Apple Computer said Thursday that it has inked a deal with three major car manufacturers to make it easier for customers to listen to and control their iPods via their car stereo systems.

Apple has come to agreement with Ford, General Motors and Mazda that their 2007 model vehicles will offer some way of connecting iPods directly.

Car manufacturers such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Volvo have already signed on to build iPod capabilities into their cars.

Including this deal, more than 70 percent of U.S. 2007 automobile models will offer iPod integration, said Greg Joswiak, Apple's vice president of worldwide iPod product marketing.

The iPod integration seems to be as simple as a dock connection in the glove compartment. iPod control and navigation will be done through the already existing stereo controls.

GM said it will offer its iPod-only setup called "Personal Audio Link" at dealerships for all 56 of its models at a suggested retail price of less than 160 U.S. dollars, plus installation.

Source:Xinhua/agencies