Though still not a common standard feature, the appearance of satellite radio as an available option has more than tripled over the past three years and it now is listed as an option on 38.3% of all vehicles available for sale in the US, according to Autobytel’s Automotive Information Centre (AIC) division.
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AIC analysts also found there has been more contained growth in the past three years in the number of vehicles available with side air bags. In 2005, 63% of all vehicles included side air bags as either a standard or an optional feature. This is only a 16.8% increase from 2003 to 2005.
AIC said that, so far in the 2005 model year, 56 new models have been introduced with 221 trim variations. In contrast, in 2004, there were 71 new models, with 292 new trims.
In model year 2005, sedans and SUV body types represent the largest growth areas, with each group expanding by 13 new models. Convertibles and coupes tied for second, with each group expanding by eight new models.
