“Less than two years after introducing its first partnership with an automaker, Apple has made iPod integration the hottest new car option for 2006,” Owen Thomas reports for Business 2.0. “With Sunday’s announcement that Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep vehicles will feature iPod connectors, 16 auto brands now offer accessories that let you plug your iPod into your car’s audio system. Apple estimates that 40 percent of cars sold in the U.S. this year will offer iPod integration.”
“How does Steve Jobs manage to have such influence over the proud auto chieftains of Detroit, Stuttgart, and Tokyo? First of all, there’s the runaway success of the iPod, with 42 million sold to date and 14 million sold in just the past three months. Sheer numbers have made the iPod a must-have auto accessory, and the iPod tax a small price to pay,” Thomas reports. “Telematics Research Group forecasts that by 2011, 28 million autos in the U.S. and 73 million autos worldwide will have iPod integration, up from just under a million last year. ‘iPod integration is still a cool feature,’ says Brian Moody, Road Test editor at Edmunds.com. ‘It’s not yet expected.’ In three to five years, he says, it might become standard.”
Full article here.
For a list of vehicle makers offering some form of iPod integration, visit Apple’s “iPod your car” web page here:
http://www.apple.com/ipod/ipodyourcar/
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Related articles:
Chrysler and Apple announce iPod integration in over 3 million Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge vehicles – January 08, 2006
Apple teams with Acura, Audi, Honda, Volkswagen to deliver iPod vehicle integration – September 07, 2005
Alfa Romeo 147 and Apple iPod integration presentation now online – March 05, 2005
Apple & Mercedes-Benz unveil iPod Integration Kit – January 11, 2005
Apple and leading car companies team up on iPod integration in 2005 – January 11, 2005
Apple & BMW unveil ‘BMW iPod Adapter,’ first seamless integration of iPod and car audio system – June 21, 2004
I got a new SCION tC (2006) and it has this – the best $23k iPod accessory yet!
Seriously, it was one of the reasons that tipped the scale to the SCION – other cars were cool, and some had AUX Mini-Jacks, but not full integration like the SCION.
It rocks, and Apple rocks!
Scott
(MDN=true)
why it will be hard for the others to compete.
SB
Toyota AND Apple!
You have learned well!
Why does Toyota Corp support iPod with the Scion and NOT the Toyota and Lexus lines? I want a Highlander Hybrid with iPod integration!
Is anyone else disappointed by the crippled functionality you get on the car integration kits? I just bought a Mini Cooper and they offer the BMW kit. You have to set up special playlists for use in the car (five max), and can’t use your existing ones or access the entire library. Basically, you fool the stereo into thinking the iPod is a five-disc CD player. No thanks. I got them to install an audio-in jack and just plug in and put my iPod in the cup holder. Not very elegant but it works.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m glad to see Apple’s growing influence. But the car integration just doesn’t have that trademark Apple simplicity and great functionality I’ve come to expect.
I went with the ’06 Scion xA in part because of the $260 iPod integration option — cheaper than the last two CD changers I bought. Plus my car was only $14K.
Winston wrote: “Is anyone else disappointed by the crippled functionality you get on the car integration kits? I just bought a Mini Cooper and they offer the BMW kit. You have to set up special playlists for use in the car (five max), and can’t use your existing ones or access the entire library. Basically, you fool the stereo into thinking the iPod is a five-disc CD player.”
I’m not disappointed with my $14K Scion’s iPod integration because I don’t have the issues that your BMW has. From my stereo I can select from my full list of playlists or select by artist, album, genre or full library. Trade in that Mini for a Scion and be happy!
I was part of the media during the unveilings on Sunday and Monday. Nearly every manufacturer is adding or offering iPod integration to their vehicles. They never said MP3 players, iPod was mentioned specifically. A GM exec even held one up as an example of what they need to strive for in regards to product excellence.
BTW – Apple computers were all over the conference area, probably being used by 75% of the manufacturers for their displays and interactive screens. GM was using Gateway machines except for Saturn, which had G5 iMacs (with the Apple emblem covered by a Saturn emblem).
What is the best aftermarket iPod car solution?
Is it that arm holder thingie or something else?
I think I know of the process to hook into the car stereo, I’m just wondering about the most elegant charger – holder solution!
TJN
MW = “question”. I have a question.
Trade in that Mini for a Scion and be happy!
Never! Rule Britannia! God save the Queen!
i think iSteve is happy with his desisions
“Trade in that Mini for a Scion and be happy!”
you must be daft…
“Rule Britannia! God save the Queen!”
…owned by BMW! how ironic is that?
“What is the best aftermarket iPod car solution?”
No question: Dension’s iceLink.
“What is the best aftermarket iPod car solution?”
Also check out Harmon Kardon’s Drive+Play
http://www.harmankardon.com/drive-1/how_it_works.aspx
I am shocked that nobody here is talking about how gigantic this is for the success of Apple. If Apple locks in the lions share of the auto market, it will have a huge advantage in the home entertainment market.
People who buy or use iPods in vehicles will want first class iPod connectivity in their homes. Talk about a halo effect!
Anyone get the Honda integration kit? I have two Hondas (’06 Accord, and ’06 Ridgeline), and I want the integration kit for each. I just want to make sure it is worth the $275 or so that Honda wants for each kit.
Also, the Ridgeline is XM ready. Can I get the iPod integration kit and the XM kit for the Ridgeline, or will I just have to pick one of the two?