iDrive

The next generation of BMW cars will feature new and improved electronics from Harmon. These systems will feature new technologies to limit power consumption while providing internet access and many other advanced features, something Harmon calls GreenEdge.

The current 4th generation iDrive system is also a product from Harmon, featuring a Preh controller.

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Sep 30, 2009 (Connecticut Post – McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) — HAR | Quote | Chart | News | PowerRating — Motorists who drive the world ‘s most luxurious cars expect them to be equipped with the most advanced entertainment and information systems.
Stamford-based Harman International Industries Inc., the developer and manufacturer of high-end sound systems, has been selected by German-based luxury car manufacturer BMW AG to provide advanced “infotainment ” systems for its new vehicle platforms.

The new Harman system is multimedia-driven and will offer a sophisticated set of features including 3-D navigation, graphics, Internet access and wired or wireless connectivity for all passengers. A hard drive will provide navigation data and will accommodate the user ‘s personal entertainment files. The new system will use Harman ‘s GreenEdge technology, which limits power consumption.

The contract with BMW comes after a similar agreement signed earlier this month with another icon of German automaking, Daimler AG.

“This new award underscores the success of previous project launches, and follows a similar win from Daimler for its Mercedes models, ” Dinesh Paliwal, Harman ‘s chairman, president and chief executive officer, said in a statement. “New projects awarded during the last two months exceed $2 billion, the majority of which came from Daimler and BMW. With these new wins, Harman ‘s total awarded business exceeds $10 billion, approximately five times our automotive revenue during FY2009. ”

Harman has had a long-standing relationship with BMW, said Tom

Plucinsky, spokesman for BMW North America.

“They ‘ve been a supplier for many years, ” said Plucinsky, noting that BMW ‘s current information and entertainment system, called I Drive, is a Harman component in its fourth generation. “Definitely, our customers expect the latest and most advanced technology. ”

Harman ‘s GreenEdge systems were developed as an energy-efficient technology as the auto industry strives to make vehicles that meet the concerns of environmentally conscious buyers, said Klaus Blickle, chief executive officer and president of the Harman International Automotive Division.

Customers want high performance combined with efficiency, he said.

Harman also works with other premium car manufacturers including Audi, Ferrari and Porsche, as well as Chrysler and Hyundai, spokesman Brad Hoffman said.