Harman and Neusoft Form Strategic Partnership to Develop Advanced Technologies in Automotive and Consumer Electronics
Joint Development Centers Established in China and Germany
SHENYANG, China, April 23 -- Harman International (NYSE:HAR) and Neusoft Corporation (600718.SH) announced today that the two companies have agreed to enter into partnership for the development of advanced technologies in automotive and consumer electronics. As a result of this collaboration, Harman and Neusoft have jointly established technology development centers in Shenyang, China and Hamburg, Germany that will extend both parties' technological leadership in these fast-growing industries. The opening ceremony of the Harman and Neusoft Joint Offshore Development Center was held on April 23, 2010 in Neusoft Park, Shenyang, China.
Beginning with some 250 professionals, this partnership is expected to increase the number of technical resources working on Harman products and systems by more 500 personnel within the next two years. The milestone collaboration leverages Harman's market-leading position in automotive infotainment and audio technologies, and Neusoft's more than 15 years of expertise in automotive technologies and product engineering solutions.
"We are delighted to welcome Neusoft as a strategic partner," said Dinesh C. Paliwal, Harman's Chairman, President and CEO. "This relationship will accelerate our development of next-generation technologies and sharpen our execution focus in delivering Harman's record $10 billion audio and infotainment order book, while adding Neusoft's deep expertise to our commitment to keep our customers at the leading edge of navigation technologies. Further, Neusoft's experience in Chinese, Japanese and Korean navigation solutions will help Harman extend its Western automotive
leadership to Asia."
"Harman's leading market share and close relationships with global automakers will provide a platform for Neusoft's expertise in next-generation technologies for automotive and consumer electronics, which will significantly enhance Neusoft's position in the global product engineering market." said Dr. Jiren Liu, Chairman and CEO of Neusoft Corporation. "By partnering with Harman, Neusoft will also further improve our development and innovation competitiveness in the product engineering field, as well as enhance our overall delivery capabilities for our customers in the European market."
Neusoft Corporation ( http://www.neusoft.com/ ) is a leading IT solutions and services provider in China. Neusoft is also a leading product engineering services provider with worldwide operations, serving an increasing range of large corporate customers from all over the world. Focusing on software technology, Neusoft provides industry solutions, product engineering solutions, related software products & platforms, and services. With more than 16,000 employees around the world, Neusoft has a comprehensive marketing and service network in more than 40 cities across China, as well as subsidiaries in the U.S., Europe, Japan and Middle East. The Company is the first listed software company in China and is traded on the Shanghai Stock Exchange.
Harman International Industries, Incorporated ( http://www.harman.com/ ) designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment products for the automotive, consumer and professional markets. Harman International maintains a strong presence in the Americas, Europe and Asia and has approximately 11,000 employees worldwide. The Harman International family of brands includes some 15 leading names including AKG(R), Harman Kardon(R), Infinity(R), JBL(R), Lexicon(R) and Mark Levinson. Harman International's stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "NYSE: HAR."
Contact:
Brad A. Hoffman
Vice President, Corporate Communications
Harman International Industries, Incorporated
+1-203-328-3500
brad.hoffman@harman.com