Toyota to Integrate Clear Channel Radio App into New Vehicles

Toyota Motor Sales revealed Monday that it’s broadening the entertainment capability of future vehicles through a new relationship with Clear Channel Radio’s iheartradio mobile application.

Executives said more than 750 of America’s favorite radio stations and other exclusive content are scheduled to be incorporated into select Toyota vehicles beginning in 2011. 

The automaker mentioned this is the first partnership for Toyota and mobile application integration. More details are set to be released at the Consumer Electronics Show in January.

The companies contend more than 10.5 million consumers already use Clear Channel’s iheartradio mobile app. The content includes unique celebrity hosted channels from Christina Aguilera, Eagles and Weezer, local traffic reports and commercial-free shows from Ryan Seacrest, Elvis Duran and the some of the best DJs and hosts from throughout the country. 

“Personalization is important to our customers. Delivering iheartradio in the vehicle will allow our owners to customize their drive-time experience,” explained Jon Bucci, vice president advanced technology at Toyota.

“I have always felt Toyota provides one of the best audio platforms and this partnership takes it even further,” Bucci added.

John Hogan, president and chief executive officer of Clear Channel Radio, also offered his reaction to Monday’s announcement.

“Using our digital expertise to further enhance the driving experience, and make the car the next digital audio and information platform for consumers, it is great to work with a leading automotive partner in Toyota,” Hogan stressed.

“Our iheartradio service is a perfect fit for the car, offering literally hundreds of radio stations and dozens of programming genres to choose from — whether that is your hometown favorite you grew up with, a station in the city you are driving in, or a category of music or information that engages you,” he went on to say. “You’ll be able to have your favorite entertainment, nationally or locally, with real-time traffic updates.”