Oakland, Calif. – Pandora
Internet radio, a feature in a growing selection of aftermarket car audio head
units, is continuing to expand its OEM presence with the launch of the 2012
Lincoln MKZ, MKZ Hybrid and Navigator.
Pandora’s customizable Internet
radio service is standard on these vehicles, which are now in car dealer lots.
The vehicles’ Sync infotainment system connects to Android, BlackBerry and
iPhone smartphones running the Pandora app, giving users voice control over the
Pandora smartphone app. In addition, drivers
can control Pandora through dashboard and steering wheel-mounted controls. Via
voice or the vehicle’s controls, users can change stations or give a song a
thumbs-up or thumbs-down.
Earlier this month, Pandora
announced that its service will be included in Buick’s Intellilink infotainment
system, which is a standard feature in the 2012 model year Verano, Regal and
LaCrosse. IntelliLink will also be a standard feature in the 2013 model year
Enclave. By 2013 model year, every Buick model will include IntelliLink
standard, Pandora said.
Pandora is also available in the
2012 Chevy Sonic; Ford’s 2012 Mustang and Fusion and 2011 and 2012 Fiesta; the
2012 Hyundai Veloster; the 2012 Scion; Toyota’s Entune infotainment system; the
2012 GMC Terrain; all 2011 and later BMWs with BMW Apps option; 2011 and later
Minis with the Mini Connected app; and Mercedes Benz vehicles with
Mercedes-Benz Media Interface Plus.
Head-unit control of a Pandora
app on a USB-connected iPhone is available in the aftermarket from Alpine, JVC,
Kenwood, Pioneer and Sony. The latter also offers a head unit that uses
Bluetooth’s AVRC profile to control all functions, excluding custom channel
creation, of a Pandora app residing on Android and BlackBerry smartphones.
