iBiquity Digital says that the 2014 Tundra, Corolla, Sequoia, 4Runner, and Tacoma are the first vehicles to launch integrated audio and real-time traffic and weather services using Clear Channel’s Total Traffic HD Network (TTN) and HD Radio Technology.
The Corolla, Tundra and Sequoia are now available with the 4Runner and Tacoma arriving in dealerships later this month. Toyota has launched two new systems integrating HD Radio digital audio entertainment and TTN’s real-time traffic and weather information:
For vehicles with navigation systems, Toyota will provide a digital audio and navigation system driven by the first of its kind hybrid technology capable of receiving digital traffic and weather information from both HD Radio stations and the cell phone network, using the driver’s smartphone connected with the Toyota Entune system.
For vehicles without navigation, Toyota will offer a premium display audio system complete with free traffic maps and weather information, all delivered by HD Radio stations across the country.
Both systems will also offer the latest digital audio features including Artist Experience, allowing listeners to view images such as album art on their radio screens as they enjoy their favorite HD Radio stations.
Said Sandy Lobenstein, VP/Connected Vehicle Technology and Product Planning at Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A: “Toyota is proud of our partnership with iBiquity and Clear Channel to provide consumers with subscription free traffic and weather information via HD Radio broadcast on our next generation Entune systems. With Entune App Suite enabled systems, we are also the first to offer consumers ‘hybrid data’ technology that automatically switches to provide traffic and weather information over the internet via cell phone when a customer travels out of HD Radio broadcast range. We couldn’t be more thrilled to be able to offer consumers these subscription free services along with our industry leading ‘hybrid data’ capability.”
33 automakers have now publicly announced plans to incorporate HD Radio Technology in 170+ models by year-end with more than 80 models featuring HD Radio receivers as standard gear.
