The Auto Writer

J.D. Power Study Says That You Love Your Satellite Radio and In Dash Navigation System

Our love affair for the automobile isn’t going away, no matter what the pundits say and no matter how much the environmental set wants everyone to hang up our keys or at least drive a Prius.

Regardless of what type of ride we do choose, the majority of drivers are embracing the technological features available today including satellite radio and navigation systems. Surprising to me, 55% of drivers now have satellite access in their cars and 25% now use navigation systems according to J.D. Power and Associates, the consumer marketing company.

“New-vehicle buyers are looking for the latest technologies in audio systems, and the presence of features such as satellite radio and navigation systems will only increase as manufacturers try to meet consumer demand,” said Allison LaDuc, senior research manager of automotive product quality at J.D. Power and Associates. “For instance, nearly 60 percent of consumers say they want a navigation system on their next vehicle, and 66 percent of consumers want the ability to play MP3 files. To meet or exceed consumer expectations, manufacturers will need to focus on incorporating high-tech features in multimedia systems while avoiding increases in problem levels.”

Alpine Electronics, Panasonic, Delphi, and Clarion Each Place First

Among the favorite brands for the AM/FM/single CD player segment were Alpine Electronics of America followed by Panasonic and Clarion. In the AM/FM/multi-CD changer segment, Panasonic won out followed by Pioneer and Sanyo. Delphi Corp. ranked the highest in the AM/FM/single CD player/satellite radio segment while Clarion ranked the highest in the AM/FM/multi-CD changer/satellite radio segment.

The 2008 Multimedia Quality and Satisfaction Study is based on responses from 81,530 new-vehicle owners who purchased a 2008 model-year vehicle. The study was fielded between February and April 2008.

Thankfully, the days of AM radio only cars is long dead. Even the cheapest models offer excellent radio and navigation systems, as consumers demand access to state of the art technology.

(Source: J.D. Power and Associates)