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XM Satellite, Sirius Expand Deals With Infiniti

Nat Worden

Two satellite radio rivals will offer services as a factory option on the entire lineup of Infiniti cars.

XM Satellite Radio (XMSR) and Sirius (SIRI) said Wednesday that Infiniti, the luxury division of Nissan North America, will offer customers a choice between the two services as a built-in feature on all the cars.

Both companies previously had offered their services on the 2003 Infiniti FX 45 crossover vehicle. Soon, they will be available to buyers of the Q45 luxury sedan, the M45 performance sedan, the G35 sport sedan, the G35 sport coupe and the I35 performance luxury sedan.

In addition to the factory option, Infiniti is equipping all models with prewiring that will enable Infiniti retailers to install satellite radio at a customer's request.

"This is continuing a general trend -- that auto manufacturers want to offer satellite radio services to their customers," said Daniel Ernst, an analyst with Rodman & Renshaw.

Shares of Sirius were up 2.3%, or 4 cents, at $1.81 on Wednesday morning, while shares of XM were up 1.8%, or 23 cents, at $13.08.