Automotive Manufacturers
The HD Radio Roll Out is Underway in the Automotive Sector
Today, a consumer can buy 34 models with factory-installed HD Radio technology as standard or optional from 7 brands: BMW, Hyundai, Jaguar, Mercedes, MINI, Scion and Volvo. In 2006, BMW became the first OE to offer HD Radio technology; today, it offers the audio upgrade across its vehicle line up. With model year 2010, Volvo is the first manufacturer to offer HD Radio technology as a standard, factory-installed feature across it's entire lineup. Thirteen brands have committed to including HD Radio technology as a standard or optional factory-installed feature. This represents 70 vehicles: Audi, BMW, Ford, Hyundai, Jaguar, Kia, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mercedes, Mercury, MINI, Scion and Volvo.
Consumer Demand
A recent J.D. Power and Associates 2005 U.S. Automotive Emerging Technologies Study(sm) found that HD Radio is a highly attractive feature that consumers would like to see in their new vehicles based on their estimated market prices. And they found that consumers prefer to pay a one-time fee (for a new radio) rather than a continuous monthly subscription for satellite radio.
Stay in Front of the Competition
Offering HD Radio technology helps automakers: stay in front of the competition; position vehicles as featuring a fully digital information and entertainment system; and meet and exceed customers’ expectations.
HD Radio Marketing Opportunity
Across the country, thousands of AM and FM stations are in the process of upgrading to digital HD Radio. And, the industry is backing its new programming with a massive multi-million dollar, multi-year radio marketing campaign. The HD Digital Radio Alliance, a joint initiative of leading radio broadcasters, is chartered to promote HD Radio to the car-buying consumer, and participating automotive manufacturers will reap the benefits. The Alliance is launching exciting radio campaigns to tell the HD Radio story and call out the car models that carry this hot new technology. Featuring free HD Radio reception can drive greater sales, awareness and customer loyalty.
