As leading domestic and international automakers unveiled their latest offerings at the Shanghai Motor Show, HARMAN audio and infotainment technologies expanded their global strength.  The Company announced that it had won three significant branded audio awards from leading Chinese automakers, and partnered with several iconic global brands to demonstrate the latest HARMAN innovations.

“We are delighted by the confidence in HARMAN systems shown by these premier suppliers to the world’s largest automotive market,” said Dinesh C. Paliwal, Chairman, President and CEO.  “China has become a priority market for our company, and these new awards underscore both our strong resources on the ground and HARMAN’s long legacy of audio and infotainment innovation.

Geely Motors announced that it has selected HARMAN to equip its new luxury segment mid size sedan, the Geely Emgrand EC8, with branded audio systems.  HARMAN will provide a ten-speaker premium audio system for the Geely Emgrand EC8, including powered subwoofer and vehicle audio amplifier.  The Chinese automaker serves customers with several top-selling models, and recently reported a 33 percent sales increase from the prior year.

BYD Automotive has also selected HARMAN to equip its new BYD 6 electric vehicle with branded audio systems.  HARMAN will provide its premium audio for the multi-purpose vehicles destined for international markets such as North America.   The first HARMAN-built system is expected to launch on vehicles in 2012, and will feature an eight-channel amplifier, subwoofer and ten speakers.

In a separate award, the joint venture company formed by BYD and Daimler AG confirmed that HARMAN will provide the premium audio for vehicles sold domestically in China, as well as for export to international markets.   The first HARMAN-built system is expected to launch on domestic vehicles in 2013, and will be offered in two versions.  The top-line model will feature HARMAN 5.1 surround sound, an eight-channel amplifier, subwoofer and twelve speakers.  The second tier model will offer an eight-channel amplifier, subwoofer and eight speakers.

Speaking to journalists from the company’s display at the Shanghai Motor Show, HARMAN executives outlined their commitment to supporting local customers.  HARMAN maintains manufacturing and R&D operations in Shanghai, Suzhou and Shenzhen, and recently announced a further $100 million investment to bolster its manufacturing and research capabilities in the northern Chinese city of Dandong.  The 43,000 square meter Greenfield facility will be HARMAN’s most technologically advanced, featuring dual operations for both automotive electronics and professional audio systems.  The facility is scheduled for start up in July 2011, and an advanced training center has already been established to ensure employees are fully prepared for the plant opening.

With more than 1200 employees currently in China, HARMAN has an established base from which to supply both global and domestic Chinese automakers, and expects to double employment in China over the next 18 months.   HARMAN is an active player in the market, providing audio systems for such premier events as the 2008 Beijing Olympics, the 60th National Day celebrations, and the 2010 Shanghai World Expo where HARMAN also served as an official sponsor.

HARMAN operates a flagship showroom in Shanghai, and numerous cinema, sporting and retail facilities throughout the country feature HARMAN audio.  Several global automotive partners, including Hyundai and Porsche, joined the company in showcasing its technologies from the Shanghai Motor Show.