London, July 23rd, 2020 – As Europe’s leading commercial radio broadcaster, Bauer Media Audio has today announced it will be available at launch on car infotainment systems powered by Android. Set to roll out into Polestar 2and Volvo XC40 Recharge later this year, these will be the world’s first cars to feature an infotainment system powered by Android with Google Assistant, Google Maps and Google Play built in.

Bauer Media Audio’s highly rated radio listening apps will be available through Google Play in the vehicle dashboards for car owners in the UK, Sweden and Norway. Built-in Google media apps and services will allow drivers and passengers to enjoy radio, podcasts, audiobooks and music with ease, enhancing their in-car experience.

This will allow audiences to effortlessly access and listen to the radio stations and audio on demand they love via Bauer apps with content such as featured brands Magic Radio and RadioPlay, and other leading brands in the UK such as KISS, Greatest Hits Radio, Hits Radio, Absolute Radio and Scala and on the RadioPlay platform across the Nordics giving access to Sweden’s Mix Megapoland Norway’s Radio Norge, among others.

The launch of cars with Google built-in highlights the importance and resilience of audio entertainment, which has both increased and remained strong this year. According to RAJAR Q1 2020 figures, Bauer Media Audio posted a record reach of 20 million listeners in the UK, with digital listening reaching 14.6 million, up 6.2% from the year before. Consumers have turned to radio during lockdown – 25% of people stated that they had listened to more radio since the pandemic, as it made them more positive, entertained them, provided inspiration and delivered useful, trusted information during the challenging time.

Richard Dawkins, COO Bauer Media Audio, said: "Connected devices provide new ways for our listeners to access the full range of high-quality content from the radio stations they love and we are constantly innovating our products to meet their evolving expectations. Audio is intrinsic to the in-car experience and we are excited to be partnering with Google within this exciting future-looking environment."

Anya Ernest, Business Design, Polestar, added: "This is the first step in transforming our perception, moving away from the car as only being a mode of transportation and the car as an extension of your digital life. If we can increase the usage and the context of the car then this can help in our long-term goal in creating a more sustainable future."

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Press contact
Cat Martin
Communications Director Bauer Media Audio
cat.martin@bauermedia.co.uk
T: 0207 432 3317
M: 07932 746363

About Bauer Media Audio
Bauer Media Audio is Europe’s leading digital commercial broadcaster and audio operator. Experts in the power of sound, the company reaches over twenty-six million listeners daily through its market-leading broadcast radio, online services, and podcasts creating commercial value. The business spans 7 countries including the UK, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Poland and Slovakia, with leading brands including KISS, Mix Megapol, Absolute Radio, Radio Norge, Radio Expres, Radio Nova, The Voice and RMF.