Briefly: Ford’s next-generation Mustang is ready to enter manufacturing later this month with some main modifications in tow, and never all of them are fascinating. Sources aware of the matter instructed Ford Authority that the Blue Oval automaker is ditching AM radio within the upcoming 2024 Ford Mustang.
Final summer time, the publication mentioned Ford was eradicating AM radio from its 2023 F-150 Lightning on account of interference with the EV’s drivetrain.
As The Drive highlights, EVs from a number of main automakers together with Audi, BMW, Tesla, Volvo and Porsche have already shed AM radio. Reps for BMW and Volvo instructed the publication they do not embody AM radio due to audio high quality issues associated to electromagnetic interference from their autos’ drivetrains.
That mentioned, loads of different automakers have and proceed to supply AM radio of their EVs with out subject. Moreover, the 2024 Mustang is not an EV in order that concern is null and void.
Radio on the whole remains to be fairly in style. In accordance with a Nielsen Media Analysis report from 2021, extra People take heed to the radio (293 million) than use Fb (180 million) every week. What’s extra, the typical American grownup listens to 12.2 hours of radio per week.
AM radio consists largely of discuss exhibits, sports activities broadcasts, information experiences and emergency bulletins. It also needs to come as little shock that AM radio has the very best share of collective belief throughout all forms of promoting channels together with tv, web sites and social media.
So, what’s actually occurring?
Whereas there are not any concrete solutions, there are many potentialities that might – no less than, collectively – shed some mild on the topic. Maybe we’re merely taking a look at a cost-cutting measure. With streaming as prevalent as it’s lately, it’s attainable that some automakers wish to save a buck by excluding a function they suppose most patrons may not even miss. Element shortages might additionally play into the choice.
Would you purchase a brand new car that did not include AM radio or is that this a non-issue for you?
Picture credit score: Driving by Samuele Errico Piccarini, On Air by Fringer Cat