New Volvo cars to have DAB as standard

Volvo will have digital radio as standard in new models from the end of June, the Swedish company announced today.

CEO of Digital Radio UK Ford Ennals, speaking today at the Intellect industry “Future of Digital Entertainment” conference, welcomed the announcement from Volvo, which follows Ford, Volkswagen, BMW, Audi, and Mini which also have digital radio as standard.

Nick Connor, Managing Director of Volvo Car UK, said that digital radio “immeasurably enhances the in-car listening experience” and that it was a fantastic addition to their cars that their customers would love.

According to the latest research, 36.4% of new vehicle registrations now have digital radio as standard. It is hoped the majority of cars will have digital radio as standard by the end of 2013.

Ford said: “Volvo is an iconic brand and it is great news that Volvo is fitting digital radio in all their new cars, giving listeners the full choice of BBC and commercial radio stations they love while on the move.”

Communications Minister Ed Vaizey said: “It’s good news that Volvo is switching to fitting digital radios as standard. Many car manufacturers are switching to digital, providing more drivers with more choice. The industry is moving over to digital more and more with most new cars expected to have digital radio as standard by the end of the year.”