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Halfords launch DAB radios for motorists
Halfords is to sell and fit digital car radios in a major boost to promote the (DAB) service to Britain's 30 million motorists.
The move by the UK's leading retailer of in car entertainment products comes as the Government announces it is supportive of a switchover to DAB, when 50% of radio listening is on digital sources, with a tentative target date of 2015.
Halfords will offer the Pure Highways DAB adaptor with an external aerial for £100 as a "We Fit" package. The units will be on display in UK stores from Sunday July 11. Halfords sells more than half of the country's car radios.
Halfords has also been working hard with suppliers and plans to launch its own brand digital in-car audio systems by Christmas.
While households have led the way in buying DAB sets, car owners have lagged behind both because new radios and external aerials need fitting to vehicles and due to the uncertainty on Government plans for the switch over. Just 1% of cars on the road currently have digital radios signals.
Motor manufactures have promised that the majority of new cars will have digital radios fitted automatically by 2013 but an estimated 20 million motorists driving older vehicles will need to replace radios in their cars to receive the digital transmissions.
The decision by Halfords to stock DAB sets will enable motorists to learn more about digital radio and will also provide valuable information on demand for the new service.
Paul McClenaghan, Halfords Commercial Director said: "With government support for the switch over we expect to see a surge in interest in DAB from motorists. We have been working closely with suppliers and training our staff so that we are ready to help and advise customers on the how to make the transition to this new technology".
UK digital coverage currently stands at around 90% of the
country and promises to offer a wider choice of stations to of
analogue.
The market for digital in-car radios has the potential to be worth £2 billion.
End
For Further details contact.
Louise Iles or Sara Leung on 01527 513315 or email Louise.Iles@halfords.co.uk
Halfords Group plc
The Group is the UK's leading retailer of automotive, leisure and cycling products and through Nationwide Autocentres also the UK's leading independent car servicing and repair operator.
Halfords employs approximately 11,000 staff and sells over 12,000 different product lines with significant ranges in car parts, cycles, in-car technology, child seats, roof boxes, outdoor leisure and camping equipment. Halfords own brands include the in-store Bikehut department, for cycles and cycling accessories, Apollo and Carrera cycles and exclusive UK distribution rights of the premium ranged Boardman cycles and accessories. In outdoor leisure, we sell a premium range of camping equipment, branded URBAN Escape. Halfords offers customers expert advice and a fitting service called "wefit" for car parts, child seats, satellite navigation and in-car entertainment systems, and a "werepair" service for cycles.
Halfords customers shop at 469 stores in the UK and abroad and at Halfords.com for direct home delivery or pick-up at their local store. Nationwide Autocentres operates from 224 sites nationally and offers motorists dealership quality MOTs, repairs and car servicing at affordable prices.