German DAB+ boosts sales
November 7, 2011
By Chris Forrester
Germany launched digital radio format DAB+ in August at IFA and market research company GfK says DAB+ “is set to significantly impact on sales of portable audio devices (e.g. portable radios, clock radios, radio recorders and other product categories) in Germany.”
Indeed, GfK data shows there was a “considerable” increase in radio sales in August and September.
“In August, almost 8 per cent of all portable radios sold were DAB+ devices. In September, more than 4,700 DAB-capable units were sold, an increase of 3,600 units compared to June 2011. The share of DAB+ is lower for most other segments as consumers are still familiarizing themselves with the technology. DAB+ technology is particularly interesting for manufacturers as DAB equipment has a much higher sales value than simple FM receivers – 8 per cent of the units sold account for 17 per cent of the value in the category Portable Radio in Germany,” says GfK.