BYD–Stingray Partnership Redefines In-Car Audio and Dashboard Entertainment
The evolution of in-car entertainment is accelerating — and a new global partnership between Chinese EV giant BYD and digital audio powerhouse Stingray is offering a glimpse into what the next generation of automotive dashboards will look like.
With the launch of BYD Audio by Stingray, the companies are redefining how drivers interact with music, podcasts, radio, and immersive audio experiences inside connected vehicles. The move also signals a broader shift in how automakers are reclaiming control of dashboard ecosystems in an increasingly software-driven automotive world.
A Strategic Audio Alliance with Global Implications
On the heels of its agreement to acquire TuneIn, Stingray has unveiled a co-branded, end-to-end in-vehicle audio platform designed specifically for automakers.
The service will debut as BYD Audio by Stingray, developed in close collaboration with BYD, one of the world’s fastest-growing electric vehicle manufacturers.
While BYD vehicles are not currently sold in the United States or Canada, the brand has a strong footprint across:
Europe
Latin America
Southeast Asia
The Middle East
More than 70 global markets overall
This gives Stingray an immediate international distribution channel — and a powerful testbed for what OEM-branded audio ecosystems could become.
What Is BYD Audio by Stingray?
BYD Audio by Stingray is more than a streaming app. It is a fully integrated in-vehicle infotainment audio ecosystem, designed to feel native to the car rather than bolted on by a third party.
The platform brings together:
Hundreds of curated music channels, refreshed weekly
Over 4 million podcasts across genres and languages
Thousands of global radio stations
Interactive karaoke experiences
Wellness and relaxation soundscapes
All of it is delivered through a seamless dashboard interface that reflects BYD’s design language while leveraging Stingray’s audio expertise.
From Music to Mindfulness: A Multi-Modal Audio Experience
Unlike traditional in-car audio systems that focus primarily on playback, BYD Audio by Stingray emphasizes contextual listening — adapting to mood, time of day, and driving conditions.
Drivers can easily switch between:
On-demand music libraries
Gamified karaoke sessions for passengers
Calming ambient soundscapes for stress-free driving
Live and on-demand radio programming
The inclusion of Stingray’s wellness-focused streaming service, Calm Radio, reflects growing consumer demand for mental well-being features inside vehicles.
Dashboard Design Built for the Digital Driver
Visually, the platform is designed to match the expectations of modern EV owners.
Key interface features include:
Genre- and era-based content navigation
High-resolution album artwork
Customizable color themes
Intuitive touch-based controls optimized for in-car use
The result is an interface that feels closer to a premium consumer app than a traditional automotive radio system.
Flexible Business Models for Automakers
Beyond consumer features, BYD Audio by Stingray has been built with commercial flexibility in mind.
The platform supports:
Premium subscription tiers
Ad-supported listening models
OEM-specific branding and content curation
Regional and demographic targeting
This allows automakers to monetize dashboard real estate while maintaining control over the user experience — a key priority as vehicles become software-defined products.
Early Consumer Feedback Shows Promise
According to Jim Riley, early reactions from drivers have been highly encouraging.
“By integrating our full suite of audio products — from chart-topping music to karaoke and wellness — we are collectively redefining what in-car entertainment can be,” Riley said. “This is a co-branded, engaging solution that puts automakers back in control of the dashboard.”
Rollout Timeline: Europe First, Then the World
BYD Audio by Stingray is scheduled to begin rolling out via over-the-air updates in early 2026, starting with BYD’s European vehicle lineup.
The rollout plan includes:
Deployment across all BYD models in Europe
Gradual expansion to BYD’s global markets
Ongoing feature enhancements delivered digitally
This OTA-first strategy reflects how modern vehicles increasingly function like connected devices rather than static machines.
BYD’s Vision: Technology as a Core Identity
For BYD, the partnership aligns closely with its broader brand philosophy.
Stella Li, Executive Vice President of BYD, emphasized the company’s technology-first approach:
“BYD is a technology company, and we’re always focused on making the latest innovations accessible to customers. Stingray’s suite of audio services will play an important role in our cutting-edge cabin features.”
She added that the goal is to create a world-class audio experience that enhances every journey, whether short commutes or long-distance travel.
How TuneIn Strengthens the Automotive Play
Stingray’s pending acquisition of TuneIn — valued at up to $175 million — adds another strategic layer to its automotive ambitions.
TuneIn brings:
A globally recognized radio platform
Deep relationships with broadcasters
Extensive experience in connected car environments
Rich Stern previously noted that radio’s digital transformation is accelerating as automakers rethink dashboard hardware.
“Our ability to work together with OEMs can accelerate distribution in both EVs and legacy vehicles,” Stern said, pointing to a future where digital radio replaces traditional AM/FM systems.
The Bigger Trend: Automakers Reclaiming the Dashboard
The BYD–Stingray partnership reflects a broader industry movement: OEMs taking back control of in-car media experiences from tech giants and third-party platforms.
Rather than relying on external apps, automakers are now:
Building proprietary infotainment ecosystems
Offering OEM-branded audio and radio services
Integrating content deeply into vehicle software
This mirrors shifts already seen in smartphones, smart TVs, and gaming consoles.
The Long-Term Vision: OEM-Branded Radio for Every Brand
Looking ahead, Stingray leadership sees a future where nearly every automaker offers a branded audio experience.
Eric Boyko has predicted that within the next decade, Stingray and TuneIn technology could be embedded across the global auto industry.
The vision includes:
“Ford Radio”
“Toyota Radio”
Fully branded OEM audio platforms
Seamless blends of music, podcasts, radio, and interactive content
In this model, the dashboard becomes a brand extension — not just a screen.
Why This Matters for Drivers and the Industry
The launch of BYD Audio by Stingray highlights several important shifts:
Cars are becoming media platforms
Audio is central to the in-car experience
Brand identity now extends into software and sound
For drivers, this means more personalized, immersive, and engaging journeys. For automakers, it represents a new frontier for differentiation and revenue.
Final Thoughts
BYD Audio by Stingray is not just a product launch — it is a signal. A signal that the future of dashboard audio will be:
Branded
Connected
Customizable
Continuously evolving
As electric vehicles and software-defined cars reshape transportation, partnerships like this one show how sound, storytelling, and technology are converging inside the modern vehicle.
