HARMAN International, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Samsung focused on connected technologies for automotive, consumer and enterprise markets, has signed new contracts with Great Wall Motors, GAC Group and SAIC-GM-Wuling Motors for expanded connected car and in-car audio business in China. The contracts are valued in excess of US$600M and reflect HARMAN’s true global reach in providing both innovative connected car solutions, and bold audio systems that lead the industry.
“With these new contracts, we now have a stronger presence in China to further expand our automotive business in one of the fastest growing automotive markets in the world,” said Dinesh Paliwal, president and CEO, HARMAN. “China’s hold on the global car market is expected to continue growing in the next decade, making it critical for us to have lasting relationships with key automakers such as Great Wall Motors, GAC Group and SAIC-GM-Wuling Motors to continue our international success.”
The contracts with Great Wall Motors and GAC Group are extensions of HARMAN’s multi-year agreements with the Chinese automakers. The HARMAN solutions for these automakers will redefine infotainment system standards for the local market and showcase how advanced in-vehicle connectivity can improve driver efficiency while minimizing distraction and simplifying the user experience. Featuring a highly-integrated suite of infotainment solutions that transform the in-car experience, HARMAN offers the industry’s most complete end-to-end connected car system that provides drivers with intelligent, adaptable and personal solutions.
Additionally, HARMAN will expand its in-car audio reach with an all-new contract with SAIC-GM-Wuling Motors and the Infinity brand. The customer win represents plans to feature Infinity speakers and audio equipment in multiple Wuling models starting this year. Each component will feature the same dedication to clear, accurate, and low resonance sound that audiophiles have come to expect from Infinity.
HARMAN’s roster of Chinese automotive customers now includes SAIC-GM-Wuling Motors, GAC Group, Geely, BYD, Great Wall Motors, Beijing Benz Automotive Company (BBAC), BMW-Brilliance Automotive (BBA), GAC Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (GAC FCA) JAC, SAIC, and others. Operating flagship stores in Shanghai and Beijing, as well as R&D and manufacturing facilities in Shanghai, Suzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu and Dandong, HARMAN continues to push global boundaries for automotive technology.
With more than 5600 patents in all key domains – including safety, design, navigation, connectivity, networking, HMI, audio and more – HARMAN is bringing innovations to market that enable new connected experiences, improve driver safety and increase vehicle security. These technologies and solutions will be showcased in HARMAN’s booth (8A02) at Shanghai Auto Show 2017.
