(January 7, 2013) LAS VEGAS — They may be small cars, but future Chevrolet Sparks and Sonics will pack a world of infotainment choices with the addition of streaming audio powerhouse TuneIn and its global network of 70,000 stations. Today for the first time, Chevrolet will demonstrate TuneIn capability — in a 2014 Spark EV — at the Consumer Electronics Show.

Enabled by a smartphone app compatible with the standard MyLink Radio on uplevel Spark and Sonic models, TuneIn will give customers all over the world access to global, personalized infotainment controlled through the car radio. It means a customer living in Chicago can dial in a talk radio station in Africa and a customer in South Korea can listen to his favorite electronic music station in Europe or jazz station in New Orleans.

MyLink is currently standard on the 2013 Spark LT and Sonic RS and LTZ models. It is available on the 2013 Sonic LS and LT. MyLink will be standard on the 2014 Spark EV when it goes on sale in summer 2013.

“We listened to customers around the world when we developed MyLink for Spark and Sonic, and we believe TuneIn will be a big hit with those who crave customized connectivity and entertainment,” said Cristi Landy, director, Chevrolet small cars and electric vehicles. “Our Spark and Sonic buyers will have a fantastic solution for tuning in to their favorite radio stations from around the world.”

TuneIn is one of three new smartphone app-based features expected to be available later this year for MyLink-equipped Spark and Sonic models. Others are BringGo, a full-function navigation system; and Siri, Apple’s intelligent assistant (for customers with a compatible iPhone running iOS 6) that allows drivers to get things done just by asking. Customers should consult their dealer and check the Chevrolet website for updates on when these features will be available.

Two other embedded apps, Pandora internet radio and Stitcher Smart Radio, were included with MyLink when it debuted in Spark and Sonic.

To access TuneIn through the MyLink Radio, a customer needs to download the free TuneIn Radio app to a compatible smartphone and connect the phone with MyLink for safe, seamless connectivity to live local, international and Internet radio. Users can search for programming by location, genre, sports team name, station type or call sign.

“TuneIn will add another dimension to Spark and Sonic infotainment choices, and demonstrates the ability to continually expand and update MyLink capabilities with new smartphone apps,” said Landy.

The Spark’s MyLink Radio functions as an extension of the owner’s compatible iPhone, Android, or BlackBerry. MyLink also supports select phones with the Symbian operating system from Nokia and certain phones with the Windows Mobile operating system from Microsoft.

Owners connect their customized music libraries, contacts, videos and photos with the radio using their smartphones, and the vehicle’s Bluetooth, plug-in outlet or USB. Then, they select from options projected onto the seven-inch color touch-screen: Audio, Pictures & Movies, Telephone, Smartphone Link and Settings.

Each menu selection takes the user though a list of easy-to-select functions while the smartphone is safely stowed.

Spark and Sonic customers with a compatible iPhone running iOS 6 can direct Siri to perform a number of specific tasks while they keep their eyes on the road and their hands on the wheel. Owners will simply connect their iPhone with the MyLink radio via Bluetooth, pair with the system, and use the steering wheel voice activation button to begin and end sessions with Siri in its Eyes Free mode.