Sirius gets into new cars

Jaguar and Mercedes-Benz are plugging Sirius satellite radio into their dashboards, the carmakers announced Wednesday.

Four 2005 Jaguar models--X-Type, X-Type Wagon, S-Type and the XJ Sedan--will have Sirius radio as a dealer-installed option, the British automaker said. In addition, the receiver will be offered as a port-installed accessory in the 2006 editions of all four models. Jaguar said it will announce pricing at a later stage.

Mercedes-Benz, which has an existing tie-up with Sirius, said the satellite radio will be a factory-installed option in its 2006 M-Class Sports Utility vehicle. The receiver will come with a six-month subscription to the service and is expected to have a manufacturers suggested retail price of $500.

The automaker plans to extend the satellite radio service to six more 2006 Mercedes models later this year and up to four 2007 models, the company said.

Sirius and market leader XM Satellite Radio emerged on the scene some three years ago. Both offer monthly subscriptions to digital music service via satellite receivers.

Separately on Wednesday, Korean carmaker Hyundai Motor said all its new models will be fitted with XM radio.