Got iPod In-Car Audio?
2007 is the year of the iPod as far as vehicles are concerned. With iPods snagging 75% of the portable mp3 player market and 100% of the in-car audio functionality market for 2007, Microsoft’s poorly received “Zune” player doesn’t stand a chance. Honda, GM, Acura, Mazda, and many others are making iPod auxiliary plug and play functionality standard in their 2007 vehicle line up.
Mazda is by far the most comprehensive, with 100% of their new 2007 line up incorporating an mp3 auxiliary hook up for your iPod. With options to suit any budget and styles for every taste, this was a smart move on their part. Zoom Zoom, indeed.
If you don’t want to drive a Mazda, you can find a built in auxiliary jack for your iPod as a standard feature in the Toyota RAV4, Subaru Forester, Honda CR-V, Honda Civic, several Chevy models and the Dodge Caliber and Nitro, among others. It’s an option on a variety of other cars by nearly every manufacturer except Ford (Ford is trying to take market share by installing a hard drive in your car to use instead of your iPod).
This means that Apple products are taking another step toward being mainstream. I’m in the market for a new car this year and I can hardly wait to start shoping for my first Apple-integrated vehicle - how about you?
See a list of auto makers who integrate the iPod in 2007 here.
Tags: Apple, iPod, Volkswagon, iGolf, iCar
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February 19th, 2007 at 8:37 pm
I, like you, will be looking for another vehicle in 2007. The Volkswagen New Beetle is also installing this feature in their 2007 models. Good luck on your search and thanks for the excellent review. I will be checking back often for your reviews. Our family is “MAC all the way!”
February 21st, 2007 at 9:44 am
Thank you! I’m trying to figure out if I should blog the results of my car search in more detail later.
May 2nd, 2007 at 4:18 pm
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