KARLSBAD, Germany, November 9, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --
Collaboration
enables HARMAN to invite customers to drive tests in live LTE
networks in Europe; US LTE network
drive test to start soon; commitment to lead the automotive
industry in innovations to address demand for in-vehicle mobile
broadband applications
HARMAN, the leading global audio and infotainment group
(NYSE:HAR), is advancing the integration of LTE module into
production-ready infotainment systems and announced it is now ready
to begin road tests through LTE-networked areas in Europe. Tests in the US will follow. Test
vehicles will be equipped with the latest infotainment system
platform technology integrating an AirPrime™ embedded wireless
module developed by Sierra Wireless, a leader in high-speed mobile
computing and wireless machine-to-machine communication
(NASDAQ:SWIR) (TSX:SW). The seamless collaboration between HARMAN
and Sierra Wireless underlines HARMAN's leadership in technological
innovation that enables the "always connected car" with several
online services. As LTE continues to emerge as the next generation
broadband connection to the car, HARMAN and Sierra Wireless allow
drivers to have a truly connected driving experience by giving them
access to a vast array of web content and services right from the
cloud.
Total Automotive Connectivity enables
a Safe, Always-On Digital Lifestyle Experience
As technological first-mover and innovator, HARMAN is committed
to advance innovations around connecting the full range of digital
devices and platforms, so that the automobile becomes a natural
extension of both the office and the home - with a critical focus
on safety. Next generation automobile services include off-board
navigation, video-on-demand streaming, Internet radio, dynamic
loading apps, interactive online manuals and other telematics
functions or new driver assistance features such as traffic light
recognition. These bandwidth-rich applications require a
reliable anytime, anywhere broadband data connection to offer
leading automakers and their customers the ultimate on-road
experience.
"HARMAN is leading the industry to bring the best "always on",
ultra-fast connectivity experience to drivers. Broadband
connectivity in your car is becoming a fundamental expectation and
lifestyle requirement," said Sachin
Lawande, HARMAN Chief Technology Officer and Co-President,
HARMAN Infotainment Division. "Just as HARMAN is meeting
today's demands for integrated navigation and infotainment
solutions, we are pleased to work with Sierra Wireless to address
the emerging requirements of automakers for an increasingly
connected car."
In anticipation of growing demand from automakers for 4G/LTE
solutions, HARMAN started its collaboration with Sierra Wireless a
year ago and was the first OEM supplier to announce support for the
Sierra Wireless AirPrime embedded modules for LTE networks. With
data download speeds of up to 100 Mbps, and uploads as high as 50
Mbps on LTE networks, HARMAN is today able to offer automakers a
true multi-faceted media, office and online experience within the
vehicle.
"HARMAN leverages deep experience in providing broadband
connectivity to vehicle systems and combines this expertise with
Sierra Wireless AirPrime™ intelligent embedded modules for LTE
networks. First vehicle prototype integration into HARMAN's latest
infotainment system generation is ready and shows promising results
with peak data rates up to 70 Mbit/s and average speeds of 20
Mbit/s in urban conditions. This will enable us to push this
technology into next generation vehicle systems," said Manfred Schedl, Vice President Connectivity of
HARMAN's Infotainment Division.
According to automotive researchers Strategy Analytics, 70% of
vehicles produced globally in 2009 were equipped with connectivity
solutions. This number is expected to increase to 95% by 2012.
Consumers show a strong desire to seamlessly control content from
the cloud - such as music, movies or navigation apps - through a
car's dashboard or steering-wheel controls as they are used from
their smartphone or tablet. HARMAN and Sierra Wireless are working
on innovative solutions to address consumer driven vehicle-centric
demand for wireless enabled, mobile broadband solutions and
applications.
"We are excited about the potential for 4G/LTE in the connected
car, with its ability to provide a richer multimedia experience
that can increase both safety and convenience for passengers and
drivers," said Philippe Guillemette,
Chief Technology Officer, Sierra
Wireless. "This collaboration is a first step in realizing
this potential, and we are thrilled to work with HARMAN, a
recognized industry leader, to bring these solutions to life."
In addition to its 4G/LTE collaboration with Sierra Wireless,
HARMAN helped lead the expansion of the ngConnect Program to
China in July 2010, with a public demonstration of an LTE
Connected Car during the Shanghai World Expo.
About HARMAN
HARMAN (http://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
12000 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported sales of $3.8 billion for the fiscal year ending
June 30, 2011. The Company's shares
are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol NYSE:
HAR.
About Sierra Wireless
Sierra Wireless (NASDAQ: SWIR - TSX: SW) offers industry-leading
mobile computing and machine-to-machine (M2M) communications
products and solutions that connect people, devices, and
applications over cellular networks. Wireless service providers,
equipment manufacturers, enterprises and government organizations
around the world depend on us for reliable wireless technology. We
offer 2G, 3G and 4G wireless modems, routers and gateways as well
as a comprehensive suite of software, tools, and services that
ensure our customers can successfully bring wireless applications
to market. For more information about Sierra Wireless, visit
http://www.sierrawireless.com.
© 2011 HARMAN International Industries, Incorporated. All rights
reserved. Harman Kardon, Infinity,
JBL, Lexicon and Mark Levinson are
trademarks of HARMAN International Industries, Incorporated,
registered in the United States
and/or other countries. AKG is a trademark of AKG Acoustics GmbH,
registered in the United States
and/or other countries. Academy Award is a registered trademark and
service mark of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
GRAMMY Award is a registered trademark of the National Academy of
Recording Arts & Sciences. iPad, iPhone and iPod are trademarks
of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.
Features, specifications and appearance are subject to change
without notice.
For further information please contact:
HARMAN
Nicole Mehr
Director Corporate Affairs and Communications Europe
Becker-Göring-Str. 16
D-76307 Karlsbad
Tel.: +49-7248-71-1272
nicole.mehr@harman.com
Bite Consulting GmbH
Carsten Bickhoff / Stefan
Ehgartner
Flößergasse 4
D-81369 München
Tel.: +49-89-4444-674-67 / -44
carsten.bickhoff@biteconsulting.eu
