Ter info:
HARMAN extends strategic relationship with China’s Geely Motors for infotainment and premium audio systems
23-April-2012
Beijing International Automotive Exhibition 2012 – HARMAN, the premium global audio and infotainment group (NYSE:HAR), announced today three new automotive project wins with Geely Motors, one of China’s largest automakers and parent company of Volvo Cars. HARMAN will bring its leading connectivity and multimedia solutions to the infotainment system for Geely’s new mid-sized luxury SUV, as well as provide customized infotainment and premium audio systems for the automaker’s upcoming luxury sedan platform.
Working closely with Geely engineers, HARMAN will leverage its innovative scalable next-generation infotainment platform to create a world-class infotainment system that fully meets the unique requirements of the Chinese market, and that can be adapted to future Geely models. Additionally, HARMAN will expand its existing relationship with Geely for branded audio, designing a new seven channel, 13-speaker premium audio system featuring 5.1 surround sound for Geely’s luxury sedans.
“We are proud to be pioneering a new generation of infotainment and premium audio solutions for such an enterprising automaker as Geely”, said Dinesh C. Paliwal, the Company’s Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. “Our companies are mutually dedicated to bringing audio enjoyment and the best of connected entertainment, applications, and services into the car in a safe and sound manner – anytime and anywhere.”
Li Shufu, founder and Chairman of Geely Automobile Holdings, added, “Harman brings a wealth of expertise and a market track record gained by delivering advanced and highly integrated systems to the world’s top automakers. This relationship enables us to meet the increasing interest from our customers for advanced navigation, connectivity solutions, and the highest quality audio.”
HARMAN is the leading supplier of advanced connectivity, infotainment, and audio to the world’s automakers, including Audi, BMW, Chrysler, FIAT, Ferrari, General Motors, Hyundai, Kia, Lexus, Land Rover, Mercedes Benz, Porsche, Toyota, and Volkswagen. HARMAN maintains manufacturing and R&D operations in Shanghai, Suzhou and Shenzhen, and recently bolstered its manufacturing and research capabilities in the People’s Republic with the opening of a 43,000 square metre facility in the city of Dandong. With nearly 2000 employees currently in China, HARMAN has an established base from which to supply the foreign and domestic Chinese automakers in what has become the world’s largest automotive market.
About HARMAN
HARMAN (
www.harman.com) designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment solutions for the automotive, consumer and professional markets – supported by 15 leading brands, including AKG, Harman Kardon, Infinity, JBL, Lexicon and Mark Levinson. The company is admired by audiophiles across multiple generations and supports leading professional entertainers and the venues where they perform. More than 25 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. HARMAN has a workforce of about 13,000 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported net sales of $4.2 billion for twelve months ending December 31, 2011. The Company's shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol NYSE:HAR.
