GM Drops HD Radio From Select Models

Is GM Backing Away?

Is GENERAL MOTORS dropping HD RADIO from some of its 2015 models? Yes, says a report from RADIOWORLD, which writes GM is "leaving HD Radio out of the 2015 CHEVY TRAVERSE," and also removed HD from more models, "specifically the 2015 SILVERADO Truck, BUICK ENCLAVE and REGAL as well as the IMPALA."

IBIQUITY DIGITAL explained to RADIOWORLD's LESLIE STIMSON, "HD RADIO receivers are being installed by every automaker. While HD RADIO receivers remain in all CADILLAC models, there will be some slowdown in adoption with other GM brands for a period of time. Industry wide, we are pleased that soon close to 40% of all new vehicles sold in AMERICA will be HD RADIO-equipped.”

Not So Fast

TODAY (8/29), STRATEGY ANALYTICS automotive blogger ROGER LANCTOT writes, "News that GM was 'deleting' (in industry jargon) HD RADIO from the 2015 IMPALA had radio industry executives concocting a variety of conspiracy theories this week.  It is the vogue in the broadcast industry to predict the demise of the in-dash radio.  Each turn of the knob becomes yet another indicator of the end of the radio world as we know it."

LANCTOT continues, "The real news flash from the HD RADIO end of the dial is that just as many new GM 'platforms' are adding HD RADIO as are dropping -- so the net is no change and the long-term outlook is for continued broad-based deployment.  But the news of the tweak in availability for the IMPALA highlights a bigger issue playing out in increasingly digital dashboards: access to traffic information."

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