OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Aug. 13, 2013) - QNX Software Systems Limited, a global leader in software platforms for in-car electronics, today announced that Panasonic Automotive Systems Company of America has chosen the QNX CAR™ platform to develop infotainment systems for automakers in North America, Europe, and Japan. The two companies also announced their intent to collaborate on the research and development of advanced technologies that will enhance the capabilities of next-generation in-car applications.

The QNX CAR platform is based on QNX^® technology proven in tens of millions of vehicles. Designed for flexibility, the platform supports a rich choice of application environments and smartphone platforms, as well as a comprehensive set of pre-integrated components to help automotive companies build connected, media-rich infotainment systems.

"We wanted a platform that would let us quickly customize our infotainment systems for a variety of markets and customer requirements - the QNX CAR platform, with its modular architecture and support for mobile connectivity standards, provides the inherent flexibility we were looking for," stated Scott Kirchner, Vice President, CTO, Panasonic Automotive Systems Company of America. "From a technical, engineering, and business perspective, QNX Software Systems offers us strong support, helping us meet development deadlines and deliver high-quality localized products to our customers."

To bring its custom solutions to market quickly, Panasonic Automotive Systems Company of America is integrating its advanced technology with the multimedia and device connectivity features built into the QNX CAR platform. Panasonic is also leveraging the QNX automotive services team, which has first-hand experience in helping automotive companies bring hundreds of production models to market.

"Panasonic is a major innovator in vehicle infotainment, and we are absolutely thrilled to support their development efforts," stated Derek Kuhn, Vice President, Sales and Marketing, QNX Software Systems. "Panasonic is creating exciting products with the QNX CAR platform, and we are proud to help contribute to their efforts and success."

About Panasonic Automotive Systems Company of America

Based in Peachtree City, GA, and with Detroit-area operations located in Farmington Hills, MI, Panasonic Automotive Systems Company of America is a division company of Secaucus, NJ-based Panasonic Corporation of North America, the principal North American subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation of Osaka, Japan, one of the world's leading developers and producers of innovative digital and other electronic products for consumer, business and industrial use. Panasonic Automotive Systems Company of America, together with Panasonic Corporation's Automotive and Industrial Systems Company, coordinate global automotive industry systems and component operations. For more information on Panasonic Automotive Systems Company of America please visit www.panasonic.com/automotive.

About QNX Software Systems

QNX Software Systems Limited, a subsidiary of BlackBerry (NASDAQ:BBRY; TSX:BlackBerry), is a leading vendor of operating systems, development tools, and professional services for connected embedded systems. Global leaders such as Audi, Cisco, General Electric, Lockheed Martin, and Siemens depend on QNX technology for vehicle infotainment units, network routers, medical devices, industrial automation systems, security and defense systems, and other mission- or life-critical applications. Founded in 1980, QNX Software Systems Limited is headquartered in Ottawa, Canada; its products are distributed in more than 100 countries worldwide. Visit www.qnx.com and www.facebook.com/QNXSoftwareSystems, and follow @QNX_News on Twitter. For updates on the company's automotive work, visit qnxauto.blogspot.com and follow @QNX_Auto.

©2013 QNX Software Systems Limited. QNX, QNX CAR, Momentics, Neutrino, and Aviage are trademarks of BlackBerry Limited, which are registered and/or used in certain jurisdictions, and are used under license by QNX Software Systems Limited. All other trademarks belong to their respective owners. 

QNX Software Systems Limited (QSS) is a subsidiary of BlackBerry Limited. Forward-looking statements in this news release are made pursuant to the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and applicable Canadian securities laws. When used herein, words such as "expect", "anticipate", "estimate", "may", "will", "should", "intend", "believe", and similar expressions, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on estimates and assumptions made by QSS in light of its experience and its perception of historical trends, current conditions, and expected future developments, as well as other factors that QSS believes are appropriate in the circumstances. Many factors could cause QSS's actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including those described in the "Risk Factors" section of BlackBerry's Annual Information Form, which is included in its Annual Report on Form 40-F (copies of which filings may be obtained at www.sedar.com or www.sec.gov). These factors should be considered carefully, and readers should not place undue reliance on QSS's forward-looking statements. BlackBerry and QSS have no intention and undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. QSS is not responsible for and assumes no obligations or liability and makes no representation, warranty, endorsement, or guarantee in relation to any aspect of any third-party products or services.