Radio is on a roll. While BMW and Jaguar have allied themselves with HD Radio and Infiniti's gotten in bed with XM Satellite Radio, Audi and and Mitsubishi have taken sides with SIRIUS Satellite Radio. Audi will offer SIRIUS as standard equipment on the S4, RS 4, A6, A8, R8, and specific Q7 variants. Mitsubishi will make SIRIUS standard on the new Eclipse Spyder, and make it part of the premium sound system on the 2008 Galant, Raider, Endeavor, Outlander, Lancer, Eclipse and Lancer Evolution. For some reason, the Montero appears to have been left out of the party.
The fact that automakers are taking continuous steps to offer customers more and better choices is a good thing, and having the radio installed as standard means buyers don't have to check any costly option boxes. If there is any downside, it's that until (and only if) the merger of SIRIUS and XM is completed, carmakers have made your choice for you about which satellite service you'll receive, and you still have to pay for the subscription. Mitsubishi will at least pay for the first six months of the subscription, a move that should greatly increase uptake. If you're an XM listener in the market for an Audi, though, prepare to keep lugging your portable receiver around.
Increasing choice means customers win, and for radio -- a medium drowning in broadcasts about its demise -- the news is two more steps in the right direction.
PRESS RELEASE(S)
Audi to Offer SIRIUS Satellite Radio as Standard Equipment on Key Models
Audi offering SIRIUS as standard equipment on S4, RS 4, A6, A8, R8 and select Audi Q7 models
NEW YORK and CYPRESS, Calif., April 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- SIRIUS Satellite Radio (NASDAQ:SIRI) today announced that Audi will offer SIRIUS as standard equipment in all S4, RS 4, A6, A8, and R8 models, and Audi Q7 3.6 Premium, 4.2, and 4.2 Premium models for the 2008 model year available at dealers later this year.
"Audi is the leader in luxury and design in the premium segment," said Johan de Nysschen, Executive Vice President of Audi of America. "As such, Audi customers deserve the very best vehicle entertainment experience possible, and we believe that SIRIUS' unique programming greatly enhances Audi customer satisfaction and superior offering."
"Audi was an early and significant partner in the growth of SIRIUS, and we are very pleased that they have decided to make SIRIUS standard equipment for their customers," said Mel Karmazin, CEO of SIRIUS. "We think in audio entertainment that SIRIUS is unrivaled. Now, Audi drivers will be able to experience for themselves The Best Radio on Radio."
Mitsubishi to Offer SIRIUS Satellite Radio as Standard Equipment on New Eclipse Spyder and Factory Option on all Models in 2007
NEW YORK and CYPRESS, Calif., April 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Mitsubishi Motors North America and SIRIUS Satellite Radio (NASDAQ:SIRI) today announced that Mitsubishi will offer SIRIUS Satellite Radio as a standard feature on the new 2008 model year Eclipse Spyder which will be available for sale starting this April. Mitsubishi will also extend factory availability of SIRIUS to the full lineup of Mitsubishi vehicles in all 2008 models.
SIRIUS Satellite Radio will be standard equipment on the 2008 Eclipse Spyder, and packaged with the premium audio system on the 2008 Galant, Raider, Endeavor, Outlander, Lancer, Eclipse and Lancer Evolution. All SIRIUS- equipped Mitsubishi vehicles include six months of SIRIUS service.
"Mitsubishi is excited to have SIRIUS Satellite Radio on every new Eclipse Spyder and available to the full lineup," said Mike Krebs, Vice President of Product Strategy at Mitsubishi Motors North America. "SIRIUS programming is a perfect compliment to the thrilling design and performance of Mitsubishi vehicles."
"Mitsubishi's commitment to make SIRIUS available on all models and standard on the Spyder is proof that great vehicles and great programming go together," said Mel Karmazin, CEO of SIRIUS. "Now even more customers will easily experience The Best Radio on Radio."
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