2024 Ford Mustang Joins Electric F-150 in Dropping AM Radio

The 2024 Ford Mustang will drop the AM radio receiver in its infotainment system—becoming a member of the electrical F-150.

Customers of the Mustang7G discussion board found the brand new mannequin would lack AM radio receivers. Quickly, a Ford spokesperson confirmed the transfer saying, “international locations and automakers globally are modernizing radio by providing web streaming by way of cellular apps, FM, or digital.” AM radio consumption habits have shifted, nevertheless it stays a part of the US nationwide alert community. Simply 75 stations attain greater than 90% of the nation’s inhabitants for emergency alerts.

Many officers are involved {that a} lower within the availability of AM receivers in vehicles may forestall drivers from being reached in precise emergencies. Standalone AM radios exist, however not many individuals will suppose to buy an aftermarket radio for his or her brand-new automotive—particularly to obtain emergency alerts.

A survey of radio listeners finds that radio listening on the entire, whether or not it’s AM or FM, is trending downward. That’s as a result of the youthful technology prefers listening to podcasts and streaming music as their AM/FM substitute, respectively.

Bluetooth is now probably the most most popular expertise for related automobiles amongst new automotive consumers. 76% of those that have been surveyed mentioned the tech is a ‘should have’ in any new car buy, up from 73% on 2021. 74% of respondents mentioned AM radio was a ‘should have’ in 2021, however that’s down to simply 70% in 2023. Simply 33% of recent automotive consumers reported AM radio as a ‘should have’ function, showcasing why automakers really feel the receiver is not obligatory in 2023 mannequin automobiles.

This showcases how listening developments are altering as folks use their telephones to regulate their listening expertise within the automotive. Applied sciences like voice instructions, devoted WiFi, and CarPlay and Google Assistant all made the record of at the least 25% of recent automotive consumers say they need the expertise on their automobiles. These internet-connected applied sciences are extra fascinating amongst new auto consumers (learn: youthful of us).