Ford and Lincoln Mercury will begin offering SIRIUS Satellite Radio as a factory-installed option this summer.
Starting with the 2006 model year, factory installed SIRIUS radio will be available on the F-150, Explorer, Lincoln Mark LT, and Mercury Mountaineer. As many as 21 vehicle lines, representing about 80% of total vehicles, will eventually get the option. Each Ford and Lincoln Mercury vehicle sold with factory equipped SIRIUS will include a six-month or longer subscription, and the automaker expects to generate up to one million SIRIUS subscribers over the 2006 and 2007 model year periods.
Separately, SIRIUS said it has selected Windows Media Video 9 for use in SIRIUS' mobile video platform, and has reached an agreement with Microsoft to collaborate in the further development of video applications.