Pandora invades car stereos across the brands

Pandora, the Internet radio service many of us know from our desktops and smartphones, is coming to your car stereo. Pandora is launching a relationship with Scion and further expanding its deal with Ford, the company said on Tuesday. The service will now be available in 10 Ford vehicles and two Lincoln models.

Drivers can now get Pandora in their BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Mini cars. Buick, Chevrolet, GMC, Hyundai and Toyota have also announced plans to integrate the system into their vehicles.

The radio service is free on the Internet and plays music from a genre of the listener's choosing. Audiophiles rate the music, helping the software hone in on what the listener likes. The service has been integrated in aftermarket car stereos made by Alpine, JVC, Kenwood and Pioneer, with additional radios from Sony coming soon.

"Our goal is to allow people to personalize their radio experience anytime, anywhere," said Jessica Steel, executive vice president of business development for Pandora. "Nearly 50 percent of radio consumption happens in the car, so it's a natural for Pandora."

By Jake Lingeman