Apple announced that it has teamed with Ford Motor Company, General Motors and Mazda to deliver seamless iPod® integration across the majority of their brands and models.
Seamless iPod integration also allows drivers to use their car’s multifunction controls to select their music using artist, album, playlist or shuffle songs, as well as to easily skip between tracks and playlists.
This will make it easy for iPod users to enjoy and control their iPod’s high-quality sound through their car’s stereo system. With the addition of these models, more than 70 percent of 2007-model US automobiles will offer iPod integration. Ford, General Motors and Mazda will support iPod connectivity in nearly all of their new models.
iPod offerings for Ford, General Motors and Mazda provide drivers with outstanding sound quality while charging the iPod, while conveniently storing the iPod in the glove compartment.
Apple said iPod kits will offer a direct connection to a car’s stereo, glove compartment storage, iPod charging, and the ability to select and play music using a car’s multifunction controls.
General Motors
General Motors alone will make it available on all 56 of its models, representing millions of cars and trucks. For GM it’s their entire line-up — or millions of cars.
Ford
For the 2007-model year, built-in auxiliary audio-input jacks will be offered on the Ford Edge, Explorer, Expedition, Mustang, Fusion, Sport Trac, Ranger, F-150, Mercury Milan, Mountaineer, Lincoln MKX, Lincoln MKZ, Navigator and Lincoln Mark LT. The jacks allow customers to bring any iPod or other MP3 player with a standard 3.5 millimeter audio output into their vehicle and play it through the audio system.
In addition, early next year, Ford and Lincoln Mercury dealers throughout the U.S. will begin offering Ford’s TripTunes Advanced audio system—an iPod integration feature that provides drivers with top sound quality and recharging at the same time.
TripTunes Advanced allows the driver to store the iPod in the vehicle’s glove box and select music using the steering wheel or radio controls—including shuffling songs and skipping between tracks and playlists.
Mazda
Mazda’s entire global 2007 lineup of cars and SUVs will offer iPod connectivity. The iPod integration consists of built-in auxiliary audio-input jacks in some models and direct-connect options for others.
Apple now has deals with most of the world’s top brands including luxury cars like BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Jaguar and Infiniti, not to mention Ferrari.
iPod Integration
As customers shop for a new vehicle, how much does iPod integration affect their buying decision? According to Apple, the fact that so many car companies have signed on to work with them says it all. Both car companies and customers see this as the future of audio in the car.
