Over half of 2009 cars will offer iPod connectivity

For customers wanting a car that communicates with their iPod, 2009 is going to be a good year to shop for a new car. Over half of the 2009 model-year cars sold in the US will offer at least optional support for Apple's iPod, according to research by iSuppli. The trend reflects automakers’ desire to increase sales by offering popular technological features. iSuppli notes that American consumers have been demanding connectivity between their vehicles and their electronic equipment, especially iPods. The demands have pushed automakers to increase iPod compatibility heavily. In 2008 39-percent of vehicles shipped in the US had iPod compatibility, and iSuppli forecasts a jump to 58-percent in 2009.

iSuppli sees the growing trend as a reaction to consumers making purchases based on technology influences. Phil Magney, Vice President of Automotive Research for iSuppli said, “The automotive industry is at the point where in-vehicle technologies—or the lack of them—are influencing sales." Hyundai and Honda, with USB/iPod combination interfaces, and Audi and Mercedes, shipping Media Device Gateways that integrate with iPods and other players, are credited with leading the charge.

Other technologies like Bluetooth, embedded hard disk drives with GPS and traffic data products are also gaining penetration into the auto market in 2009.

Filed under: iPod, industry, Apple