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HARMAN and Sierra Wireless Bring High-Speed 4G/LTE Broadband Connectivity to the Dashboard and on the Road
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(TM) 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(TM) 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(R),
Harman Kardon(R), Infinity(R), JBL(R), Lexicon(R) and Mark Levinson(R). 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.
(c) 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
Source: HARMAN
.
HARMAN and Sierra Wireless Bring High-Speed 4G/LTE Broadband Connectivity to the Dashboard and on the Road
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(TM) 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(TM) 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(R),
Harman Kardon(R), Infinity(R), JBL(R), Lexicon(R) and Mark Levinson(R). 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.
(c) 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
Source: HARMAN
.