Seven major automakers expand commitment to HD Radio technology

NEW YORK, USA: iBiquity Digital Corp., the developer of digital HD Radio Technology for AM and FM audio and data broadcasting, has announced expanded support for HD radio technology from a wide array of leading automakers.

"The auto industry is accelerating its commitment to HD Radio Technology," said Bob Struble, iBiquity Digital President and CEO. "HD Radio Technology is now a core element of the entertainment package offered by leading automakers. Our technology provides a digital pipeline to the consumer, with crystal-clear audio, more content choices and new services such as iTunes Tagging, Real Time Traffic, Journaline and other information."

Several carmakers have used this week's annual New York International Auto Show to highlight their expanded commitments to HD Radio Technology. BMW, Ford, Hyundai, Kia, Lincoln, Scion and Volvo have all extended their commitments to the technology with a mix of new vehicle launches, broader application and new services.

Expanded commitment and more vehicles in dealerships
Ford, confirmed two new models equipped with HD Radio Technology are now available at dealerships – the 2011 model year Mustang and Super Duty. Ford, which earlier this year announced plans for the first ever vehicles to feature factory installed iTunes Tagging, will additionally include HD Radio technology in the Taurus, Econoline, Escape, F-Series, Flex, and Fusion line-ups.

Lincoln previously announced that the first vehicle line to offer HD Radio Technology as a factory-installed option would be the MKX. Other models that will include HD Radio Technology are the MKS, MKT and Navigator.

With BMW's recent launch of the 2011 model year 5 Series, the automaker's entire product line has HD Radio Technology as standard equipment. The 7 Series, 6 Series, 3 Series, 1 Series, X5, X6, X3, Z4 Roadster and 5 Series Gran Turismo make up the rest of the balance of the HD Radio-equipped lineup.

Hyundai is also offering HD Radio technology as standard with the introductory inclusion in the Equus, their high-end flagship model. Other Hyundai models offering HD Radio technology as a factory-installed option include the Genesis sedan and the 2011 model year Sonata.

Also embracing HD Radio technology, Kia has confirmed plans for factory-installed HD Radio receivers in multiple 2011 model year vehicles, including select sedans and SUVs.

The New York Auto Show will also be the venue for Scion to announce the arrival of the all new 2011 model year iQ and tC. Both these vehicles offer HD Radio Technology in the upgraded audio system packages. Those vehicles join the xB and xD in offering HD Radio-enabled enhanced audio systems.

And rounding out the announcements, Volvo will make HD Radio Technology standard on the new 2011 model year S60. The C30, C70, S40, TC, S80, V50, V70, XC60, XC70 and XC90, which are already standard, are currently available at dealerships today.

OEMs moving toward standardization of HD radio
More automakers are accelerating their HD Radio adoption from a factory-installed option to standard equipment. BMW and Volvo both offer the technology as standard across their entire vehicle line-up. Other OEMs have committed to offering digital radio as standard on specific models, including Audi, Hyundai, Jaguar, Mercedes, and Rolls-Royce.

HD Radio adoption firmly entrenched in auto industry
Additional OEM brands that have announced intentions to install HD Radio receivers as either standard or optional equipment include:

* Audi - standard on A6, A8 and Q7 2011 models; available on the navigation radio on A4, A5, and Q5 2011 models.
* Jaguar - standard feature on the flagship 2010 Jaguar XJ, XF and XK models offer it as factory-installed option.
* Land Rover - factory-installed option across entire Land Rover and Range Rover vehicle offering.
* Mercedes - factory-installed option in popular premium packages in the E-, E-Coupe/Sedan , GL-, M-, R- and SLK- Class and standard equipment in the CL-, CLS-, G-, S-, and SL -Class models in dealerships today.
* Mercury - factory-installed option on the 2011 model year Mariner.
* MINI USA - factory-installed option in MINI Cooper, Convertible and Clubman in dealerships today.
* Rolls-Royce - standard feature in Phantom Series.
* Volkswagen announced that select 2010 models equipped with the DVD navigation system will include HD Radio Technology as a feature.