This story has been updated with a reaction comment from Xperi.
Because of the ongoing chip shortage, General Motors will omit HD Radio from certain pickup models.
The change was first reported by the website GM Trucks. A GM spokesperson has confirmed the plan to Radio World. The change starts with vehicles produced on or after July 12.
HD Radio isn’t the only victim of the worldwide chip problem. According to automotive trade reports, GM said previously it would build certain trucks without Active Fuel Management and Dynamic Fuel Management technologies due to the global microchip shortage. And the Detroit Free Press recently reported about the broader impact of the chip shortage: “Car dealers have barren parking lots, consumers face limited options on new vehicle purchases and buyers must wait, and wait, for their new ride to be built.”
[Read: HD Radio’s History of Innovation and Future of Growth]
Kevin Kelly, senior manager, product and brand communications for General Motors, confirmed the HD Radio change in an email to Radio World. “Due to the global, industry-wide shortage of semiconductors GM is removing the HD Radio feature from certain 2021 model year Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 [vehicles] and all 2022 model year Chevrolet Silverado 2500/3500 HD and GMC Sierra 2500/3500 HD [vehicles].”
Kelly said this change to the availability of HD Radio “is currently expected to be permanent.”
GM Trucks also reported that a window sticker will include the line “Not Equipped with HD Radio,” and a $50 MSRP credit will be applied.
Asked for comment by Radio World, Jeff Jury, Xperi’s SVP and general manager, Connected Car, replied in an emailed statement:
“Xperi is aware of the global IC shortage impacting auto production, and in some cases, features in cars. We continue to work with all car companies to try to help address issues where we can. While there could be some instances of feature reductions in radios (along with other technologies) in some cars, we are confident that overall HD Radio deployment in vehicles will continue to move forward.”
Jury continued: “As context, HD Radio is currently available from 40+ manufacturers across over 200 vehicle models and is currently in 70+ million vehicles / 75+ million receivers. HD just marked 10 years in Mexico with 200 channels of HD and we are seeing increased interest for AM All-Digital from U.S. and Canadian broadcasters, which should also spur further digital radio deployment in vehicles.”
