While the industry focuses on the latest in CarPlay, connectivity and in-vehicle video streaming, the U.S. House of Representatives has passed a bill that would require AM radio receivers in all new vehicles sold in the United States.
The bill directs the federal Department of Transportation to issue a rule making AM radio reception standard equipment in all new cars. It has bipartisan backing, co-sponsored in the Senate by Ed Markey and Ted Cruz, and President Trump has voiced support for it, according to Radio World.
CEoutlook reported previously on the effort by lawmakers to stop automakers from removing the band. That effort has now cleared its first chamber.
Supporters said AM radio reaches remote areas that other systems do not and remains part of the national emergency alert system. They described it as public safety infrastructure rather than an entertainment feature.
Automakers opposed the requirement on cost and interference grounds. High voltage electric drivetrains generate electromagnetic interference that degrades AM reception, and shielding against it adds cost to every vehicle built. Ford dropped AM from the Mustang Mach-E and the F-150 Lightning, then reversed the decision and restored the band across its lineup after customer complaints and pressure from lawmakers.
The bill now moves to the Senate.
Source: thedrive.com
*Editor’s Note, the image was created from comments on the Five Star Car Stereo YouTube channel. This one is for Fernando…tune in for – 12 Volt News High Level Talk with Dean and Fernando every Friday on YouTube, recapping the stolen news from CEoutlook!
