Available in displacements ranging from a gas-sipping 1.6 liters to a torquey 2.4 liters, the most famous of all the 4G6 Sirius engines was the 1,997cc turbocharged 4G63T of rally-dominating Lancer Evolution and Galant VR-4 fame. Variations of the Sirius have been installed in dozens of different Mitsubishi, Chrysler, Hyundai, and Chery vehicles, from the Chariot to the Sonata, and the 4G69 Sirius lives on today in the Eclipse, Outlander, and Galant. That's nearly 30 years, which gives the Sirius an automatic acceptance into the Jalopnik Workhorse Engine Hall-O-Fame™. Thanks to EvoCS for recommending the 4G6!
[Wikipedia; image source: Tampa Racing]

The small German manufacturer, Lotec, has recently released new images of the updated 2009 Sirius. Originally launched in 2000, the Lotec Sirius set its sights on some of the fastest supercars on the market with its Mercedes-Benz sourced V12. While the engine is similar to the one found in the Pagani Zonda, Lotec attached two turbos to the 12-cylinder mill in order to reach a peak of 850 HP.

While details about the new model are scarce, we do know that Lotec had originally tested the Sirius’ V12 to 1,200 HP and a 249 mph top speed. With these numbers, the Lotec is setting its sights on the performance giants including the Bugatti Veyron, Koenigsegg CCX-R and the SSC Ultimate Aero. Are they serious?

We asked you back in 2006 and we’ll ask you again –- do we care?

[via WorldCarFans]

Jalopnik Snap Judgment:With conditions like a three year price freeze, the initial baby step of broadcasting each others' content, and opening up the tech standard so consumer electronics makers can provide new radios, this deal really is a huge win for the consumer. Hopefully the new company will even claw its way to profitability for the first time in the history of satellite radio. We're a bit wary of what happens once that three year mark is passed, as this is now a regulated monopoly, but the possibility of ten unwavering channels of "Sounds My Cat Makes" is pretty amazing. [WSJOnline]

1. The company(s) would need to freeze prices for three years. 2. "A la carte" options would need to be available within three months of the merger. 3. 8% of their airspace (24 channels) would need to be dedicated to noncommercial and minority programming.

The backing by Martin and the stipulation that the merger would have to be enacted within three months (or at least the a la carte programming component) is so far great news for consumers. More as the long, slow slog toward satellite radio supremacy continues. [NYT via Giz]

The VoiceBox Technologies voice recognition software in the Pioneer units allows users to speak "normally." There will no longer be an exact rhetoric required to achieve a simple task. For example, rather than having to say something long the lines of "Play Artist Green Day," the units can recognize casual conversation like "I want to hear Green Day," or possibly "Play those phat Busta Rhymes beats, yo." [Giz]

"After a careful and thorough review of the proposed transaction, the Division concluded that the evidence does not demonstrate that the proposed merger of XM and Sirius is likely to substantially lessen competition, and that the transaction therefore is not likely to harm consumers. The Division reached this conclusion because the evidence did not show that the merger would enable the parties to profitably increase prices to satellite radio customers for several reasons, including: a lack of competition between the parties in important segments even without the merger; the competitive alternative services available to consumers; technological change that is expected to make those alternatives increasingly attractive over time; and efficiencies likely to flow from the transaction that could benefit consumers.

"The Division's investigation indicated that the parties are not likely to compete with respect to many segments of the satellite radio business even in the absence of the merger. Because customers must acquire equipment that is specialized to the satellite radio service to which they subscribe, and which cannot receive the other provider's signal, there has never been significant competition for customers who have already subscribed to one or the other service. For potential new subscribers, past competition has resulted in XM and Sirius entering long-term, sole-source contracts that provide incentives to all of the major auto manufacturers to install their radios in new vehicles. The car manufacturer channel accounts for a large and growing share of all satellite radio sales; yet, as a result of these contracts, there is not likely to be significant further competition between the parties for satellite radio equipment and service sold through this channel for many years. In the retail channel, where the parties likely would continue to compete to attract new subscribers absent the merger, the Division found that the evidence did not support defining a market limited to the two satellite radio firms that would exclude various alternative sources for audio entertainment, and similarly did not establish that the combined firm could profitably sustain an increased price to satellite radio consumers. Substantial cost savings likely to flow from the transaction also undermined any inference of competitive harm. Finally, the likely evolution of technology in the future, including the expected introduction in the next several years of mobile broadband Internet devices, made it even more unlikely that the transaction would harm consumers in the longer term. Accordingly, the Division has closed its investigation of the proposed merger."

[AP; Orbitcast]

As we all know, Microsoft Auto software underpins the popular Ford SYNC service, which combines the various in-car systems into one somewhat easy-to-use interface. What if they were able to use that system to advertise to you? How would they use it? According to Microsoft's Martin Thall, it looks as though the GPS is probably the best outlet. Imagine driving down the street and having the navigation screen display an ad for Starbucks with some sort of special incentive for pulling in to get a latte, like offering you a free Mp3.

This isn't a wild idea, in fact I wrote about locational advertising for UrbanCartography.com almost three years ago. This is much better than the current model for the provider because charging a monthly rate will, as with cell phones, allow competition to dictate a lower price or more service. There's also a finite, though large, number of customers.

As Google has already proven, there's almost an unlimited amount of advertising revenue to be gotten (if you don't believe me just google "mesothelioma"). As stewards of this technology, we imagine that companies will be responsible and limit the advertising so that it doesn't become ridiculous. Right.... right?

[CNet via The Truth About Cars]

If you're still curious about the damn merger that would among other things make features like à la carte programming possibly available—well, the Department of Justice and Federal Communications Commission are still sitting on their hands trying to decide whether or not this merger would be badass (the answer is yes). Lately, the keen, savvy and fortune-telling analysts have been quick to say an end is in sight, but now that we are passing the one-year mark, who knows, really. [Orbitcast, CNN Money]

APPROVED OR DENIED? DRAMA BUILDS AROUND SIRIUS-XM MERGER... DEVELOPING...

Why has Sirius/XM merger moved at such a slow pace? It's obvious. It seems every Dick, Sam and Joe on Capitol Hill needs to approve the deal before anything can progress. As of yesterday, it was on day 342 of the merger progression. See the above chart to get an idea of how this timeframce stacks up with some of the other big name mergers, courtesy of Orbitcast. Chevron and Texaco are merely puny little oil companies compared to the joined might of Sirius and XM. no surprise they didn't have to jump through as many hoops to receive approval for a merge.

The manufacturers are ready and Sirius and XM have filled out all of the required paperwork numerous times—it's really on the FCC at this point. With this merger, the FCC has set a record for the longest application-to-approval time lag to date. Bravo! Now come on Drudge, don't let me down! [Orbitcast again]

Well, there are a few culprits worthy of nose thumbing. People are nixing satellite radio in favor of other options like MP3 players, HD Radio and other entertainment packages; people are getting their satellite radio fix from factory-installed units, because it is hard to find a vehicle without the option to have either XM or Sirius integrated; and the common folk are still waiting out the Sirius and XM merger.

I guess what I'm getting at is simple: Don't give up on satellite radio yet. Give it a chance.[Orbitcast

FORD SHOWCASES FUTURE OF IN-CAR SATELLITE COMMUNICATIONS AT INTERNATIONAL CES 2008

• Popular Ford SYNC system upgrades and other new in-car communications technologies to be unveiled at consumer electronics show on Sunday
• Announcements include Ford's new SIRIUS Travel Link™ navigation system, which gives drivers and passengers up-to-the-minute information on current gas prices, traffic, coast-to-coast weather conditions, sports scores and movie listings
• New SIRIUS Travel Link system is coupled to Ford's next-generation navigation - developed with industry leader Xanavi
• The system includes full music "jukebox" capability - with space for up to 2,400 tracks and Gracenote® technology for album cover art and music voice control
• All-new 2009 Lincoln MKS luxury sedan - on sale this summer - is first vehicle with Ford's full suite of new in-car communications technologies
• Every new Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicle will be available with Ford's award-winning SYNC system by year end; 85 percent of Ford's retail volume will be offered with SYNC - including Bluetooth connectivity

DEARBORN, Mich., Jan. 4, 2008 - Building on the success of SYNC, Ford Motor Company unveils the next generation of in-car communications at the International CES on Sunday.

The company will announce what comes next for SYNC -developed in partnership with Microsoft - as well as introduce International CES attendees to Ford's new SIRIUS Travel Link™ navigation system.

"Ford's goal is to deliver the smart, connected in-car experience that customers today demand and to lead the industry into a new era of in-vehicle connectivity," says Derrick Kuzak, Ford's group vice president of Global Product Development, who will attend the International CES, the world's largest consumer trade event and showcase for new technologies.

"Ford is answering the call with the best technology solutions from companies like Microsoft and SIRIUS, connecting customers with mobile devices, important information they need on the road and bringing the experience to life with the latest in navigation technology and branded audio," Kuzak adds.

SYNC is one of the rising stars in the auto industry today and is on track to reach 1 million sales in early 2009. SYNC connects people and their favorite portable devices while in the vehicle, including media players and Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones.

In addition to new SYNC features to be revealed at the International CES, Ford has confirmed that nearly every new Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicle will be available with SYNC by year end, when approximately 85 percent of company's retail volume will be offered with SYNC - including its Bluetooth connectivity.

Ford SIRIUS Travel Link™ navigation system
At the International CES, Ford also will announce it is moving in-car connectivity further forward with the launch of a next-generation navigation system, available for the first time ever with SIRIUS Travel Link.

With Travel Link, drivers and passengers will have access to up-to-the-minute information and entertainment content through the vehicle's navigation system. This includes: current gas prices from an estimated 120,000 filling stations; local, real-time traffic information for 78 markets; coast-to-coast weather conditions with five-day forecasts; sports scores, and movie listings.

Travel Link works through the existing SIRIUS satellite and repeater infrastructure - offering uninterrupted, coast-to-coast coverage. Specifically, the Ford SIRIUS Travel Link system provides information on:

• Traffic Data: SIRIUS Travel Link combines real-time traffic speed and flow data with accident and incident information to allow the user to navigate around congested areas.

• Weather: SIRIUS Travel Link shows coast-to-coast weather data, current conditions and five-day forecasts, detailed storm cell information, hurricane and tropical storm tracking, local wind speeds, and even ski resort conditions.

• Fuel Prices: Drawing on information from more than 120,000 gas stations, SIRIUS Travel Link sorts fuel options by price, distance or alphabetically. If requested, the navigation system can route users to the gasoline station with the lowest fuel price.

• Sports: No matter your passion - NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, NASCAR, NCAAF, NCAAB, and golf - SIRIUS Travel Link provides scores and schedules and can be personalized for the user's selected teams.

• Movies: With listings from more than 4,500 movie theaters, SIRIUS Travel Link helps consumers plan ahead by providing movie times, theater addresses, ratings and run lengths. Using the Ford navigation system, the data can be sorted by distance. If requested, the navigation system can route users to the selected movie theater.

"Having this information in a car is game-changing," said Doug Wilsterman, SIRIUS senior vice president and general manager for automotive OEMs. "This is technology that drivers will use everyday."

When introduced this summer, the all-new 2009 Lincoln MKS will be one of the first vehicles with Ford's full suite of new in-car communications technologies, including Travel Link. The service will be offered on multiple Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury vehicles by the end of the year.

A six-month introductory subscription to the SIRIUS Travel Link service - combined with the SIRIUS Satellite Radio audio service - will be included in every Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicle equipped with Ford's next-generation navigation system.

In-Car Communications Popularity Soars
American consumers increasingly expect to stay connected and enjoy instant access to information, studies show. Approximately 243 million Americans have mobile phones today and four of every five adults have regular access to the internet.

By 2009, trends indicate there will be as least 250 million portable media players in use.

A third of U.S. consumers are very interested in having Internet access in their vehicles, and the number is close to 50 percent for survey respondents between the ages of 16 and 25, according to a 2007 J.D. Power Automotive Emerging Technologies study.

"Consumers are increasingly demanding seamless connectivity between their house and office and car," noted Sheryl Connelly, Ford Global Trends and Futuring manager. "They want to be able to access information 'just in time' or on-demand, because they are used to having access to it wherever they go. More than anything, they want to stay connected and informed."

# # #

"General Motors believes the proposed merger is and will be in the public interest because the merged company will be able to offer consumers expanded programming choices and a broad range of service packages, including packages at lower prices." - (Richard M. Lee, Executive Director - Satellite Radio Services, General Motors North American Operations)

"We believe that a company that combines the capabilities of Sirius and XM could serve the interests of consumers by offering a more dynamic and potentially cost-effective product, spurring additional competition with audio entertainment providers such as terrestrial radio, and that this may result in greater innovation."
- (Paul Mascarenas, Vice President Engineering, Product Development - The Americas, Ford Motor Company)

" ... It has become evident that satellite radio and digital satellite services must compete mightily in the U.S. with a wide array of burgeoning entertainment forms and an ever-widening list of technology participants who are delivering services in this space."
- (Charles Koch, Manager, American Honda Product Planning)

"This expanded choice and lower price is exactly the value our consumers want and deserve."
- (Len Hunt, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Kia Motors America)

"Rather than being forced to choose between content that currently is exclusive to one satellite radio provider, our customers will gain access to packages offering the 'best of both' services for significantly less than the current combined price, as well as packages of fewer channels at much lower prices."
- (Wayne Killen, Director of Product Planning, Hyundai Motor America)

For all the young Einsteins out there who love selected Volkswagens, Howard Stern and Spinelli, Deutschland's representers are making Sirius satellite radio standard. Drumroll...Touareg, GTI, New Beetle and Convertible variant, Jetta GLI and the Eos. We're betting Marie Curie would go for the Eos. It smells like radium somehow. – Davey G. Johnson

VW to Make Sirius Standard in Some Cars [Forbes]

Related:
Radio in a Mercedes, I Know, I Know...It's Sirius [Internal]

[Maxim Radio]

Related:
Jalopnik On Sirius: My Sweet C16 [internal]

The above video by way of Gawker videographer Richard Blakeley is from an announcement made just a short while ago in Times Square by Frank Klegon, Exec. Vice President - Product Development for the 'merican side of the German-American hybrid. The scoop is the long-awaited news that Chrysler's taking it in the back...seat. The boys n' girls in Auburn Hills, MI will be offering SIRIUS Satellite Radio Backseat TV service in 2008 model-year vehicles, starting first with their new 2008 minivans available this year. The MSRP is $470, including the first year of service, and after the first year it'll be available for $7 per month on top of the $12.95 Sat-Rad fee. Here's the start of the press release:

"SIRIUS Satellite Radio and Chrysler Group announced today that Chrysler Group will be the exclusive automaker to offer SIRIUS Backseat TV in its 2008 model-year vehicle lineup. SIRIUS Backseat TV is a dynamic and pioneering TV service that delivers live TV from the best family TV programmers directly to the vehicles...

...Whether driving cross-country or cross-town, families will be able to access SIRIUS Backseat TV's high quality television entertainment and family TV fare through a simple, easy-to-operate video service. Sirius Backseat TV is live TV programming from the world's most trusted brands in family entertainment - Nickelodeon, Disney Channel and Cartoon Network. The service will be available in select 2008 model Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles, beginning with the all-new 2008 Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan minivans, available later this year."

Related:
Breaking! XM, Sirius Announce Merger! [internal]

Although rumors have been running rampant since this morning, it's now official — they'll be combining in a $13 billion "merger of equals." Where have I heard that before? Oh wait, yeah — isn't DaimlerChrysler trying to sell off one of those "equals" as we speak? Anyway, here's the press release — hot off of wherever it is press releases come from these days:

SIRIUS and XM to Combine in $13 Billion Merger of Equals

*Provides Consumers with Enhanced Content, Greater Choices and Accelerated Technological Innovation
*Enables Satellite Radio to Better Compete in Rapidly Evolving Audio Entertainment Industry
*Extraordinary Value Creation for Shareholders
*Mel Karmazin to Serve as Chief Executive Officer and Gary Parsons to Serve as Chairman of Combined Company

WASHINGTON and NEW YORK, Feb. 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — XM Satellite Radio (NASDAQ: XMSR) and SIRIUS Satellite Radio (NASDAQ: SIRI) today announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement, under which the companies will be combined in a tax-free, all-stock merger of equals with a combined enterprise value of approximately $13 billion, which includes net debt of approximately $1.6 billion.

Photo credit: Gizmodo

Under the terms of the agreement, XM shareholders will receive a fixed exchange ratio of 4.6 shares of SIRIUS common stock for each share of XM they own. XM and SIRIUS shareholders will each own approximately 50 percent of the combined company.

Mel Karmazin, currently Chief Executive Officer of SIRIUS, will become Chief Executive Officer of the combined company and Gary Parsons, currently Chairman of XM, will become Chairman of the combined company. The new company's board of directors will consist of 12 directors, including Messrs. Karmazin and Parsons, four independent members designated by each company, as well as one representative from each of General Motors and American Honda. Hugh Panero, the Chief Executive Officer of XM, will continue in his current role until the anticipated close of the merger.

The combined company will benefit from a highly experienced management team from both companies with extensive industry knowledge in radio, media, consumer electronics, OEM engineering and technology. Further management appointments will be announced prior to closing. The companies will continue to operate independently until the transaction is completed and will work together to determine the combined company's corporate name and headquarters location prior to closing.

The combination creates a nationwide audio entertainment provider with combined 2006 revenues of approximately $1.5 billion based on analysts' consensus estimates. Today the companies have approximately 14 million combined subscribers. Together, SIRIUS and XM will create a stronger platform for future innovation within the audio entertainment industry and will provide significant benefits to all constituencies, including:

* Greater Programming and Content Choices — The combined company is
committed to consumer choice, including offering consumers the ability
to pick and choose the channels and content they want on a more a la
carte basis. The combined company will also provide consumers with a
broader selection of content, including a wide range of commercial-free
music channels, exclusive and non-exclusive sports coverage, news,
talk, and entertainment programming. Together, XM and SIRIUS will be
able to improve on products such as real-time traffic and rear-seat
video and introduce new ones such as advanced data services including
enhanced traffic, weather and infotainment offerings.

* Accelerated Technological Innovation — The merger will enable the
combined company to develop and introduce a wider range of lower cost,
easy-to-use, and multi-functional devices through efficiencies in chip
set and radio design and procurement. Such innovation is essential to
remaining competitive in the consumer electronics-driven world of audio
entertainment.

* Benefits to OEM and Retail Partners — The combined company will offer
automakers and retailers the opportunity to provide a broader content
offering to their customers. Consumer electronics retailers, including
Best Buy, Circuit City, RadioShack, Wal-Mart and others, will benefit
from enhanced product offerings that should allow satellite radio to
compete more effectively.

* Enhanced Financial Performance — This transaction will enhance the
long-term financial success of satellite radio by allowing the combined
company to better manage its costs through sales and marketing and
subscriber acquisition efficiencies, satellite fleet synergies, combined
R&D and other benefits from economies of scale. Wall Street equity
analysts have published estimates of the present value of cost synergies
ranging from $3 billion to $7 billion.

* More Competitive Audio Entertainment Provider — The combination of an
enhanced programming lineup with improved technology, distribution and
financials will better position satellite radio to compete for
consumers' attention and entertainment dollars against a host of
products and services in the highly competitive and rapidly evolving
audio entertainment marketplace. In addition to existing competition
from free "over-the-air" AM and FM radio as well as iPods and mobile
phone streaming, satellite radio will face new challenges from the rapid
growth of HD Radio, Internet radio and next generation wireless
technologies.

"We are excited for the many opportunities that an XM and SIRIUS combination will provide consumers," said Gary Parsons, Chairman of XM Satellite Radio and Hugh Panero, CEO of XM Satellite Radio, in a joint statement. "The combined company will be better positioned to compete effectively with the continually expanding array of entertainment alternatives that consumers have embraced since the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) first granted our satellite radio licenses a decade ago."

"This combination is the next logical step in the evolution of audio entertainment," said Mel Karmazin, CEO of SIRIUS Satellite Radio. "Together, our best-in-class management team and programming content will create unprecedented choice for consumers, while creating long-term value for shareholders of both companies. The combined company will be positioned to capitalize on SIRIUS and XM's complementary distribution and licensing agreements to enhance availability of satellite radios, offer expanded content to subscribers, drive increased advertising revenue and reduce expenses. Each of our companies has a strong commitment to providing listeners the broadest range of music, news, sports and entertainment and the best customer service possible. We look forward to sharing the benefits of the exciting new growth opportunities this combination will provide with all of our stakeholders."

The transaction is subject to approval by both companies' shareholders, the satisfaction of customary closing conditions and regulatory review and approvals, including antitrust agencies and the FCC. Pending regulatory approval, the companies expect the transaction to be completed by the end of 2007.

SIRIUS's financial advisor on the transaction is Morgan Stanley and Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP and Wiley Rein LLP are acting as legal counsel. XM's financial advisor on the transaction is J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. and Skadden Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP; Jones Day; and Latham & Watkins LLP are acting as legal counsel.

Related:
Sirius Cuts Year-End Subscriber Forecast: Auto Units To Blame? [internal]

No, Wilde and Spinelli weren't canceled after last week, despite what happened with that chicken and the 10W-40. Which is good, because they've got a treat for us today when their hour of power airing live at 2:00 PM EST on Sirius Channel 108. The dynamic duo will be interviewing Reeves Callaway, the CEO and founder of Callaway Cars. So expect them to be all over Reeves for access to a media fleet Corvette-platformed C16 and a first-talk on any other toys he might be playing with back at either his Connecticut office or the highly precise German digs. If you've got questions for Reeves leave them in the comments and we'll make sure Spinn gets them before they go live.

Maxim Radio - 2:00 PM EST - Sirius Radio, Channel 108

Related:
Jalopnik on Sirius: We Might Make You Delirious [internal]

...it means they're not selling as many of the car-based units in the retail environment, because with deals of one-year-free subscriptions, it's more than likely not deals from the OEM's that are to blame. So, I'd expect there to be some serious deals on Sirius (yeah, that joke was obligatory) for-the-car retail units, right? Sure enough, they've gone and cut the prices on the in-car hook-ups on a S50 radio with a rebate on the price of $100. So you know, get 'em while they're hot cheap. – Ray Wert

Sirius cuts year-end subscriber forecast [Marketwatch]

Related:
Ad Watch: Chrysler, Dodge And Jeep Look To Stem Sales Losses With Crappy Satellite Radio Deal [internal]

Yes, we know Sirius sucks compared to XM — but, free satellite radio's free satellite radio, and considering the lease deals the folks at the Chrysler Group are now reported to be offering, I feel like it's almost a pity deal. So pony up your $185 or whatever per month, and you too can save a starving automaker — remember, leasing a Commander, Aspen or Durango can help to feed, clothe and pay for college for the entire family of one engineer in Auburn Hills, MI. Do your part. Two more commercials, one for Chrysler and one for Jeep, can both be found below the jump. [Addendum: Sirius doesn't actually suck compared to XM — the comparison was made to accentuate the Chrysler Group's loan deals. Sirius is a very fine satellite radio system, and hey, they've got Howard Stern — and who doesn't love Howard, right? That is all.]– Ray Wert

Chrysler tries risky lease plan [Detroit News]

Related:
Ad Watch: The Dodge Nitro — Now With Twice The Time, Twice The Heaviness Of The Original Commercial; Ad Watch: The Dodge Nitro's So Heavy, Man [internal]

"I tried to get away, but I couldn't get far, cause the man with the tow-truck repossessed my car Don't push me, cause I'm close to the edge; I'm trying not to loose my head It's like a jungle sometimes, it makes me wonder how I keep from going under"

Full release after the jump:

SIRIUS-Kia Agreement Runs Through 2014

NEW YORK, April 13 /PRNewswire/ — SIRIUS Satellite Radio (Nasdaq:
SIRI) and Kia Motors America today announced that Kia will exclusively
offer SIRIUS as factory standard equipment in all of its vehicles.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/19991118/NYTH125 )
The long-term agreement runs through 2014, with an optional three-year
extension to 2017, and calls for SIRIUS to become a standard feature in all
2009 model year Kia vehicles, beginning in 2008.
"We are very excited to add Kia to our list of exclusive automotive
partners," said Mel Karmazin, CEO of SIRIUS. "Kia is an exciting company
that is producing appealing cars to a growing number of consumers in the
U.S., and we look forward to closely working with them to make the Kia
in-vehicle experience even more rewarding."
"SIRIUS offers a unique combination of on-air talent, creative
programming and various sports and entertainment properties that fit
perfectly with Kia's evolving brand characteristics," said Len Hunt,
Executive Vice President and COO of Kia Motors America. "Our next
generation products have delivered Kia to new segments and new consumers,
and the addition of SIRIUS will strengthen the company's ability to offer
high-quality vehicles with modern features and amenities at an incredible
value for the consumer."
Kia customers will receive three months of complimentary service, and
all radios will be factory activated for dealer and customer convenience.
About SIRIUS
SIRIUS delivers more than 125 channels of the best programming in all
of radio. SIRIUS is the original and only home of 100% commercial free
music channels in satellite radio, offering 67 music channels available
nationwide. SIRIUS also delivers 61 channels of sports, news, talk,
entertainment, traffic, weather and data. SIRIUS is the Official Satellite
Radio Partner of the NFL, NBA and NHL and broadcasts live play-by-play
games of the NFL, NBA and NHL. All SIRIUS programming is available for a
monthly subscription fee of only $12.95.
SIRIUS products for the car, truck, home, RV and boat are available in
more than 25,000 retail locations, including Best Buy, Circuit City,
Crutchfield, Costco, Target, Wal-Mart, Sam's Club, RadioShack and at
http://shop.sirius.com.
SIRIUS radios are offered in vehicles from Audi, BMW, Chrysler, Dodge,
Ford, Infiniti, Jaguar, Jeep(R), Land Rover, Lexus, Lincoln-Mercury, Mazda,
Mercedes-Benz, MINI, Nissan, Scion, Toyota, Porsche, Volkswagen and Volvo.
Hertz also offers SIRIUS in its rental cars at major locations around the
country.
Click on http://www.sirius.com to listen to SIRIUS live, or to purchase
a SIRIUS radio and subscription.
About Kia
Kia Motors America — the sales, marketing and distribution arm of Kia
Motors Corp. in Seoul, South Korea — offers a complete line of vehicles
through more than 630 dealers throughout the United States. For more
information visit http://www.kiamedia.com.

Related:
More on Sirius [internal]