Subaru Launches the Next Generation of its STARLINK Infotainment System Utilizing Clarion's Smart Access Connectivity Platform

CYPRESS, Calif., Aug. 5, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Clarion Corporation of America, a leading manufacturer of premium in-vehicle electronics, and Subaru of America today announced the debut of the Subaru STARLINK infotainment system, utilizing Clarion's Smart Access platform, in all 2015 model year Subaru Legacy and Outback models.

Co-developed by Clarion and Subaru, STARLINK features advanced cloud connectivity that allows users to connect effortlessly to the cloud via the Smart Access platform.  Designed to support both Apple iPhone iOS and Android smartphones, Subaru STARLINK users can utilize the vehicle's standard Bluetooth, or USB interface to connect their devices to the vehicle's head unit display and then access select apps and services safely and effortlessly. 

The platform debuts with iHeartRadio, an all-in-one digital music service featuring millions of songs and thousands of radio stations in one free app, as well as news and weather information apps. In addition, it can automatically push the user's calendar data directly to the vehicle's head unit display.  Notably, additional apps and services will be made available in the future without requiring vehicle software updates.   Drivers can access these functionalities via the Subaru STARLINK App.

The Subaru STARLINK App is now available as a free download from Google Play and iTunes app stores and the technology will be offered on more Subaru vehicle models in the near future.

"We have been working on perfecting our exclusive Smart Access connectivity platform relentlessly for several years in order to assure reliability, safety and distraction-free operation of the system while driving," said Paul S. Lachner, president of Clarion Corporation of America. "We are thrilled to customize and launch our connectivity platform with Subaru, one of our premier partners, and are excited to provide their customers the ability to connect to the cloud safely and securely using their smartphones and let them enjoy a customized and continually updated infotainment experience."

"By making STARLINK standard on the all-new 2015 Subaru Legacy and Subaru Outback models, we have given Subaru drivers a highly-accessible driving companion right in their dashboards," said Thomas J. Doll, president, Subaru of America, Inc. "This gateway to the Internet will effortlessly and automatically push relevant data directly where it is needed most."

About the Smart Access Platform

Exclusive to Clarion and powered by Hitachi's renowned Global Data Center, the Smart Access platform is the world's most advanced and extensive cloud-based information access, analysis and sharing platform.

The Smart Access platform provides proactive real-time analysis of destination routes on the go, allows for customization of entertainment options, enables safe and easy access to social media networks, monitors status of the vehicle, and provides an easy, distraction free way to use many of the popular smartphone apps while driving.  Learn more on the web at www.clarionsmartaccess.com.

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.
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About Subaru of America Inc.

Subaru of America, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries, Ltd. of Japan. Headquartered in Cherry Hill, N.J., the company markets and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of more than 600 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 more information go to: media.subaru.com 

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SOURCE Clarion Corporation of America