Apple Computer Inc. is teaming up with the automakers to give us cars in 2007 with Ipods in the audio systems. General Motors, Ford Motor Company and Mazda Motor Corporation are talking with Apple Computer.

General Motors and Ford, number one and number two automakers, will provide compatibility for seventy percent of autos sold in the United States for Apple Computer. All new models produced by GM and Mazda will offer iPod integration. Ford will offer this technology on many Fords and Lincoln Mercury models this year.

Automakers say they are reacting to consumer trends. Sales if iPods and MP3 players should more than double between 2005 and 2009. Sales are predicted to be 132 million a year in 2009. Since Ipod has approximately seventy-five percent of this market currently, it makes good sense to work on integrating the technology now into autos.

BMW installed IPods into the audio system two years ago. The player is plugged into an adapter that goes in the glove box. Using the car’s normal controls, users can access their own music library.

Apple has already signed deals with Acura, Audi, Ferrari, Honda, Nissan, and Volkswagen. This will bring this new amazing technology into most cards sold in the United States with a short period of time.

This is technology and good marketing at its best and the consumer will get what they want at a reasonable price.