When I bought my car a few years ago, the salesman gloated over the fact that there was no visible radio for the car phone or even the FM/AM radio. Antennas were so last century he seemed to say, and I felt so progressive (and still do.)

Not long ago the NY Times did a great piece on the shocking fact that today’s car can have up to 18 separate antennas hidden inside door panels, and rear view mirrors, and wheel wells. Read on…

“Today’s cars need a selection of antennas just to serve their entertainment systems (separate units for broadcast and satellite radio, and another to receive television programming); navigation units and cellphones use different aerials again. The count increases further with systems that employ a “diversity” antenna to improve reception. This design uses two or more individual antennas tuned to the same band, relying on a microprocessor in the radio to select the clearest signal.”

More Here