Volkswagen Expands HD Radio Offer in the U.S.

Volkswagen’s American arm has announced that, starting with the 2012 Model Year, all the vehicles that come with the touch screen radio Premium VIII will benefit from HD Radio. Thus, customers will be able to enjoy crystal-clear sounds, additional local digital channels of the FM dial as well as the iTunes Tagging feature.

“Volkswagen continues to bring the latest in technology to their customers to give them the best driving experience,” said Mark Barnes, Chief Operating Officer, Volkswagen of America, Inc.

“HD Radio Technology expands what radio can bring to the listener. VW will further improve the HD Radio listening experience in the Premium VIII radio, by adding new features like iTunes Tagging and Artist Experience later this year,” Barnes added.

The carmaker currently only offers HD Radio Technology on models fitted with the RNS-510 and RNS-850 navigation systems.

Volkswagen has also prepared a special experience for visitors of the 2011 Consumers Electronics Show, which will be held in Las Vegas, between January 6 and 9. The company will showcase the latest HD Radio Technology feature, “Artist Experience”, which displays station logos and artist images on the screen.

“Volkswagen’s continued adoption of HD Radio Technology reinforces their commitment to being an infotainment leader in the automotive sector,” said Jeff Jury, COO, iBiquity Digital Corporation, the developer of digital HD Radio Technology. “Volkswagen is bringing technology to the masses with the addition of HD Radio to their best selling radio.”