Harman has announced a fresh investment of US$42m (₹345 crore) to expand its automotive electronics manufacturing facility in Chakan, Pune, India.
The investment includes US$5.5m (₹45 crore) for immediate expansion and an additional US$36.5m (₹300 crore) over the next three years to support advanced telematics and next-generation automotive connectivity programs. With these commitments, Harman’s cumulative investments in the Pune plant now stand at US$67m (₹554 crore) since the facility’s inception in 2014. This expansion is expected to create 300 jobs in Pune by 2027.
Christian Sobottka, CEO and president of automotive at Harman, said, “This investment is a clear signal of our commitment to India. Pune is not just adding capacity – it’s building the future of connected cars. From 5G telematics to sustainable manufacturing, India’s talent and innovation strength make it central to Harman’s global automotive growth.”
This new expansion adds 6,600m2 of built-up area, including a 4,180m2 production shop floor, boosting capacity by 50% with four new surface mount technology (SMT) lines, and new capabilities such as module production and speaker manufacturing. The plant is poised to deliver an annual output of four million car audio components, 1.4 million infotainment units, and 0.8 million telematics control units (TCUs) by 2027.
Krishna Kumar, managing director and automotive head at Harman India, concluded, “India is where Harman designs, builds and exports the next generation of in-car experiences. From connected infotainment to immersive audio to telematics and connected safety solutions, our engineers here don’t just serve India – they serve the world. That’s why India sits at the heart of Harman’s global automotive strategy.”
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