VOLVO and Renault have both announced official DAB digital radio upgrades for existing models. The moves coincide the radio industry’s GoDigital conference, held this week at Broadcasting House in London.
Communications Minister Ed Vaizey said the time wasn’t yet ripe to enforce a compulsory switchover to digital radio
Current Volvo models, with the exception of the long-running XC90, already have DAB radios as standard but now there’s an upgrade path for older models as well.
Volvo dealers are offering Pure’s Highway 300i DAB adapter for £295 including fitting. Pure, a UK company, is one of the world leaders in digital radio technology.
Volvo Car UK managing director Nick Connor said: “With the digital radio switchover date still unclear, we can assure our Volvo customers with both new and older models that they won’t miss out on digital radio.
“It allows them to enjoy medium wave radio stations such as Radio 5 Live in much greater clarity.”
Renault hasn’t previously offered factory-fit DAB radios but this will change next year when it starts offering the digital technology as standard next year, initially on the Trafic van and Twingo hatch.
In the meantime, it’s now also offering a new integrated DAB upgrade, in this case supplied by Connect2, which is suitable for all Renault’s delivered since 2008.
The Connect2 device attaches to the back of the car’s existing radio and even works in conjunction with the steering wheel mounted controls where fitted. The price is £240 including VAT and fitting. It can also be installed in new cars at the dealership prior to delivery.
Speaking at the GoDigital event, Communications Minister Ed Vaizey said the time wasn’t yet ripe to enforce a compulsory switchover to digital radio but that more than forty per cent of new cars sold in the UK now had DAB as standard.