VW, Audi Sign Exclusive Sirius Deal Through '12
By Amy Gilroy -- TWICE, 3/27/2006
New York — Sirius Satellite Radio announced that Volkswagen of America and Audi of America will offer Sirius as their exclusive satellite radio partner in the United States through 2012.
Previously Volkswagen and Audi offered a choice of XM Satellite Radio or Sirius. The new exclusive arrangement with Sirius will begin in the 2007 model year, said Sirius.
Volkswagen expects to equip approximately 80 percent of its vehicles with Sirius receivers and will offer three months of complimentary service.
At present, the installation rate of satellite radio in Audi models is approximately 50 percent.
“We decided that the Audi customer demographic fit more closely with the type of content that Sirius provides,” said Wolfgang Hoffmann, Audi product management head. “We believe that Sirius will continue to grow and create programming that our Audi customers will desire.”
