Clarion Names Magellan Its Smartphone-Based Cloud Navigation Partner for SUBARU STARLINK™ Systems

CYPRESS, Calif., Jan. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Clarion Corporation of America, a leader in automotive infotainment and advanced driver safety and assistance systems, announced today the selection of Magellan Navi™ - Magellan's SmartGPS navigation for inclusion in Subaru vehicles featuring the SUBARU STARLINK™ infotainment system. Powered by Clarion's SmartAccess™ cloud-based connectivity platform, SUBARU STARLINK systems seamlessly syncs and controls cloud-based applications directly through the car's infotainment system's screen, providing access to numerous value-added apps like Magellan Navi navigation.

"Magellan is honored that its Magellan Navi navigation has been selected by companies as innovative and well-known as Clarion and Subaru to be the GPS navigation solution for future SUBARU STARLINK equipped vehicles," commented Pierre Parent, President of Magellan. "This partnership gives Subaru customers access to our award winning navigation, which provides added value to Subaru's award-winning vehicles."

The Magellan Navi navigation iOS and Android apps for connected cars bring Magellan's proven smartphone navigation to Subaru vehicles by connecting to the SUBARU STARLINK platform.  The Magellan Navi app syncs up with the SUBARU STARLINK infotainment system to provide robust voice-guided navigation directly on the car's in-dash touch screen interface. As a GPS industry pioneer, Magellan's navigation and routing engines have been developed and proven through years of R&D and testing.  The Magellan Navi for Subaru uses an advanced cloud-based mapping solution, which ensures drivers that their maps for GPS navigation are never outdated.

"For many years, we have relied on Clarion's Smart Access platform to offer our customers innovative infotainment systems that offer access to the same powerful apps they have on their smartphones directly on the car's in-dash display," said Anthony Landamia, Infotainment Product Manager at Subaru. "In-car navigation systems traditionally require additional components such as GPS radios and disk storage for map data, making these types of systems fairly expensive. Even with the added cost, these systems tend to become outdated in a couple of years. Adding Magellan Navi to our SUBARU STARLINK systems is immensely valuable, as it does not require the car to have a built-in GPS antenna, and offers drivers a navigation system that never gets outdated since it updates map data in real-time using a smartphone connection. We are excited Clarion has enabled this powerful app on SUBARU STARLINK™ and look forward to offering it on future Subaru vehicles."

Designed to support both Apple iOS and Android smartphones, the SUBARU STARLINK app brings continuously updated cloud applications to the vehicle's center stack display.  Drivers can then access all SUBARU STARLINK approved apps and services effortlessly, including Magellan Navi, allowing for safe access and display on the vehicle's touch panel.

Exclusive to Clarion, Smart Access is the world's most advanced and extensive cloud-based information access, analysis and sharing platform. Smart Access is a fully scalable connectivity platform designed to provide proactive real-time analysis of destination routes on the go, allow for customization of entertainment options, enable safe and easy access to social media networks, monitor status of the vehicle, and provide an easy, distraction free way to use many of the popular smartphone apps while driving. Learn more on the web at www.clarion.com.

"Magellan has been remarkably helpful in working with us to make their premium navigation solution available on SUBARU STARLINK™ platform," stated Allen H. Gharapetian, Vice President of Marketing & Product Planning for Clarion Corporation of America.  "Our Smart Access platform powers SUBARU STARLINK and offers state-of-the-art features and capabilities that make SUBARU STARLINK one of the most innovative in-car infotainment technology solutions available in the market. And now, with the Magellan Navi navigation app added to our Smart Access platform, key customers like Subaru will find even greater value in having Smart Access power their cloud-connected infotainment systems."

About Subaru of America, Inc.   
Subaru of America, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. of Japan. Headquartered at a zero-landfill office in Cherry Hill, N.J., the company markets and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts, and accessories through a network of more than 620 retailers across the United States. All Subaru products are manufactured in zero-landfill production plants, and Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc. is the only U.S. automobile production plant to be designated a backyard wildlife habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. For additional information, visit media.subaru.com. SUBARU STARLINK™ is a trademark of Subaru/Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd.

About Magellan  
Headquartered in Santa Clara, CA, MiTAC Digital Corporation, manufacturer of the Magellan (www.magellangps.com) brand of portable GPS navigation devices, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of MiTAC International Corporation. Magellan, the industry leader for innovative GPS navigation devices since 1986, globally markets award-winning products in multiple categories including auto, RV, commercial, outdoor, fitness and mobile. Continuing its spirit of innovation, Magellan is developing new cloud-based technologies, OEM and B-to-B solutions to meet the changing needs of today's consumers. Follow Magellan on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

About Clarion  
Headquartered in Cypress, California, Clarion Corporation of America is a subsidiary of Japan-based Clarion Co. Ltd, which has been a consolidated subsidiary of the Hitachi Group since 2006. Clarion has been an international leader in car audio and electronics since 1940. The company is engaged in the research, development, engineering, design, manufacturing, sales and marketing of mobile entertainment, navigation, infotainment, communication, safety and security products for the automotive, marine, recreational vehicle, commercial fleet and heavy industry environments. Clarion has been the recipient of numerous excellence awards for design, innovation, support, manufacturing and product reliability from independent organizations. The company has marketing and sales affiliates in Europe, North and South America, Asia and Australia. Clarion is located on the web at www.clarion.com/us.

All products/services and trademarks mentioned in this release are the properties of their respective companies.
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SOURCE Clarion Corporation of America

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