BMW of North America and Sirius Satellite Radio today announced that BMW will offer Sirius satellite radio service to new car buyers beginning in the second quarter of 2002. Sirius radios will be available in some of the carmaker’s most popular models, including BMW 3 Series, 5 Series, and X5 vehicles. BMW owners will be among the first with access to Sirius subscription service.
Doug Wilsterman, vice president of marketing and distribution for Sirius sold Gavin, “We’re thrilled that BMW is the first OEM partner to do this. You really can’t ask for a better partner. These guys represent everything that’s good about driving. The blending of technology and the enthusiast aspect of it is just a natural fit for us. If you look at the way BMW is thought about in our culture, consumer demand for BMW vehicles cuts across demographics. People in the early stages in their career can get into a 3 series and later on in their live can get into a 5 series, and now with the sport activity vehicle-the X5-it’s just every demographic that you’d want to hit.”
David Buchko, BMW product communications manager told Gavin, “Adding these satellite receivers is a logical extension of the driving experience, which is what we’re all about at BMW. Nearly every enhancement and innovation with our vehicles has come with an eye on improving the driver’s experience with our vehicles, and we think that offering these units does exactly that.”
BMW will offer Sirius radios as an accessory in its most popular models through BMW centers across the country. BMW centers will also offer subscription activation services for its customers who purchase Sirius receivers.
A recent JD Power survey showed BMW owners as among the most likely early adopters of satellite radio. The JD Power 2000 Automotive Emerging Technologies Study revealed that, of all car owners surveyed, BMW owners expressed the strongest desire to include satellite radio in their next new car.
