A new study has revealed millions of Brits are no longer listening to the radio on car journeys, opting instead for podcasts and playlists.
A poll of 2,000 UK motorists conducted by OnePoll found one in six prefer to listen to a podcast, playlist, or just stream music from their phones while driving.
Five years ago, this was for case for only one in 12 drivers.
The study also discovered 60 per cent of motorists enjoy listening to music or something else entertaining as it makes driving more fun.
When it comes to music, only 11 per cent still listen to hard formats of audio like CDs.
Ponz Pandikuthira, from Nissan Europe, spoke about how this has changed the nature of integrated systems in cars saying:
In-car connectivity is one of the major transformational technologies of the automotive industry. Today, largely through smartphone connectivity, we have an infinite library of content at our fingertips.
It’s perhaps no surprise driver preferences are shifting towards on-demand and streamed services, rather than scheduled broadcasts or offline audio formats such as CD.
Within the next decade, the integrated systems in our vehicles will be processing huge amounts of data. We’ll be streaming audio, navigational and visual information, entirely through cellular transmissions, with 4G and 5G connection speeds required to manage this data demand.
As a result, by 2030, it’s entirely feasible that the car aerial – in the form we know it today – may be another feature consigned to the automotive history books.
In terms of what types of podcasts people listen to when they drive, motorists tend to enjoy ones that focus on music, comedy or sport.
And when it comes to music, Brits most like to listen to ‘pop’ on their commutes.
One third of drivers choose to listen to something while driving as it helps them relax and it also puts them in a good mood – maybe helping avoid road rage then!
Of course, in-car entertainment technology makes listening to your favourite podcast or playlist a lot easier, yet only 46 per cent of drivers know how to work it.
However, one third admit they’re glad they drive now as 30 years ago technology wasn’t anywhere near as advanced.
A further 65 per cent agree when it comes to in-car entertainment, stating the options available to them today are ‘the best they have ever been’.
The research also revealed we no longer have nostalgic items in our cars like a paper A-Z, steering lock, or ash tray.
From the study it also emerged the majority of drivers keep a phone charger, CD player, and reusable shopping bags in their cars.
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