Research conducted by analyst firm iSuppli has revealed that the automotive industry is preparing for a huge demand of iPod integration. 39 percent of vehicle models sold in the US in 2008 expected to offer iPod integration options. In 2009, this will rise to 58 percent of car models, iSuppli claims.

Cars boasting iPod support available right from the factory will mark the first time that more than half of the vehicle models sold in the US will sport this feature. "US consumers for the past few years have been demanding improved connectivity between their vehicles’ audio/video systems and their media players, particularly iPods," iSuppli explains.

“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 makers like Hyundai and Honda, which are making USB/iPod combination interfaces standard on many of their vehicles. It’s also been spurred by those like Audi and Mercedes, which offer integrated Media Device Gateways that allow any device imaginable to integrate with a vehicle.”

Also observed by iSuppli was that embedded Hard Disk Drives (HDDs) used in infotainment systems will be a must-have in nearly one-third of the cars to be sold in 2009. Approximately 88 models will have embedded HDDs, iSuppli’s Technology Availability Index shows, due to the increasing size of digital maps and related content, along with storage for audio files. HDDs with great storage capabilities are required for higher-definition maps, 3D images and Points of Interest (POIs). Among those who have responded to this trend are OEMs like Chrysler, Mercedes, Ford, Volkswagen and Nissan, which have already integrated HDDs into their current selling models. Bluetooth and satellite radio support is also being considered by several OEMs to aid real-time traffic display.