Tesla seeks to entering music streaming; to launch new service
Electric carmaker Tesla Inc. said on Thursday that it was considering ways to enter the music streaming industry, amid a report that it may launch a unique new service.
The high-end carmaker, which already has a tie-up with streaming leader Spotify in some international markets, said it was aiming at ways to please drivers.
“We believe that it’s important to have an exceptional in-car experience, so that our customers may listen to the music they want from whatever source they choose,” a Tesla spokesperson said.
The company was responding to a report that Tesla had reached out directly to major music labels about creating its own service.
Technology news site Recode said Tesla was discussing the creation of a service unique to the automaker which would be integrated into the cars, which are already connected to the internet.
Tesla would offer multiple levels of service starting with a radio-type platform akin to Pandora, Recode reported, quoting anonymous people with knowledge of the matter.
The move comes at a time music streaming is rapidly growing, and has become the preferred method of listening for many motorists rather than terrestrial radio.
Spotify has maintained its dominance in music streaming despite challenges from upstarts such as Apple Music and Tidal, as well as the more established players such as Deezer and Rhapsody.