Auto sector big CES presence

A car lover's dream.

That's one way to describe the automotive accessories floor at the 2012 International Consumer Electronics Show, which runs through Friday in Las Vegas.

To walk into the North Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center is to see any gadget one might need or just plain want on the road.

Ford announced a partnership with National Public Radio that brings the news organization into the automotive industry like never before. Ford Sync AppLink, via an NPR application, will allow Ford customers to listen for free to any public radio content on demand, via voice command.

"We're thrilled to lead the way into a new era," NPR President Gary Knell said.

Listeners can select NPR content by topic, metro area or listen to live programming. That marks the first partnership of this magnitude for Ford's Sync AppLink technology, but it won't be the last.

"Yes, we are definitively going to have more deals like this," said Doug VanDagens, global director of connected services for Ford.

The relationship between the automotive and consumer technology markets continues to grow. In 2010, shipment revenues of total automotive technology surpassed $9 billion as factory-installed systems totaled more than $5.5 billion. Consumer Electronics Association estimates total automotive shipment revenues will exceed $9.3 billion this year, while shipment revenues of factory installed systems will total more than $5.9 billion.

Exhibitors large and small are on hand for the show. At Valor's booth, the auto accessories manufacturer was touting its patented license plate frame camera that gives drivers a larger view out the rear while backing up. The company hopes to partner with a large car company but hasn't had any luck thus far.

At Telenav, company representatives were pushing a phone app much like Yelp's or the popular Around Me. The new part, though, is Scout's incorporation of Telenav's map technology, eliminating the need to jump into a separate map application when searching for the next pit stop.

The company soon will offer car integration, spokesman Aamir Syed said. Users now can sync the iPhone app with their computer. It's only on iOS now.

"You get everything all in one place. We're trying to make life easier," Syed said.

Pioneer Electronics USA Inc.'s Car Electronics Division unveiled its AppRadio 2 for cars Monday. The second edition of the car radio interface is not only compatible with the iPhone, as was the first edition, but now works with select Android platforms that have HDMI or MHL connectivity. Retail price is $499.

Pioneer's director of marketing, Ted Cardenas, said that 70 percent of the company's 2012 products will feature built-in Bluetooth technology.

Contact reporter Laura Carroll at lcarroll@review journal.com or 702-380-4588. Follow her on Twitter at @lscvegas.