Hyundai has expanded its rollout of XM as a factory-installed, standard feature across several new vehicles in its lineup.
For the 2008 model year, Hyundai will add the Tiburon, Accent and Tucson as new vehicles with XM Satellite Radio as a standard feature. On top of that, XM will also be standard on the new 2009 Elantra Touring - the concept vehicle (pictured above) was revealed today at the 2007 SEMA Show.
Hyundai's rollout of XM as a standard feature the U.S. started with the 2007 model year. Since then XM is a standard feature on the Azera, Elantra, Santa Fe, Sonata and Veracruz.
All Hyundais with XM installed include a 3-month free subscription.
The new Elantra Touring is scheduled to arrive in the U.S. in 2008 and is taking advantage of the strong resurgence in small hatchbacks. The photo above shows the unveiling of the Elantra Touring "Beach Cruiser" Concept, a pimped-out, customized version by K-Daddyz Kustomz of Bakersfield, CA.
It should be noted that Hyundai subs (the 3 months for free) are not counted in XM subscriber numbers until the owner of the car (the actual listener) opts to self pay at the end of the 3 month cycle.
it should also be noted that Hyundai produces and sells about 500,000 cars in the USA. At a 50% take rate thats 62,500 real subs per Q.
"It should be noted that Hyundai subs (the 3 months for free) are not counted in XM subscriber numbers until the owner of the car (the actual listener) opts to self pay at the end of the 3 month cycle."
Only Pro-Sirius people dont know that already. :p
Once XM and Sirius merge, satrad should be standard in all cars. It shouldn't even be an issue, like AM and FM, and new cars should include a subscription for as long as that buyer owns the car.