Apple says Ford, GM and Mazda to offer iPod hookups

With the addition of these models, more than 70 percent of 2007-model US automobiles will offer iPod integration, Apple said.

"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 General Motors will feature iPod integration in the majority of their 2007 models in the US beginning later this year, while Mazda’s entire global 2007 lineup of cars and SUVs will offer iPod connectivity.

iPod offerings for all three of the auto makers provide drivers with great sound quality while charging the iPod and conveniently storing the device in the glove compartment. Seamless iPod integration also allows drivers to use their car’s multifunction controls to select their music using artist, album, playlist or shuffle songs, as well as to easily skip between tracks and playlists.

"iPod and iTunes are leading the digital music revolution, providing the best way to listen to music on the go, at home and in the car," Apple said in a statement. "With over 58 million iPods sold, the iPod is the world’s most popular digital music player and the iTunes Music Store is the number one online music store with over a billion songs purchased and downloaded worldwide."

Additional information

The folks at LeftLaneNews are offering some additional details (and photos) of GM's "Personal Audio Link" package. Meanwhile, information on other auto makers that offer iPod integration is available through Apple's Web site.