Panasonic's Touch Pro Duo leads showcase of advanced infotainment systems on new Range Rover Velar

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 8, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- When an automotive brand renowned for design, style and function launches one of the most innovative and desirable SUVs ever, its infotainment should set new standards too.

Panasonic is proud that its new display solution implemented in InControl Touch Pro Duo features on the Range Rover Velar; world-first technology that joins a host of innovations at the heart of an equally pioneering global model.

The suite of infotainment showcased on Velar underlines Panasonic's position as an industry-leading provider of automotive technology, combining superb quality with cutting edge manufacturing techniques, innovative touch and display integration and pure design.

Featuring two 10-inch high definition screens, a color head-up display and tactile user controls, Touch Pro Duo is the perfect centrepiece of Velar's beautifully minimalist interior. Clear, adaptable and intuitive, Touch Pro Duo allows the driver to focus on whatever terrain comes ahead, mixing stylish secret-until-lit surfaces with simple to understand displays and form paired perfectly to Velar's design.

Intuitive interface with high resolution displays
The upper screen acts as the primary interface, and as with the lower screen, is a 10-inch high definition 2k resolution display. It presents navigation, media and phone to the driver and features a 30-degree tilting mechanism. This can be adjusted to the optimum viewing angle in response to sunlight and shadows. Returning to the flush position when the ignition is switched off, the screen returns to the previously chosen angle upon ignition. Interaction is as intuitive as a smartphone or tablet: the driver simply swipes, pinches or scrolls.

The lower display screen is integrated within the curved central console and displays air conditioning, dynamic stability and hill descent functions with clear and direct inputs rather than complicated menus. Both screens utilise an anti-scratch, fingerprint-resistant touch surface and present information as if floating free of the display surface. What's more, the twin-screen set-up allows the driver to interact with more features, for example controlling media on the lower screen while viewing navigation on the upper.

Digital meets analogue thanks to tactile rotary controls
Machined from solid aluminum, Multi-Function Dynamic Dial controllers - developed from Panasonic's Magic Ring Control System - sit alongside the screen's touch controls. This marriage of digital and analogue further adds to the instinctive operating system of Touch Pro Duo, allowing the driver to operate functions on the display just by his or her fingers. Rising silently from the center console on start-up, the satin chrome bezels feature a rubberized outer surface and are reconfigurable to handle multiple functions: capable of controlling everything from cabin air temperature to massage seat settings or Terrain Response Mode.

Additionally, fully configurable touch sensors are found beneath these controllers, unlit and hidden unless in use. These control everything from Dynamic Stability to Hill Descent Control.

This whole system then integrates seamlessly with the Velar's uncluttered interior design. The screens - made up of delicate layers of touch foils, prints, tints and optical resins - use optical bonding and are housed in flowing polycarbonate, which allows a high-resolution display to have curved edges yet be capable of exceptional image quality. This is a result of Panasonic's research into state-of-the-art manufacturing techniques, which have led to the development of a process that ensures quality fit and finish with no compromises on design or clarity.

Projecting the future through full-colour Head-Up Display
Adding further to the driver-focused and visually-comfortable information display, the head-up display presents crisp, full color information for the driver. This high-resolution system offers large virtual imagery without distortion through use of a TFT LCD screen. Rich content such as full color navigation, speed readings and media information are displayed with superb clarity for improved driver comfort, affording the driver greater ability to focus.

Touch Pro Duo also keeps owners connected thanks to 4G, with features including a route planning app that enables the driver to send a destination route from his or her smartphone directly to the car. Alongside Touch Pro Duo, Panasonic Automotive technology features throughout the Velar. Nanoe(TM) air purification technology removes unwanted odors and particles from the cabin, aiding the active reduction of harmful pollens and bacteria for a healthier, cleaner cabin environment. What's more, with improved microphone technology, telephone, voice recognition and telematics are available in crystal clear quality.

"We are delighted to showcase Panasonic's latest technologies in the Velar," said Mr. Yamanaka, President of Panasonic Automotive Systems Europe. "Just like all Range Rover products, Touch Pro Duo is a combination of form and function, designed to be not only effective but enjoyable to operate. As we continue to develop and expand on just what can be achieved with infotainment, it's imperative we don't overcomplicate. Despite the high level of functionality of Touch Pro Duo, and indeed other Panasonic Automotive technologies found in the Velar, every system is designed for an unobtrusive driver experience: one that blends seamlessly with the car's exceptional design.

"In addition to Touch Pro Duo, further Panasonic technologies such as Nanoe(TM) go beyond what the driver sees and touches but ultimately impacts how they feel. Within the Velar sits a perfect representation of Panasonic's commitment to improving the driver experience. Supportive yet stimulating, products such as Touch Pro Duo and our industry leading head-up display change how we view the road ahead. The overall reductive design philosophy, coupled with the tactile, analogue inputs possible with the Magic Ring control system, result in a familiar yet fresh experience for the driver."

About Panasonic Automotive Systems Europe
Panasonic Automotive Systems Europe GmbH provides innovative components and complete solutions for the automotive industry. Innovative systems and technologies from Panasonic Automotive help to make mobility safer, comfier, and environmentally-friendly starting with infotainment systems, vehicle electronics, ADAS solutions through to batteries and technologies for electric mobility. According to the claim "Innovation driven forward", Panasonic Automotive's ongoing advancements for increased safety, energy efficiency and connectivity are promoting substantially the net product and growth potential of the European car industry.

Find more information on the internet: http://eu.automotive.panasonic.com/

About Panasonic Corporation of North America
Newark, NJ-based Panasonic Corporation of North America is a leading technology partner and integrator to businesses, government agencies and consumers across the region. The company is the principal North American subsidiary of Osaka, Japan-based Panasonic Corporation and leverages its strengths in Immersive Entertainment, Sustainable Energy, Automated Supply Chains and Connected Solutions to provide secure and resilient integrated solutions for B2B customers. Panasonic was highlighted in Forbes Magazine's Global 2000 ranking as one of the Top Ten Best Regarded Companies for 2017. The ranking is based on outstanding scores for trustworthiness, honesty with the public and superior performance of products and solutions. Learn more about Panasonic's ideas and innovations at PanasonicMovesUs.com.

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SOURCE Panasonic Corporation of North America