Ford scraps CDs in digital move

Ford is to scrap CD players in its latest Ford Focus Range to reflect the increasing popularity of digital music.

FordFocus

The car marque says that the decision is part of a move towards an “all digital in car entertainment” offering.

All new Ford Focus cars will only have an auxiliary input and USB socket so that drivers can connect MP3 devices and use Bluetooth capability to connect with wireless devices.

CD sales fell 35% between 2006 and 2010 in the UK, while the number of digital album sales increased more than seven-fold and digital single now account for 98% of the market, according to the British Phonographic Industry.

Digital radio is already standard on Ford’s C-MAX, Grand C-MAX and all-new Focus models in the UK and will roll out to Europe later this year.

Ford is also preparing to launch its FordSYNC and MyFord in car wireless connection systems to Europe in 2012.

Sheryl Connelly, global trends and futuring manager for Ford Motor Company, says: “In-car entertainment technology is moving digital more rapidly than almost any other element of the vehicle experience. The in-car CD player – much like pay telephones – is destined to fade away in the face of exciting new technology.”  

The company says it will continue to offer in-car CD players where there is demand but believes that consumers will quickly turn to digital devices.

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