New York Auto International Show, New York City – April 08, 2009 – iBiquity Digital Corporation, the developer of digital HD Radio technology for AM and FM audio and data broadcasting, today announced accelerated automotive momentum. To date, 13 brands have announced plans to include HD Radio technology in current or future models, spanning a range of car price points and models: Audi, BMW, Ford, Hyundai, Kia, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mercedes, Mercury, MINI, Scion and Volvo.
“Additional automotive manufacturers continue to announce their adoption of HD Radio technology, while others are accelerating expansion across model lines and packages - this speaks volumes of the industry commitment to this infotainment platform,” said Bob Struble, iBiquity’s President and CEO. “By giving drivers access to added content, fresh new formats, superior clarity and data capabilities with no subscription fees, HD Radio technology is quickly becoming the preferred digital entertainment option for automakers.”
Land Rover today announced plans to equip HD Radio technology in its entire Land Rover and Range Rover offering, which includes the LR2, LR3, Range Rover and Range Rover Sport, starting in 2009.
Among those that have extended their HD Radio commitment are BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar and Hyundai. BMW has broadened its pioneering position by outfitting its flagship 7 Series and premium 6 Series with HD Radio technology as a standard feature. The company continues to offer HD Radio technology as an option across the balance of its line: the 1, 3, and 5 Series, in addition to the X3, X5, X6 and Z4.
Doubling its HD Radio technology offering, Mercedes-Benz recently disclosed plans to increase the availability of the premium audio entertainment beyond its original five models, the M, R, GL, G Class SUVs and E Class vehicles. This year the German automaker will add six more vehicles, including the CL, CLS, E-Coupe, S, SL, and SLK Class models, bringing the number of models offering the technology to 11.
Jaguar expanded its plans to include HD Radio technology this year in its XF and XK vehicle lines. Hyundai will offer the digital technology in a premium level radio this year and offer additional models in 2010. Currently, the automaker offers HD Radio technology on its navigation-equipped 2009 Genesis Sedan model – winner of the prestigious 2009 Car of the Year Award.
Also embracing the adoption of HD Radio technology, Kia will begin featuring factory-installed HD Radio receivers in select sedans and SUVs beginning 2010.
Land Rover’s LR2 and Scion vehicles are available at dealerships across the United States. The additional format choices, essential data services and sound clarity that HD Radio broadcasting offers is equally ideal for the LR2’s up-scale customers and Scion’s young, tech-savvy drivers.
With Land Rover now on board, HD Radio technology has been adopted by a total of 13 automotive brands representing more than 70 vehicle lines. The OEMs that have announced intentions to install HD Radio receivers as either standard or optional equipment include:
These gains come directly after significant advances on the broadcaster and manufacturer fronts with 1,000 multicast channels now being broadcast on-air and 100 SKUs now available at retail.
Stay tuned as the rollout continues.
iBiquity Digital Corporation is the developer of HD Radio™ technology, which is fueling the digital radio revolution in the United States and around the world. The digital technology enables broadcasters to offer new FM channels through multicasting, crystal-clear sound and data services on both the AM and FM bands – all free, with no subscription fee. Leading broadcasters, consumer electronics manufacturers, automakers and retailers are committed to HD Radio technology. iBiquity Digital is a privately held company with operations in Columbia, MD, Auburn Hills, MI, and Basking Ridge, NJ. For more information, please visit http://www.hdradio.com and http://www.ibiquity.com.