Harman International today announced it has extended its preferred relationship with NAVTEQ, the leading provider of digital maps for vehicle and location-based applications. The two companies have signed an agreement that secures Harman/Becker, Harman International’s automotive division, worldwide access to NAVTEQ data through 2015.
The two companies will leverage Harman’s next-generation automotive infotainment platform with NAVTEQ automotive-grade quality to introduce new content that will enhance navigation functionality and driver satisfaction. The companies have also identified additional areas of cooperation as follows:
- Expanded technical cooperation with an emphasis on leveraging connected capabilities and automotive integration to deliver fresher map data.
- Accelerated content introduction including integration of NAVTEQ’s dynamic content portfolio to maximize the full capability of Harman/Becker’s next generation infotainment systems.
- Broader global relationship including joint offerings in Russia, China, Korean and other emerging markets.
- Expanded marketing and distribution programs with an additional focus on electronic distribution.
“Our automotive customers and their end users expect the highest quality experience from Harman infotainment systems,” said Dr. Erich Geiger, Harman Chief Technology Officer. “Extending our relationship with NAVTEQ not only secures access to premium data, but it enables us to more rapidly develop new functional capabilities.”
“Because we work with Harman/Becker across every aspect of business including product roadmaps, technical capabilities, marketing and distribution, the two companies are able to truly innovate together,” said Jeff Mize, NAVTEQ Executive Vice President. “We expect our expanded relationship to further accelerate our ability to exceed automotive OEM requirements and continue to improve the driver experience with navigation.”
About HARMAN/BECKER
HARMAN/BECKER Automotive Systems is a unit of Harman International (http://www.harman.com) who designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment products for the automotive, consumer and professional markets. The Company maintains a strong presence in the Americas, Europe and Asia and employs more than 11,000 people worldwide. The Harman International family of brands spans some 15 leading names including AKG, Audioaccess, Becker, BSS, Crown, dbx, DigiTech, Harman Kardon, Infinity, JBL, Lexicon, Mark Levinson, Revel, QNX, Soundcraft and Studer. The Company’s stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the Symbol HAR.
About NAVTEQ
NAVTEQ is a leading provider of comprehensive digital map information for automotive navigation systems, mobile navigation devices, Internet-based mapping applications, and government and business solutions. NAVTEQ creates the digital maps and map content that power navigation and location-based services solutions around the world. The Chicago-based company was founded in 1985 and has approximately 3,300 employees located in 139 offices in 25 countries.
