HARMAN Unveils Advanced Automotive Multimedia System with Toyota

HARMAN Unveils Advanced Automotive Multimedia System with Toyota

New system Integrates navigation, audio and real-time information with smartphone functionality

STAMFORD, CT -- January 4, 2011 -- 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.