GM to offer statellite radio XM in most brands
GM, which invested in XM's most recent round of financing, has continued to offer satellite radio in an increasing number of brands of cars since first offering it in 2001 according to this Wall Street Journal story (subscription required). XM added 145,000 subscribers in the 4th Quarter, a 72% increase from the 3rd Quarter, bringing XM's total subscriber base to over 360,000. XM expects to end 2003 with more than one million subscribers.
In a news release, the Detroit auto maker said XM will be available in 44 of its 57 models at the start of the 2004 model year. The service will cost about $9.99 a month, and customers that have GMAC financing will have the option of including the XM subscription in their monthly car payment.
..."XM's accelerating subscriber growth has been fueled by 'the second launch of XM' in new vehicles from General Motors and other auto makers," said XM President and Chief Executive Hugh Panero, "and by our 'third launch' into the home and portable markets with our next-generation SKYFi receivers, including XM's first portable radio."