Photo by Brock Wegner on Unsplash
Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor Dennis Dura, who shares this CE Outlook article examining the trend of major automakers removing AM/FM radios from new vehicles and what it means for the 12-volt ecosystem. With AM/FM being increasingly omitted in favor of digital monthly subscriptions and mobile-connected audio services, this article explores the implications for listeners, aftermarket options, and the broader impact on radio accessibility in cars. Read more here: https://www.ceoutlook.com/2026/01/15/car-makers-remove-am-fm-what-it-means-for-12-volt/
From the article:
“The Real Plan: Subscriptions”
and:
“Ford lost $44,000 on every electric truck it sold”
I desperately need to buy a new truck, with the intended purpose of using it as a truck. However, as long as car companies are playing these games and cranking out $60,000+ street princess rigs with pay-per-view entertainment systems, my money will sit in the bank while I get by with my ’97 F-150. Which, BTW, has a pretty decent AM/FM receiver.
Agreed. Plus there’s the expense of government-mandated tech, such as rear-view cameras that necessitate dash displays. (I appreciate having a back-up camera.)
The latest example is breathalyzer-style devices. I think that mandate takes effect this year: https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-joe-biden-technology-business-health-068ee87392b0cca1444053b854a514dd
Same here…. Every time I get a new model loaner when my car is being repaired, I’m reminded of why I won’t be buying a new car… so I’ll be pouring thousands of dollars into my 2010 Mini, no doubt eventually exceeding what I would have spent by just getting a new model surveillance-mobile…. But it’s worth it.