Stamford, Conn. – Harman is
putting its audio brand names on more OEM car audio systems.
The company announced that it
entered into a multi-year, cross-carline branded-audio relationship with BMW AG
to put Harman Kardon-branded audio systems in the X3-, 5-, 6- and 7-series
luxury vehicle platforms. Harman also extended its deal with Daimler to
continue putting Harman Kardon audio systems in Mercedes M-, GLK-, A-, B-, SLK-
and SL-class luxury vehicles.
The deals follow other recent
OEM-audio announcements, including the launch by Ferrari of a JBL Professional-branded
audio system in the new F12 model, which will also feature Harman’s
QuantumLogic surround-sound technology appearing in home audio products. JBL
premium audio was also introduced in the new Peugeot 208, and Harman Kardon
systems were launched in the Mini Roadster R59. For its part, Mercedes-Benz recently
unveiled the all new A-class with a Harman Kardon surround-sound system
featuring Logic7 surround post processing.
For the China and India markets,
Harman announced that China’s BAIC selected the JBL brand for its C80 platform,
while Great Wall Motors chose the Infinity brand for three new vehicles. In
India, Tata Motors plans to launch a JBL-premium branded audio system in the
Tata Aria later in 2012.
In home and personal audio,
Harman said the JBL On Beat series of iPad docks sold more than 135,000 units
for its nine-month fiscal year-to-date ending March. Harman Kardon’s BDS home-theater
system sold more than 47,000 units during that time.
In revealing its third-quarter
financial results, Harman said net sales rose 16 percent to $1.1 billion for
the three months ending March and, for the nine-month year-to-date period, by
19 percent to $3.3 billion. Net income rose 368 percent in the quarter to $173
million from a year-ago $37 million, and for the nine-month period, rose 140
percent to $280 million.
