Ford to Drop AM Radio From Most New Vehicles

Ford Motor Co. is set to remove AM radio from most of its new vehicles in 2024, according to reports. The automaker’s decision comes despite concerns from federal officials that US drivers will lose access to safety alert broadcasts over the airwaves.

A Ford spokesman confirmed the move, stating that the company is transitioning from AM radio for most new and updated models. However, commercial vehicles will still retain AM radio, as per longstanding contract language.

Over recent years, many automakers have removed AM radio due to electromagnetic interference with electric vehicles affecting signal quality and cost-cutting purposes, as fewer people listen to the format. The majority of people now receive most of their critical communication through their mobile phones.

However, the removal of AM radio from new vehicles has stirred concerns from former Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) administrators, senators, and other government officials, urging automakers to retain the radio format. Broadcast industry leaders and radio executives are also pushing car manufacturers to keep AM radio in their vehicles due to its unique ability to reach a wide geographic area, especially in emergency situations where the internet may not be accessible.

As of December 2022, BMW, Ford, Mazda, Polestar, Rivian, Tesla, Volkswagen, and Volvo have removed broadcast AM radio from their electric vehicles, while Honda, Hyundai, Jaguar/Land Rover, Kia, Lucid, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Stellantis, Subaru, and Toyota still maintain access to broadcast AM radio in their vehicles.

Although AM radio’s removal may seem insignificant to some, it is an essential component of the emergency alert infrastructure that America relies on. As the country shifts towards electric vehicles, it is necessary to ensure that the switch does not endanger public safety.