Saab to Offer XM Satellite Radio
First-Ever Saab SUV to Feature XM Radio as Part of Expanded Lineup of Premium Vehicles
NEW YORK and WASHINGTON, April 8 -- XM Satellite Radio , the pioneer and leader in satellite radio, today announced that Saab will offer XM Radio in its vehicle models, beginning with the brand-new 2005 Saab 9-7X sport utility vehicle.
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The Saab 9-7X makes its world debut this week at the New York International Auto Show. The new model is Saab's first sport utility vehicle. The new 9-7X with factory-installed XM Radio will be built at GM's Moraine Assembly plant in Ohio, beginning in the first quarter of 2005.
Additionally, beginning this fall, Saab will offer XM as a dealer- installed option on all of its models through its Saab Accessory program. Saab will further expand the availability of XM as a factory installed feature on additional Saab models in the 2006 model year.
"We're very excited to welcome the premium Saab brand to the growing family of vehicles with XM Radio," said Hugh Panero, President and CEO of XM Satellite Radio. "We're proud that Saab chose XM Radio for its first SUV. In 2003, Saab was the fastest growing European premium brand in the U.S. market, and XM is one of the fastest growing entertainment media ever, so this is really an ideal partnership between two rapidly-expanding companies."
"We know Saab customers want quality products that reinforce their individualism. XM Satellite Radio with over 120 channels of programming is a perfect fit with the Saab brand and we are excited to be offering it on our newest entry, the 9-7X," said Debra Kelly Ennis, President of Saab Cars USA.
About XM Satellite Radio
In the fall of 2001, XM Satellite Radio pioneered the introduction of satellite radio in the U.S. Today, XM is America's #1 satellite radio service with more than 1.5 million subscribers. Broadcasting live daily from studios in Washington, DC, New York City and Nashville, Tennessee at the Country Music Hall of Fame, XM's 2004 lineup includes more than 120 digital channels of choice from coast to coast: 68 100% commercial-free music channels, featuring hip hop to opera, classical to country, bluegrass to blues; 32 channels of premier sports, talk, comedy, children's and entertainment programming; and more than 20 channels of the most advanced traffic and weather information for major metropolitan areas nationwide. Affordable, compact and stylish XM satellite radio receivers for the home, the car, the computer and boom boxes for "on the go" are available from retailers nationwide. In addition, XM is available in more than 80 different 2004 car models. XM is a popular factory- installed option on more than 40 new General Motors models, as well as a standard feature on several top-selling Honda and Acura models. JetBlue Airways and AirTran Airways passengers will be able to listen to XM's programming in-flight later in 2004. For more information about XM, visit http://www.xmradio.com/.
Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements in this press release include demand for the Company's service, the Company's dependence on technology and third party vendors, its potential need for additional financing, as well as other risks described in XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc.'s Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on 3-15-04. Copies of the filing are available upon request from XM Radio' s Investor Relations Department.
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