Apple & Mercedes-Benz Unveil iPod Integration Kit

Apple and Mercedes-Benz USA today announced the iPod Integration Kit for Mercedes-Benz, making Mercedes-Benz the first automaker to provide full iPod music navigation for drivers to listen to their entire iPod music collection through the Mercedes-Benz audio system, as well as select their music using artist, album or playlist with the multifunction controls on the steering wheel and the integrated multifunction display on their instrument cluster. The iPod Integration Kit for Mercedes-Benz will debut this April in the US with the newly redesigned 2006 Mercedes-Benz M-Class, and for most other 2005 and 2006 models later this year.

“Music lovers want to listen to their digital music in their cars, and we're delighted to be working with Mercedes to offer a fully integrated solution”, said Steve Jobs, Apple's CEO. “The iPod Integration Kit for Mercedes-Benz features the quality and attention to detail Mercedes is famous for, perfectly complementing Apple's innovative iPod”.

“We are very excited to partner with Apple to deliver this wonderful solution”, said Paul Halata, president and CEO, Mercedes-Benz USA. “Bringing motorists the world's most elegant iPod offering with full navigation and display continues the Mercedes tradition of offering our customers the innovation and premium quality they expect”.

The iPod Integration Kit for Mercedes-Benz provides outstanding sound quality while charging the iPod, and conveniently connects and stores in the glove compartment. The solution also allows the driver to “See What You're Hearing” with music title or playlist information shown on the integrated multifunction display on the instrument cluster. Drivers will be able to easily access their entire iPod music library, shuffle songs and skip between tracks and playlists.

Pricing & Availability:

The iPod Integration Kit for Mercedes-Benz will be available to customers for the MSRP of $299 (US) plus installation from authorised Mercedes-Benz dealerships. The iPod Integration Kit for Mercedes-Benz will debut this April in the US with the newly redesigned 2006 Mercedes-Benz M-Class, and for most other 2005 and 2006 models later this year. In addition, the solution can be retrofit to many model year 2005 Mercedes-Benz vehicles. Please visit www.mbusa.com/ipod for details. iPod products, sold separately, are available in the US through the Apple Store, Apple's retail stores and Apple Authorised Resellers.

MBUSA, headquartered in Montvale, New Jersey, is responsible for the sales, marketing and service of all Mercedes-Benz and Maybach products in the United States. In 2004, MBUSA achieved an all-time sales record of 221,610 new vehicles, setting the highest sales volume ever in its history and achieving eleven consecutive years of sales growth. Over the past decade, the company has introduced a number of new models, many of them in new market segments. The Mercedes-Benz family currently consists of the mid-size C-Class sports sedans and wagons; the highly acclaimed E-Class sedans and wagons; the SLK roadster; CLK coupes and cabriolets; the flagship S-Class sedans and ultimate CL coupes; the renowned SL roadsters; the sport-utility M-Class line; and the G-Class sports utility vehicle. Separately, MBUSA oversees sales and marketing of the super luxurious Maybach 57 and Maybach 62 in the US. More information on MBUSA and its products can be found on the Internet at www.mbusa.com and www.maybachusa.com.

Press Contacts:
Apple UK and Ireland Public Relations
Email: media.uk@apple.com
Phone: (020) 8218 1440