GREEN LIGHT FOR TICK MARK

Minister Ed Vaizey and SMMT CEO Mike Hawes launched the new digital radio tick communications on DVLA vehicle tax reminder envelopes at the offices of the SMMT yesterday.
The audience of vehicle industry executives heard that envelopes are being mailed to 40 million vehicle owners annually, starting today. The message on the envelope states that any car can have a digital radio and shows the new digital radio tick mark.
The digital radio tick mark was developed as part of the Government Digital Radio Action Plan and introduced to the vehicle industry earlier in 2014. The tick mark is used to show car radios, car adapters, installers and car dealers that have been tested and approved as meeting the agreed minimum standards.
The DVLA activity is part of a major programme of customer communications on the digital radio tick mark which will be followed in Spring 2015 with a heavyweight radio campaign. This activity coincides with the appearance of the digital tick mark on products and packaging at dealers and aftermarket retailers. The paper tax disc for vehicles has been phased out, but the DVLA is continuing to send out vehicle tax reminders to motorists.
At the launch event Ed Vaizey, Minister for Culture and the Digital Economy, said that the support of the DVLA for tick mark communications was ‘unprecedented’ and that he welcomed the introduction of the tick mark in the vehicle sector, as he felt it would provide valuable consumer reassurance and encourage motorists to convert to digital.
Jane Ostler, Communications Director of Digital Radio UK, announced that the Formula 1 broadcaster Suzi Perry would be the new voice of digital radio and would appear in industry advertising to support digital radio and the launch of the digital tick mark.
Nearly 60% of new cars now come with DAB digital radio as standard (CAP/SMMT Q3 2014) and there is a range of digital car radios and adapters available to suit any vehicle.
Ed Vaizey, Minister for Culture and the Digital Economy, said: ‘It’s excellent news that the Digital Radio tick mark is now up and running. This level of support from the DVLA is unprecedented and consumers will now have the assurance of knowing the radio they buy for their car is ready for the future.’
Mike Hawes, CEO of SMMT, said: ‘We fully support the launch of the tick mark and believe that it will help accelerate the transition to digital radio in car.’
Ford Ennals, CEO of Digital Radio UK, said: ‘There is massive support from radio manufacturers for the introduction of the tick mark, and we look forward to car radios and adapters arriving in stores with the tick mark and the start of the new consumer campaign.’
About Digital Radio UK
Digital Radio UK works with Government, broadcasters, manufacturers, retailers, and a wide range of stakeholders to make digital radio the natural choice at home, in car and on the move, and to help secure UK radio’s digital future. Digital Radio UK’s Board comprises representatives from the BBC, RadioCentre, Arqiva, Global Radio, Bauer Media, Communicorp, together with techUK and the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.