Harman International

Harman International operates through four main divisions: Connected Car, Lifestyle Audio, Professional Solutions, and Connected Services. The Connected Car division serves automotive manufacturers with infotainment systems, telematics, and advanced driver assistance systems. This division represents the largest portion of Harman's revenue and growth.

The Lifestyle Audio division serves consumers through premium audio brands including JBL, Harman Kardon, and AKG. These products range from portable speakers and headphones to home audio systems and soundbars. The Professional Solutions division serves commercial and professional markets with audio equipment for venues, studios, and installations.

Harman's Connected Services division provides cloud-based services, over-the-air updates, and digital platforms that enhance the functionality of connected car systems and audio products. The company operates manufacturing facilities and research centers across the United States, China, Hungary, India, Mexico, and other countries.

Harman International was founded in 1953 by Sidney Harman and Bernard Kardon as the Harman Kardon Company, initially focusing on high-fidelity audio equipment. The company grew through organic expansion and strategic acquisitions, building a portfolio of premium audio brands across consumer, professional, and automotive markets.

In 1980, the company was reorganized as Harman International Industries, becoming a publicly traded company. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Harman expanded its brand portfolio through acquisitions including JBL (1969), Infinity (1983), and Mark Levinson (1995). The company also entered the professional audio market with acquisitions of Crown International (2000), Soundcraft (1988), and dbx (1976).

The connected car business became increasingly important in the 2000s as automotive manufacturers sought advanced infotainment systems. Harman established partnerships with major automakers including BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Toyota, providing premium audio systems and connected car platforms.

In 2017, Samsung Electronics acquired Harman International for $8 billion, recognizing the strategic importance of connected car technology and premium audio in Samsung's broader ecosystem. Under Samsung's ownership, Harman has continued to expand its automotive partnerships and consumer audio business while integrating with Samsung's technology platforms.