A new record for DAB digital radio sales has been set, with almost 12 million receivers being sold in 2017 in Europe and Asia Pacific.
Around 6 million, or almost half of the sales, were for “automotive devices”. The data released by WorldDAB also showed that there has been an increase in the number of cars sold with DAB fitted as standard.
The UK has the largest “installed base” of DAB digital radio receivers with 36 million. This is followed by Germany with nearly 10 million and Norway with nearly 6 million. Norway completed a switchover to digital radio for national stations in 2017.
Almost nine out of ten new cars in the UK came with digital radio as standard. DAB digital radio receivers can be found in 62% of UK households.
Total DAB coverage of the UK population has now reached 97.3%. The country with the highest population coverage is Norway with 99.7%.
Across all digital platforms 62% of people in the UK listened to digital radio in a given period. DAB/DAB+ makes up 36% of the UK’s digital listening, followed by 9% for IP (online, apps, etc) and 5% for digital television and other digital methods.
Digital radio usage varies across Europe and other countries which have adopted the standard. Although there is 97% DAB/DAB+ network coverage in Germany just 39% of new cars come with digital radio as standard.
“The last 12 months have been a strong period for DAB radio,” said Patrick Hannon, President, WorldDAB.
“International receiver sales are at their highest level ever – boosted by the switch-off of FM in Norway and strong growth in other European markets. Progress in automotive has been particularly impressive with nearly 6 million new cars sold with DAB radio last year. In addition to the excellent performance in Europe, it’s encouraging to see the development of emerging DAB markets in the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific regions.”