CORRECTION: Nissan has clarified its release to state that it is merely partnering with Apple to display ads on iTunes Radio through iAd, rather than equipping its cars with iTunes Radio.
Nissan will be the first car maker to stream advertising content through iTunes Radio, the company announced today.
The Japanese car maker will be the exclusive automotive launch partner for Apple's new media streaming service, part of a concerted effort by the tech giant to make inroads into automotive infotainment.
Nissan will display ad content through iTunes Radio's iAd service for current and upcoming models.
iTunes Radio is essentially Apple's competitor to Pandora; it's an internet radio service that can create playlists based on a user's listening history, and is already already in the hands of iPhone and iPad users.
"We see iTunes Radio as an integral part of our new vehicle launches and 'big moments,' riding the wave of interest and usage of this exciting new service to maximize exposure of Nissan's new models," Nissan North America vice president of marketing Jon Brancheau said in a statement.
Nissan's iTunes Radio will focus on the redesigned 2014 Rogue crossover, which hits dealers in November. Other ads will highlight the 2014 Versa Note hatchback and Leaf electric car. It could potentially be offered on other models in the future.
Meanwhile, Apple is moving ahead with iOS in the Car, a car-centric version of iOS 7 expected to launch in 2014. The system will include Siri voice recognition, Apple Maps, and other Apple-specific features.
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