Earlier this week, Quu unveiled its 2025 In-Vehicle Visuals Report which featured several key takeaways on how radio brands are displayed on car dashboards and infotainment systems.
Some of the key findings include that automakers are now packing the infotainment centers of new models with audio options. Additionally, 66% are equipped with HD radio capabilities, despite a recent surge in built-in streaming apps.
74% of new models surveyed by Quu are labeled as “audio-forward” meaning the car generally defaults to the last audio source, while 26% were classified as “radio-forward” meaning the in-vehicle dash offers a designated “radio” button.
100% of models in 2025 featured FM radio compatibility, while AM Radio remained steady at 98%. While 67% of vehicles were equipped with HD radio, that figure is down slightly from the 70% featured in 2023.
SiriusXM saw an uptick in vehicles with 94% of models in 2025 coming with the equipment. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are each in 98% of models in 2025. 100% of models came equipped with text displays for radios, with an additional 60% featuring image displays.
The biggest downturn studied by Quu was the dedicated “radio” button in models. In 2025, only 26% of models surveyed had the feature, down from 36% in 2024.
During a Wednesday webinar to explain the findings, several of the radio industry’s leaders in the research and consulting fields shared their opinions on the findings.
“While AM and FM stations enjoyed absolute primacy in cars and trucks for decades and decades, this year’s report makes it crystal clear the in-vehicle competitive battle for radio’s top listening location is intensifying with each passing year,” said Jacobs Media President Paul Jacobs.
One of the big takeaways was the push for audio options in car infotainment systems. Gone are the days where AM/FM radio is the only option. But there is some encouraging news. With Android Auto and Apple CarPlay being ubiquitous, terrestrial radio brands have the ability to compete with other platforms like Spotify, Pandora, Apple Music, and Amazon Music due to innovations with those in-vehicle audio dashboards prioritizing text and picture displays.
“AM/FM radio can enhance its value to local advertisers and maintain a competitive edge by leveraging exclusive on-screen text and image opportunities,” Jacobs Media Vice President and General Manager Paul Jacobs said. “Stations that move quickly to market this limited dashboard real estate will gain a first-mover advantage and unlock significant long-term revenue.”
“In-car media systems continue to evolve rapidly,” said Xperi Senior Vice President of Global Broadcast Radio Joe D’Angelo. “Increased screen size, expansion of services, and more reliable connectivity are driving innovation and competition. Broadcasters must respond and have powerful solutions to deploy and defend their position in the dash.”
With those expanded options for AM/FM radio brands to compete with digital apps and platforms comes the need for the radio industry to adopt the necessary strategies to compete in the most-used area of radio listening: the car dashboard.
“Radio remains strong, but adding visual elements enhances engagement,” said McVay Media President Mike McVay. “Displaying real-time visuals like song titles and programming messages on dashboards enriches the listener experience and keeps radio competitive in today’s digital world.”
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Garrett Searight is Barrett Media’s News Editor, which includes writing daily news stories, features, and opinion columns. He joined Barrett Media in 2022 after a decade leading several radio brands in several formats, as well as a 5-year stint working in local television. In addition to his work with Barrett Media, he is a radio and TV play-by-play broadcaster. Reach out to him at Garrett@BarrettMedia.com.
