Sirius Satellite Radio [SIRI] and ATX Technologies Inc. announced an alliance aimed at integrating ATX’s two-way cellular communications and location-based technologies with Sirius Radio’s satellite audio entertainment to offer a unique set of in-vehicle offerings.

The alliance is a critical step in Sirius’ In-Vehicle E-Commerce (IVEC) initiative, which focuses on giving customers the ability to make purchases directly from their cars. For example, customers would be able to purchase music, books, and other products promoted on Sirius Radio by touching a button.

ATX will aid in integrating telematics applications, including remote vehicle diagnostics, in-vehicle navigation information, traffic reports, and remote control of specific vehicle functions (i.e. doors, windows, lights, etc.). ATX’s telematics services currently are used by Mercedez-Benz, Ford Motor Co. [F]and Nissan.