According to the latest digital radio figures released by SMMT and CAP:
- In 2012, more than half a million new cars were fitted with digital radio as standard, an 88.7% rise in uptake over the year-to-date.
- More than a quarter (26.4%) of the 2012 UK new car market was fitted with digital radio as standard, compared with just 14.7% of new cars registered in 2011.
- Over half (51.3%) of the 2012 new car market was fitted with a digital radio as standard or as a cost option, providing strong indication that motorists are keen to tune-in to enhanced digital radio services.
- Uptake accelerated sharply through the year from around 20% in Q1 to more than 33% in Q4, a trend that is set to continue in 2013.
This latest milestone in the uptake of in-car digital radio sends a strong signal that industry is set to deliver on its commitment to digitally enable all new cars by the end of 2013.
While there has been significant progress in improving both the content and coverage of digital radio services, more needs to be done to maintain this momentum. It is vital that government confirms a switchover date as soon as possible as this will undoubtedly shore-up consumer confidence and help drive demand.
