HARMAN delivers Touch & Go upgradeable multimedia system for Toyota European vehicles
Internationale Automobil Ausstellung/International Motor Show, FRANKFURT – HARMAN (NYSE:HAR) has launched its next generation scalable platform for automotive multimedia systems in Europe. In cooperation with the leading automaker Toyota, Harman has developed the Toyota Touch & Go and Toyota Touch & Go Plus multimedia systems. Designed for flexibility and affordability, the Toyota Touch & Go multimedia system features a highly flexible platform-based design that can be updated with the newest functions without the need to upgrade the multimedia base unit.
The Toyota Touch & Go system is debuting on board several European Toyota models vehicles including the all new Yaris, and will be available throughout the Toyota model range. The base system incorporates AM/FM radio, a CD/MP3 player, Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity, a USB port for the connection of portable music players, a trip information screen and a rear view camera. The existing touchscreen-based system can also be upgraded to offer full map satellite navigation with enhanced functions such as advanced traffic coverage, customizable speed limits and safety camera warnings, as well as access to a range of downloadable connected information services. The new system not only offers drivers a choice of the fastest or shortest route to their destination, but also an ‘ecological’ route to minimize the emissions and fuel consumption.
Using HARMAN’s advanced connectivity solutions, the Toyota Touch & Go system incorporates on-board access (through a compatible mobile phone) to Google Local Search – the largest and most up-to-date search database in the world. Via Google Maps, destinations may be input remotely from home or office, and Points of Interest may be downloaded for entry as destinations. System connectivity with a mobile phone enables the owner’s phone book to be used as a source of addresses to set as destinations.
The Toyota Touch & Go Plus offers additional functionality such as 3D city views, advanced voice recognition, integrated email and calendar options, and a “play more like this” music function. HARMAN also has included text-to-speech / SMS messaging support through Touch & Go; messages can be safely read aloud to the driver, and replies can be sent using customizable templates.
“Harman’s powerful, scalable architecture is perfectly suited to deliver a dynamic, upgradeable, highly connected multimedia experience for Toyota customers,” said Michael Mauser, HARMAN Co-President, Infotainment and Lifestyle Divisions. “Direct integration with web-based platforms such as Google Local Search and connected applications 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.”
HARMAN will showcase its advanced infotainment designs and features during the IAAA/Frankfurt Auto Show, September 15 to 25, 2011. Please visit the HARMAN booth in Hall 8.0, Stand D24 or visit www.harman.com/automotive for further information about HARMAN’s advanced automotive solutions.
About HARMAN
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 12,000 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported sales of $3.8 billion for the 12 months ended June 30, 2011. The company’s shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol NYSE: HAR.
© 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.
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Kay Robinson, Global marketing, 4 Hockley Court, 2401 Stratford Road, Hockley Heath, Solihull B94 6NW, UK +44 1564 787 200, kay.robinson@harman.com
Nick Bailey, Propel Technology, Bloxham Mill, Barford Road, Bloxham, Banbury, Oxfordshire, UK, OX15 4FF. 44 (0)1295 724130 / 44 (0) 7813 956664
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 12,000 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported sales of $3.8 billion for the 12 months ended June 30, 2011. The company’s shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol NYSE: HAR.
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