HD Radio™ Technology Continues Momentum with More Vehicles, More Automakers, Advance Features and Now Digital Traffic and Data Services

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 9, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Consumer Electronics Show -- iBiquity Digital Corporation, the developer of digital HD Radio Technology for AM and FM audio and data broadcasting, today announced expanded support for HD Radio Technology from a wide array of leading automakers.  There are now 29 automotive brands that currently offer or have announced plans to offer HD Radio audio, traffic or data features.  Now that most automakers have launched HD Radio Technology for the digital AM & FM audio features, many OEMs, including Toyota, Lexus and Mitsubishi are planning to use the digital broadcasts to receive traffic and data information as well. 

The initial rollout of HD Radio Technology with its original features (Digital Sound Quality, HD2/HD3 Channels, and (PSD) Program Service Data) is now firmly established, and many automakers are now focused on launching HD Radio Advanced Features like iTunes Tagging, Artist Experience and Digital Traffic and Data.  iTunes® Tagging popularity has increased significantly, as over 20 automotive brands have launched or will offer the feature in upcoming months.  Artist Experience, which brings visuals like album cover art to radio screens, is off to an impressive start.  VW, Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and BMW are the first to offer the feature, and many additional automakers, including Lexus and Toyota, have radios in development with plans to offer the feature in the coming months.  Car manufacturers are also focusing on the new Digital Traffic and Data services offered through HD Radio broadcasts.  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 future is bright for Digital Traffic and Data, as more well known automakers will announce their support for these new features and services in the coming months.

Two service providers, Clear Channel and Nokia, have built nationwide networks to broadcast real-time traffic and data information using the HD Radio system.  Nokia 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.  

"We are very pleased with the continued rapid roll out of HD Radio Technology in cars as we head into 2013.  Seven additional automakers have added HD Radio receivers to dozens of new vehicle models in the last year and Toyota, Lexus and Mitsubishi have announced plans to be the first car manufacturers to use the HD Radio system to bring subscription-free real-time digital traffic information to their drivers," said Bob Struble, iBiquity Digital President and CEO.  "We are excited about the future, as more automakers will soon announce added or expanded HD Radio advanced audio, traffic and data features."

Several carmakers are expanding their commitment to the digital dashboard by including HD Radio Technology:  Acura, Audi, Bentley, BMW, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Ford, GMC, Hyundai, Jaguar, 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 (#9033) at this week's Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, NV.  Vehicles on display include:

• 2013 Chevrolet Traverse (Artist Experience)
• 2013 Ford Fusion (iTunes Tagging)
• 2013 Toyota Yaris (Standard with HD Radio Technology)
• 2013 Ram Pick Up (First Chrysler vehicle with HD Radio Technology)
• 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe (First Hyundai vehicle with iTunes Tagging)

Expanded Commitment & More Vehicles in Dealerships

Acura, HD Radio Technology will be standard on the new RLX.

Audi, 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 the 7 Series.

Buick, HD Radio Technology is standard on the 2013 Enclave with Artist Experience.

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

Chevrolet, HD Radio Technology is standard on the 2013 Traverse with Artist Experience and will also be available on the 2014 Impala and Silverado models.

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

GMC, HD Radio Technology is standard on the 2013 Acadia with Artist Experience and available on the 2014 Sierra.

Hyundai, HD Radio Technology is standard on the Equus and Azera and available on the Sonata, Genesis Sedan, Genesis Coupe, and Santa Fe.  iTunes Tagging was recently introduced on the all-new Santa Fe.

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

Kia, HD Radio Technology is available on Optima, Sportage, Sorento and Soul.

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

Lexus, HD Radio Technology is standard on GS, LS, LX, RX and available on all 2013 CT, ES and IS models.  Lexus will become the first automotive brand to have vehicles on the street using the HD Radio system for digital traffic and data services.

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 2013 CX-9 and available on the 2013 and 2014 CX-5, 2013 Mazda3 and 2014 Mazda6.

Mercedes, HD Radio Technology is standard on all models, including the C-Class and GLK-Class.

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

Mitsubishi, HD Radio Technology will be on the 2014 Outlander with both digital audio and traffic services available.  Vehicles are scheduled to hit the streets mid-year.

Porsche, HD Radio Technology is available on all models.

Ram, HD Radio Technology is available on the 2013 Ram 1500.

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 2013 Viper.

Subaru, HD Radio Technology is standard on the BRZ and available on the Forester, Impreza, Outback, Legacy, and Crosstrek.

Tesla, HD Radio Technology is standard.

Toyota, HD Radio Technology is available on 15 models.  Toyota will also launch its first vehicles using Artist Experience and the HD Radio system to receive digital traffic and data information mid-year.

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

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

More OEMs Make HD Radio Technology Standard

The following automotive brands offer HD Radio Technology as standard equipment across their entire vehicle line-up:

• Bentley
• BMW
• Mercedes-Benz
• Mini
• Rolls Royce
• Scion
• Tesla
• Volvo

Other OEMs have committed to offering the technology as standard on specific vehicle models, including Acura, Audi, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Hyundai, Jaguar, Lexus, Lincoln, Mazda, Subaru, and Toyota.

HD Radio Technology Adoption Firmly Entrenched in the Auto Industry:

7 Additional OEM brands have announced plans to include HD Radio receivers as either standard or optional equipment since the 2012 CES Show in January including:

• Acura – Announced at the NYAS that the RLX would include HD Radio Technology standard.
• Buick – Announced around the NYAS that the Enclave would include HD Radio Technology standard.
• Chevrolet – Announced at the NAB Show that the Traverse would include HD Radio Technology standard.  The Impala and Silverado will follow as the next Chevrolet vehicle to offer HD Radio Technology.
• GMC – Announced around the NYAS that the Acadia would include HD Radio Technology standard.  The Sierra has also been announced as offering HD Radio Technology.
• Mitsubishi – Announced at the LAAS that the 2014 Outlander would offer HD Radio audio and traffic services.
• Ram – Announced at the NYAS that the new Ram 1500 would offer HD Radio Technology.
• SRT – Announced at the NYAS that the new Viper would offer HD Radio Technology.

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 andwww.ibiquity.com.

"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