Autoblog

Sirius and XM to consolidate channel lineups

Aaron Richardson — Tue, 03 May 2011 18:31:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Technology

Starting on Wednesday, May 4, Sirius Satellite Radio and XM will finally be almost completely indistinguishable from one another. Since their merger, the two satellite radio providers have sported the same channels, just on differently-numbered stations. Starting Wednesday, though, the channel sequences will be the same as well.

The new lineup will more closely ape Sirius' format, which means pop and rock stations will be available starting in the teens, followed by sports beginning at channel 84. Howard Stern will have not one but two stations of his very own, residing at channel 100 and 101 on the new Sirius/XM dial.

Listeners of both companies' broadcasts shouldn't have to spend any time reprogramming their preferences if they want their familiar tunes and talk shows back - the satellite radio provider says it should happen automatically. Either way, for those who frequently move from one car to another, this move is long overdue. See all the details here.

Sirius and XM to consolidate channel lineups originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 May 2011 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Sirius considering rate increase to $12.95/month

Jeff Glucker — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 17:15:00 EST

Filed under: Etc.

Sirius XM radio, which is the resulting company after Sirius and XM merged in 2008, is considering raising its monthly fee. The starting price is currently $9.99 per month, which only nets you access to the music channels. Now, Sirius wants to bring the monthly rate up to $12.95. The FCC is currently reviewing the request and Sirius has yet to issue a comment on the decision. [Source: Bloomberg]

Report: Sirius considering rate increase to $12.95/month originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Jan 2011 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Will Ford's Sync kill Sirius XM?

Chris Shunk — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 16:01:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Ford

There are currently 19 million Sirius XM subscribers out there, and the vast majority of those cash-paying customers listen only in the car. Ford was among the earliest mass-market adopters of Sirius, as The Blue Oval made infotainment a big part of its vehicle strategy. But while Ford was an early passenger on the satellite bandwagon, another very popular technology could put the squeeze on pay-for-play radio.

The Motley Fool opines that advances to Sync could hurt Sirius in a very meaningful way. Sync already connects to your MP3 player and your smart phone, but Microsoft and Ford have been working with third parties like Pandora to bring free content through the iPhone, RIM or Android data plan you're already paying for. Beyond Internet radio, Sync also provides turn-by-turn navigation, traffic and weather, emergency assistance and Google Maps.

In the end, though, The Fool is quick to remind us that Ford gets a cut from every Sirius XM subscription. That means the automaker likely will stop short of toppling over the satellite provider. Besides, Sirius subscriptions have done nothing but climb since Sync hit the market three years ago.

[Source: The Motley Fool]

Will Ford's Sync kill Sirius XM? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Jun 2010 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mess With Success: Hyundai already seen tweaking Genesis sedan for 2010

Chris Paukert — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 15:03:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Hyundai, Luxury

2010 Hyundai Genesis sedan - Click above for high-res image gallery

Despite claiming great success with its 2009 Genesis sedan, Hyundai doesn't appear to be resting on its laurels. For 2010, there are no cosmetic changes in store, but the entry-level luxury sedan is getting a gentle fettling in the suspension and steering departments along with some additional kit.

Unfortunately, Hyundai's press release wasn't terribly forthcoming about what changes had been effected upon steering and suspension systems, so we checked in with company spokesman Dan Bedore to learn a few more:

"We're Hyundai, and we'll always seeking continuous improvement. We've made a series of small chassis changes, with a particular focus on improving steering and handling. We've made small adjustments to the steering, increasing efforts and tweaking feel around center; reduced friction in some suspension components; increased V6 rear spring rates; and added more jounce and rebound control to our shocks."

On the creature comforts front (this is a luxury sedan after all), the 2010 Genesis gains available intelligent cruise control and an electronic parking brake on Technology Package equipped models - the latter including an automatic hill holder feature. Additionally, "Ultra-premium leather seating surfaces" will come as standard fit on 3.8 Genesis models with Premium, Premium Navigation, and Technology Package equipped models. Finally, in response to consumer demand, Hyundai says it has made an updated touch-screen navigation (with three-month trial subscriptions to XM radio and XM NavTraffic) standard equipment on 4.6-liter models as well as Genesis 3.8 models fitted with the premium navi pack. You can check out the complete press release after the jump.

Gallery: 2010 Hyundai Genesis sedan

[Source: Hyundai]

Continue reading Mess With Success: Hyundai already seen tweaking Genesis sedan for 2010

Mess With Success: Hyundai already seen tweaking Genesis sedan for 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 13 Sep 2009 15:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EXCLUSIVE: Sneak peek at Hyundai Genesis Coupe's next-gen nav system

Chris Paukert — Wed, 27 May 2009 19:27:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, I.C.E., Technology, Hyundai

Hyundai Genesis Coupe navigation system prototype - Click above for high-res image gallery

When Hyundai's sparkling Genesis Coupe debuted earlier this year, we heard from many of you who were excited about the rear-drive model's performance prospects. More than a few we spoke with, however, expressed disappointment that it did not arrive in showrooms with an optional in-dash navigation unit, particularly since Hyundai was plainly targeting premium competitors like the Infiniti G37. Well, we've just returned from the company's HATCI facility (Hyundai-Kia American Technical Center, Inc.) in Ann Arbor, and we're happy to report that we've been given an in-depth look at a prototype of the company's next-generation system that will find its way into the Genesis Coupe beginning later this summer.

Fair Warning: The accompanying photographs are of a rough engineering prototype unit, but we thought our readers would appreciate the early look. As is typical of such mules, the instrument panel is more than a bit tired looking from having its "head unit swapped out more often than you change your underwear" (so says Dan Bedore, Hyundai's quick-witted P.R. manager).

Click on the jump to get the full skinny.

Gallery: Hyundai Genesis Coupe navi sneak peek

Continue reading EXCLUSIVE: Sneak peek at Hyundai Genesis Coupe's next-gen nav system

EXCLUSIVE: Sneak peek at Hyundai Genesis Coupe's next-gen nav system originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 May 2009 19:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sirius and XM debut new lineups

Dan Roth — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Gadgets, Etc., I.C.E., Technology

Sirius and XM have buried the hatchet and merged their content, to the likely displeasure of many. XM closes 15 stations while simultaneously adding 22 new selections to the lineup, and Sirius pretty much broke even, trading 11 stations for 10 new ones. As has always been the case, the sports fans fare the best. Reception is reportedly better, too, though we're sure the lossy-codec lack of fidelity still makes it all virtually unlistenable to anyone that pays attention. If you don't care that cymbal crashes on SatRad sound like a pair of metal trash cans being hurled down a fire escape, you'll likely be pleased with the shuffling; though we hope they've left our beloved Soulsville alone.

[Source: Kicking Tires]

Sirius and XM debut new lineups originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Nov 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Will we see (or hear) an XM/Sirius merger decision by months end?

Michael Harley — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 09:01:00 EST

Filed under: Gadgets, Trends, Technology

It seems like forever ago when rumors started about a merger between Sirius and XM satellite radio. The rumors were made slightly more official when the two companies announced the "merger of equals" last year. Where have we heard that before? Nobody expected this $4.2 billion transaction to be a sprint, as there are laws with tall hurdles designed to govern this type of business deal, but this conjunction has creeped like an overloaded Tercel up a steep grade.

For more than a year we've been sitting around watching these two companies as they worked on securing shareholder approval (accomplished in November) and the endorsement of regulators (um, not yet). Now we're getting word from Sirius CEO Mel Karmazin that there may be an end in sight. During a talk at the Bear Stearns 21st Annual Media Conference, Karmazin said he "took heart" in recent FCC comments that mentioned that the body aims to rule by the end of March. "The fact that it has lingered this long, it has been interpreted... as good news," Karmazin said. Gary Parsons, Chairman of XM Satellite Radio, added that he was also confident the Department of Justice and the FCC were moving forward "...in a timely manner."

With satellite radio in need of some more customers, let's hope they can quickly put this merger in the books and focus on more important issues like signal reception and more varied content.

[Source: Automotive News, subs. req'd]

Will we see (or hear) an XM/Sirius merger decision by months end? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 Mar 2008 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Satellite radio: Looking for a few good customers, anybody?

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 07:05:00 EST

Filed under: Audio, I.C.E.

Apparently, the idea of paying for radio chatter doesn't hold much appeal to customers who actually have to shell out hard earned cash. While many new cars today come equipped with stereos that are capable of receiving either XM or Sirius, fewer people than ever are buying standalone receivers. In December, retail sales of satellite receivers were down 37.5% (36% for Sirius and 41% for XM) compared to 2006.

This might in part be due to the fact that without an external antenna that has line of sight to the satellite, the radio usually doesn't work indoors. There's also the quality of what you hear on the stations. Unless you have a compelling need to hear Howard Stern unfiltered, most of the rest doesn't sound much different than what you can hear on terrestrial radio. At this rate, XM and Sirius better hope their merger is completed soon before they both run out of cash or customers.

[Source: OrbitCast]

Satellite radio: Looking for a few good customers, anybody? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Jan 2008 07:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ferrari adds XM Radio, NavTraffic to 612 Scaglietti

Alex Nunez — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 16:32:00 EST

Filed under: Audio, Etc., Ferrari

The satellite radio option is about as common in new cars as the near-omnipresent AUX jack for portable music devices. You can argue that the presence of the latter essentially eliminates the need for the former, but some people like being able to tune in to a radio station where there's the outside chance of hearing songs they may not necessarily own yet. Most luxury marques, from Audi to Rolls-Royce, already have the satellite base covered. So it was a bit of a surprise to learn that Ferrari hadn't gotten into the game. That's over though, as Modena has selected XM as its extra-terrestrial radio provider of choice. The first car to get it is the 612 Scaglietti, which is fine and all, but we can't figure out why anyone would want yet another audio source to compete with the sweet music made by the car's V12. At least the NavTraffic feature can help keep the Ferrari on roads whose conditions allow it to maintain a proper pace.

[Source: XM Radio]

Continue reading Ferrari adds XM Radio, NavTraffic to 612 Scaglietti

Ferrari adds XM Radio, NavTraffic to 612 Scaglietti originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Aug 2007 16:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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A la carte ordering coming to XM/Sirius

John Neff — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 15:33:00 EST

Filed under: Gadgets, I.C.E.

I've always chosen an iPod over ordering either of the two satellite radio providers, XM and Sirius, for one simple reason: I can listen to only what I want. With satellite radio, you pay a monthly fee, around $13/month, and get a bunch of channels, most of which I've found I'll pass right by on the dial. The thought of paying for dozens of channels I don't like just never thrilled me.

Thanks to the upcoming merger between XM and Sirius, however, my biggest complaint with satellite radio might soon be gone. According to the companies, two new a la carte plans will be offered about a year after the merger goes through. The first will cost $6.95/month (very reasonable) and allow a subscriber to pick 50 channels from either XM or Sirius. Unfortunately, with this plan you can't mix and match Howard Stern on Sirius with Oprah on XM. Step up to the $14.95 a la carte plan, however, and you'll be able to choose 100 channels on either service. These are great options and in our estimation deliver a better product to the subscriber than either satellite radio provider ever did on its own.

There will be more plans revealed ahead of the merger's conclusion, and the companies say that those who own either XM or Sirius branded players right now will be able to receive some stations from the other service, but not all. No list of which stations are excluded from each service's hardware was given at this time, however. Receivers sold after the merger, we're sure, will be able to tune in the gamut of stations offered by both providers.

[Source: Kicking Tires]

A la carte ordering coming to XM/Sirius originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Jul 2007 15:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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XM and Sirius planning less expensive a la carte packages

Chris Shunk — Thu, 22 Mar 2007 10:04:00 EST

Filed under: Audio, Technology

We had an idea that the XM/Sirius merger wasn't exactly going to be a win for the customer, and now we hear that XM and Sirius will be offering tiered pricing with plans that are both lower and higher-priced than their current $12.95/month service. Certain "a-la carte" plans will actually come in at a price below existing rates, which should fit the needs of a select few subscribers. There will still be a $12.95 package, with what Sirius described in a federal finding as "substantially similar" offerings to what customers are getting now for the same price. The soon-to-be merged companies will try to build additional revenue with upper-tier packages that will give customers more than what they're getting now, for less than the cost of getting both services.

Senator Herb Kohl (D-WI), chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy and Consumer Rights, said that the merger could be a "real bad deal" for customers, and with this news, we tend to agree. When the two companies were fighting each other for subscription dollars, they gave us everything they could afford and some things they probably couldn't. If the merger is approved (and how often are they not) the combined company will slice and dice service cable tv-style, and customers will be left to either compromise what they really want in the name of price, or simply pay more for everything. Monopoly is more fun when it's the board game. We're not exactly political activists, but if you think this sounds like a bum deal, you can always send Senator Kohl a note.

[Source: Reuters]

XM and Sirius planning less expensive a la carte packages originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Mar 2007 10:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Slacker brings internet radio into your car

Dan Roth — Fri, 16 Mar 2007 11:05:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, I.C.E., Technology

It's like Pandora for your car! Slacker, a new web-based radio website has just launched this week. The channel selection is very similar to what's available on XM or Sirius, and we liken it to Pandora because the number of songs you can skip is limited, but the selection is large and the experience is flexible and customizeable. The website alone is a nice little diversion anywhere you've got a browser and bandwidth, but the exciting news is that there will soon be an iPod-like device so you can take your Slacker with you. That means never having to listen to the angry guy talk channel while stuck in a traffic jam again. It's also better than the four-song playlists each FM genre now spins, too. The portable device will store songs, and later this year Slacker will be unveiling a car dock that will be able to receive music from satellite signals.

Pulling down music from the birds is the same trick that Sirius and XM manage, but they cost money. Slacker is free once you purchase the hardware. How is that possible? Why, the very same way broadcast television and radio are free: advertising. If you're willing to sit through some ads, you get free music. In fact, the music is merely there to keep you interested enough that you'll continue to listen through the spots - of course, many of us are obsessive channel flippers (or worse yet, NPR junkies). You can have your Slacking and no commercials, too. For about half the price of Sirius, your $7.50 per month will keep the music rolling in and offer you unlimited skips and no ads. The price is so much lower because Slacker doesn't have big loans for satellites to pay off. The quality is in the MP3 realm, and sounds decent, which is encouraging. Some of us with finely tuned ears have a hard time listening to SatRad because of the digital compression artifacts. We'll see what happens if Slacker is able to popularize it's offerings, and deliver on the promise they're dangling tantalizingly in front of our noses.

[Source: Kicking Tires]

Slacker brings internet radio into your car originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Mar 2007 11:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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More details on XM / Sirius merger revealed

John Neff — Tue, 27 Feb 2007 18:04:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, I.C.E., Technology

There are a lot of questions surrounding the proposed merger of competing satellite radio providers XM and Sirius. USA Today had a chance to ask a few to Sirius CEO Mel Karmazin, the would-be CEO of the two companies if the merger is allowed to take place. Below are some bullet points from the interview with answers to the most burning questions.

Fees would not likely be raised above $12.95/month
Dual receiver radios will likely be available that can receive both XM and Sirius content
People with radios that receive only one service can continue to receive just that service
Both brands and services will remain intact
Live, real-time satellite television will be offered

It's still not clear to us, at least, how exactly this merger will work. Karmazin says that content from service will be available to subscribers of the other service soon after the merger goes through, but it isn't clear whether those subscribers will need to purchase a compatible receiver, perhaps a dual receiver, or if XM channels will be broadcast across the Sirius network and vice versa. We'd also like to know what effect the merger will have on automakers who have already aligned themselves with one service and have been installing Sirius or XM receivers in their vehicles for years now. Clearly there are cost savings that can be realized, otherwise the merger would never have been proposed, but we're wondering if the imminent confusion caused by the merger will hurt the two brands in the long run.

[Source: USA Today via Kicking Tires]

More details on XM / Sirius merger revealed originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Feb 2007 18:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #58

Dan Roth — Wed, 21 Feb 2007 13:31:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts, Audi, Daimler, GM, Maserati, Volkswagen

Being the pundits we are, we have plenty to say in Autoblog Podcast #58. We start right off addressing the rumors of a GM/Chrysler deal, and offer myraid reasons why it's not a good idea yet may be justifiable to some folks. We move on to flogging the VW/GM suicide commercial debate for a little while, which sets the stage for us discussing the Daytona 500, naturally. It's also revealed that John's on board to give NASCAR as much of a chance as he can stomach this season. So far, that amounts to about an hour and a half before the siren song of video games becomes too loud to ignore. Wrapping up, we trade opinions on the Maserati Coupe and the Audi A5 before touching briefly on the impending XM/Sirius merger. It's chock-full of good stuff this time around, so enjoy the 'cast! We'll try and have an enhanced version with video up for you as soon as possible.

SUBSCRIBE to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes
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Autoblog Podcast #58 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Feb 2007 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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XM and Sirius set to announce "merger of equals" today

John Neff — Mon, 19 Feb 2007 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Gadgets

UPDATE: It's official!

Both XM and Sirius have been dropping hints since last summer that the two could merge into one giant satellite radio provider with a subscriber base of 12 million. It appears after a marathon negotiation session last weekend, the two are finally ready to make it offiicial sometime today and start the long process of gaining SEC approval. Though approval will likely take over a year, we doubt the feds will break this one up. While XM and Sirius technically compete with each other for subscribers, satellite radio as an industry is in a fight for its life with other forms of audio distribution, like regular old terrestrial radio, internet radio and the 800 lb. gorilla, Apple's iPod. These two company's have a better shot at surviving by jumping in the same bunker.

Of course, auto interiors are the primary front in this war, which makes the merger interesting to us. Car owners subscribed to one of the two services will be the big winners, as Howard Stern and Oprah will now occupy the same dial. You'll be able to get all your satellite radio sports coverage with one subscription now, as well.

Trying to meld two established brands into one, however, is not an easy thing to do. Just ask DaimlerChrysler if you need a reference. We chuckled out loud while reading the linked article from the New York Post when the author describes the deal as a "merger of equals". Sure...

[Source: The New York Post]

XM and Sirius set to announce "merger of equals" today originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Feb 2007 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Directions no charge: Cadillac offering nav systems for free

Damon Lavrinc — Sun, 08 Oct 2006 08:03:00 EST

Filed under: Gadgets, Cadillac

In a gesture of unwavering generosity, Cadillac announced yesterday that select 2007 models would come equipped with free satellite navigation. The offer will end on January 2nd 2007 and is only available on "specially-equipped" models.

What directional joys await those of you willing to drop the coin on a new Caddy? It's pretty much the standard navigation fare, with a dash-mounted LCD displaying turn-by-turn directions, with the option of a sultry vixen barking orders at you if you make a wrong move (some don't need a sat-nav for that). Other standard features include an address finder, a business search and, for those of you willing to upgrade to XM, NavTraffic, that provides real-time traffic reporting.

The free navi will be only available on 2007 models and we haven't found out the meaning of "specially-equipped" yet, but we'll call our local dealer today.

[Source: Cadillac via GM Inside News]

Directions no charge: Cadillac offering nav systems for free originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 08 Oct 2006 08:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM slashes price of XM Satellite Radio to $199 for 2007

Erin Mays — Wed, 16 Aug 2006 15:57:00 EST

Filed under: Gadgets, GM

General Motors announced that it is slashing the price of XM Satellite Radio to $199 for the 2007 model year, down 38.8 percent over last year's price of $325. The new price goes into effect immediately, and consumers still get the first three months of service included, with subsequent months costing $12.95 per month.

HUMMER won't be participating in the price cut, according to GM, but offering up XM is something of a lucrative activity for the General, according to Automotive News -- apparently the automaker gets a cut of subscription fees, as well as some extra cash each time its OnStar employees handle XM-related service calls.

[Source: Automotive News, free subscription required]

GM slashes price of XM Satellite Radio to $199 for 2007 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Aug 2006 15:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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XM ParkingLink to help you find that last empty spot

Eric Bryant — Thu, 03 Aug 2006 19:03:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., I.C.E., Technology

Later this year, XM Satellite Radio will roll out its ParkingLink system in four cities. Built in a joint venture with Quixote Transportation Technologies and Standard Parking, the system will utilize GPS and a series of wireless sensors embedded in parking garages and pay lots around the US to transmit data on the number and location of open spots to drivers' in-car displays.

Chicago, Detroit, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C. will be the first to get the system, starting later this year. By the second half of 2007, XM hopes to expand the system to other major markets. Soon after that the sight of people driving aimlessly around parking lots may be a thing of the past.

[Source: Chicago Business]

XM ParkingLink to help you find that last empty spot originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Aug 2006 19:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Will Sirius and XM merge?

John Neff — Wed, 12 Jul 2006 20:03:00 EST

Filed under: Audio, Trends, Technology

Apparently the industry is tired of talking about the potential alliance between General Motors and Nissan/Renault, so we've moved on to a new potential alliance, that of Sirius and XM. Both companies comprise the only players in the satellite radio business, so if the two were to pair up the resulting company would have quite the monopoly. It's not a monopoly of much, as neither company has been able to turn a profit since each began.

Speculation about a possible pair up began when Sirius Satellite Radio CEO Mel Karmazin told a group of investors that "we'd love to buy" XM. That's a pretty bold statement considering XM has 7 million subscribers to Sirius's 4.7 million. As we reported, Sirius is closing the gap thanks to its acquisition of Howard Stern in January, but is still a ways off from surpassing XM's subscriber base.

A Sirius/XM two-headed monster would serve to protect both companies against the onslaught of new technology that threatens each. iPods, cell phones, and various digital music devices are all competing for similar consumers. Both satellite radio companies have new-vehicle buyers to thank for the bulk of their subscribers, so if Apple wanted to deal a crushing blow it'd start giving away Nanos with new car purchases. Somehow we doubt that's ever going to happen.

[Source: AutoWeek]

Will Sirius and XM merge? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Jul 2006 20:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sirius gaining ground on XM

John Neff — Fri, 07 Jul 2006 15:03:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Audio, Etc., Technology

Having just reviewed an Audi A3 with Sirius satellite radio and an active subscription, I can honestly say that I seriously enjoyed listening to Howard Stern again after months of being cut off cold turkey. It turns out millions of people followed the shock jock to his new residence on Sirius satellite radio, and the company saw a 64-percent growth in new subscribers versus the first quarter of last year. That amounts to 600,640 new subscribers, versus rival XM's addition of 398,000 new subscribers during the same period

Some would say that's a huge gain for Sirius, but XM's total subscriber base still dwarfs that of Sirius at nearly 7 millino versus 4.7 million. Either way, this was the first time I ever considered setting down my iPod and iTrip and picking up the phone to order satellite radio. But then I had to give the Audi A3 back and forgot to call.

For those interested in purchasing a vehicle with the audio entertainment of their choice preinstalled, the following links will take to you a list of automakers offering each technology as a factory installed option.
Sirius Satellite Radio
XM Satellite Radio
iPod integration

[Source: Reuters

Sirius gaining ground on XM originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Jul 2006 15:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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