OEM HD Radio Coming To More Vehicles

By Joseph Palenchar -- TWICE, 4/2/2010

New York - Additional vehicles are getting factory-installed HD Radio, iBiquity Digital said during the New York Auto Show.

Volvo added the S60 to its S series and is including HD Radio as standard equipment. The 2010-model-year vehicle will be available later this year. All other Volvo models already offer standard HD Radio.

Also at the show, Scion is announcing its 2011 iQ and tC vehicles, which will offer HD Radio as part of optional audio-upgrade packages. They will join Scion's xB and xD, which already offer HD Radio as a factory-installed option.

In addition, the Ford Mustang and Super Duty have arrived in dealer showrooms with optional factory-installed HD Radio, iBiquity said.

Ford also told TWICE that HD Radio will be part of a voice-activated navigation system with 8-inch touchscreen available as an option in 2011-model-year Ford, Lincoln and Mercury models. The navigation option will be available in most vehicles. HD Radio will also be part of a package incorporating second-generation Sync systems and MyFord Touch systems, the company told TWICE.

Previously, Ford offered HD Radio only as a dealer-installed option across the Ford, Lincoln and Mercury lines.

For its part, BMW went to the show to launch the 2011 BMW 5-series sedan with standard HD Radio. iBiquity previously said HD Radio would be an option in the vehicle. All other current BMW models offer HD Radio as standard equipment.

All told, about 80 vehicle lines will come with factory-installed HD Radio as standard or optional equipment, iBiquity Digital told TWICE in February.