Today’s new car buyers are more tech savvy than ever, forcing automakers to adapt to an ever more digital world. MP3 player connectivity – particularly for Apple’s iPod – has moved to the top of buyers’ wish lists, which is changing the way automakers equip their cars.
Gone are the days of the optional CD player, with today’s customers demanding connections for the digital age. According to iSuppli, about 39 percent of new vehicles sold in the U.S. this year will either have standard or optional iPod support straight from the factory. By 2009 that number will climb to over half for the first time in history, with an estimated 58 percent of new cars offering iPod connectivity.
In addition to iPod connectivity, Bluetooth technology continues to see strong growth in the automotive sector. Bluetooth crossed the 50 percent offering mark last year – with 55 percent of all new cars offering standard or optional wireless connections – but that tally will balloon to 82 percent in 2009.
And, as with home electronics, in-car tech shows no sign of slowing down. Once reserved for only top-tier luxury cars, more and more everyday models are seeing new technologies trickle down as prices continue to come down, which is becoming a major selling point.
“The automotive industry is at the point where in-vehicle technologies—or the lack of them—are influencing sales,” said Phil Magney, vice president of automotive research for iSuppli. And with new car sales down double digits this year – and likely worse next year – in-vehicle technologies could become the next major battle ground.
10/09, 4:19 PM
posted by:
pavlindrom
If they would make a $50 solution for older cars, instead of $200, I would care.
10/09, 4:21 PM
posted by:
tyler_is_aero_tt
Only 50 percent? I was expecting much more.
10/09, 5:11 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
If it wasn’t for my daughter being in the car once in awhile I could go weeks on the same AM station.
10/09, 5:22 PM
posted by:
justagigilo85
I think I’m the only person on campus who DOESN’T have an iPod. Then again, my phone doubles as an excellent mp3 player.
10/09, 10:28 PM
posted by:
phillipsexeter
In other news: Grass green, sky blue, fire hot
10/10, 5:21 AM
posted by:
whips001
ground breaking research leftlane
10/10, 11:10 AM
posted by:
davebo
I think every car stereo should be equipped with a mini-rca input that any portable mp3 player, handheld game system and laptop can all use. I couldn’t care less about proprietary interfaces like ipod’s. It’s only useful if they’re building menu navigating functionality into the steering wheel controls, but even then, why decide to support only ipod unless they’re getting some kind of kickback from apple?
10/10, 3:55 PM
posted by:
beemerdude
How come there still needs to be a wire connecting the iPod? With many new vehicles incorporating Bluetooth wireless for cell phones, why can’t digital music be integrated to the vehicle’s electronics in the same manner?? Even in vehicles that incorporate a docking system, it’s still a bit cumbersome to have to place the iPod into it. Would be much more cool if the iPod could just be anywhere in the vehicle and the signal gets picked up by the Bluetooth.
10/10, 7:12 PM
posted by:
The Stig
It helps to qualify the term “connectivity” in this case. Some define that as a headphone jack while others have full-blown iPod integration, which is a different beast.
Few have done a worthwhile job of iPod integration. VW does it right – they have a cradle. Just drop it in and you’re set. BMW’s is pretty good too.
Doing the music over Bluetooth is totally possible but why bother? You’re still going to need (err, want) a cable to charge the iPod.
Why support iPod? Because that’s what people buy (40M sold in 2007) and what people are starting to expect on their cars.