CYPRESS, Calif., Jan. 8, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Clarion Corporation of America, a leader in consumer and commercial mobile electronics, announced today the addition of the popular iHeartRadio for Auto (iHeartAuto) app to its existing array of compatible optimized apps for in-vehicle use in conjunction with their exclusive Smart Access cloud system.  iHeartRadio, Clear Channel's free, all-in-one digital radio service, provides access to more than 1,500 radio stations across the U.S. and allows users to create commercial-free custom stations inspired by a favorite artist or song.  The iHeartAuto app will give users easy and seamless access their favorite stations in-vehicle on Clarion compatible models.

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"We believe that the future of in-vehicle entertainment is closely tied to the way users access their favorite content and activities on their smartphones," stated Allen H. Gharapetian, Clarion's Vice President of Marketing. "That's why we designed and developed our Smart Access Cloud-based system to provide users easy connectivity to their favorite apps like iHeartRadio through their smartphones and let them control those apps distraction-free with a secure, easy and intuitive interface."   

In addition to iHeartRadio for Auto, Smart Access also includes in-vehicle optimized versions of several other popular apps including TuneIn®, Pandora®, MotionX-GPS Drive and Clarion's exclusive Tweet4car, FB4car and DriveSuite4car.  Clarion is continuing to work with multiple other app developers with the goal of offering several more apps designed specifically for in-vehicle use via Smart Access. 

"Radio is the soundtrack to our lives and listening while driving just got that much easier with Clarion's Smart Access capable products," states Brian Lakamp, President of Digital, Clear Channel Media and Entertainment. "iHeartAuto is designed to provide our listeners quick and easy access to their favorite stations on the road with seamless and safety-minded integration from their smartphone to their in-car audio system."

Clarion's iHeartAuto Offering in Cooperation with their Exclusive Smart Access Cloud Server Delivers:

• Quick, intuitive in-vehicle navigation via in-dash touch screens on select Clarion 2013 models
• Access to more than 1,500 stations from across the country and the ability to create custom stations inspired by a favorite artist or song
• Ease of browsing radio stations by genre or location, and the freedom to scan through stations with a touch of a button
• The ability to save favorite and custom stations for quick future access
• Facebook connectivity for social media sharing with friends

To learn more about Smart Access and Clarion's compatible products from Clarion, visit www.clarion.com/us

About Clarion
Headquartered in Cypress, California, Clarion Corporation of America is a subsidiary of Japan-based Clarion Co. Ltd, which has been a consolidated subsidiary of the Hitachi Group since 2006. Clarion has been an international leader in car audio and electronics since 1940.  The company is engaged  in the research, development, engineering, design, manufacturing, sales and marketing of mobile entertainment, navigation, infotainment, communication, safety and security products for the automotive, marine, recreational vehicle, commercial fleet and heavy industry environments.  Clarion has been the recipient of numerous excellence awards for design, innovation, support, manufacturing and product reliability from independent organizations.  The company  has marketing and sales affiliates in Europe, North and South America, Asia and Australia.  Clarion is located on the web at www.clarion.com.

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About Clear Channel Media and Entertainment:
With 239 million monthly listeners in the U.S., Clear Channel Media and Entertainment has the largest reach of any radio or television outlet in America. Clear Channel Media and Entertainment serves 150 cities through 850 owned radio stations. The company's radio stations and content can be heard on AM/FM stations, HD digital radio channels, Sirius/XM satellite, on the Internet at iHeartRadio.com and on the company's radio station websites, on the iHeartRadio mobile application on iPads and smartphones, and used via navigation systems from TomTom, Garmin and others. The company's operations include radio broadcasting, online and mobile services and products, live concerts and events, syndication, music research services and independent media representation. Clear Channel Media and Entertainment is a division of CC Media Holdings, Inc. (OTCBB: CCMO), a leading global media and entertainment company. More information on the company can be found at clearchannel.com, clearchanneloutdoor.com and ccmediaholdings.com

SOURCE Clarion Corporation of America