Chrysler Group & Apple Announce iPod Integration

Chrysler Group & Apple Announce iPod Integration

Over Three Million Chrysler, Jeep & Dodge Automobiles to Support iPod Connectivity in 2006

NORTH AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW, DETROIT, Jan. 8
/PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The Chrysler Group today announced that it will be the first American automaker to provide full iPod integration as an option in most of its 2006 models, with over three million 2006 Chrysler, Jeep(R) and Dodge models offering seamless iPod(R) integration beginning this spring. Drivers will be able to listen to their iPod through the car's audio system, select their music by artist, album or playlist with radio or steering wheel controls and view selections on the radio's display.

"Customers have been asking for iPod connectivity and we're excited to make it available to so many of our vehicles in 2006," said Randy Ewers, director, Mopar Accessories Portfolio Team. "We're providing the largest number and range of automobiles with iPod support of any automaker, allowing Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge owners to bring and listen to their entire music collections."

"We're thrilled that over three million Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge automobiles will offer great iPod connectivity in 2006," said Greg Joswiak, Apple's vice president of Worldwide iPod Product Marketing. "Over 40 percent of all cars sold in the US in 2006 will offer iPod connectivity."

iPod is the number one digital music player in the world, providing the best way to listen to music on-the-go, at home and in the car. The iPod economy continues to flourish with accessories made specifically for iPod that range from fashionable cases to speaker systems, and 16 carmakers currently offer iPod support. For a complete list of carmakers please visit, http://www.apple.com/ipod/ipodyourcar/ . In addition, an array of after-market solutions are available from Alpine, Clarion, Kenwood and Pioneer for automobiles that currently do not offer iPod integration.

Pricing and Availability

The optional iPod Integration Kit for Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge model lines will be available to customers for the MSRP of $175 (US) plus installation from authorized dealerships, and will debut this spring. In addition, the solution can be retrofit to many model year 2005 vehicles. For more information on the iPod Integration Kit for domestic vehicles, or details on other authentic accessories by Mopar, see your nearest Chrysler, Jeep or Dodge dealership, or visit www.mopar.com. iPod products, sold separately, are available in the US through the Apple Store(R) (www.apple.com), Apple's retail stores and Apple(R) Authorized Resellers.

Mopar is the official parts, service and accessories division of the Chrysler Group, providing factory service parts and accessories for all Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles. Like all authentic accessories by Mopar, the iPod Integration Kit is covered by a 3-year/36,000-mile New Vehicle Limited Warranty and supported by over 3,900 Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge dealerships nationwide.

Apple ignited the personal computer revolution in the 1970s with the Apple II and reinvented the personal computer in the 1980s with the Macintosh. Today, Apple continues to lead the industry in innovation with its award-winning desktop and notebook computers, OS X operating system, and iLife and professional applications. Apple is also spearheading the digital music revolution with its iPod portable music players and iTunes online music store.

NOTE: Apple, the Apple logo, Mac, Mac OS, Macintosh, Power Mac, iPod and Apple Store are trademarks of Apple. Other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners.

Source: Apple Computer, Inc.

CONTACT: Joshua Perry of J.R. Thompson Company, +1-248-553-4566, or
jperry@jrthompson.com, for Apple; or Jaime Schopflin of Apple,
+1-408-974-3314, or jaimes@apple.com

Web site: http://www.apple.com/

NOTE TO EDITORS: For additional information visit Apple's PR website (www.apple.com/pr/), or call Apple's Media Helpline at 408-974-2042.

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