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Automakers Looking to Tap MP3 Market |
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Sunday, 06 March 2005 |
Automakers
Looking to Tap MP3 Market
Metro
Toronto - Toronto,Ontario,Canada
According to recent studies, Americans listen to music in their cars more than
in any other environment. Add the exploding popularity of Apple Computer's iPod,
and you have the driving force behind the expected digital turn of the $5
billion North American car audio market.
Until recently, playing an iPod through a car audio system required a clunky
adapter kit that utilized FM radio waves or a cassette player. Now, many car
stereo manufacturers are developing integration solutions to combine the most
popular digital music player with the most popular music listening venue.
After-market solutions range from basic integration kits to head units featuring
built-in iPod connectivity. Such products are available from Alpine, Kenwood,
Pioneer, Clarion, Dension, JVC, Audiovox and others.
Automobile manufacturers are joining the effort. According to Greg Joswiak, VP
of iPod product marketing at Apple, many car makers have requested technical
assistance to incorporate iPod connectivity into their factory-installed stereo
systems. Six automakers offer iPod functionality as a premarket option in select
vehicles.
"We'd like to see it more and more (as) an option for new vehicles," Joswiak
says. "Customer demand is what's driving this. There's not a lot of arguing
going on here. It just makes sense."
Nissan announced its support for the iPod platform in January, pointing to the
iPod's leadership in the MP3 player market.
"We've been watching this market carefully, and it seems that today the iPod is
the de facto standard for MP3 players," says Larry Haddad, senior manager for
cross car product marketing at Nissan. "Apple appears to be developing the iPod
so it keeps its competitive edge."
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Last Updated ( Monday, 07 March 2005 )
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