PALO ALTO, CA--June 26, 2013: --Aha by HARMAN today announced that the new 2014 Mazda3 to be launched in North America and Europe this fall will offer access to Aha's free service with the ability to select presets from more than 40,000* audio and information stations.
“This offers drivers a new way to connect to the internet and adds a new dimension to the joy of driving. It's going to make drivers want to get behind the wheel of the new Mazda3 at every opportunity”
Aha uses the Harman Cloud Platform to enable Web-based entertainment and information in vehicles using a radio-like format that is familiar to drivers. With Aha, Mazda drivers can access their favorite Internet music services, radio stations, news, entertainment, audiobooks, Facebook and Twitter feeds, personalized location-based services such as weather, and more. Aha continually adds new stations spanning from the most popular mainstream media to niche content and with so much to choose from, there is something for everyone.
"This offers drivers a new way to connect to the internet and adds a new dimension to the joy of driving. It's going to make drivers want to get behind the wheel of the new Mazda3 at every opportunity," said Ryuichi Umeshita, Deputy General Manager of Mazda's Product Division. "Safety is always our main focus, and the user interface is both safe and intuitive to use. It's a perfect match for the wide-range of functions Aha offers. I hope many drivers will give it a try."
"Aha helps the connected generation stay entertained and informed. Mazda understands that drivers want safe and simple access to their favorite audio content in their cars, and Aha helps them to do this seamlessly," said Robert Acker, Vice-President of Connectivity for Harman and GM of Aha by Harman. "Mazda3 drivers want to stay connected to the latest content even when they are on the go. Aha helps them to continue to enjoy a variety of global audio entertainment in the car with ease."
The Mazda3 is Mazda's best-selling model. It accounts for over a third of the company's annual sales and over 3.5 million units have been sold since the launch of the first generation model in 2003. The redesigned 2014 Mazda3 delivers exhilarating and responsive driving thanks to SKYACTIV technology along with a design that makes you want to get in and drive.
The Aha implementation in the Mazda3 will make use of Bluetooth to connect iPhone and Android phones to the car and will also separate Aha's personalized location-based stations from its entertainment stations, giving Mazda drivers access to Aha's location-based stations under the "Nearby" button. Mazda's unique user interface allows control of the Aha stations through features such as a commander controller and a beautiful 7-inch center display. In the Mazda3, Aha is implemented as a third "band" after AM and FM, making it as safe and intuitive to use as a radio station.
