Apple has signed deals with Ford, GM and Mazda to enable 'seamless' iPod integration with their car stereos.

 

GM and Ford are the top two car makers in the US, so the new deals will help the iconic audio gadget towards even greater dominance of the portable audio market. The iPod already has a 75 per cent share of the US market.

 

The iPod will now be compatible with more than 70 per cent of the new 2007 model vehicles sold in the US, according to Apple.

 

GM and Mazda will offer iPod integration on all new models, and Ford will include it in many models later this year.

 

BMW incorporated iPods directly into its car stereo systems two years ago, allowing users to access their music library through the car's standard controls. Last year, Apple inked similar deals with car companies including Audi, Ferrari, Honda, Nissan and Volkswagen.