|
iSuppli Corporation: iPod Connections Expected in More than Half of
U.S.Car Models in 2009
(M2 PressWIRE Via Acquire Media NewsEdge)
RDATE:08102008
El Segundo, Calif -- More than half of all automobile models sold in
the United States next year will offer optional support for Apple
Inc.'s iPod, reflecting automakers' drive to accelerate sales by
offering compelling technological features, according to iSuppli Corp.
U.S.consumers for the past few years have been demanding improved
connectivity between their vehicles' audio/video systems and their
Portable Media Players (PMPs), particularly iPods. Automakers have
responded to that demand in a big way, with 39 percent of vehicle
models in the United States in 2008 expected to offer iPod integration
options. In 2009, 58 percent of car models will have iPod support
available from the factory, marking the first time that more than half
will sport this feature. For integration with other PMPs and portable
devices, automakers will offer USB interface options on one-third of
all available vehicle models next year, up from just 16 percent in 2008.
The attached figure presents the availability of key technologies in
U.S. auto models in 2008 and 2009.
The rising penetration of iPod and USB interfaces in motor vehicles is
a part of a general effort by automakers to respond to the consumer
demand for connectivity. In a recent survey of the 2009 model-year
vehicles, compiled in iSuppli's Automotive Technology Availability
Index, it was apparent that automakers are placing greater emphasis
than ever before on technology features.
"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. "The charge
toward greater technological integration has been led by car OEMs like
Hyundai and Honda, which are making USB/iPod combination interfaces
standard on many of their vehicles. It's also been spurred by OEMs like
Audi and Mercedes, which offer integrated Media Device Gateways that
allow any device imaginable to integrate with a vehicle."
Bluetooth stays red hot
Beyond iPod/USB connectivity, automakers are aggressively adopting
Bluetooth wireless connections. After achieving a 55 percent
availability in new U.S. vehicle models in 2008, Bluetooth will rise to
82 percent in 2009, either as standard or optional equipment.
Once a feature only found with premium brands, Bluetooth has spread
into all segments. Many new implementations of Bluetooth also offer
advanced voice recognition and support of streaming audio transfer.
"These days, nearly every mobile device offers some Bluetooth
connectivity, whether it is simple Hands-Free Profile (HFP) or more
advanced profiles like Audio/Video Remote Control Profile (AVRCP) or
Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP)," said Mark Boyadjis, North
American automotive analyst for iSuppli. "The influx of Bluetooth
technology has blanketed the consumer electronics industry, and this is
spilling over into cars."
The result is mobile device telematics solutions like Ford's Sync.
Sync offers Bluetooth hands-free phone and also supports A2DP and AVRCP
for streaming recorded or live audio content. Other OEMs like Honda and
Mazda are also offering optional Bluetooth solutions with the A2DP
profile in their newest models, like the 2009 Acura TSX and the 2009
Mazda 6. By the end of this year, Sync will further its functionality
by adding 911 Assist and Vehicle Health Report (VHR).
Hard driving hard drives
Meanwhile, iSuppli's Technology Availability Index also reports that
embedded Hard Disk Drives (HDDs) used in infotainment systems will be
available in nearly one-third of the 2009 model lineup, or in
approximately 88 models. This trend is fueled by the increasing size of
digital maps and related content along with storage for audio files.
Higher-definition maps, 3D images and tens-of-millions of Points of
Interest (POIs) demand HDDs with greater data capacities, even as data
aggregators develop better compression methods. OEMs like Chrysler,
Mercedes, Ford, Volkswagen and Nissan have responded by integrating
HDDs into their current products.
Location, location, location
Another feature that is more evident in the 2009 model year is
real-time, location-based content. Traffic data is an example of this
as are weather conditions and fuel prices. Many OEMs have expanded
real-time traffic into their products for 2009, including Ford,
Volkswagen, Mercedes and GM. Satellite providers XM and Sirius have
expanded their traffic coverage into more metropolitan areas and
increased granularity within existing covered areas. Every car OEM in
the United States has adopted some satellite technology, and several
are offering the advanced location-based content. OEMs see the
advantage of real-time traffic giving on-board navigation systems more
daily relevance.
All Information and Intellectual Property Contained Herein is the Sole
Property of iSuppli Corporation
About iSuppli Corporation
iSuppli Corporation is the global leader in technology value chain
research and advisory services. iSuppli provides market intelligence
services for the EMS, OEM and supplier communities in addition to
servicing consumer electronics and media concerns. Services afforded by
iSuppli range from electronic component research to device-specific
application market forecasts, from teardown analysis to consumer
electronics and from display device and systems research to multimedia
content and services.
CONTACT: Jonathan Cassell, Editorial Director and Manager, Public
Relations, iSuppli Corporation
Tel: +1 408 654 1714
Tel: +1 408 921 3754
WWW: http://www.isuppli.com
((M2 Communications Ltd disclaims all liability for information
provided within M2 PressWIRE. Data supplied by named party/parties.
Further information on M2 PressWIRE can be obtained at
http://www.presswire.net on the world wide web. Inquiries to
info@m2.com)).
Copyright ? 2008 M2 Communications Ltd.
[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
|
INDUSTRIES
Activate Email 
Find Solutions for Enterprises, SMBs & Service Providers at the INTERNET TELEPHONY Conference and EXPO East, January 20-22, 2010. Miami, FL.
