UK carmakers drop key feature, impacting seven million drivers

UK car manufacturers have ceased including CD players in new models, impacting approximately seven million drivers who still enjoy listening to CDs in their vehicles. This decision follows Subaru's removal of the technology earlier this year, marking the end of an era for a feature that has been present in cars for about four decades. The consumer group ERA highlighted that 15% of the UK adult population listens to CDs in their cars, indicating a significant demand for this format despite the decline in CD sales over the past two decades. The ERA's chief executive, Kim Bayley, criticized the move as 'remarkably short-sighted,' especially given the recent signs of a rebound in CD sales. The decline in CD sales has been stark, dropping from 170 million in 2004 to just 11.4 million in 2023. However, the popularity of artists like Taylor Swift, whose latest album sold 172,000 CDs in the UK this year, suggests that there remains a dedicated audience for physical music formats. Drivers have expressed their dissatisfaction with the absence of CD players in new vehicles, as highlighted in the latest Which? Car Reliability Survey. Many owners voiced their disappointment, with some stating they were unhappy about the lack of an option to have a CD player fitted. This shift towards streaming music has raised concerns about safety, as drivers may be tempted to use their phones while driving, which is illegal and poses risks. In response to these concerns, Euro NCAP announced plans to downgrade safety ratings for cars lacking physical buttons for key functions, aiming to address the potential distractions caused by reliance on touchscreen controls. This change reflects a growing awareness of the need for safer driving environments in the face of evolving technology in vehicles.