Clarion, the car audio and mobile electronics maker, announced today it would design, develop and market car radios for both XM Satellite Radio and Sirius Satellite Radio (formerly known as CD Radio). Both companies are building networks for delivering subscription-based digital radio content via satellite to consumers. XM is expected to go online with up to 100 channels in early 2001 and Sirius is targeting the end of next year for its launch of 50 channels.
Jim Minarik, president and CEO of Clarion, said XM and Sirius give his company the opportunity to develop “cutting-edge and revolutionary” new products. “Consumers will now have unprecedented choice, access to commercial-free music with digital quality sound and seamless coast-to-coast coverage,” he said.
The XM announcement was made by Minarik and Hugh Panero, president and CEO of XM. “We are very pleased that Clarion, a leading developer of automobile multimedia entertainment, will add AM/FM/XM radios to its impressive list of automotive manufacturing partners,” Panero said. “This deal underscores the momentum XM Satellite Radio is building as more and more consumer electronics giants join us to build the next generation of radio.”
Sirius senior vice president of marketing Ira Bahr said his company is excited about Clarion’s extensive marketing reach. “Clarion is a recognized leader in mobile multimedia and digital entertainment,” he said. “With [their] exceptional distribution network, which includes a recent agreement with Best Buy, they will be instrumental in creating as wide a distribution network as possible for Sirius receivers.”
Clarion joins Alpine, Delphi-Delco, Mitsubishi Electronics Automotive America, Motorola, Pioneer and Sharp in announcing it will make XM-capable radios. Other announced manufacturers for Sirius Radio include Panasonic, Alpine, Delphi-Delco and Recoton. Sirius has an exclusive agreement with Ford Motors to install Sirius receivers in Ford vehicles. XM counts General Motors among its major partners and investors.
For previous TWICE Online coverage.
CD Radio, Renamed, Adds Studio, 06-Dec-1999
Clarion, Rockford Sales Diverge After Best Buy Entries, 07-Sep-1999
XM Inks Exclusive Deal To Provide Service in GM Vehicles, 08-Jun-1999
For related Web sites and information.
Clarion Co. Ltd.
Sirius Satellite Radio (and stock listing)
XM Satellite Radio (and stock listing)
