The trial lawyers at Keefe Bartels, LLC are currently investigating the marketing and sales of HD car radios by certain car manufacturers. HD radios utilize a technology by which AM and FM radio stations transmit both audio and data signals along with their analog signals. HD radios are frequently touted as cutting edge technology which will dramatically improve sound quality, provide new benefits to the user and enhance the radio listening experience. In recent years HD car radios have been included in various high end automobiles. HD radios are also frequently sold as an add-on feature for such luxury brands as BMW and Jaguar.
HD car radios are typically promoted as a technological upgrade of the way in which radio stations transmit their signals. Contrary to the popular misconception caused by its name, HD radio is not “high definition” radio as in HDTV. HD radio is actually the brand name created by iBiquity Digital Corporation for this technology. HD radios claim to provide CD sound quality without static, hisses, pops, crackles or other forms of audio interference. HD radios are also supposed to provide additional information such as song titles and artists to the end user. HD car radios are advertised as a free over-the-air broadcast service which does not require a subscription fee like satellite radio.
The purchase on an HD compatible receiver system for your automobile is required in order to receive the digital signal and enjoy the publicized benefits of this technology. Purchasers and lessees of new cars are frequently told about HD radios and induced to purchase HD radio receivers for their perceived advancements. Luxury brand automobile manufacturers and dealers commonly drive the increased sales of HD car radios.
BMW was one of the first car manufacturers to offer HD radios. BMW initially offered HD Radios at no additional cost in its high end vehicles in the $80,000 price range. HD radios have recently become more common in various BMW models especially those with in-dash (infotainment system) computers. Lower end BMW models typically require an additional cost of approximately $350 for the installation of a HD radio.
Jaguar has provided HD radios as a standard feature in their top-of-the-line Jaguar XJ model for years. Models such as the Jaguar XF and Jaguar XK offer HD radios as a factory installed option with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of about $300.
Despite the increased sales of HD car radios and the growing number of radio stations transmitting digitally, there are continual complaints about the technology and these audio devices. HD car radios are plagued by an inability to receive the digital signals transmitted by FM and AM radio stations and a significantly reduced sound quality when such signals are received. Such problems coupled with the increased costs for HD car radios call into question the utility of this supposed technological innovation. Consumers are being enticed to purchase HD car radios that commonly fail to perform or provide any benefits and features. The additional cost to the consumer is both unwarranted and unnecessary when the HD radios do not work as they are supposed to.
Consumer statutes and laws protect the purchasers of various products such as HD car radios. A party may be legally liable for statements, omissions or misrepresentations of material facts that should have been know to be false or misleading and promoted the sale of the product. Such laws protect innocent consumers from unlawful and deceptive practices.
The victims of questionable business practices by parties such automobile manufacturers are the consumers who purchase or lease cars with HD car radios at significantly increased costs when these devices fail to function as they are represented to work. As news develops and the investigation proceeds, Keefe Bartels, LLC will carefully monitor events and research all relevant laws.
The trial attorneys at Keefe Bartels, LLC are hard at work doing their part to protect the public from misleading and deceptive business practices that harm consumers. If you or someone you know recently experienced problems with a HD car radio in a newly purchased or leased BMW or Jaguar automobile, please contact the attorneys at Keefe Bartels, LLC to see if they can help you.
