LAS VEGAS -

Meant to enhance the capability of the vehicle’s infotainment system, Subaru of America and Aha by Harman recently forged partnership geared to use the Aha platform to seamlessly bring Web-based content into Subaru models.

Officials said the goal is to let drivers interact with this Web-based content right through their radios.

Subaru said it is one of the first manufacturers to integrate Aha’s service into its vehicles.

Aha explaiend that it is powering the Web-connected “fourth band” of radio, alongside AM, FM, and satellite radio. Offered on future models, Subaru owners can have instant access to tens of thousands of stations of Web-based content such as on-demand music from MOG and Rhapsody and Internet radio from SHOUTcast, CBS Radio and Slacker.

Furthermore, the platform can deliver news and entertainment podcasts from NPR and others; free audio books, personalized traffic reports; Facebook and Twitter newsfeeds, personalized restaurant recommendations from Yelp and more.

The companies explained that Aha can be easily accessed through the Subaru’s optional in-vehicle radio/infotainment system.

Furthermore, Aha’s app for iPhone can integrate with the vehicle, allowing Subaru owners to enjoy Aha while driving.

Early this year, Aha said it will launch an Android app, which will also integrate with future Subaru vehicles. As a result, users will be able to customize their Aha stations from their iPhone, Android device or the Web.

“Smartphone activity is at an all-time high and the consumer is looking for a safe interface to interact with the content in their vehicle. Subaru has been evaluating connected car solutions for some time, and Aha is the first product that meets our criteria for safety, great design, and broad content options that can be personalized for each driver,” explained David Sullivan, car line manager for Subaru of America.

“Without having to touch their smartphone, Subaru drivers will safely be able to access content like traffic, nearby restaurant information, music, and a growing wealth of Web-based information now available through their Subaru optional infotainment system integrated with Aha,” Sullivan continued.

Harman vice president and Aha general manager Robert Acker added, “Buyers of new Subaru cars will be able to enjoy their favorite Internet content on-demand just as safely as selecting a radio station thanks to Aha.

“We have built a cloud-based platform that will be continuously updated in the future, so as the Web changes and new services emerge, Subaru drivers will always have access to the most up-to-date content through Aha,” Acker went on to say. “With an Aha-enabled radio at their fingertips, Subaru drivers will be among the most well-connected drivers on the road.”