1 of 1- RadioActive
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Auto Manufacturers Make Their Case Against Mandatory AM Radio In Cars
I don't entirely buy their arguments - especially the somewhat ludicrous asserting that including an AM radio in cars would somehow make them less safe - but a group of auto-related pundits make their case for allowing car manufacturers to leave AM out of electric (and other) vehicles.
It comes as legislation to require the band be kept in all vehicles down south is slowly wending its way through political channels.
"To accommodate analog AM radio as a primary design requirement, certain carmakers may need to scrap advanced safety features, with engineers having to prioritize outdated technology over current or future safety innovations. If the goal is to save American lives, Congress should encourage automakers to focus on innovative technologies like advanced driver-assistance systems, autonomous vehicles and collision avoidance systems that actually reduce car accidents and fatalities."
Do you buy their arguments?
Why a congressional AM radio mandate is a bad idea
- Skywave
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Re: Auto Manufacturers Make Their Case Against Mandatory AM Radio In Cars
Their reasoning is specious. They have no supporting arguments as to why the simple activation of AM functionality within an existing chip set should cost billions. The mandate is to include AM reception capability, not to make it perfect. The computer smarts that perform safety functions such as parking assist, cruise control, lane keeping, pedestrian alerts, etc are in totally separate modules. Radio reception and satellite navigation are part of the infotainment system.
Case in point, didn't Ford turn it back on a few months ago? Ford decides to keep AM radio on 2024 models, will restore AM on two electric vehicles from 2023 (citynews.ca)
- RadioActive
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Re: Auto Manufacturers Make Their Case Against Mandatory AM Radio In Cars
Their entire case makes no sense. I admit I'm not even close to being an automotive engineer, but my old car (which I miss to this day) had a full AM/FM radio in it, a tab for satellite radio (which I never used), a CD player and even a rare cassette in it. None of which interfered with anything, including whatever safety measures were also installed.
They simply don't want to do this because it will cost them extra.
But there are signs the automakers may eventually win if they just keep dragging this out long enough.
‘Time Is Running Out’ As NAB Pushes Grassroots Effort For AM Act
I still say this can be resolved by simply making AM an option on an EV - if you want it badly enough, you'll pay for it. If not, you'll save a few bucks. And then none of this is necessary.
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Thread Starter- turkeytop
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Re: Auto Manufacturers Make Their Case Against Mandatory AM Radio In Cars
The manufacturers argue that AM radio could compromise vehicle safety. I'd rather be sharing the road with someone who has an AM radio in their car than with someone in a self driving vehicle.
Last edited by turkeytop (June 24, 2024 11:06 am)
After all is said and done, more is usually said than done.
- RadioActive
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Re: Auto Manufacturers Make Their Case Against Mandatory AM Radio In Cars
My new car is driving me crazy with the safety features. They keep going off when there's absolutely no reason to, scaring the hell out of me. I almost wish I could turn them off, they're so annoying and inaccurate. I get it - they're there for my own good, but when they light up for no reason, they do more harm than good.
If it's between those and an AM radio, you know which one I'd choose!
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Thread Starter- turkeytop
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Re: Auto Manufacturers Make Their Case Against Mandatory AM Radio In Cars
My audible safety warnings come from the passenger seat. I wish it had a mute button.
After all is said and done, more is usually said than done.
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Re: Auto Manufacturers Make Their Case Against Mandatory AM Radio In Cars
turkeytop wrote:
My audible safety warnings come from the passenger seat. I wish it had a mute button.
Try this:
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Thread Starter- SpinningWheel
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Re: Auto Manufacturers Make Their Case Against Mandatory AM Radio In Cars
"To accommodate analog AM radio as a primary design requirement, certain carmakers may need to scrap advanced safety features, with engineers having to prioritize outdated technology over current or future safety innovations. If the goal is to save American lives, Congress should encourage automakers to focus on innovative technologies like advanced driver-assistance systems, autonomous vehicles and collision avoidance systems that actually reduce car accidents and fatalities."
Do you buy their arguments?
Not in the least. These are the same clowns who conversely resisted mandatory air bags and seat belts because they would ad a very tiny sum to the cost of manufacturing a car. They'll say anything if it suits their bottom line.
- turkeytop
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Re: Auto Manufacturers Make Their Case Against Mandatory AM Radio In Cars
We're all radio geeks, so we care. But does the average consumer care?
After all is said and done, more is usually said than done.
- RadioAaron
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Re: Auto Manufacturers Make Their Case Against Mandatory AM Radio In Cars
We're all radio geeks, so we care. But does the average consumer care?
No. The auto manufacturers don't make these decisions based on a hunch. They do research - a lot of it.
- RadioAaron
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Re: Auto Manufacturers Make Their Case Against Mandatory AM Radio In Cars
My audible safety warnings come from the passenger seat. I wish it had a mute button.
You're the best poster on this board.
- Johnny B
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Re: Auto Manufacturers Make Their Case Against Mandatory AM Radio In Cars
Pretty simple really...what percentage of 18 to 35 year olds tune into AM (or even FM for that matter) in their vehicles?....even satellite radio is starting to take a pronounced hit....the auto guys know this...younger generations want to make sure Apple Car Play and Google Assistant and in-vehicle Wi-Fi and other connectivity tech are available in their new vehicles before an AM/FM/Satellite radio...that ancient shyt is for their moms and dads and boomer grandparents and it is slowly dying with them.
- turkeytop
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Re: Auto Manufacturers Make Their Case Against Mandatory AM Radio In Cars
Pretty simple really...what percentage of 18 to 35 year olds tune into AM (or even FM for that matter) in their vehicles?....even satellite radio is starting to take a pronounced hit....the auto guys know this...younger generations want to make sure Apple Car Play and Google Assistant and in-vehicle Wi-Fi and other connectivity tech are available in their new vehicles before an AM/FM/Satellite radio...that ancient shyt is for their moms and dads and boomer grandparents and it is slowly dying with them.
What percentage of 18 to 35 year olds can afford a new car?
After all is said and done, more is usually said than done.
- Johnny B
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Re: Auto Manufacturers Make Their Case Against Mandatory AM Radio In Cars
Pretty simple really...what percentage of 18 to 35 year olds tune into AM (or even FM for that matter) in their vehicles?....even satellite radio is starting to take a pronounced hit....the auto guys know this...younger generations want to make sure Apple Car Play and Google Assistant and in-vehicle Wi-Fi and other connectivity tech are available in their new vehicles before an AM/FM/Satellite radio...that ancient shyt is for their moms and dads and boomer grandparents and it is slowly dying with them.
What percentage of 18 to 35 year olds can afford a new car?
Guessing you have no clue that Apple Car Play, Android Auto and in-vehicle Wi-Fi have been available since 2015? More and more entry level models now have them. You can find plenty of used/affordable cars with this connectivity tech already and it's only getting cheaper and more readily available.
- turkeytop
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Re: Auto Manufacturers Make Their Case Against Mandatory AM Radio In Cars
Guessing you have no clue that Apple Car Play, Android Auto and in-vehicle Wi-Fi have been available since 2015? More and more entry level models now have them. You can find plenty of used/affordable cars with this connectivity tech already and it's only getting cheaper and more readily available.
You're right. I don't have a clue about any of that stuff. But it seems odd that the manufacturers want to build a vehicle for a demographic that represents such a tiny slice of the market.
The majority of new car buyers still listen to radio.
Last edited by turkeytop (June 27, 2024 3:24 pm)
After all is said and done, more is usually said than done.
- Johnny B
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Re: Auto Manufacturers Make Their Case Against Mandatory AM Radio In Cars
Guessing you have no clue that Apple Car Play, Android Auto and in-vehicle Wi-Fi have been available since 2015? More and more entry level models now have them. You can find plenty of used/affordable cars with this connectivity tech already and it's only getting cheaper and more readily available.
You're right. I don't have a clue about any of that stuff. But it seems odd that the manufacturers want to build a vehicle for a demographic that is such a tiny slice of the market.
That demo is the future of the auto market...and more importantly that type of in-vehicle tech and connectivity is what that segment is looking and asking for in their vehicle purchases...why focus on or cater to an aging boomer demo and their dated AM/FM technology?...auto manufacturers like to have uniform platforms they can affix to as many models as possible so a modern, connected and universal infotainment system that can by plugged into many models works best and is most affordable to them...if the media organizations that own those AM/FM stations/frequencies are turning their backs on them, why should auto companies include it if the next generation buying their cars care less and less about the availability of AM/FM bands/radios in their cars?
- turkeytop
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Re: Auto Manufacturers Make Their Case Against Mandatory AM Radio In Cars
I'm in the market for a new vehicle right now. But if a salesman tries to sell me one with no radio, that would be a deal breaker, no matter what other fancy tech gadgets are taking its place.
Last edited by turkeytop (June 27, 2024 4:23 pm)
After all is said and done, more is usually said than done.