A pilot scheme which aims to make it easier for drivers to get DAB digital radio in their car has been launched in Surrey.
The Go Digital Car scheme is taking place in Surrey for three months from Monday, 16th October. The pilot is aiming to let drivers know that any vehicle can be upgraded to DAB digital radio and that it’s easy to get one.
In Surrey more than 70% of households have a DAB radio and more than 53% of all radio listening is to a digital platform, making it one of the most digital areas of the country. While 90% of new cars come with DAB digital radio as standard the majority of existing cars don’t receive digital stations.
To mark the launch of the pilot a local farmer, John Nicholas, brought his New Holland tractor to Halfords in Redhill for an upgrade to digital radio. A replacement Sony in-car digital radio was fitted in around 30 minutes.
Today we were at @Halfords_uk in Reigate with @CrispinBlunt upgrading a local farmer's tractor to digital radio. #GoDigitalCar #Surrey pic.twitter.com/62SO8GLWJD
— Digital Radio UK (@DigitalRadioUK) 13 October 2017
Local radio stations supporting the scheme will be letting listeners know where and how they can get digital radio in their car. BBC Radio Surrey, Heart Surrey, Eagle Radio, Jack Surrey and Premier Praise will be broadcasting special features and competitions to win a free digital radio upgrade.
“We’re delighted to be able to offer our customers in Surrey a broader range of digital radios and adapters to upgrade their cars to digital radio,” said Florence Isitt, Halfords audio and connectivity expert.
“As the UK leader in digital conversions our trained installers who can easily and quickly upgrade any vehicle, even a tractor.”
Digital Radio UK hopes that following the Surrey pilot the project can be expanded to the rest of the country.
“It’s great news that Surrey’s broadcasters, retailers and garages have joined forces to make a difference to the Surrey drivers who currently can’t take some of the stations they enjoy home with them on the road,” said Ford Ennals, CEO at the organisation.
Digital radios and adapters from Nextbase, Pure, Auto DAB, JVC, Kenwood, Radioplayer Car, Sony, POP and Tiny are available in the pilot scheme. Halfords and Halfords Autocentres in Surrey, Kwik Fit Plus in Guildford, Bannings Car Audio & Security in Guildford, Cartronics in West Byfleet, Carters Car Care in Dorking and Woodside Park Garage in Godalming are among 20 garages and retailers participating in the pilot.
Prices start from £99 plus fitting and drivers can ask for a DAB radio upgrade when they book their vehicle in for an MOT or service.