Spyder Gets Sirius Standard Equipment

If you don't want an Infiniti - or a Lexus, or a Hyundai - Mitsubishi plans to offer Sirius satellite radio as standard gear on its new Eclipse Spyder.

Car maker Mitsubishi doesn’t want to be left out of the satellite radio bandwagon, announcing today that it will offer Sirius satellite radio receivers as standard equipment on its 2008 Eclipse Spyder; Mitsubishi will make Sirius satellite radio receivers an available factory-installed option in all its 2008 model vehicles.

“Mitsubishi is excited to have Sirius Satellite Radio on every new Eclipse Spyder and available to the full lineup,” said Mike Krebs, Vice President of Product Strategy at Mitsubishi Motors North America, in a release. “Siriusprogramming is a perfect compliment to the thrilling design and performance of Mitsubishi vehicles.”

The 2008 Eclipse Spyder goes on sale this April.

The announcement comes on the heels of Infniti, Lexus, and Hyundai announcing plans to add XM satellite radio receivers as factory-standard gear on selected models, and underscores the satellite radio industry’s push to get into new vehicles—as drivers spend more and more time on roads on longer commutes, satellite radio is proving a popular feature in new vehicles, even though it requires paid subscriptions to keep operating.

The distinction between XM and Sirius service may become moot of the two companies’ planned $13 billion merger is approved by regulatory agencies; the choice of service may boil down to subscription plans or features of a particular receiver. A decision on the proposed merger is expected by the end of 2007.