Announced today at the Boston International Auto Show, Volvo will be the first automotive manufactures in the U.S. to offer innovative digital HD Radio technology on almost all models. Equipped with the HD Radio system, Volvo owners will enjoy a higher-quality AM/FM radio system that features more channel choices, crystal-clear sound and new data services. Volvo Cars of North America, LLC will be offering factory installed HD Radio receivers as standard and optional equipment.
“We believe Volvo will have the largest standard equipped HD Radio technology fleet in the world. Our drivers expect the highest quality in every aspect of their vehicles,†Dirk Bott, Vice President Brand, Business & Product, Volvo Cars of North America, LLC. “Adding HD Radio capability to our S40 T5, V50 T5, C30, C70, S80, V70, XC70 and XC90 models truly makes our audio systems state of the art, giving Volvo drivers an even more enjoyable driving experience.” Introduction is scheduled for Fall of 2008.
HD Radio technology is the most significant advancement in radio broadcasting since the introduction of FM stereo. Across the United States, more than 1,500 AM and FM stations are broadcasting using HD Radio technology and more than 700 are offering subscription-free HD2 multicast channels on the FM dial. These channels feature fresh new music and news formats, showcase young artists and local bands, as well as air non-English language programming and more.
HD Radio broadcasters also offer valuable information that appears on the HD Radio receivers’ display screen, such as song title and artist, traffic and weather updates, news, school closings and other emergency alerts. In addition, there are no fees or costs associated with this information. For a complete list of HD Radio stations currently broadcastings in the United States, please visit http://www.hdradio.com/
“DEAD AIR: Radio’s Great Leap Forward stalling in the Valley”
“Nearly two years after the Valley’s four Clear Channel stations went HD, several high-end car manufacturers have promised to offer HD radios as an option on new models. But while Ford announced in September that it offers the radios as dealer-installed upgrades — as have Mini, Volvo, Jaguar and BMW — local Ford and Lincoln dealers had not heard of HD and said they don’t offer the option.”
http://www.themonitor.com/news/radio_7098___article.html/digital_new.html
“Are Ford and HD Radio in Sync?”
“The radio industry will, of course, promote Ford for free in exchange for this development as part of the presumably soon-to-expire pledge of airtime to the HD radio effort.”
http://www.hear2.com/2007/09/are-ford-and-hd.html
“Ford Gets More Sirius”
“Sirius Satellite Radio and Ford announced today that they are targeting a 70% installation rate for the Ford and Mercury brand of automobiles. Ford had previously announced that their Lincoln brand was effectively at standard equipment. This commitment with the Ford and Mercury brands is a substantial step for Sirius, as it brings Ford up to a similar installation pace as Chrysler.”
http://siriusbuzz.com/ford-gets-more-sirius.php
“Ford to make Sirius Factory Standard in Canada”
“Here’s some incredible news for Sirius Canada: Ford of Canada has announced that they will make Sirius Satellite Radio a factory-standard feature in virtually all Fords sold in Canada, by the end of 2007. That’s a total of 20 vehicle lines. Absolutely great news, and hopefully a sign of things to come for the U.S.”
http://www.orbitcast.com/archives/ford-to-make-sirius-factory-standard-in-canada.html
Ford is dumping unsold HD radios onto its failing Volvo and Jaguar divisions. HD Radio is a farce:
http://hdradiofarce.blogspot.com/