Digital radio

26th August 2007

Are car makers deaf to digital radio? The technology lets drivers tune into dozens of extra stations.

But despite Government plans to switch off analogue transmitters by 2012, Auto Express can reveal that, for nearly three-quarters of car manufacturers, it’s not even on the options list! We contacted more than 30 marques to see which stocked the hi-tech kit. Our table shows that only eight offer Digital Audi Broad­casting (DAB) units.

Of those, BMW and Vauxhall alone have them available on virtually every model. With the BBC recently reporting that over a quarter of listeners tune in by DAB, car makers should be under pressure to review their stance, yet the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Tra­ders said they were simply being cautious. Its spokesman said: “Firms are waiting for better network coverage. The digital signal still doesn’t reach all areas of the country, which is problematic if you’re in a car.”