Ford announced that it is removing AM radio in its next-gen EVs and gas-powered vehicles.
The Ford Bronco logo is displayed on a vehicle at Serramonte Ford on January 05, 2022 in Colma, California. Ford announced a 17 percent drop in year-over-year sales in the month of December. Truck sales fell over 15 percent while SUV sales dropped 11 percent.
With this plan, Ford Motor Co. joins other automakers who are also ditching AM radio.
"We are transitioning from AM radio for most new and updated 2024 models," said Wes Sherwood, Ford's spokesman.
He added that numerous U.S.-based AM stations and automakers are already modernizing radio.
They are doing this by offering internet streaming through FM, digital, and satellite radio options, as well as mobile apps.
Next-Gen Ford EVs Will Not Have AM Radio
According to Detroit Free Press, Ford Motor Co. aims to remove the AM radio in new conventional cars and EVs starting in 2024.
Employees work on the 40 millionth Ford Motor Co. F-Series truck on the assembly line at the Ford Dearborn Truck Plant on January 26, 2022 in Dearborn, Michigan. - The 40 millionth is a F-150, Tremor model in Iconic Silver and will be delivered to a customer in Texas.
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Among the Ford cars that will no longer have AM radio in 2024 are F-150 Lightning and Mustang Mach-E.
Ford explained that it will continue offering alternatives for AM radio so that its consumers can still listen to music, news, and podcasts. But, Sherwood clarified that commercial Ford cars will continue offering the AM radio because of longstanding contact language.
Why AM Radio is Being Removed?
Aside from Ford, BMW, Volkswagen, Volvo, Rivian, and Mazda are also aiming to remove AM radios in their electric cars. But, why are automakers suddenly ditching the AM radio?
The Verge reported that automakers want to remove AM radio because electric motors can affect its signal. This could lead to poor reception and unwanted noises; which can affect drivers' focus on the road.
Of course, many experts criticize the decision of automakers to remove AM radio in their vehicles.
Even FCC Commissioner Nathan Simington believes that the AM radio is very important in vehicles.
Meanwhile, other critics argued that AM radio is very beneficial to drivers because there will be some instances when they will have getting internet connections.
If you want to learn more about why AM radio is being removed from EVs, you can click this link.
In other news, the new all-electric Ford Explorer, which is built in Europe, was recently introduced. We also reported Ford's $3 billion loss.
For more news updates about Ford and other giant automakers, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes.
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