More Automakers to Hook Up with iPod

Ford, General Motors, and Mazda have announced they'll offer iPod integration on most of their 2007 models.

Apple Computer announced today that automakers Ford, General Motors, and Mazda will be offering seamless iPod integration options on the majority of their 2007 vehicle offerings. The deal means that, in 2007, more than 70 percent of all new automobiles sold in the U.S. will offer iPod connectivity in the vehicles.

By “seamless” iPod integration, Apple means that drives can use their vehicle’s built-in controls to control their iPod, including selecting music by album, artist, playlist, set the iPod into shuffle mode, as well as skip between tracks and playlists.

“We’re delighted that Ford, General Motors and Mazda will support iPod connectivity in nearly all of their new models,” said Greg Joswiak, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide iPod Product Marketing. “Now more than 70 percent of 2007-model US automobiles will offer iPod integration, with General Motors alone making it available on all 56 of its models, representing millions of cars and trucks.”

Ford and GM plan to get the ball rolling later this year, while Mazda’s entire global lineup of autos and SUV’s will offer iPod connectivity in 2007. According to Apple, all the solution will put the iPod out of sight in the vehicle’s glove compartment, as well as charge the iPod while the vehicle is in use.

Not planning on buying a new 2007 model—or maybe just weren’t considering a Ford, Mazda, or GM vehicle? Plenty of options for retrofitting existing vehicles and hooking iPods up to car sound systems exist, and many other manufacturers such as Volswagen, Mini, Honda, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, BMW, Nissan, Suzuki, and Volvo have iPod options of their own. Apple really wants you to know about them at http://www.apple.com/ipod/ipodyourcar/.