It first arrived just before the 2024 NAB Show. Now, the Steve Newberry-led and Joe Harb-founded Quu Inc. has released its 2025 report that offers an updated view of AM/FM radio’s place in the top 100 best-selling vehicles in the U.S.
The just-released 2025 In-Vehicle Visuals Report includes a database with vehicle data, expanded vehicle analysis, an updated scorecard of dashboard features, and six key findings with actionable recommendations.
Analysis and commentary in the report from Jacobs Media President Fred Jacobs and VP/GM Paul Jacobs is accompanied by insights from Xperi SVP of Global Broadcast Radio Joe D’Angelo and McVay Media Consulting President Mike McVay.
They will all join Newberry, Quu’s CEO, in an April 2 webinar scheduled for 3pm Eastern to discuss the report’s key takeaways.
Six top conclusions were offered ahead of the webinar by Quu:
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Most new models default to the last audio source played.
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AM/FM radio is still ubiquitous but harder to find and use in vehicles.
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The digital dashboard is packed with more audio choices.
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Detroit is doubling down on built-in streaming apps.
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Two out of three new models are HD-equipped.
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All new vehicles can display text. More than half can show images.
Audio-Forward vs. Radio-Forward
The report also finds that, as illustrated above, some 74% of the models surveyed are “audio-forward.” This means the operating system (OS) has an audio/media button that generally defaults to the audio source last played. Some 26% of new models are radio-forward, with the OS opening to a radio screen at startup — or it has a dedicated radio button that always leads to radio.
“AM/FM radio’s focus on earning the last touch is really important. By looking good and
delivering the compelling local content only radio can provide, we can strengthen our
position in the dashboard and the lives of listeners,” Newberry said. “There are more choices than ever, but radio has spent over a century building deep relationships in our communities. This year’s report highlights new opportunities to build on that legacy with creative strategies that keep us relevant, visible, and valued.”
The 2025 report follows the methodology as the 2024 report, using the same analyst,
time period, and sales data source GoodCarBadCar.
Data was collected by an independent contractor tasked with auditing in-dash systems.
Quu engaged broadcast radio researcher Doug Hyde to analyze the data.
