HD Radio™ Technology Available From All Major Automakers

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 8, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Consumer Electronics Show – iBiquity Digital Corporation, the developer of digital HD Radio Technology for AM and FM audio and data broadcasting, today announced that all major automakers offer the technology.  There are 33 automotive brands that currently offer HD Radio audio, traffic or data features.  Now that all major automakers have launched HD Radio Technology for the digital AM & FM audio features, five OEMs, including Toyota, Lexus, Honda, Mazda, and Mitsubishi, have launched vehicles that use the digital broadcasts to receive traffic and data information as well. 

With all major automakers offering HD Radio Technology with its original audio features (Digital Sound Quality, HD2/HD3 Channels, and Program Info), many of them are focused on launching HD Radio Advanced Features like Artist Experience® and Digital Traffic and Data.  25 auto brands offer the iTunes® Tagging feature.  The new Artist Experience feature, which brings visuals like album cover art to radio screens, is already offered by 11 auto brands with more on the way.  Vehicle manufacturers are also focusing on the new Digital Traffic and Data services offered through HD Radio broadcasts.  Honda, Mazda, Toyota, Lexus and Mitsubishi became the first automakers to announce the integration of HD Radio Technology to receive both audio and digital traffic services.  The rollout for Digital Traffic and Data is strong, as automakers can offer subscription-free traffic, weather, fuel and other information to their drivers.

Two service providers, Clear Channel and HERE, have built nationwide networks to broadcast real-time traffic and data information using the HD Radio system.  HERE has partnered with a group of radio station companies called the Broadcaster Traffic Consortium (BTC), while Clear Channel uses its own radio stations to support their Total Traffic Network.  

"2013 was a tremendous year as all major automakers now offer HD Radio Technology.  We were also excited to announce the first five auto brands to use the HD Radio data system delivering critical information like real-time traffic, weather forecasts and fuel prices to their vehicles all subscription-free," said Bob Struble, iBiquity Digital President and CEO.  "We saw strong growth throughout the year as digital radio listening increased to 3 billion hours and nearly 1/3 of all new vehicles were shipped with HD Radio Technology.  We expect that growth to continue in 2014.  Automakers are clearly seeing the value and benefits of integrating the subscription-free HD Radio system into their telematics strategy driving the transition of over-the-air broadcasting to an all digital future."

Several carmakers are expanding their commitment to the digital dashboard by including HD Radio Technology:  Acura, Audi, Bentley, BMW, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford, GMC, Honda, Hyundai, Infiniti, Jaguar, Jeep, Kia, Land Rover, Lexus, Lincoln, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mini, Mitsubishi, Porsche, Ram, Rolls Royce, Scion, SRT (Chrysler), Subaru, Tesla, Toyota, Volkswagen, and Volvo have all extended their commitments to the technology with new announcements, a mix of new vehicle launches, broader application, new services and standardization.

Five new vehicles equipped with factory installed HD Radio receivers will be on display at the HD Radio booth (#8232) at this week's Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, NV.  Vehicles on display include:

• 2014 Honda Civic (HD Radio Audio and Real-Time Traffic)
• 2014 Mazda3 (HD Radio Audio and Traffic Map Images)
• 2014 Toyota Corolla (HD Radio Audio, Real-Time Traffic and Weather)
• 2014 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution (HD Radio Audio, Real-Time Traffic, Weather and Fuel Prices)
• 2014 Ford Fiesta ST (MyFord Touch w/Next Radio Demonstration)

The Next Radio demonstration highlights the integration of HD Radio Technology and IP delivered services leveraging the Applink and OpenXC available in Ford vehicles. Bringing together the ubiquitous and cost effective digital radio broadcast technology with IP delivered enhancements holds tremendous promise for even richer and more interactive user experiences.

OEMs Offer Expanded Commitment & More Vehicles in Dealerships

Acura, HD Radio Technology is standard on the RLX and available on the MDX.

Audi, HD Radio Technology is offered on all models, standard on some.

Bentley, HD Radio Technology is standard equipment for all models.

BMW, HD Radio Technology is standard equipment for all models and Artist Experience is now available on some models.

Buick, HD Radio Technology is standard on the Enclave and Regal.

Cadillac, HD Radio Technology is a standard feature on the CTS, XTS and SRX models and available on the ATS.

Chevrolet, HD Radio Technology is standard on the Traverse, Impala, Corvette, and available on the Silverado.

Dodge, HD Radio Technology is available on the Durango.

Ford, HD Radio Technology is offered on all models as part of the My Ford Touch™ and Sony® Audio.

GMC, HD Radio Technology is standard on the Acadia with Artist Experience and available on the Sierra.

Honda, HD Radio Technology is available on the Odyssey.  The new Civic will offer both HD Radio audio with Artist Experience and real-time traffic features.

Hyundai, HD Radio Technology is standard on the Equus, Azera, Santa Fe and available on the Sonata, Genesis Sedan, and Genesis Coupe.

Infiniti, The Q50 launched with HD Radio standard.

Jaguar, HD Radio Technology is standard on XF and XJ and available on XK.

Jeep, HD Radio Technology is available on the Cherokee and Grand Cherokee.

Kia, HD Radio Technology is standard on the K900 and Cadenza and available on Optima, Sportage, Sorento and Soul.

Land Rover, HD Radio Technology is available on all models.

Lexus, HD Radio Technology audio is available on all models.  The HD Radio traffic and weather features are also available.

Lincoln, HD Radio Technology is offered on all models as part of the MyLincoln Touch™ with THX® Audio and Next Generation Navigation Systems.  Standard on Navigator.

Mazda, HD Radio Technology is standard on the CX-9 and available on the CX-5, Mazda3, and Mazda6.  The new Mazda3 offers Artist Experience and the Traffic Map Image features.

Mercedes, HD Radio Technology is standard on all models, including the S-Class which is shipped across North America with HD Radio Technology.

Mini, HD Radio Technology is standard equipment for all models.

Mitsubishi, HD Radio Technology audio, traffic, weather and fuel price features are available on the Outlander, Outlander Sport and Lancer models.

Porsche, HD Radio Technology is available on all models.

Ram, HD Radio Technology is available on the1500 and 2500/3500 models.

Rolls Royce, HD Radio Technology is standard equipment for all models.

Scion, HD Radio Technology is standard equipment for all models.

SRT (Chrysler), HD Radio Technology is available on the Viper.

Subaru, HD Radio Technology is standard on the BRZ and WRX (2015MY) and available on the Forester, Impreza, Outback, Legacy, and Crosstrek.

Tesla, HD Radio Technology is standard.

Toyota, HD Radio Technology audio features are available on 16 models.  HD Radio digital traffic and weather information is available on 7 models.

Volkswagen, HD Radio Technology is available on all models.  Artist Experience is available on the Premium VIII radio.

Volvo, HD Radio Technology is standard equipment for all models.

OEMs Launch Subscription-Free HD Radio Data Services

The following automotive brands are now using HD Radio Technology to deliver their traffic, weather or fuel information:

• Honda
• Toyota
• Lexus
• Mitsubishi
• Mazda

About iBiquity Digital Corp.
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 HD2/HD3 FM channels through multicasting, crystal-clear sound and data service 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 Piscataway, NJ.

For more information, please visit www.hdradio.com and www.ibiquity.com.

For the full press kit, please visit:
http://www.virtualpressoffice.com/kit/iBiquityCES2014

"HD Radio™", the HD Radio logo, the "HD)" icon, the HD Radio "Arc" icon, "HD Digital Traffic", and "Artist Experience" are proprietary trademarks of iBiquity Digital Corporation.

SOURCE iBiquity Digital Corporation