SAN JOSE, Calif. — In what could send some ominous signals for satellite radio providers, Apple Computer Inc. Thursday (August 3) teamed up with Ford Motor, General Motors and Mazda to deliver "seamless iPod integration" across the majority of their respective car brands and models.

The three auto makers claimed that they will make it easier for users to integrate their iPods into a car stereo system. Seamless iPod integration allows drivers to use their car's multifunction controls to select their music, according to Apple (Cupertino, Calif.).

Ford, GM and Mazda insist that they are not backing away from a somewhat rival technology: satellite radio. But major providers of satellite radio — Sirius Satellite Radio Inc. and XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc. — are expected to greet Apple's news coolly, especially as the two radio startups continue to struggle and lose money.

But by 2007, in fact, more than 70 percent of all U.S.-based car makers will offer iPod integration. Ford and General Motors will feature iPod integration in the majority of their 2007 models in the U.S. beginning later this year, while Mazda's entire global 2007 lineup of cars and SUVs will offer iPod connectivity.

General Motors (Detroit) said that it has developed an "affordable, all-new iPod adaptor, allowing music lovers to use their iPod with the factory-installed audio system in GM vehicles, beginning this fall."

The device, called "Personal Audio Link," will sell at GM dealerships for less than $160, plus installation. It will be introduced in October on 2006 and 2007 model year Chevrolet HHRs, with more GM vehicles scheduled to be added by the end of this year. Designed specifically for the iPod, GM expects to make the device available on all of its 56 vehicle models, mostly by the end of 2007, said Nancy Philippart, executive director of GM Accessories.

"With our simple, affordable system, our customers can plug their iPod into their vehicle audio system and get what they want — clear, quality sound as well as access to playlists and artists' names," said Philippart in a statement.

Rival Ford (Dearborn, Mich.) said that it is responding to the skyrocketing customer demand to bring electronic devices into cars and trucks by offering the new iPod features to its lineup.

For the 2007-model year, built-in auxiliary, audio-input jacks will be offered on the Ford Edge, Explorer, Expedition, Mustang, Fusion, Sport Trac, Ranger, F-150, Mercury Milan, Mountaineer, Lincoln MKX, Lincoln MKZ, Navigator and Lincoln Mark LT. The jacks allow customers to bring any iPod or other MP3 player with a standard 3.5 millimeter audio output into their vehicle and play it through the audio system.