Hyundai Motor America and XM Satellite Radio have announced that Hyundai will be the first car maker to include a satellite radio receiver as standard, factory-installed equipment.

Every vehicle across its entire model line-up will be fitted with a digital radio from 2006. XM will begin fitting the radios to the Sonata, Santa Fe, Elantra, and the upcoming replacement for the XG350 premium sedan.

By year-end 2006 the company expects 75% of Hyundai’s sales volume will be XM-equipped, with the remaining models following quickly thereafter, totaling well over 500,000 cars by 2007.

XM CEO Hugh Panero says: “Including XM as standard equipment in all of its vehicles makes this one of the most aggressive automotive rollouts of XM Satellite Radio ever. Hyundai is one of the fastest-growing automakers in the world today, and it has earned outstanding ratings for quality, reliability, and safety. We know that Hyundai customers are going to love XM’s award-winning programming as they travel from coast to coast.”