General Motors sees iPod integration paying off

[mgescuro]

http://playlistmag.com/news/2006/08/03/gmipod/index.php

General Motors sees iPod integration paying off
By Jim Dalrymple


General Motors executives expect their plans for iPod integration to pay off as customers add the device to their must-have list when purchasing an automobile. Analysts see the deal with GM as another positive sign for Apple’s iPod as it continues to dominate the music player industry.

“We found with the popularity of the iPod people want to have their choice of music entertainment while they drive their vehicles,” Nancy Philippart, executive director General Motors Accessories, told Macworld. “That’s why we are excited about the solution we are offering — it will allow our customers to have the full functionality of the iPod and good sound quality.

GM said the interest in the iPod is not limited to one market segment — with so many brand names under its umbrella, Philippart said consumer interest has transcended the class structure normally associated with feature lists.

“We are seeing it across the board, from Chevrolet to Cadillac,” said Philippart. “The iPod has crossed demographics for all ages and buying habits. Our dealers tell us people are always asking about how to hook up iPods in their cars.

GM’s plan of seamless iPod integration will allow the user to have complete control of the device from the steering wheel stereo controls. You can switch songs, artists or playlists and the screen on the stereo will show the information of the currently playing song and navigation. The iPod will be connected to the car through a cable in the glove box, according to Philippart.

“The iPod is allowing our customers to personalize their cars,” she said.

While this is not the first automotive-maker to sign a deal with Apple to include iPod integration, industry anlaysts regard it as a significant step.

“The GM deal is another sign that iPod is more than a music player — it’s a commercial platform,” said JupiterResearch Senior Analyst Joe Wilcox. “Yesterday, I saw a music listening station in a remodeled Limited Two store, for CDs sold there. The music in the kiosk was stored on four iPod nanos, so people listen from the Apple media players. When companies build stuff on your stuff, that’s a platform.”

The deals also show the wide margin between other players in the market including Microsoft’s Zune, according to Wilcox. With Microsoft getting set to release its iPod competitor, getting further support from the automotive industry can’t hurt Apple.

“It shows just how far Apple’s music player has come and how far Microsoft’s forthcoming Zune will have to go to catch up,” said Wilcox. “Right now, Zune is nowhere and iPod is everywhere, and Apple’s music player is a rapidly advancing commercial platform, supported by auto makers, peripheral vendors and many other companies.”

[genjy]

Isn't the general consensus at GMI regarding Apple Ipod integration is that it's a gimmick?

Now, let's all embrace Ipod integration because GM is pushing it! Onward, GM soldiers!

[quinnp12]

And as an employee at a store that sells aftermarket stereos, I have to admit that a lot of our customers request that they be able to plug and play their Ipod or MP3 player. Convenience is king in America, and plugging one thing in is easier than setting up an FM transmitter.

[Media!]

Originally Posted by genjy

Isn't the general consensus at GMI regarding Apple Ipod integration is that it's a gimmick?

Now, let's all embrace Ipod integration because GM is pushing it! Onward, GM soldiers!

It is not a gimmick, Millions of people own ipods and this would be an extremly nice feature to have. I fail to see how it is a gimmick, E85 is more of a gimmick than this.

And even if it was a gimmick it is a great marketing ploy.

[mgescuro]

Gimmick or not... it can only help GM's perception in the market... especially in the younger demographics.

Trendy cars like Sky, SOlstice, HHR, 9-3, Escalade can only benefit more.... if only to sell the kit.

Every little bit helps. And with 58 million iPods sold and counting... it's a significant market.

[63GrandSport001]

Ive never felt that it was a gimmick, I work for Radio Shack and we get a lot of customers that come in and ask us about playing their ipods through there stereo. There are a few ways to do it but this costs either a good amount of money ($50-$70) or it doesnt look that good.

Ive also gotten a few BMW owners who just come in and buy a cable to hook the Ipod up to their car.

Youll be shocked as to how many people might be swayed by the Ipod port because they love their ipods so much.

[GM_Fanatic]

mgescuro, I seem to remember you being the biggest cynic on "iPod integration". Regardless, GM jumped on the marketing opportunity to pull customers in just by using an iPod even if it is just a standard auxiliary input. Gimmick or not, GM saw the potential, and most other automakers did not. For that alone GM deserves credit.

[boblutzfan]

Whether it is a gimmic or not is not the issue. GM is on the forefront of this technology. It is wise for them to embrace it - because of its popularity. Another upside is now that Apple has this new relationship GM will be included with the other partners in Apple's literature when they list compatible vehicle's. Not bad - free advertisement for GM.

[CRBoyd91]

Originally Posted by genjy

Isn't the general consensus at GMI regarding Apple Ipod integration is that it's a gimmick?

Now, let's all embrace Ipod integration because GM is pushing it! Onward, GM soldiers!

It's no gimmick. It's a really nice feature to have that will likely be heavily used. GM just should make sre there is still an AUX port for other devices.

[saturnsteve]

This is a good deal, all of our customers like the I POD plug on the new Saturn radio

[MrMax]

I have a Sony mp3 player. Does that make me crazy?

[Joevette]

bluetooth should be available on most of their cars too, and apple should give the ipod bluetooth, then it would all be wireless

[PontiacBixler]

Originally Posted by MrMax

I have a Sony mp3 player. Does that make me crazy?

No, just a silly little rabbit....

[steverino]

Originally Posted by boblutzfan

Whether it is a gimmic or not is not the issue. GM is on the forefront of this technology. It is wise for them to embrace it - because of its popularity. Another upside is now that Apple has this new relationship GM will be included with the other partners in Apple's literature when they list compatible vehicle's. Not bad - free advertisement for GM.

GM is late to the party as usual. They should have done this last year. BMW, Honda, Audi to name a few already integrate Ipod in their vehicles.

[mgescuro]

Originally Posted by GM_Fanatic

mgescuro, I seem to remember you being the biggest cynic on "iPod integration". Regardless, GM jumped on the marketing opportunity to pull customers in just by using an iPod even if it is just a standard auxiliary input. Gimmick or not, GM saw the potential, and most other automakers did not. For that alone GM deserves credit.

CYNIC???
I criticized GM left and right for not jumping on this from the get-go. Even if it was just for their premium cars -- Saab, Cadillac, Corvette. They really should have gotten a solution out sooner. But having availability across the board is spectacular!! NO doubt it's only for those GM cars with teh new corporate radio systems... which would most likely exclude STS and Escalade... but we'll see.

GM and Ford are the last major automakers to not implement a true iPod solution on at least one of their brands.

But hey... a 2 year wait is better than nothing at all. GM and Ford finally saw the light.