Study: More Satellite Radio, GPS in New Cars

Market penetration has jumped over 50 percent for satellite radio in new cars, while up to a quarter of cars on the road now contain navigation systems. That’s according to a survey released Wednesday by J.D. Power and Associates, which found that consumer demand is on the rise for both.

The J.D. Power and Associates 2008 Multimedia Quality and Satisfaction Study also rated various mobile electronics manufacturers on customer satisfaction, with Alpine Electronics coming in first place in the AM/FM/single CD player category, Panasonic Automotive Systems winning the AM/FM/multi-CD changer segment, Delphi Corp. taking first prize in the AM/FM/single CD player/satellite radio rankings and Clarion Corp. winning the AM/FM/multi-CD changer/satellite radio competition.

“New-vehicle buyers are looking for the latest technologies in audio systems, and the presence of features such as satellite radio and navigation systems will only increase as manufacturers try to meet consumer demand,” J.D. Power’s senior research manager for the automotive product section, Allison LaDuc, said as part of the announcement.

For more on the study, visit www.jdpower.com