These car manufacturers are offering automobiles with iPod integration built-in.
Volkwagen recently launched iGolf in Spain.
The Volkswagen iGolf features an iPod dock that is hidden away in the armrest and will cost you €18.100.
Unfortunately, it is currently available in Spain only. We'll see if it comes here any time soon.
The Mitsubishi "i", a new ultra-compact car available this month, includes an in-dash iPod nano slot.
In addition to a navigation system that includes a 7” touch screen and 30GB hard drive, the Play edition has a dedicated slot for inserting an iPod nano.
Music can be can be accessed and played via the system’s display and sound system. This special car (only offered in Japan) will come in black or white to match the nano.
Gizmodo did a video review of the Honda Civic Hybrid. In Part II they describe the car's audio system, including how to integrate your iPod.
The review is a bit harsh, as integration can only be done with G4 and higher iPods, it requires their Music Link Adapter, and the software is clunky.
But the video is pretty cool, go see it here.
At Detroit 2006: Apple, Chrysler announce iPod integration.
The Chrysler Group today announced that it will be the first American automaker to provide full iPod integration as an option in most of its 2006 models.
Over three million 2006 Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge models offering seamless iPod integration beginning this spring.
The optional iPod Integration Kit for Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge model lines will be available to customers for this spring. In addition, the solution can be retrofit to many model year 2005 vehicles.
Acura has announced the Acura iPod Music Link.
This connection device enables owners to plug directly into their vehicles' audio system and use those controls to search and play music from their Apple iPods.
The device is compatible with all current iPods, including the nano, but not with the shuffle. Acura iPod Music Link can be operated on all 20006 models except RSX and NSX.
Installation at the dealership is said to take approximately one hour.
The 2006 Saturn Vue is a five-passenger road tripper makes the journey all the more fun by making it easy to access your iPod’s vast music library.
The Vue comes standard with a single-disc CD player and can be outfitted with an MP3 player or XM satellite radio, but with the aid of an inexpensive adaptor cord, roadies can plug in their iPods and access their own vast music library on the go.
Pontiac's 2006 Solstice, a $19,995 roadster, comes standard with an auxiliary iPod jack. The Solstice comes equipped with a 2.4-liter, dual overhead cam, four-cylinder engine putting out 177 horsepower and 166 lb.-ft. of torque. The only available transmission is a five-speed manual.
Tunes come standard via a basic audio system with a single-disc CD player; a Monsoon sound system, six-disc CD changer, MP3 player, and XM satellite radio are all optional. But you don’t have to pay extra for the auxiliary iPod jack – that’s included in the sub-$20,000 base price.
Thanks to a new deal between Mini and Apple Computer, Cooper owners can enjoy the benefits of their iPods while driving. The vehicle’s sound controls will operate the iPod, which in turn will be charged by the Mini’s battery.
A base model, with a 115-horsepower, 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine connected to a five-speed manual transmission, is $17,500 and the 168-horsepower, supercharged Cooper S, starts at $21,150. Both base and S models can be ordered with a soft convertible top.
Since its 2003 introduction, the Honda Element has featured an auxiliary input on the dash, making it one of the first (if not the first) vehicles to allow you to plug-and-play your iPod.
Front-wheel drive models start at $18,000, and four-wheel-drive models, which include a standard rear sunroof, start at $19,400.
Chevrolet has a few cars ready for iPod.
HHR
HHR Sound for the Chevy HHR comes from a stock audio system with a single-disc CD player; the LT adds a standard MP3 player.
Chevy’s new retro wagon, the 2006 HHR, is one of a handful of new General Motors models ready for your iPod. Get yourself an inexpensive adaptor cord, and with the HHR’s standard auxiliary jack, you’re ready to plug and play.
