HARMAN and Sierra Wireless collaborate to bring 4G/LTE broadband connectivity to the car

Collaboration underlines HARMAN's commitment to lead the automotive industry in innovations to address demand for in-vehicle mobile broadband applications

LAS VEGAS, NV, Jan. 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ - (www.harman.com/automotive) - HARMAN, the leading global audio and infotainment group (NYSE:HAR), and Sierra Wireless, a leader in high-speed mobile computing and wireless machine-to-machine communication (NASDAQ:SWIR - TSX:SW), today underlined their commitment to bring automotive customers the first 4G broadband connectivity.

HARMAN will support Sierra Wireless AirPrime™ intelligent embedded modules for LTE networks to offer robust in-vehicle wireless connectivity enabling high bandwidth telematics, navigation, and online infotainment applications. The AirPrime modules also leverage broadly adopted applications programming interfaces (APIs) to encourage a growing ecosystem of software providers' solutions for connectivity, location, and manageability. The solution will enable users wireless data access at download speeds of up to 100 megabits per second (Mbps) and upload speeds up to 50 Mbps on LTE networks, making it possible to provide a true multi-faceted media, office and online experience within the vehicle, from driver enhancements such as real-time mapping and traffic updates, to a variety of new services for passengers such as online services, dynamic loaded applications and content, gaming, streaming video, and full internet access that can be shared among multiple devices.

"HARMAN is leading the industry to bring the best "always on", ultra-fast connectivity experience to enable the rich multimedia applications and information systems that drivers and passengers are coming to expect," said Sachin Lawande, HARMAN Chief Technology Officer and Co-President, HARMAN Automotive Division.  "Just as HARMAN is meeting today's demands for integrated navigation and infotainment solutions, we are pleased to work with Sierra Wireless to address the emerging requirements of automakers for an increasingly connected car."

"We are excited about the potential for 4G/LTE in the connected car, with its ability to provide a richer multimedia experience that can increase both safety and convenience for passengers and drivers," said Philippe Guillemette, Chief Technology Officer for Sierra Wireless. "This collaboration is a first step in realizing this potential, and we are thrilled to work with HARMAN, a recognized industry leader, to bring these solutions to life."

According to automotive researchers Strategy Analytics, 70% of vehicles produced globally in 2009 have some form of connectivity solution and the number is expected to increase to 95% by 2012. As consumers are rapidly adapting to lifestyles where multi-featured smart-phones and handsets are the norm, HARMAN is working on innovative solutions to address vehicle-centric demand for wirelessly-enabled, mobile broadband solutions and applications. In addition to its 4G/LTE collaboration with Sierra Wireless, HARMAN helped lead the expansion of the ngConnect Program to China in July 2010, with a public demonstration of an LTE Connected Car during the Shanghai World Expo. 

With over a decade of experience, award-winning expertise, and more than two million wireless modules shipped to automotive manufacturers, Sierra Wireless is a market leader in wireless technologies for the automotive industry, offering

• all the components required for a wireless connectivity solution, from wireless embedded modules and software suites to development tools and services platforms
• products designed to match the automotive industry's toughest quality requirements and supported by automotive specialists
• proven technologies that allow rapid design, easy integration, fast deployment and cost-effective maintenance and support.

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 11,000 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported sales of $3.5 billion over the twelve months ending September 30, 2010. The Company's shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbolNYSE: HAR.

Sierra Wireless (NASDAQ: SWIR - TSX: SW) offers industry-leading mobile computing and machine-to-machine (M2M) communications products and solutions that connect people, devices, and applications over cellular networks. Wireless service providers, equipment manufacturers, enterprises and government organizations around the world depend on us for reliable wireless technology. We offer 2G, 3G and 4G wireless modems, routers and gateways as well as a comprehensive suite of software, tools, and services that ensure our customers can successfully bring wireless applications to market.  For more information about Sierra Wireless, visit www.sierrawireless.com.   

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements relate to, among other things, plans and timing for the introduction or enhancement of our services and products, statements about future market conditions, supply conditions, channel and end customer demand conditions, revenues, gross margins, operating expenses, profits, and other expectations, intentions, and plans contained in this press release that are not historical fact. Our expectations regarding future revenues and earnings depend in part upon our ability to successfully develop, manufacture, and supply products that we do not produce today and that meet defined specifications. When used in this press release, the words "plan", "expect", "believe", and similar expressions generally identify forward-looking statements. These statements reflect our current expectations. They are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, changes in technology and changes in the wireless data communications market. In light of the many risks and uncertainties surrounding the wireless data communications market, you should understand that we cannot assure you that the forward-looking statements contained in this press release will be realized.

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AKG, Becker, Harman Kardon, Infinity, JBL, Lexicon and Mark Levinson are trademarks of Harman International Industries, Inc., registered in the United States and/or other countries.

"AirPrime" is a trademark of Sierra Wireless. Other product or service names mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

SOURCE Sierra Wireless, Inc.