In a significant U-turn, Ford has decided to reinstate AM radio on its new vehicles, reversing an earlier decision that had drawn criticism from lawmakers and the public. The company’s CEO, Jim Farley, announced on Twitter and LinkedIn that AM radio will be included on all 2024 Ford and Lincoln Motor vehicles.
Background: The AM Radio Controversy
The controversy surrounding AM radio began last year when several automakers, including Ford, Tesla, BMW, Volkswagen, and Mazda, removed the feature from their new electric cars. The decision was made due to electrical interference between the car’s electric engine and the sound of AM radio stations.
Lawmakers Push for Mandatory AM Radio
However, a bipartisan group of federal lawmakers introduced the "AM for Every Vehicle Act" last week, which calls on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to require AM radio in new vehicles at no additional cost. The bill’s sponsors argue that AM radio has historically played a crucial role in transmitting emergency information, particularly in rural areas.
Ford’s Change of Heart
In response to the growing pressure from lawmakers and the public, Ford decided to reverse its decision to remove AM radio from its new vehicles. In his social media posts, Farley explained that the company had come to this conclusion after speaking with policy leaders about the importance of AM broadcast radio as part of the emergency alert system.
Farley’s Commitment to Innovation
However, it’s worth noting that Farley did not promise to keep AM radio in Ford’s vehicles indefinitely. Instead, he emphasized that the company will continue to innovate and deliver better in-vehicle entertainment and emergency notification options in the future.
The Alliance for Automotive Innovation Responds
In a statement, The Alliance for Automotive Innovation, a trade group representing major automakers, criticized the bill and argued that the AM radio mandate was unnecessary. According to the group, whether or not AM radio is physically installed in vehicles has no bearing on the ability of drivers to receive emergency alerts across multiple modes of communication available in automobiles manufactured today.
The Importance of AM Radio
According to Nielsen data, more than 80 million people in the U.S. listen to AM radio monthly. This highlights the significance of AM radio as a means of transmitting information during emergencies, particularly in rural areas where cell phone and internet connectivity may be limited.
Rep. Josh Gottheimer’s Response
In response to Ford’s announcement, Rep. Josh Gottheimer from New Jersey, the lead House sponsor of the bill, called out Tesla again and other automakers to follow Ford’s lead and realize how important AM radio is as the backbone behind America’s National Public Warning System.
A Glimmer of Hope
While it remains to be seen whether other automakers will follow Ford’s lead in reinstating AM radio on their vehicles, this decision marks a significant step towards prioritizing public safety and emergency response. As Rep. Gottheimer noted, when the cell phone runs out, the internet gets cut off, or the television doesn’t work due to lack of electricity, one can still turn on an AM radio.
What’s Next?
As the debate surrounding AM radio continues, it will be interesting to see how other automakers respond to Ford’s decision. Will Tesla and other companies follow suit, or will they continue to resist the push for mandatory AM radio in new vehicles? Only time will tell.
The Impact of Electric Vehicles on Radio Reception
It’s worth noting that electric engines can interfere with the sound of AM radio stations, which may have contributed to Ford’s initial decision to remove AM radio from its new vehicles. However, this raises questions about the future of radio reception in a world where electric vehicles become increasingly prevalent.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Ford’s decision to reinstate AM radio on its new vehicles marks a significant victory for lawmakers and the public who have been pushing for greater emphasis on emergency response and public safety. While there is still much work to be done, this development serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing the needs of citizens in the face of technological advancements.
