Senate mandates car radios in new vehicles

On Tuesday, October 13, 2026, the French Senate voted to require all new vehicles to have a radio receiver compatible with FM or DAB+ signals. This decision applies to all types of vehicles, including light trucks and heavy goods vehicles, and is expected to significantly change how car manufacturers design their models.

Impact on automotive industry

The requirement to include a car radio in every new vehicle represents a significant cost for manufacturers. Many entry-level models previously offered minimalist systems without traditional radio receivers, and some brands rely on connected touchscreen systems instead. This change will force a complete revision of the electronic architecture for these models.

Radio sector in decline

The radio industry is facing a period of decline, with audiences dropping by 18 percent between 2015 and 2025. Despite 38 million daily listeners, advertising revenue fell by 2.5 percent in 2025 compared to the previous year. In response, public, private, and associative radio stations launched a joint appeal to the government, highlighting the lack of radio receivers in some imported vehicles.

Shift to digital listening

Digital platforms like Spotify, Deezer, Apple Music, and podcasts are increasingly capturing the attention of drivers, especially younger audiences. Car manufacturers have supported this trend by offering systems that prioritize streaming apps over traditional radio. DAB+ coverage now reaches 80 percent of drivers, and a full transition to digital radio is expected by 2033, similar to the shift in television.

Costs and pricing adjustments

The mandatory installation of radio receivers will likely increase the final price of vehicles. Entry-level models, which were previously sold with minimal equipment to remain competitive, may now be more expensive. Manufacturers will have to decide whether to absorb some of these costs or pass them on to buyers, affecting the overall pricing strategy across all vehicle segments.

Targeting foreign manufacturers

The Senate’s decision explicitly targets foreign manufacturers who sell vehicles without traditional radio receivers. While a 2018 European directive requires DAB+ compatibility for integrated radios, it does not mandate their installation. France is now taking a stricter stance, requiring the equipment to be included in all new vehicles. This move will require Chinese and other foreign brands entering the European market to adapt to French regulations.