Satellite Radio, Navigation Systems More Common

Consumers are increasingly coming to expect satellite radio and on-board navigation systems in the new cars they buy, according to a study conducted by J.D. Power and Associates.

Market penetration for the two features has grown to meet consumer expectations. According to the study, 55% of new-car owners report having satellite radio, drastically up from the 39% who had it in 2007. The percentage of people with navigation systems has racheted up from 20% in 2007 to 25% in 2008.

Expect those numbers to continue to climb, especially given that 60% of consumers say they want a navigation system in the next car they buy, while 66% assert they’d better have an easy way to play MP3s.

The escalation of expectations for on-board technology means a boon for companies that make the systems, but should also benefit consumers as these features become cheaper and more consistently standard.