Apple and Mercedes Announce iPod Integration - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

MTI · #1 01-11-2005, 02:50 PM

MACWORLD EXPO, SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Apple® and Mercedes-Benz USA today announced the iPod® Integration Kit for Mercedes-Benz, making Mercedes-Benz the first automaker to provide full iPod music navigation for drivers to listen to their entire iPod music collection through the Mercedes-Benz audio system, as well as select their music using artist, album or playlist with the multifunction controls on the steering wheel and the integrated multifunction display on their instrument cluster. The iPod Integration Kit for Mercedes-Benz will debut this April in the US with the newly redesigned 2006 Mercedes-Benz M-Class, and for most other 2005 and 2006 models later this year.

"Music lovers want to listen to their digital music in their cars, and we're delighted to be working with Mercedes to offer a fully integrated solution," said Steve Jobs, Apple's CEO. "The iPod Integration Kit for Mercedes-Benz features the quality and attention to detail Mercedes is famous for, perfectly complementing Apple's innovative iPod."

"We are very excited to partner with Apple to deliver this wonderful solution," said Paul Halata, president and CEO, Mercedes-Benz USA. "Bringing motorists the world's most elegant iPod offering with full navigation and display continues the Mercedes tradition of offering our customers the innovation and premium quality they expect."

The iPod Integration Kit for Mercedes-Benz provides outstanding sound quality while charging the iPod, and conveniently connects and stores in the glove compartment. The solution also allows the driver to "See What You're Hearing" with music title or playlist information shown on the integrated multifunction display on the instrument cluster. Drivers will be able to easily access their entire iPod music library, shuffle songs and skip between tracks and playlists.

Pricing & Availability

The iPod Integration Kit for Mercedes-Benz will be available to customers for the MSRP of $299 (US) plus installation from authorized Mercedes-Benz dealerships. The iPod Integration Kit for Mercedes-Benz will debut this April in the US with the newly redesigned 2006 Mercedes-Benz M-Class, and for most other 2005 and 2006 models later this year. In addition, the solution can be retrofit to many model year 2005 Mercedes-Benz vehicles. Please visit www.mbusa.com/ipod for details. iPod products, sold separately, are available in the US through the Apple Store® (www.apple.com), Apple's retail stores and Apple Authorized Resellers.

Volvo will offer two iPod connectivity options for their entire 2005 US model line. Nissan, Alfa Romeo and Ferrari will announce details of their iPod integration solutions later this year, allowing customers to enjoy high-quality sound through their car’s stereo system, easily access their entire music library and control their iPod using their car’s standard controls. These companies join BMW and MINI Cooper who began providing integrated iPod solutions in 2004.

gsxr · #2 01-11-2005, 03:06 PM

SWEEEEET!!!

phatryd · #3 01-12-2005, 09:38 AM

http://www.mbusa.com/main/container.jsp?features/iPod/index.jsp

Ashman · #4 01-12-2005, 12:27 PM

A few other companies are coming out with ipod adapters for MB too. Denison has one for d2b systems and are working on one for Most bus systems.

I wonder if MB is going to come out with a special edition Ipod.

Alon

MTI · #5 01-12-2005, 05:57 PM

Considering that the msrp for the "adaptor" is more than the street price of an iPod, I would hope that it includes at least a "Mini"