LAS VEGAS--January 7, 2013: Clear Channel Media and Entertainment, which has the largest reach of any radio or television outlet in America, today announced iHeartRadio's expansion across the automotive industry with its integrations in Chrysler Group and General Motors (GM) vehicles and a new made-for-driving application "iHeartRadio for Auto" (iHeartAuto) which will enable seamless and standardized access to the iHeartRadio digital music platform. iHeartAuto launches today with support for select aftermarket auto entertainment products.
“iHeartAuto is an exciting application that enables new partnerships and more importantly, simplifies access to iHeartRadio in a way that is designed to minimize driver distraction while giving our listeners easy access to their favorite stations through a consistent and seamless experience.”
Beginning this year, iHeartRadio will be available in-dash on select Chrysler Group vehicles equipped with Uconnect Access Via Mobile, the company's suite of sensible connectivity features. Once a user connects their compatible Apple or Android smartphone with the Chrysler Uconnect Access App, drivers can control and personalize their iHeartRadio listening experience directly through the dashboard touch screen, allowing easy access for in-vehicle enjoyment of iHeartRadio.
iHeartRadio will also expand their auto integrations to select 2014 GM infotainment systems -- more details to be released tomorrow.
Clear Channel Media and Entertainment today also announced iHeartRadio for Auto, an application that will offer a simple, safety-minded user-interface designed to provide seamless access to iHeartRadio's more than 1,500 live radio stations from across the country while in-vehicle. The new iHeartAuto app will also allow users to create Custom Stations inspired by their favorite artists or songs and provide easy in-vehicle access to a variety of other iHeartRadio features including its thumbs up/thumbs down and station scan features. iHeartAuto launched today with support for Clarion Smart Access cloud server products, Pioneer's AppRadio platform of products including AppRadio 2 and Kenwood's connected receiver DNN990HD. The new app will also offer a new developer protocol that provides manufacturers a standardized, easy-to-implement means to connect to the iHeartRadio platform.
"Our integrations with Chrysler Group and GM vehicles along with the availability of the new iHeartAuto app make it easier for users to access their favorite iHeartRadio stations no matter where they travel," said Brian Lakamp, President of Digital, Clear Channel Media and Entertainment. "iHeartAuto is an exciting application that enables new partnerships and more importantly, simplifies access to iHeartRadio in a way that is designed to minimize driver distraction while giving our listeners easy access to their favorite stations through a consistent and seamless experience."
iHeartRadio is the fastest digital service to reach 20 million registered users in internet history, faster than all other popular digital entertainment and social platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, Pandora, Spotify and Instagram. And registered users are only a percentage of iHeartRadio's overall listeners, since registration is only required for the Custom Station feature.
iHeartRadio continues to be the No. 1 digital radio service offering instant access to more than 1,500 of the nation's most popular live broadcast and digital-only radio stations from more than 150 cities, plus user-created Custom Stations inspired by favorite artists and songs. In addition to Clear Channel's 850 radio stations, iHeartRadio also includes a number of other groups such as Univision, Cumulus, Greater Media stations, WNYC, EMF's Contemporary Christian Air1 and K Love stations, college radio, Cox, Emmis and others. The iHeartRadio app is available across all major platforms including web, mobile, tablets, automotive, television and gaming devices. Visit iHeartRadio for the complete list of app availability.
