DEARBORN, Mich., Aug. 3- Drivers can now easily plug their iPod into the truck thanks to new audio features being introduced in new 2007-model Ford and Lincoln Mercury vehicles.

Ford is responding to the skyrocketing customer demand to bring electronic devices into cars and trucks by offering the new features. The company predicts that iPod and other MP3 player sales will reach 132 million units in 2009 - more than double the 57.7 million sold in 2005.

"We at Ford have pledged to listen more closely to our customers, and that includes knowing how they want to use their personal audio devices while driving," said says Mark Fields, Ford's president of the Americas. "We see the booming trend in the audio marketplace, and we are responding quickly in our vehicles."

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.

In addition, early next year, Ford and Lincoln Mercury dealers throughout the U.S. will begin offering Ford's TripTunes Advanced audio system - an iPod integration feature that provides drivers with top sound quality and recharging at the same time. TripTunes Advanced allows the driver to store the iPod in the vehicle's glove box and select music using the steering wheel or radio controls - including shuffling songs and skipping between tracks and playlists. ....

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