(January 8, 2014) LAS VEGAS — iBiquity Digital Corporation, the developer of digital HD Radio Technology for AM and FM audio and data broadcasting, today announced that all major automakers offer the technology.  There are 33 automotive brands that currently offer HD Radio audio, traffic or data features. 

Now that all major automakers have launched HD Radio Technology for the digital AM & FM audio features, five OEMs, including Toyota, Lexus, Honda, Mazda, and Mitsubishi, have launched vehicles that use the digital broadcasts to receive traffic and data information as well.

With all major automakers offering HD Radio Technology with its original audio features (Digital Sound Quality, HD2/HD3 Channels, and Program Info), many of them are focused on launching HD Radio Advanced Features like Artist Experience and Digital Traffic and Data.  25 auto brands offer the iTunes Tagging feature. 

The new Artist Experience feature, which brings visuals like album cover art to radio screens, is already offered by 11 auto brands with more on the way.  Vehicle manufacturers are also focusing on the new Digital Traffic and Data services offered through HD Radio broadcasts.  Honda, Mazda, Toyota, Lexus and Mitsubishi became the first automakers to announce the integration of HD Radio Technology to receive both audio and digital traffic services.  The rollout for Digital Traffic and Data is strong, as automakers can offer subscription-free traffic, weather, fuel and other information to their drivers.

Two service providers, Clear Channel and HERE, have built nationwide networks to broadcast real-time traffic and data information using the HD Radio system.  HERE has partnered with a group of radio station companies called the Broadcaster Traffic Consortium (BTC), while Clear Channel uses its own radio stations to support their Total Traffic Network. 

"2013 was a tremendous year as all major automakers now offer HD Radio Technology.  We were also excited to announce the first five auto brands to use the HD Radio data system delivering critical information like real-time traffic, weather forecasts and fuel prices to their vehicles all subscription-free," said Bob Struble, iBiquity Digital president and CEO. 

"We saw strong growth throughout the year as digital radio listening increased to 3 billion hours and nearly one-third of all new vehicles were shipped with HD Radio Technology.  We expect that growth to continue in 2014.  Automakers are clearly seeing the value and benefits of integrating the subscription-free HD Radio system into their telematics strategy driving the transition of over-the-air broadcasting to an all digital future."

Several carmakers are expanding their commitment to the digital dashboard by including HD Radio Technology:  Acura, Audi, Bentley, BMW, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford, GMC, Honda, Hyundai, Infiniti, Jaguar, Jeep, Kia, Land Rover, Lexus, Lincoln, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mini, Mitsubishi, Porsche, Ram, Rolls Royce, Scion, SRT (Chrysler), Subaru, Tesla, Toyota, Volkswagen, and Volvo have all extended their commitments to the technology with new announcements, a mix of new vehicle launches, broader application, new services and standardization.