HARMAN Invests ₹345 Crore to Expand Chakan, Pune Automotive Manufacturing Plant, Add 300 Jobs
Pune, October 27, 2025: HARMAN, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Samsung Electronics and a global leader in connected automotive technologies, has announced an investment of ₹345 crore (USD 42 million) to expand its automotive electronics manufacturing plant in Chakan, Pune.
The company will immediately invest ₹45 crore (USD 5.5 million) for capacity expansion, followed by an additional ₹300 crore (USD 36.5 million) over the next three years. The funds will support the development of advanced telematics and next-generation automotive connectivity solutions. With this latest commitment, HARMAN’s total investment in the Pune plant reaches ₹554 crore (USD 67 million) since it was established in 2014. The expansion is expected to create 300 new jobs by 2027.
HARMAN said the move aligns with the Government of India’s “Make in India, for the World” initiative and positions the country as a key hub for connected and sustainable mobility technologies.
Christian Sobottka, President and CEO of HARMAN Automotive, 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 make it central to HARMAN’s global automotive growth.”
The Pune facility acts as a global hub for manufacturing connected car systems such as cockpits, telematics units, and car audio systems. It supplies major Indian automakers including Tata Motors, Maruti Suzuki, and Mahindra & Mahindra, as well as international clients in Europe and North America.
The latest expansion adds 71,505 sq. ft. of space, including a 45,000 sq. ft. production shop floor. With four new SMT lines and new capabilities like module and speaker manufacturing, production capacity will increase by 50%. By 2027, the facility is projected to produce up to four million car audio components, 1.4 million infotainment units, and 0.8 million Telematics Control Units (TCUs) annually.
Key Highlights:
- ₹345 crore (USD 42 million) investment for Pune expansion
- 50% increase in production capacity
- 300 new jobs to be created by 2027
- Launch of “HARMAN Ready Connect” telematics system, made in India
- 100% green energy transition targeted by 2030
The new production lines will support 4G and 5G telematics systems, including TCUs for Tata Motors and Maruti Suzuki. The facility will also manufacture the HARMAN Ready Connect, a pre-developed, all-in-one Telematics Control Unit co-developed with Samsung.
Ready Connect features over-the-air updates, built-in cybersecurity, diagnostics, and cloud integration. It also works with HARMAN Ready Aware to deliver real-time vehicle-to-network alerts that enhance driving safety.
HARMAN’s India engineering team played a major role in developing and validating Ready Connect, which is already being used by leading automakers across Asia and North America.
Krishna Kumar, Managing Director and Head of Automotive at HARMAN India, said, “India is where HARMAN designs, builds, and exports the next generation of in-car experiences. From connected infotainment to telematics and safety systems, our engineers here don’t just serve India—they serve the world.”
The Pune facility has also emerged as a sustainability leader. Its on-site solar plant generates over 317,000 kWh of power annually, cutting nearly 200 metric tons of CO₂ emissions. The plant has been recognized with the CII Award for Energy Efficient Unit and maintains a zero OSHA-recordable injury rate since its inception.
Aligned with HARMAN’s global ESG framework, the Pune facility aims to run entirely on renewable electricity by 2030. It has eliminated diesel generators, optimized production lines for energy efficiency, and reduced material waste through eco-conscious design.
The expanded Pune facility joins HARMAN’s global manufacturing network across China, Hungary, Mexico, Brazil, and Germany. The investment reinforces India’s role in driving connected, intelligent, and sustainable automotive solutions for global markets.
