Ford Axing AM Radios
Move comes despite calls from officials to retain it for public safety.
One analyst says signal interference is an excuse by carmakers to cut the cost of AM and that General Motors shields its EV AM radios to eliminate interference.
IMAGE: Pexels/Tobi
Ford is eliminating AM radio starting with most 2024 models, despite recent calls by former federal emergency officials and current lawmakers and regulators for carmakers to retain the feature for public safety reasons.
The AM proponents say it’s crucial for broadcasting safety alerts because it tends to stay operational despite natural disasters, extreme weather and other emergencies. Ex-Federal Emergency Management Agency officials wrote a letter to the federal transportation secretary and some congressional committees asking them to press carmakers to include AM in electric models.
Nevertheless, Ford plans to eliminate AM in both EVs and gas-powered models, except for commercial models.
EV makers have scratched AM because they say it can cause signal fading and buzzing noise because EV motors’ electromagnetic frequencies and AM signals are on the same wavelength.
Ford told the Detroit Free Press that it will offer AM through streaming options.
One industry analyst told the newspaper that the signal interference is an excuse by carmakers to cut the cost of AM and pointed out that General Motors shields its EV AM radios to eliminate interference.
Originally posted on Auto Dealer Today
More Industry
Missed Maintenance Creates Opportunity
As families get back on the road and into daily school routines, service drives have an opportunity to capture customers who are behind on recommended vehicle maintenance.
Read More →
Mitsubishi Unveils U.S. Plan
The automaker announced a strategy that includes an expanded lineup and dealership presence, along with more ‘rugged’ and electric models.
Read More →
Selling to Grow
The question of whether you should sell your agency and if so, when, is up to you. But it’s a question worth asking to ensure you keep the business on the right path for yourself, employees and clients.
Read More →
Recalled Vehicles Hit 5-Year High
Though the number of events has fallen so far this year, impacted units are up significantly. Meanwhile, regulators consider consumer notification changes.
Read More →
Auto Group Acquires Top-Performing Rooftop
Car Pros sold its Kia Huntington Beach location to Sutherlin Automotive Group, marking the buyer’s third location in Southern California.
Read More →
China as Pacesetter
Automotive leaders huddled on where North America stands in the global picture and how it can strengthen its position against the Asian juggernaut’s surging industry.
Read More →
BMW Concept Car Makes Fuel to Burn
The prototype developed in concert with a South Carolina university engineering team generates more solar energy than it uses in a typical daily commute.
Read More →
South Carolina Auto Group Downsizes
Florida-based group Holler-Classic has acquired four rooftops, its first in South Carolina, from Dick Smith Automotive Group.
Read More →
July Was Hot for Auto Borrowers
Credit proved readily available for many, but most loans left buyers in negative territory, Cox Automotive said.
Read More →
Structure Leads to Optimized Auto Listings
As the average car-buying journey has shifted to a blend of digital and retail, a dealership’s vehicle listings must be optimized to answer shoppers’ questions clearly and accurately.
Read More →