At the WorldDAB Automotive 2026 conference in Frankfurt, Germany, the WorldDAB organization released the latest data on digital receiver sales. The report confirms a growing trend in the adoption of the DAB+ standard, which is becoming a fundamental element of modern broadcasting, especially in the passenger car segment. According to current statistics, global sales of DAB and DAB+ receivers have exceeded 166 million units.
Specific figures from 11 key markets show a total volume of 166.6 million devices sold. Compared to the previous report from early last year, this represents an increase of over 10%. Among the fastest-growing major markets were France and Italy. In France, in addition to hardware sales, signal coverage for the population has also significantly improved, now reaching 80%.
A key factor for the mass adoption of the technology is the automotive industry. Data show that DAB+ digital radio is now standard equipment in almost all new cars sold in Europe. This trend is beginning to spread beyond the European continent thanks to similar regulatory measures introduced by countries such as Saudi Arabia. Consumer surveys further confirm that drivers consider radio broadcasting an indispensable part of car equipment and demand it to be easily discoverable and simple to operate within in-car systems.
“If we want radio broadcasting to remain strong in cars, we need more than just faith. We need evidence, practical tools, shared language, and coordinated efforts,” said WorldDAB President Jacqueline.
The President of the forum also called for closer industry cooperation at the conference to ensure radio's strong position in the rapidly changing environment of “connected cars”. The goal is to maintain radio as a modern digital foundation amidst competition from other in-car technologies and streaming services.
Along with these results, the WorldDAB forum also released a new infographic on the state of digital radio. Finally, the organization announced that the next WorldDAB 2026 General Assembly and Summit will take place this November in Vienna.