More than 40% of new cars registered in July were fitted with digital radio as standard, according to CAP and SMMT data. This figure equates to more than 95,000 digital radio-equipped cars sold last month and shows an increase of 62% compared to July 2012. It continues a period of impressive growth for digital radio, which saw a year-on-year increase of 67% in Q2, with 210,000 units fitted as standard.
The recent growth reflects that a number of leading manufacturers have gone digital, with Ford, VW, BMW, MINI, Audi, Jaguar Land Rover and Volvo all committed to fitting digital radio as standard.
The increase in the fitting of digital radio in cars reflects its growing popularity. The share of all radio listening via a digital platform now stands at 36.8% compared to 31.5% for the same period a year ago.
SMMT’s Aftermarket Development Manager, Wendy Williamson said, “It is encouraging to see that both manufacturers and consumers are embracing digital radio technology. We’re confident that the percentage of new cars fitted with digital radio will continue to rise as more manufacturers choose to offer it no extra cost.”
Click through for more information on digital radio and its availability in new cars.
