In its Third Year, the Report Provides Fresh Data and Insights on Radio’s Standing in America’s Top-Selling New Vehicles
- A database with vehicle data
- Expanded vehicle analysis
- Updated scorecard of dashboard features
- Six key findings with actionable recommendations
Radio industry experts Fred Jacobs (President, Jacobs Media), Paul Jacobs (VP/GM, Jacobs Media), Joe D’Angelo (SVP, Global Broadcast Radio, Xperi Inc.), and Mike McVay (President, McVay Media Consulting) contributed analysis and commentary in the report. All four will join Quu CEO Steve Newberry to discuss the findings in a free webinar on April 15 at 3p ET. Register here.
Access to the Data
The data on all the models surveyed is available at QuuReport.com. Search and sort the findings, see dashboard photos, and click any row for details.
Quu’s 2026 Dashboard Scoreboard
The dashboard scoreboard is a snapshot of how common each feature is in the dashboard of the top 100 best-selling new models in the U.S. The scoreboard is updated annually to track radio’s standing and progress.
The Six Key Findings
- Screens are everywhere—radio must be visual.
- Infotainment systems are more familiar and intuitive.
- AM/FM is still ubiquitous but increasingly harder to find.
- Earning the ‘last touch’ matters more than ever.
- HD Radio is growing.
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto hold steady while SiriusXM loses ground.
“In our 3rd year, trendlines are emerging. Screens are everywhere in vehicles. Dashboards are getting smarter and more intuitive to use. Audio is now almost always paired with a visual,” said Steve Newberry, CEO of Quu. “What listeners see impacts what they hear. For radio, the challenge isn’t availability—it’s discoverability. Ensuring sound is seen isn’t optional. It’s essential.”
Methodology
The 2026 report follows the methodology as the two previous reports, using the same analyst, time period, and sales data source GoodCarBadCar. Data was collected by an independent contractor tasked with auditing in-dash systems. Quu engaged broadcast radio researcher Doug Hyde to analyze the data. Doug identified the report’s six key findings and provided insights into their impact on the radio industry.
About Quu
Quu’s patented technology empowers radio stations to schedule and publish dynamic programming and sales messages on screens. Visual Quus like text, logos, and images engage listeners and generate immediate incremental revenue. With over eight billion Quus delivered annually, Quu is redefining how we see radio. Visit myquu.net to find out what Quu can do for you.
Media Contact
Suzy Schultz – Suzy@CreativePrism.com