STAMFORD, Conn. – HARMAN, the global premium audio and infotainment group (NYSE:HAR), has been awarded a coveted Technology & Development Award by Toyota Motor Corp. The award, which honors innovation that helps the Japanese automaker develop a full line up of vehicles from sedans to SUVs with state-of-the-art technology, was presented to HARMAN executives on February 23 in Nagoya, Japan.

“This honor represents the commitment we have to working with Toyota to develop the most sophisticated audio and infotainment systems that buyers across all price points have come to expect,” said Dinesh C. Paliwal, Chairman, President and CEO of HARMAN.

Recent innovations HARMAN has introduced with Toyota include:
  • The Toyota Touch & Go and Toyota Touch & Go Plus multimedia systems offer flexibility and affordability for the automaker’s European models, including the new Yaris, Verso S, Avensis, Prius and Hilux. The system offers advanced Bluetooth and USB functions including e-mail and SMS integration along with downloadable applications from the Toyota Customer portal. The navigation system was completely redesigned and offers a more user-friendly interface with new features such as safety camera and speed limit warnings along with online POI search capabilities through Google.
  • The Toyota Entune™ multimedia system, which blends advanced automotive navigation with the connectivity and entertainment features of smartphones. Through voice commands, drivers can make hands-free calls, control music from multiple sources and interact with the navigation system. The system works with Android phones, Apple Inc.’s iPhone and Research in Motion’s BlackBerry. Entune is available on the Prius (pictured) and Camry, with more to come.
  • The 2012 Toyota Prius, Prius+ and Camry are the first cars to offer the JBL GreenEdge™ audio system. GreenEdge reduces power consumption and heat generation while offering superior sound quality. GreenEdge audio components weigh less and take up less interior space.
  • Mark Levinson premium audio system with GreenEdge technology making a more efficient and powerful audio system was recently launched on the all new Lexus GS. Harman also provides JBL audio systems for a range of Toyota vehicles around the world including the Toyota Highlander, Land Cruiser, Avalon , 4-Runner, Sienna, Tacoma, Tundra, Verso, and Venza.

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 25 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. HARMAN has a workforce of about 13,400 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported net sales of $4.4 billion for the twelve months ending June 30, 2012. The Company's shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol NYSE:HAR.