For those of you wishing to expand your in-car channel surfing horizons well beyond the relatively limited scope of channels available to you via analog radio, Mercedes-Benz USA has announced that they will be offering HD Radio technology on several model year 2009 vehicles.  The free digital AM/FM radio service is part of Mercedes' completely new generation of entertainment systems developed for the M-, R-, GL- and G-Class SUV's as well as the E-Class model lineup.

According to Rasheq Zarif, Assistant Product Manager - Technology Planning at Mercedes-Benz USA:  "HD Radio technology serves to enhance our digital information and entertainment system today and has the potential to significantly expand the options available to consumers in the future.  Mercedes-Benz is committed to providing our customers with the latest, next-generation in-vehicle entertainment technology."

Currently broadcasting to more than 83 percent of Americans, the subscription-free HD Radio service already features over 1,700 HD Radio stations, with an additional 800 new multicast channels available exclusively to HD Radio listeners.  In addition to highlighting unique and/or new music genres through their own dedicated channels, such as jazz, "tween," local bands and Bluegrass, the most notable benefit of HD Radio over analog is, of course, the fact that content is delivered digitally - the result of which is an improvement in audio quality comparable to that of a CD.

If you're interested, as already noted, HD Radio will be offered on all 2009 Mercedes SUV's as well as the E-Class. To learn more about HD Radio as well as its implementation on the 2009 Mercedes model lineups, keep reading for the official press release.

Enjoy.



OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE


Mercedes-Benz To Offer Factory Installed HD Radio™ Technology On Select Model Year 2009 Vehicles

Montvale, NJ – Mercedes-Benz announced today that it will offer HD Radio technology on several of its MY 2009 vehicles. The free digital AM/FM radio service is part of Mercedes-Benz’s completely new generation of entertainment systems developed for its M-, R-, GL-, G-Class SUVs and E-Class vehicles.

“HD Radio technology serves to enhance our digital information and entertainment system today and has the potential to significantly expand the options available to consumers in the future,” said Rasheq Zarif, Assistant Product Manager - Technology Planning at Mercedes-Benz USA. “Mercedes-Benz is committed to providing our customers with the latest, next-generation in-vehicle entertainment technology.”

HD Radio technology is the most significant advance in radio broadcasting since the advent of FM. Available to more than 83 percent of Americans, more than 1,700 HD Radio stations are already on the air with over 800 additional new multicast channels (HD2/HD3) that are exclusive to HD Radio listeners. These subscription-free channels feature digitally delivered new music and fresh formats, showcasing jazz, “Tween,” local bands, world music, Motorsports, Bluegrass niche content and much more.

All MY 2009 Mercedes-Benz SUV's and E-Class models featuring a new head unit incorporating a large 6.5-inch color display screen with a standard in-dash, six-disc CD/DVD changer and a Bluetooth interface that allows a phone (even in a pocket or purse) to be operated through the car’s audio system. The new head unit can be equipped with an optional iPod/MP3 media interface, Sirius satellite radio, HD Radio technology, and an advanced voice control system for audio, navigation and phone systems. The sound system can play tracks stored on a data CD, DVD or memory card. The new system can also display maps and directions for the optional GPS navigation system, which can display Sirius real-time traffic information and Zagat restaurant ratings.

For a complete, current list of HD Radio stations across the U.S., please visit http://www.hdradio.com. “HD Radio™” is a proprietary trademark of iBiquity Digital Corporation.

Copyright © 2008, Mercedes-Benz USA