Cartronics
Cartronics is a UK-based specialty automotive workshop in Byfleet, Surrey, providing car electrical installations, upgrades, and in-house module repairs across all major car makes, serving individual owners, EV drivers, fleet operators, and luxury/exotic car owners across the UK and Europe.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1967
- HeadquartersByfleet, United Kingdom
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Cartronics does
Cartronics is a UK-based automotive electronics specialist workshop based at 22 High Road, Byfleet, Surrey, near the M25 orbital motorway around London. The company focuses on the installation, upgrade, in-house repair, and diagnostics of vehicle electrical systems across all major car makes, including luxury and exotic brands such as Aston Martin, Bentley, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche, and Rolls Royce. Its service menu spans Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integrations, aftermarket head unit installations (Pioneer, Sony, Alpine, Kenwood), dash cameras, navigation upgrades, tracking and immobiliser systems, Bluetooth hands-free systems, electric/hybrid diagnostics, and component-level electronic module repairs. The business employs a small senior team of qualified Auto Electrical Engineers with over 70 years of combined experience and serves individual owners, EV drivers, fleet operators, and luxury/exotic vehicle owners across the UK and Europe.
Technically, Cartronics differentiates through its in-house electronic module repair capability — radios, navigation units, infotainment screens, amplifiers, ECUs, head units, tuners, control modules, and instrument clusters are repaired and recoded to vehicles on-site, with no third-party outsourcing. The workshop uses official Factory Dealer Diagnostic tools with full access to specialized wiring diagrams and workshop manuals, holds Institute of the Motor Industry certification for safe work on electric/hybrid vehicles, and is a Certified Parrot Dealer alongside Thatcham CAT 5 and CAT 6 tracking installer accreditation. Strategic vendor partnerships span THINKWARE (dash cameras), Stinger (speed camera detectors), mObridge (amplifier integration), Parrot (Bluetooth), Scorpion/Cobra/Ghost (security), and the four major head unit brands.
Commercially, Cartronics operates a workshop-direct professional services model layered with hardware resale: a £150 diagnostic fee initiates repairs, installation work is quoted per job (typical £500–£1,500+ for head unit integrations), and security/detector kits range £749–£1,995. Distribution is single-site workshop-direct plus a wholly-owned e-commerce sister site, CarAudioExpress.co.uk, supplemented by a portfolio of niche domains targeting specific modules and vehicles (BM54.com, BMWGM5Repair.co.uk, HKEnabler.co.uk, L7Amp.com, mObridge.co.uk, PCMRepairs.co.uk, RAV4ECURepair.co.uk). Marketing runs through the website, Facebook, X, YouTube, and Instagram, with content marketing, case studies, and testimonials as the principal channels.
Cartronics firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Cartronics
- Legal name
- Cartronics
- Website
- https://cartronics.co.uk
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1967
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Cartronics is a UK-based specialty automotive workshop in Byfleet, Surrey, providing car electrical installations, upgrades, and in-house module repairs across all major car makes, serving individual owners, EV drivers, fleet operators, and luxury/exotic car owners across the UK and Europe.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Cartronics industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Automotive Electronics Services
- NAICS
- Specialized Automotive Repair (811114), Electronic and Precision Equipment Repair and Maintenance (81121)
- SIC
- Services-Automotive Repair, Services & Parking (7500), Wholesale-Motor Vehicle Supplies & New Parts (5013)
- akta.pro primary industry
- General Automotive Repair & Maintenance (TLAKAAAA)
Keywords
Where Cartronics is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Byfleet
- HQ country
- United Kingdom
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
Cartronics business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Installation Services: Supply and professional installation of car electrical and entertainment systems including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, dash cameras, navigation systems, Bluetooth integrations, and security devices.
- Parts and Hardware Sales: Sale of car electrical components, aftermarket receivers from Pioneer, Sony, Alpine and Kenwood, speed camera detectors, tracking devices, and other automotive electronics.
- Diagnostic Services: Vehicle diagnostic service using factory dealer tools to identify faults in vehicle ECUs. Diagnostic service priced at £150.
- Repair Services: In-house repair of car electronic modules including radios, amplifiers, ECUs, navigation units, and other components. Repair while-u-wait and repair via post options available.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Vehicle Diagnostic Service |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Stinger Freedom Laser LED - Speed Camera Detector |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Stinger Freedom Laser Strip - Speed Camera Detector |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Stinger VIP GPS with Laser - Speed Camera Detector |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels7 records
Cartronics product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Cartronics is a UK-based car electrical specialist that supplies, installs, and repairs automotive electronics across all major vehicle makes. Core services include Apple CarPlay/Android Auto retrofits, dash camera fitment, factory dealer-level diagnostics and coding, navigation upgrades, and Thatcham-approved tracker/immobiliser installation. A distinctive capability is in-house printed circuit board and electronic module repair, allowing component-level fixes instead of full unit replacement. The business also retails related parts through its sister e-commerce brand, Coast to Country.
Product overview
Cartronics is a car electrical specialist workshop offering installation, upgrade, and repair services for vehicle electronics across all car makes. The core offering centers on smartphone integration platforms (Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Apple TV), car audio upgrades, and vehicle diagnostics. Additional services include Bluetooth hands-free systems, dash cameras, navigation retrofits, electric vehicle support, and car electrical repairs. The company also supplies and installs third-party products including Stinger speed camera detectors, Thatcham-approved tracking/immobiliser systems (Ghost, ScorpionTrack, Cobra), and THINKWARE dash cameras. Services span entertainment upgrades, security devices, and component-level repairs for vehicles ranging from family cars to supercars.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Apple CarPlay / Android Auto Head Unit Retrofit Supply and installation of aftermarket infotainment head units with wired/wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, fitted across all major vehicle makes and models. Sold to private motorists wanting modern connectivity features on vehicles that did not have them from the factory.
- Dash Camera Installation Professional fitting of front, rear, and dual dash cameras including hardwire kits, parking-mode wiring, and discrete installation. Targeted at private motorists and fleet drivers wanting permanent, tidy, fused camera installations.
- Vehicle Diagnostics and Coding Dealer-level fault diagnosis, module coding, and configuration using genuine main-dealer diagnostic tools across all major vehicle manufacturers. Sold to motorists and small fleets when general garages cannot identify faults or when modules require online coding after replacement.
- Navigation System Upgrades Supply and fitment of navigation modules, map updates, and integrated navigation upgrades for vehicles lacking or running outdated factory navigation. Targeted at private motorists wanting current mapping and route guidance on factory screens.
- In-House Electronic Module Repair Printed circuit board (PCB) and component-level repair of automotive electronic modules including infotainment units, instrument clusters, ECUs, and comfort/body control modules. Sold to motorists and trade customers as an alternative to costly main-dealer full-unit replacement.
- Thatcham-Approved Tracker and Immobiliser Installation Supply and installation of Thatcham-approved vehicle tracking and immobiliser security systems, fitted across all major vehicle makes. Sold to private motorists (often on insurance requirement) and fleet operators needing compliant security fitments.
- Coast to Country (Parts e-Commerce Retail) Online retail channel (sister brand Coast to Country) supplying automotive electronics, accessories, and related parts to retail and trade customers. Extends Cartronics' service proposition into direct-to-customer parts sales beyond the local workshop catchment.
Quantifiable outcome
- 100% diagnostic success rate claimed
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Cartronics
Customer profileNamed customers6 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Cartronics technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration17 records
Feature3 records
Cartronics partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core.
- THINKWAREcoreCartronics exclusively recommends and installs THINKWARE dash cameras (U1000 and Q800 models), which they consider the best dash camera systems available as of 2023. THINKWARE dash cameras are known for sleek, low-profile designs and clear image quality in various lighting conditions.
- mObridgecoreOfficial distributors for mObridge products. mObridge amplifiers allow replacement of factory amplifiers or addition of new amplifiers to original Bentley MIB systems.
- ParrotcoreCertified Parrot Dealers. Parrot products are used for Bluetooth integration kits and hands-free systems in vehicles.
- ScorpioncoreSupplier and installer of Scorpion tracking and immobilisation devices. ScorpionTrack offers 24hr secure monitoring, vehicle location apps, and fleet tracking capabilities.
- CobracoreSupplier and installer of Cobra tracking devices. Cobra CAT 5 and CAT 6 tracking devices feature GPS/GPRS/GSM technology with 3 year warranty.
- Ghost (Aut WATCH)coreSupplier and installer of Ghost immobilisation devices. Ghost provides immobilisation via custom PIN code disarming for vehicle security.
- StingercoreAuthorized installer of Stinger speed camera detectors and laser jammers (Freedom Laser LED, Freedom Laser Strip, VIP GPS models). Products also available through sister company CarAudioExpress.co.uk.
- PioneercorePreferred brand for aftermarket car receivers and entertainment systems. Pioneer products include SPH-EVO950DAB, SPH-PF97BT, and other models for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto installation.
- SonycoreBrand partner for car audio and entertainment products including Sony ES Series speakers and XAV series head units.
- AlpinecoreBrand partner for car audio systems including iLX series head units designed for specific vehicle models.
- KenwoodcoreBrand partner for car audio and navigation products including DNX and XAV series receivers.
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Cartronics competitors and assessment
Company assessmentEmerging players
- Mobile Car Audio Installation Services: UK mobile installers providing on-site car audio, dash cam, and tracking device installation services. Emerging player offering alternative delivery model (mobile vs workshop) that could compete for Cartronics' customers seeking convenience.
- Viezu Technologies: UK automotive tuning and electronics specialist offering ECU remapping, performance upgrades, and electrical modifications. Emerging player with partial overlap in ECU coding and diagnostic capabilities but focused more on performance than infotainment.
Direct peers
- Auto Electrical Services UK: UK mobile and workshop-based auto electrical specialist offering diagnostics, wiring repairs, and electrical fault finding across all vehicle makes. Direct peer in the automotive electrical repair and installation category.
- Car Audio Centre: Long-established UK retailer and installer of car audio, multimedia, and security products. Direct peer operating in the same aftermarket vehicle electronics installation category with overlapping brands (Pioneer, Sony, Alpine, Kenwood) and similar customer segments.
- In Car Music: UK-based car audio and multimedia installation specialist offering Apple CarPlay/Android Auto upgrades, dash cameras, and audio system fitting. Direct peer with similar product mix, customer base, and workshop-based delivery model serving enthusiast and luxury vehicle owners.
- AW Workshop: UK specialist automotive workshop providing electrical diagnostics, coding, retrofits, and entertainment upgrades for premium vehicles. Direct peer with similar specialist positioning and Factory Dealer Diagnostic tool access.
- Phantom Car Audio: UK specialist installer of car audio, security, and multimedia upgrades, including Apple CarPlay/Android Auto retrofits and dash camera installation. Direct peer serving similar enthusiast and luxury vehicle owner segments.
- Dynamic Sounds: UK car audio and security specialist offering supply and installation of head units, speakers, amplifiers, dash cams, and tracking systems. Direct peer in the vehicle aftermarket electronics installation space with comparable service mix and pricing model.
Broad incumbents
- Halfords: UK's largest automotive aftermarket retailer offering dash cam fitting, car audio installation, and vehicle security products across hundreds of stores. Broad incumbent serving mass-market customers with standardized services, contrasting Cartronics' specialist positioning.
- Kwik-Fit: UK's largest automotive servicing and repair chain offering diagnostics, electrical work, and accessory fitting across a national network. Broad incumbent with overlapping diagnostic and electrical service capabilities but lacking specialist infotainment expertise.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Cartronics social profiles
Digital presenceCartronics compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance4 records
Cartronics financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Cartronics leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Cartronics subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries8 records
Cartronics funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Cartronics M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Cartronics
What does Cartronics do?
Cartronics is a UK-based car electrical specialist that supplies, installs, and repairs automotive electronics across all major vehicle makes. Core services include Apple CarPlay/Android Auto retrofits, dash camera fitment, factory dealer-level diagnostics and coding, navigation upgrades, and Thatcham-approved tracker/immobiliser installation. A distinctive capability is in-house printed circuit board and electronic module repair, allowing component-level fixes instead of full unit replacement. The business also retails related parts through its sister e-commerce brand, Coast to Country.
Is Cartronics a public or private company?
Cartronics is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Cartronics founded?
Cartronics was founded in 1967. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Cartronics based?
Cartronics is headquartered in Byfleet, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.
How does Cartronics make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Installation Services are the primary driver. The others are parts and Hardware Sales, diagnostic Services and repair Services.
Who are Cartronics's main competitors?
Emerging players on record are Mobile Car Audio Installation Services and Viezu Technologies. Direct peers are Auto Electrical Services UK, Car Audio Centre, In Car Music, AW Workshop, Phantom Car Audio and Dynamic Sounds. Broad incumbents are Halfords and Kwik-Fit.
Does Cartronics have an API?
No public API is recorded for Cartronics.
What industry is Cartronics in?
Cartronics's product category is Automotive Electronics Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is TLAKAAAA, General Automotive Repair & Maintenance. Its NAICS code is 811114 and its SIC code is 7500.