OREANDA-NEWS. Mazda Motor Corporation announced that the all-new Mazda3 (Axela in Japan) will feature a next-generation car connectivity system, Mazda Connect, when it goes on sale this autumn. The new system will increase the scope of driving pleasure and engender a deeper relationship between car and driver. To enable the driver to enjoy the wide range of content on offer while keeping their attention focused on the road ahead, Mazda has developed a brand new Human Machine Interface (HMI), based on its unique Heads-Up Cockpit concept. As the amount of information presented to drivers behind the wheel increases, the new HMI creates an environment in which the driver is consistently looking at the road ahead and can concentrate on the safe operation of the vehicle.

One of the functions available through Mazda Connect is access to the Aha(tm) by HARMAN web content platform for automobiles (Aha). Mazda is the first automaker to finalize a global licensing agreement with Aha, allowing customers to access the service in any country in which Aha is available. Aha will be introduced to Japan and a number of other Asian and Central and South American countries to coincide with the launch of the new Mazda3 in those markets. This will make it the first connected car in those markets offering access to Aha. In Japan it will be the first vehicle to offer as standard equipment a device that allows the driver to access internet radio and other services through their smartphone.

By simply downloading a free smartphone application, Aha provides access to over 40,000 cloud-based audio and information presets such as internet radio, podcasts, audiobooks, Facebook and Twitter feeds and various location-based services All of this content can be accessed through a single, safe and intuitive interface. Aha has regional agreements providing services to more than ten auto brands in over 50 countries, focusing mainly in Europe and North America.