The inaugural event brought together leaders from the automotive, technology, media and mobility industries to explore how operating systems, apps and connected services are reshaping the in-car experience.
A rapidly expanding connected-car ecosystem
Research presented by Dataxis at the event highlighted the significant growth expected in embedded in-car operating systems.
Across Europe, Dataxis forecasts that the number of vehicles with embedded in-car operating systems will increase from 11.31 million in 2026 to 60 million by 2031. North America is expected to see similar growth, reaching 94.61 million vehicles by 2031.
The research also highlighted the increasingly diverse range of operating systems used by automotive manufacturers, creating a more complex environment for content providers seeking to reach drivers.
For broadcasters, this raises an important question: as more apps and services become available through vehicle dashboards, how can radio remain visible and straightforward to access?
Radio remains a leading in-car service
Despite the growth of connected entertainment options, Dataxis' consumer research reinforces radio's continued importance.
In a January 2026 survey of 1,424 respondents with access to in-car apps across the UK, France and Germany, 37.1% ranked radio as their first choice among 12 categories of in-car apps and services, ahead of navigation and maps (22%) and music streaming (18%).
These findings highlight radio's continued appeal among drivers, while underlining the importance of maintaining its position as new digital services emerge.
The presentation also explored how integration influences the visibility of in-car services. Using Volvo's integration with Apple Music as an example, Dataxis highlighted how automotive manufacturers and operating system providers can shape the way drivers discover and use content.
For radio, the implication is clear: availability alone is not enough. Prominence, discoverability and ease of access are essential.
Industry collaboration is essential
The evolving role of radio was explored further during the panel discussion, 'How do we reinvent in-car radio for the connected car era?'.
Moderated by Tomas Granryd (Sveriges Radio), the session brought together Laurence Harrison (Radioplayer), David O'Neill (ARD), Marine Dupin (Radio France) and Tobias Nielsen (Bauer Media Group).
The discussion explored how broadcasters, automotive manufacturers and technology providers can work together to keep radio prominent and accessible as the connected-car experience evolves.
As vehicle interfaces become more sophisticated, priorities include intuitive radio access, consistent station metadata and effective integration across broadcast and digital platforms.
Tobias Nielsen, CEO of Bauer Media Audio Denmark and VP Strategic Partnerships at Bauer Media Group, commented:
"As cars become increasingly connected, we have an important opportunity to improve the in-car listening experience. But greater choice and innovation must not come at the expense of radio's accessibility. Radio continues to play a vital role in keeping drivers informed, entertained and connected, and it's essential that broadcasters, automotive manufacturers and technology providers work together to ensure it remains easy to find and use."
Keeping radio at the heart of the connected-car experience
As connected-car technology continues to advance, radio's unique strengths remain as relevant as ever. It provides free-to-air access to news, entertainment and local information, without depending on mobile data connectivity.
For Radio Ready for Connected Cars, the global coalition working to safeguard radio's prominence and accessibility in vehicles, the findings and discussions at CarApp World Europe reinforce the importance of continued cross-industry collaboration.
The challenge is not simply to ensure that radio remains available, but that it continues to be easy to find and simple to use, regardless of how vehicle technology evolves.
Read the full Dataxis In-car Apps and the OS Landscape presentation: In-car Apps and the OS Landscape - Dataxis
Find out more about Radio Ready's work at radioready.info.
