR overlays tied to speed/steering data.

Why customers want it: HUDs deliver a premium, safer driving experience—and they’re a visible upgrade that drivers notice immediately.

Dealer playbook:

• Stock demo units for test drives; visibility drives impulse buys.
• Installation: many units require calibration with vehicle steering and speed sensors; plan 1–2 hours labor per install and diagnostic calibration tools.
• Training: technicians must understand CAN signals and factory infotainment interactions to avoid warranty issues.
• Warranty and updates: partner with vendors that support OTA firmware updates and dealer-level provisioning.

3. Wireless infotainment adapters and OEM-grade retrofit modules

What CES showed: next-gen wireless dongles and integrated modules that enable wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, faster wireless HDMI or in‑car streaming — many designed to be professionally flashed and supported by dealers.

Why customers want it: seamless wireless connectivity removes friction and reduces returns of vehicles with dated infotainment.

Dealer playbook:

• Offer plug-and-play wireless dongles as a quick accessory upsell at delivery.
• For OEM-style retrofit modules, stock a few VIN‑specific kits for popular models — advertise as “infotainment refresh” service.
• Upsell bundles: infotainment + dash cam + premium audio tuning.

4. Cabin wellness and comfort tech

What CES showed: compact HEPA/UV air purifiers, intelligent scent diffusers, seat heating/cooling retrofit pads, and cabin sensors that feed into apps for air quality and occupant monitoring.

Why customers want it: health-conscious buyers and families see these as practical upgrades for daily comfort.

Dealer playbook:

• Sell wellness packages for new-car buyers (e.g., purifier + seat cover + UV sanitization service).
• Installation: many products are simple (plug-and-play), but some require trim removal; price bundles to include installation and validation.
• Cross-sell during service visits: offer quick installs while the customer waits.

5. Advanced dash cams and ADAS-capable camera systems

What CES showed: dual‑sensor dash cams with built-in telematics, incident upload to cloud, and ADAS features like lane departure warnings and forward collision recording.

Why customers want it: safety, insurance evidence, and the growing consumer appetite for connected vehicle data.

Dealer playbook:

• Offer cloud subscription add-ons and installation; subscription revenue multiplies lifetime value.
• Installation complexity: hardwired units and discreet routing add 1–2 hours; advertise professional installation as security against battery drainage and tampering.
• Partner with local insurers: present dash cam + install discounts to customers in participating programs.

6. Onboard inverters, V2L kits and mobile power accessories

What CES showed: compact onboard inverters and plugkits that allow EVs to power tools, tailgates and home circuits. These are optimized for dealer-fitment with safety interlocks.

Why customers want it: EV owners want practical power for camping, work, and emergency situations.

Dealer playbook:

• Stock kits tailored to top-selling EVs and advertise as lifestyle accessories.
• Install training: ensure techs are comfortable with battery isolation procedures and high-voltage safety PPE.
• Bundle into F&I financing for new EV buyers: low monthly payments make add-ons easier to accept.

7. Connected hardware and 5G eSIM telematics modules

What CES showed: modular connectivity boxes and 5G eSIM modules that add fleet-grade telemetry, crash detection and remote diagnostics for older vehicles.

Why customers want it: peace of mind, better service scheduling and vehicle health monitoring without buying a new car.

Dealer playbook:

• Promote as a subscription service — hardware sale plus recurring connectivity fee.
• Installation is typically straightforward; prioritize models that integrate with your DMS to surface alerts in service lanes.
• Use telematics to drive service retention: automated maintenance reminders and pre-authorized diagnostic checks increase shop throughput.

Operational checklist: how to prepare your dealership for CES‑era accessory sales

Convert interest into revenue with an organized rollout. Below is a practical checklist you can implement in 30–60 days.

1. Market analysis: Use local registration data or public EV adoption maps to prioritize EV chargers and V2L products for high‑EV ZIP codes.
2. Vendor partnerships: Sign authorized dealer agreements that include training, shipping terms, warranty handling and OTA support.
3. Technical training: Run vendor-led installation sessions for technicians and document SOPs for installations and calibrations.
4. Tooling and parts: Stock wiring harnesses, mounting brackets and diagnostic cables. Allocate PPE for high-voltage work.
5. Pricing & financing: Create packaged pricing (product + install + permit) and train F&I to offer accessory financing with attractive terms.
6. Marketing & merchandising: Create demo vehicles and accessory islands on the lot; use CES branding in local campaigns to show “what’s new.”
7. Service integration: Ensure accessory installs are logged in the DMS and telematics devices feed service alerts into your workflow.
8. Regulatory & utility compliance: Maintain a list of local permitting requirements and utility rebate processes for charger installs.

Pricing guidance and margin modeling

Typical price bands and margin opportunities you can expect in 2026 (ranges; local market will vary):

• Level 2 home charger: $699–$1,999 retail. Product margin 20–40%; installation billed $400–$1,800 depending on panel work.
• AR HUD retrofit: $399–$1,200 retail. Product margin 30–45%; installation 1–2 hours labor billed at shop rates.
• Dash cam + telematics package: $249–$699 hardware + $6–$25/mo subscription. Add recurring revenue from subscriptions.
• Onboard inverter / V2L kit: $399–$1,500; high attach appeal for outdoor/lifestyle customers.

Tip: list accessory bundles at a value price and show monthly payment options to reduce friction at delivery.

How to sell these upgrades at point-of-sale and in service

Turn curiosity into conversion with these scripts and tactics:

• Delivery walkaround: Demonstrate HUDs and wireless infotainment in the buyer’s vehicle; hands-on demos raise perceived value.
• Service lane offers: Offer same-day installs for simple devices; present an express accessory menu for waiting customers.
• F&I integration: Package upgrades into monthly payments; highlight warranty and subscription options to justify price.
• Aftermarket warranty reassurance: Have clear documentation showing that professional installation maintains OEM warranty where applicable.

2026 trends and future predictions dealers should plan for

Plan your accessory roadmap around these emerging trends:

• Subscription-first hardware: More CES 2026 devices ship with optional cloud services — expect revenue from subscriptions to outpace single-sale margins.
• OTAs and firmware lifecycle: Vendors will increasingly require dealer-level provisioning for firmware updates — build processes now.
• Energy and utility partnerships: Bidirectional chargers and vehicle energy services will create opportunities for dealership-led home energy programs in partnership with utilities.
• Standardization drives down complexity: Greater adoption of standardized connectors and API-friendly telematics will make retrofits easier to support at scale.
• Service retention via telematics: Connected devices will feed your service pipeline with pre‑diagnostics and appointment conversions.

Real-world rollout example (playbook in 90 days)

Week 1–2: Select vendors and place sample orders for one smart charger, one HUD kit, one dash-cam package and one V2L kit. Book vendor training.

Week 3–4: Train technicians, create installation SOPs and demo one accessory on a high-visibility lot car. Launch a “CES 2026 Tech” landing page and email blast to recent buyers in target ZIP codes.

Week 5–8: Start offering installations and promote service-lane installs. Track attach rate, install time and conversion. Adjust inventory and messaging based on early performance.

Week 9–12: Introduce subscription offerings for telematics/dash cams and scale quantities of best-sellers. Present quarterly review to management with revenue per install and ARO uplift.

Key KPIs to measure accessory program success

• Accessory attach rate: percentage of vehicles sold that include at least one accessory.
• Average accessory revenue per retail vehicle: tracks P&L impact.
• Installation throughput: installs per day and average labor hours per job.
• Recurring revenue: subscription sales and take-up rate.
• Service retention lift: change in return rate for service customers who purchased accessories vs. those who didn’t.

Final takeaways: act fast, train once, profit repeatedly

CES 2026 confirmed what savvy dealers already felt: consumers want tech-forward, professionally installed accessories now. The lowest-hanging fruit — chargers, HUDs, connected dash cams and telematics — combine high product margins with installation labor and subscription revenue. Prioritize vendor partnerships that support dealer training and OTA workflows, stock demo units to drive conversions, and integrate accessory installs into your DMS and F&I offerings.

Actionable starting point: pick three CES 2026 product types (one EV charger, one HUD, one connected dash cam), secure vendor training, and launch a demo + service-lane install offer within 60 days.

Call to action

Ready to turn CES 2026 buzz into measurable accessory revenue? Schedule a complimentary accessory audit to identify the top devices for your market, staffing needs, and a 90‑day rollout plan tailored to your dealership’s sales and service model.

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