BMW waves goodbye to radio crackle

Engineers at BMW are hoping for a good reception for a new satellite car radio

Auto Express Car Reviews

Satellite receiver – seen here on test – could cut radio interference...

05th February 2007

The firm has been working with the European Space Agency (ESA) to perfect the system, which can even receive Web information and videos for passengers to watch.

It's all possible as scientists have designed a special kind of aerial that is flat and thin enough to fit under the roof, where it can get the best view of the orbiting satellites.

What's more, the memory stores large amounts of digital data, allowing drivers to pause a programme if they stop for fuel. The breakthrough was demonstrated at ESA's Dutch HQ last week. Now, makers will conduct market research to see how many drivers want the new systems.

There are already 13 million satellite radio subscribers in the US, but ESA aims to beat that in Europe by taking the technology to another level. As data can be downloaded on the move, drivers will be able to get the latest sat-nav maps, traffic info and even engine management systems. Meanwhile, mystery surrounds a sleek BMW-branded gadget. It is claimed the device - seen changing shape in an Internet ad - can play DVDs or MP3s, and has voice recognition. However, BMW UK tells us it has no idea what the gadget is!