iPods & Cars

Our Tech Poll clearly shows the impact that iPods are having on the driving experience.  While iPod ownership continues to soar, more than half of these consumers say they can connect these devices into their cars.  It's more proof that radio continues to fight a difficult "location war," especially in its long-time bastion - the car.

*Among iPod Owners

But radio isn't the only one suffering from the iPod in-car explosion.  It turns out that in-dash audio aftermarket sales are down 21% for the first four months of '08.  A new article in Brandweek discusses how companies like Pioneer and JVC Mobile are combating this trend with new campaigns.

Pioneer is going to shoot older (and away from the iPod super-target), while focusing on devices that include GPS to Bluetooth to iPod connectors to voice recognition.  JVC is going in a different direction, using the Internet in a campaign that features rock bands Buckcherry and Papa Roach to promote El Kameleon, a device that has Bluetooth, video, and a proximity sensor.

Meanwhile, neither HD Radio nor satellite radio are even mentioned in this article as gadget come-ons to lure consumers back to the in-car audio aftermarket.  Wonder what that means.