KARLSBAD, Germany, May 16, 2013 -– Harman International Industries Incorporated, the leading global audio and infotainment group (NYSE: HAR), is pleased to deliver the new NTG5 infotainment system for the all new Mercedes-Benz’ luxury S-Class vehicles. This next-generation premium infotainment unit from HARMAN combines wireless connectivity with HARMAN’s enhanced navigation functionality to both simplify and enhance the user experience. Thanks to the new multi-seat entertainment concept, every passenger in the car can enjoy personalized entertainment while sharing content within the car. What’s more, it provides all seats with access to automotive-grade apps such as news and social networks through a safe and intuitive applications portal.

Michael Mauser, HARMAN’s Executive Vice President and Co-President of the Infotainment and Lifestyle Divisions, commented: “We’re very excited to be starting production of our next-generation NTG5 system, which enables Mercedes-Benz to provide their outstanding vehicles with leading-edge entertainment features, exceptional connectivity and enhanced navigation including 3-D HDD navigation.”

Various entertainment zones

The NTG5 infotainment unit offers Mercedes’ vehicles with a broad set of features for entertainment, connectivity, and navigation. The systems’ advanced design means front and rear seat screens are networked for seamless access and sharing of entertainment features, information, and content among all passengers. All screens support HD video, and the front dash screen additionally supports ‘split-view mode’, allowing driver and passenger to access and see different content on the same screen. And, thanks to the Driveshow feature, the passengers can follow the route on their screens that highlight points of interest along the way.

The NTG5 also delivers state-of-the-art wired and wireless mobile device integration including a WLAN hotspot in the head unit. A dedicated media interface allows drivers and passengers the choice of connecting both their iOS and Android devices via USB or Bluetooth. The system also supports Message Access Profile (MAP), equipping the vehicles with mobile office features like e-mail and SMS, which can be handled in a safe and intuitive way via an animated 3D human–machine interface (HMI) with high-end graphics in HD resolution. Additional to that, the messages can be read-out to the driver in 18 languages.

Also, the infotainment system enables the passengers to browse the internet for free and access various automotive-grade apps. For example, passengers can listen to internet radio stations, check the weather or traffic on their destination, share content on social media, browse or download maps and much more. The system also includes car related assistance and services including emergency calling.

Major HARMAN technology advances are also visible in the HDD navigation within the NTG5 system. Navigation routes can be made clearer to the driver through realistic 3D city models that show realistic buildings and route markers. Using sophisticated layered graphics, drivers can see “through” buildings and obstacles on the route ahead to anticipate road maneuvers. The navigation system can fully be controlled via speech -- for example, if the user is looking for a point of interest he merely has to call it out in his natural voice and the system starts searching for it. All route planning can be done via Google maps on a home computer, and these personal routes are automatically transferred to the head unit via the Mercedes user portal. In addition to this, HD Live Traffic incorporates real-time traffic information in the route planning.

Connected with the world

HARMAN produces versions of this new infotainment system for all global markets. Having started production for the S-Class now, the NTG5 will be rolled out to various Mercedes S-Class models. Production for high-volume C-Class vehicles, which will include HARMAN navigation, is expected to begin early in calendar year 2014.

About HARMAN

HARMAN 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.


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Darrin Shewchuk
HARMAN
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Nicole Mehr
HARMAN
Tel: +49-7248-71-1272
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