Audi, iHeartRadio Collaborate On Hybrid Radio

Audi of America is collaborating with iHeartRadio, the No. 1 audio company in the U.S., to bring Hybrid Radio to drivers across North America in an industry-first experience.

Equipped on select 2021 Audi vehicles with the new MIB 3 infotainment suite, Hybrid Radio® seamlessly allows listeners with an Audi connect PRIME or PLUS subscription to switch between broadcast and digital radio signals when they have entered or exited radio signal territories for uninterrupted listening. When the vehicle is cycled off and on again, it is able to retain the radio station, picking up the digital radio channel via internet connection. Collaborating with iHeartRadio brings the experience to life.

Among the first to bring its digital radio channels to RadioDNS standards that allow for Hybrid Radio, iHeartRadio is rolling out more than 600 of its radio stations throughout North America in its initial integration phase.

“The ability to bring Hybrid Radio® to Audi customers would not be possible without pioneers like iHeartRadio embracing this technology,” said Pom Malhotra, director, Connected Services, Audi of America. “Audi advances progress through technology, and we are thankful to be able to collaborate with iHeartRadio to continue bringing new conveniences to our customers.”

“Radio has always been the consumer’s No. 1 choice for companionship in the car,” said Michele Laven, president of Strategic Partnerships Group for iHeartMedia. “The innovative functionality Audi is introducing via their Hybrid Radio® experience allows yet another way for that companionship to be seamlessly extended beyond the range of the broadcast signal keeping the consumer connected to their favorite station, no matter where the road takes them.”

At no additional cost with an Audi connect PRIME or PLUS subscription, Hybrid Radio uses the integrated 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot to maintain a radio station when out of range of the signal. It is just one of the many ways Audi customers can consume media, from integrated solutions to built-in phone mirroring applications. Audi has been and continues to be at the forefront of offering customers new ways to enjoy content in the manner that suits them. The 2021 Audi models equipped with MIB 3 and Hybrid Radio® are arriving at dealerships nationwide starting this month.