January 4, 2011 -- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
HARMAN Unveils Advanced Automotive Multimedia System with Toyota
New system Integrates navigation, audio and real-time information
with smartphone functionality
STAMFORD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
HARMAN, the premium global audio and infotainment group (NYSE:HAR), said
today that it will unveil a scalable, trend-setting automotive
multimedia system in cooperation with leading automaker Toyota. The
Toyota Entune™ multimedia system will be previewed at the upcoming
Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, and will be first offered
on select Toyota vehicles beginning later this year. The new system
complements HARMAN's long-standing relationship in providing premium
audio systems from its JBL brand to Toyota.
"The superb clarity of our JBL audio has long been a favorite among
automotive enthusiasts," said Dinesh C. Paliwal, HARMAN Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer. "We are proud to add the Entune multimedia
system to this experience as part of our long and successful
relationship with Toyota, and we look forward to delighting new Toyota
owners with this premium offering."
Developed in cooperation with Toyota Motor Engineering and
Manufacturing, North America, the scalable, upgradeable Entune system
blends advanced automotive navigation with the connectivity and
entertainment features of the latest-generation smart mobile phones.
Drivers will have the ability to make hands-free phone calls, control
music from a variety of sources, and interact with the navigation system
-- all by using simple voice commands. An advanced text-to-speech
function can also read incoming SMS text messages verbally to the
driver, even translating common slang and text symbols.
"The Entune system's powerful, scalable architecture is a first for the
automotive industry," said Sachin Lawande, HARMAN Chief Technology
Officer and Co-President Automotive. "Now, Toyota drivers will have the
opportunity to update their in-dash multimedia system much as they would
a smart phone. Direct integration with web-based platforms such as
Microsoft Bing search will add real-time content to the navigation
experience, and field upgradeability will allow users to add new
applications as they become available over time."
Bluetooth® connectivity for telephone calls and music, plus
USB and iPod®/iPhone® ports provide enhanced
flexibility that blends smartphone functionality with the built-in
capabilities of an OEM multimedia system. Integration with mobile music
applications such as iheartradio, Pandora, XM Satellite Radio and HD
radio will present a wealth of music choices. A premium JBL audio system
upgrade will be available to bring these music sources to life.
A variety of online mobile applications, ranging from Bing™
point-of-interest (POI) searches to MovieTickets.com to OpenTable.com
restaurant reservations will provide drivers with personalized
information that expands with each online search. For example, personal
contacts or a new restaurant found during an online search can easily be
set as a navigation system destination. Additional Entune features
include real-time traffic, news, sports, stocks, weather and fuel
prices. Entune also builds on Safety Connect™, Toyota's telematics
system that provides Automatic Collision notification, Stolen Vehicle
Location, Emergency Assistance and Roadside Assistance on select Toyota
models.
HARMAN (www.harman.com)
designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment
solutions for the automotive, consumer and professional markets —
supported by 15 leading brands including AKG®, Harman Kardon®,
Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon® and Mark
Levinson®. The Company is admired by audiophiles across
multiple generations and supports leading professional entertainers and
the venues where they perform. More than 20 million automobiles on the
road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems.
HARMAN has a workforce of about 11,000 people across Americas, Europe
and Asia, and reported sales of $3.5 billion for the twelve months
ending September 30, 2010. The Company's shares are traded on the New
York Stock Exchange under the symbol NYSE: HAR.
Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc. is the marketing, sales,
distribution and customer service arm of Toyota, Lexus and Scion.
Established in 1957, TMS markets products and services through a network
of nearly 1,500 Toyota, Lexus and Scion dealers which sold more than
1.77 million vehicles in 2009. Toyota directly employs nearly 30,000
people in the U.S. and its investment here is currently valued at more
than $18 billion.
# # #
Preliminary product specifics, subject to change without notice. © 2011
HARMAN. For more information about HARMAN, visit www.harman.com/Automotive.
For more information about Toyota, visit www.toyota.com
or www.toyotanewsroom.com/entune
-----------------------------------------------------------
HAR-C
AKG, Becker, Harman Kardon, Infinity, JBL, Lexicon and Mark Levinson are
trademarks of Harman International Industries, Inc., registered in the
United States and/or other countries.
HARMAN
Darrin Shewchuk
Director, Corporate Communications
(203)
328-3834
darrin.shewchuk@harman.com
Source: HARMAN
News Provided by Acquire Media
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