Hyundai Partners With XM

Red Herring: (I missed this story last week, but it's still relevant.)  Breaking the trend of satellite radio just being an option in automobiles - XM has boldy declared that "all U.S. models of Hyundai cars, which include the Sonata, Santa Fe, and Elantra, will have XM radio as standard equipment starting in 2006."  In other words, the duo will provide factory-installed equipment in every vehicle across its entire model line-up. According to the article, the long-term success of satellite radio will likely hinge on the broad acceptance of the subscription service by automakers and, subsequently, the public... It's still a toss up whether the average car buyer will simply go for it or be turned off to being forced into the service - but you have to admire both Hyundai's and XM's initiative.