[Satellite TODAY 03-01-10] Sirius XM Radio expects to add 500,000 new subscribers in 2010 after posting fourth-quarter 2009 net income of $14.2 million, compared a net loss of $245.8 million in the same quarter in 2008, the operator announced in its latest financial reports, released Feb. 26.

    Sirius XM Radio attributed the recovery to subscriber gains and cost-cutting measures as well as projected increases in new car sales. “With auto sales showing signs of recovery, we are well positioned to hopefully grow our promotional base in 2010 and beyond," Sirius XM CEO Mel Karmazin said in a statement.

    Sirius added 257,000 subscribers in the fourth quarter, ended the year with a customer base of 18.8 million. The company noted that subscriber acquisition costs could increase in 2010 because of the automotive sector recovery, but expects revenues to grow about 7 percent to $2.7 billion in 2010.