HARMAN Launches Aftermarket Connected Automotive Platform That Easily and Affordably Turns Any Vehicle Into a Smart Connected Car

HARMAN adds to its family of aftermarket hardware products that support connected applications to upgrade any car with a simple installation

CES – LAS VEGASJanuary 4, 2017 –  HARMAN (NYSE: HAR), the premier connected technologies company for the automotive, consumer and enterprise markets, today announced an Aftermarket Connected Automotive Platform that can support connected applications and transform any existing vehicle into a smart connected car, including those lacking pre-installed connectivity capabilities. The new solution will be available to automotive OEMs, dealers, specialty automotive retailers and mobile carriers.

“We, at BMW Accessories, are looking for solutions that can deliver sophisticated smart applications to our existing cars. We would like to offer our customers advanced connected services and new functionalities, enhancing, for example, a used BMW with smart, connected BMW features. The HARMAN solution is very promising – it can help us offer new customer benefits to existing car drivers,” said Ravi Gandhi, head of product management, Electric, CE & eMobility Accessories, for BMW Group.

The HARMAN Aftermarket Connected Automotive Platform will seamlessly integrate into the car via automotive interfaces. Designed with a high-performance processor, robust security and a variety of fast connectivity methods, the platform will host a suite of connected applications for:

The HARMAN Aftermarket Connected Automotive Platform will be delivered in two hardware versions:

The pluggable product will take the form of an OBD-II dongle and can be easily installed by a dealer or end-user. The integrated version will interface with the automotive CAN bus and require professional installation by an automotive OEM, dealer or aftermarket customizer. In both cases, the seamless software integration with the vehicle system will allow the device to securely monitor and control vehicle features and functions. It will support various connectivity mechanisms including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and cellular access via 4G/LTE, as well as sensors that enable sophisticated applications.

“Today more than 50 percent of cars on the road lack integrated connectivity features. The HARMAN aftermarket hardware platform will transform the automotive industry by enabling people to easily and affordably take old and existing vehicles, and turn them into smart cars of the future,” said Sanjay Dhawan, president of HARMAN Connected Services. “The result is a platform that enables enterprises and end-users to benefit from endless smart connected applications and features through a simple aftermarket upgrade.”

The HARMAN Aftermarket Connected Automotive Platform will be available in the global market starting in the third quarter of 2017.

HARMAN at CES 2017
Visit the HARMAN showcase during CES 2017 for demonstrations of the company’s full portfolio of connected car and lifestyle audio systems that elevate the connected life. The HARMAN experience showcase is located at the Hard Rock Hotel. Follow HARMAN online during CES 2017:  

About HARMAN

HARMAN (harman.com) designs and engineers connected products and solutions for automakers, consumers, and enterprises worldwide, including connected car systems, audio and visual products, enterprise automation solutions; and connected services. With leading brands including AKG®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon®, Mark Levinson® and Revel®, HARMAN is admired by audiophiles, musicians and the entertainment venues where they perform around the world. More than 25 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and connected car systems. The Company’s software services power billions of mobile devices and systems that are connected, integrated and secure across all platforms, from work and home to car and mobile. HARMAN has a workforce of approximately 29,000 people across the Americas, Europe, and Asia and reported sales of $6.7 billion during the 12 months ended March 31, 2016. The Company’s shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol NYSE:HAR

For more information contact:

Mary Maguire

Director, Public and Analyst Relations

Tel:  +1 617-877-8580

mary.maguire@harman.com

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© 2016 HARMAN International Industries, Incorporated. All rights reserved. Harman Kardon, Infinity, JBL, Lexicon and Mark Levinson are trademarks of HARMAN International Industries, Incorporated, registered in the United States and/or other countries. AKG is a trademark of AKG Acoustics GmbH, registered in the United States and/or other countries. Features, specifications and appearance are subject to change without notice.


Mary Maguire
Director, Public and Analyst Relations
HARMAN Connected Services
+1-617-877-8580
mary.maguire@harman.com