As Ford Authority previously reported, The Blue Oval has already ditched AM radio functionality in two models – the all-new S650-generation 2024 Ford Mustang, and the 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning EV pickup – even though that feature was available in the 2022 F-150 Lightning – though those two vehicles won’t be the last, at least unless U.S. Senator Ed Markey, Congressman Josh Gottheimer, and other critics of the move have their way. However, it seems as if one particular segment of FoMoCo models will be keeping AM radio for the foreseeable future, according to the Detroit Free Press – commercial vehicles.
“We are transitioning from AM radio for most new and updated 2024 models,” Ford spokesman Wes Sherwood told the Free Press. “A majority of U.S. AM stations, as well as a number of countries and automakers globally, are modernizing radio by offering internet streaming through mobile apps, FM, digital, and satellite radio options. Ford will continue to offer these alternatives for customers to hear their favorite AM radio music, news and podcasts as we remove amplitude modulation – the definition of AM in this case – from most new and updated models we bring to market.”
However, Sherwood also added that the automaker’s commercial vehicles will continue to offer AM radio functionality as a direct result of “longstanding contract language.” Previously, the move has been blamed on electromagnetic interference stemming from electric motors used in EVs, which makes it difficult to obtain a clear signal, and some automakers – such as Ford, BMW, and Volkswagen – have followed suit in removing AM functionality, though others – including Tesla – dropped it years ago. Regardless, this move still has its fair share of critics that argue AM is important for a number of reasons.
“There’s no question that AM radio plays a critical role in informing Americans and keeping them safe; it is the backbone of the Emergency Alert System,” said Alex Siciliano, senior vice president for communication at the National Association of Broadcasters. “This is why numerous policymakers and FEMA representatives have sounded alarm bells for automakers. “We are certain that Ford does not want to alienate the nearly 48 million Americans who listen to AM radio, and we’ll continue working closely with the Alliance for Automotive Innovation and individual manufacturers to keep this important service in cars.”
We’ll have more on Ford’s shift away from AM radio soon, so be sure and subscribe to Ford Authority for 24/7 Ford news coverage.
Comments
This proved Ford lied. If AM was truly a problem in EVs, then it wouldn’t appear in commercial EVs either. Instead, the issue is Ford wants to monitor your listening habits and sell off that information.
Another bad move…i listen to AM now more than in the 70s….if Ford want to do away with something….Do away with Start Stop..you could do a poll on customers…and Start Stop…would be one feature….not wanted.
I hate Start Stop with a passion. If I could, I’d fire every person at Ford who was remotely responsible for it.
You are right it does.nt save a coke cap of fuel a day , while wearing out your starter and flywheel ring. One dumb move, like dropping AM radio and building the EV,s that not many people want. What do you expect in a banana republic with the worst president in history.
great replys!!! I too listen to AM more now than ever! I have had over 30 fords/mercury’s in the past 40 years, NO more. ordered a maverick hybrid 17 months ago, still dont have it- sold my f-150- bought a hyundia santa cruz small pickup-it has AM radio and NO start/stop! love it so far
That’s quite a record 30 for 40 years. Ford must of treated you like someone special they did for me and still do I get offers and incentives often and you elected to ride around in a monkey cage on wheels all because of am radio🤭
Ford with idle stop/start have HD starters. Automatic trans cars don’t have flywheels. They have flex plates.
What does Biden have to do with elimination of AM? Do you seriously think that the POTUS has anything to do with that? Did you read the article? Tesla dropped AM in 2018. Who was president then?
Are you sure you have start, stop, they have been putting override switches in center console that’s as easy as pushing a button for every key cycle, wow take away pacifier and some really get upset.
Ford continues to make bad decisions that alienate buyers. Doing away with AM radios is just the latest. Over investment in EV production is another. It seems Ford excessive have bought into the Woke agenda and are misreading what customers want. The tail is wagging the dog at Ford.
Morons, feed the dog a bone and instead it eats the other dog’s crap.
Stop listening to other peoples opinions on Am radio and you might not be so negative yourself that’s not healthy get rid of that junk !
If it doesn’t come with an AM radio I just won’t buy. I don’t like FM or using phone to hear news or traffic alerts. As of now am still waiting to see if ford builds anything I’d want to drive not much hope.
My next car will have AM radio, just like my two now!
Am modulation radio is free the Am radio itself is not make it a option and you boys can pay a fee to have one.
AM radios are critical to get Highway information alerts. Also I agree, get rid of the start stop feature. Terrible in stop and go traffic.