MINI and Harman Kardon®: A Unique Car Meets a Unique Sound System

KARLSBAD, Germany--(Business Wire)--
Fun, lifestyle, quality and innovation: these are attributes both MINI and
Harman Kardon® stand for. These two iconic brands strike a balance between style
and emotion coupled with a desire for technical perfection and genuine passion.
The result is an outstanding listening and driving experience that stimulates
all the senses.

This exclusive new partnership was celebrated at an official launch during the
MINI United Festival in Silverstone on May 22 - 24, 2009. The partnership has
already got off to a great start, with MINI presenting the limited edition `MINI
50 Camden`, which features the new sound system from Harman Kardon as standard,
as well as the limited edition `MINI 50 Mayfair`, which features the Harman
Kardon sound system as an option. The audio system has been tailored to the
specific acoustic requirements of each MINI model and includes the powerful
Harman Kardon DSP amplifier with an output of 480 watts as well as ten speakers
positioned around the car for optimum effect.

"MINI and Harman Kardon complement one another perfectly", says Dr. Klaus
Blickle, CEO and President of Harman International Automotive Division. "When
you choose MINI you know you are getting a car that is the best in its class
with a strong reputation for individuality, a fantastic experience, and a top
quality finish. The Harman Kardon sound system that MINI is now offering as a
factory-installed option for all models features high quality components and
promises MINI drivers superior performance without compromise and impressive
sound quality", continues Dr. Blickle.

Harman Kardon is a world leader in the development and production of high
quality audio systems and has worked with the engineers from MINI to design the
perfect solution for the entire MINI model range. It was clear from the very
start that this was not going to be a standard solution, as each model version
has its own unique set of requirements. For example, the MINI convertible needs
a system that can offer the same outstanding sound experience whether the top is
up or down. This requires close cooperation between the engineers from both
brands during the initial design phase. For a faithful, three-dimensional sound,
aspects such as the number, size, and position of the loudspeakers must be
defined and the individual components have to be matched and acoustically tuned
to optimum effect. Once the simulation tests on the virtual model have been
successfully completed, the top acoustic experts employ direct audio comparisons
in a final critical step to determine whether the results meet the brand`s high
standards. Fine nuances are of course allowed where the sound has been tailored
to the specific requirements of the model and target group.

Harman Kardon is a unit of Harman International Industries, Incorporated
(www.harman.com). Harman International designs, manufactures and markets a wide
range of high-end audio and infotainment systems for the automotive, consumer
and professional markets. Harman International maintains a strong presence in
the Americas, Europe and Asia, and employs around 11,000 people worldwide. The
Harman International family of brands includes internationally renowned brands
such as AKG®, Audioaccess®, Becker®, BSS®, Crown®, dbx®, DigiTech®, DOD®, Harman
Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon®, Mark Levinson®, Revel®, QNX®, Soundcraft®
and Studer®. The company's shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange
under the code "HAR."

Harman International Automotive Division/ Harman Kardon
Stephanie Sauter, Director, Global Communications
& Marketing European OEM Customers
Telephone: +49-(0)7248 / 71-1419
E-mail: Stephanie.Sauter@harman.com

Copyright Business Wire 2009