Apple Signs In-Car iPod Deal With Giant Automakers

That last one may seem a bit novel, but thanks to an agreement between Apple and major automakers Ford, General Motors and Mazda, it’s what you’ll soon be seeing – and hearing –  in the next vehicle you purchase.

The computer company has struck a deal with the automotive giants to put an iPod integrator into more than 70 percent of their new 2007 model cars. The ability to play an iPod through a stereo system will be in all G.M. and Mazda makes, while Ford will put it into most of its cars.

The interface will let drivers listen to their Apple music player and use their car stereos to select the tunes they want to hear, while also allowing them to charge the device in their glove compartment.

Up until now, drivers of many models have had to use a separate adapter plugged into a cassette deck to achieve the same thing – and many cars no longer come with the old fashioned analog tape machine slot. 

Apple already had similar deals with Acura, Audi, Ferrari, Honda, Nissan, BMW and Volkswagen, but by adding Ford and G.M., it’s finally snagged the world’s first and second largest car companies.

The agreement makes sweet music for all sides. The auto companies get another ‘bell and whistle’ to add as an incentive to buy a new car. And Apple gets to re-establish its MP3 dominance by opening a car door to its 58 million – and growing – iPod users. 

“We know our music-loving customers have been clamoring for a system like this, but we were determined not to go into the market with one unless it was truly integrated, easy to use and affordable,” explains G.M.’s Nancy Philippart. “I think this system will be music to our customers’ ears.”

Foreign cars have been making strong inroads into North American sales and while this may not stop that trend, it’s one more reason for consumers to at least consider buying domestic.

“It won’t translate into sales in a dramatic way, but it certainly keeps customers from discarding the brand or its cars while shopping,” agrees Art Spinella of CNW Marketing Research.

So while they’ve made it easier to choose a tune, choosing the kind of car you want to hear it in just got a bit tougher.