Audi to make HD Radio standard by 2010

Audi of America today announced plans to offer HD-Radio technology as a standard feature in many of its vehicles, beginning with 2011 models, which will start arriving in dealerships in 2010. Let's face it, analog radio sounds horrible when compared to almost any digital medium, so Audi's decision to include the best-possible-sounding broadcast technology meets with our approval.

This is also good news for HD-Radio broadcasters, because although HD-digital broadcasts are both free and much higher in quality than analog broadcasts, consumers have been slow to adopt the technology. This is partially due to ignorance about the medium, but mostly due to the higher cost to purchase HD-Radio receivers versus their analog counterparts, and competition from nationwide satellite radio carriers. Audi's move to make HD-Radio standard will put receivers within earshot of more listeners.

"As one of the world's most progressive car companies, Audi strives to deliver on the pillars of its brand promise--performance and technology. Incorporating HD-Radio technology in upcoming models reflects that commitment," said Johan de Nysschen, Audi of America's executive vice president. "We believe consumers will want to experience HD-Radio broadcasting firsthand because, as with anything we put in our cars, the truth is in the engineering."