Subaru Announces New Deal With SiriusXM

Subaru of America, Inc. today announced agreements with Sirius XM Connected Vehicle Services Inc., a unit of Sirius XM, and AT&T to provide enhancements to its Subaru STARLINK in-vehicle connectivity system. The enhancements will deliver improved personal safety and security services to vehicle occupants via 4G LTE wireless connectivity.  For SiriusXM, this deal represents yet another step in creating more consumer products that go beyond satellite radio.

STARLINK is the Subaru in-vehicle platform that provides hands-free connectivity, entertainment and safety services to vehicle occupants. STARLINK, soon coming with built-in AT&T 4G LTE capability, will deliver features provided by Sirius XM Connected Vehicle Services including stolen vehicle recovery, automatic collision notification, remote vehicle services such as lock/unlock via a smartphone device and monthly diagnostic reports. STARLINK will be available in select 2016 model year Subaru vehicles starting later this year.

“Working with Subaru to provide a comprehensive suite of safety and security features to support Subaru drivers on the road, along with our critically-acclaimed audio entertainment service, strengthens our ongoing relationship with Subaru and its customers and makes the great experience of driving a Subaru even better,” said Rodney Pickett, Senior Vice President, Automotive Partnerships, Sirius XM.

SiriusXM has grown up a bit over the past couple of years.  The foundation of the company remains delivering audio content via satellite, but the company has the ability to deliver more.  With its unique satellite delivery platform and experience in deriving content to the dashboard, it was only a matter of time before SiriusXM would be viewed as an integral part of the connected car experience by auto makers as well.  SiriusXM has been working hard at remaining as relevant as possible in a world where connectivity is becoming standard.  The company is inking more and more extensive deals in the realm of the connected car.  Stay Tuned!