Mercedes-Benz of Mexico has introduced the 2014 S-Class with HD Radio technology as standard equipment.
It’s the first luxury brand to make HD Radio standard across Mexico, the U.S. and Canada, according to iBiquity Digital. Company COO Jeff Jury says the launch coincides with the technology developer’s continuing efforts to bring HD Radio to all North American markets.
Other automakers also offer HD Radio as standard equipment on some of their brands across North America — currently Dodge, Ford, GMC, Jeep, Lincoln, Mitsubishi and Toyota — but not as standard equipment across all three countries, iBiquity tells Radio World.
Mexico approved HD Radio as the digital radio standard for AM and FM in June 2011. Now, 13 broadcasters use the technology in the country’s capital, Mexico City, as well as 24 additional stations in other areas, according to iBiquity. Canada is evaluating HD Radio technology, we’ve reported, with several border cities already having access to HD broadcasts from the U.S.
