HARMAN International Industries, a wholly owned subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., focused on connected technologies for automotive, consumer, and enterprise markets, is building on its longstanding partnership with Volkswagen Group to bring the sublime sound and sophisticated design of Harman Kardon branded audio solutions into VW vehicles worldwide. The branded audio partnership debuted with the global launch of the all-new VW Golf 8 unveiled at a spectacular event at the new Hafen 1 location in Wolfsburg, Volkswagen’s home city in Germany. More than 650 international guests from 20 countries attended the world premiere of the new Golf 8 and – for the first time in a Volkswagen vehicle – a Harman Kardon Premium Sound System.
“HARMAN and the Volkswagen Group have a long history of collaboration on impactful in-vehicle experiences in the Connected Car, Infotainment and Telematics spaces,” said Dave Rogers, President, Lifestyle Audio at HARMAN. “With our shared commitment to excellence and innovation, the extension of the HARMAN and Volkswagen Group partnership into the branded audio space is an exciting development for both companies. Music and driving are a powerful combination, and the captivating sound of Harman Kardon is sure to unlock a new level of connection between VW customers and their vehicles.”
With Harman Kardon appearing for the first time in Volkswagen cars, drivers and passengers of the new VW Golf 8 are in for an exceptional in-car experience. The eighth generation of Volkswagen’s best-selling car, the new VW Golf 8 brings together elegant design, greater digitization and connectivity, assisted driving, electrified drives, and an array of customization options that allow drivers to create the VW Golf 8 that suits their tastes and preferences. And when it comes to in-car audio, the Harman Kardon Premium Sound System ensures that the VW Golf 8 truly stands out.
Winner of many prestigious design awards, Harman Kardon melds the beauty of music and the sophistication of design, both at home and in the car. Harman Kardon’s audio engineering and design teams have a well-deserved reputation for creating some of the industry’s most celebrated audio experiences. They have worked closely with Volkswagen from the earliest stages of vehicle development to ensure that the Harman Kardon Premium Sound System in the VW Golf 8 offers memorable musical experiences. It features a powerful 12 Channel Ethernet Amplifier with an output of 480 watts and 10 high-performance speakers. The result is a sound that captivates, bringing listeners into the moment and heightening every drive.
Designed to integrate harmoniously into the interior of the new VW Golf 8, the Harman Kardon Premium Sound System impresses with its sophisticated yet functional design. Distinctive speaker grills are highlighted by a 60° hole pattern in a nod to the iconic angled slash in the Harman Kardon logo, and are crafted from ultra-thin 0.5mm high-strength steel to support optimal acoustic performance.
Echoing the highly customizable nature of the VW Golf 8, the Harman Kardon Premium Sound System offers four sound settings for a more personal listening experience that users can modify according to their mood: Pure, Chill Out, Live, and Energy. In each setting, the sound system delivers exceptional acoustic quality and excellent sound reproduction, so that every note captures attention.
Greg Sikora, Senior Manager and Head of Acoustic Systems Engineering for HARMAN, leads the team that spent hundreds of hours perfecting a sound designed to move a new generation of VW customers. “The Harman Kardon Premium Sound System combines innovative features and sophisticated design, creating high quality sound that invites consumers to fully immerse themselves in every moment in their VW vehicle,” he said. “Our ultimate goal is a truly inspiring listening experience for every passenger, every time.”
SOURCE: HARMAN
