Harman International, a wholly owned subsidiary of Samsung Electronics and a global leader in connected automotive technologies, has announced an investment of Rs 3.45 billion to expand its automotive electronics manufacturing facility in Chakan, Pune.

The investment includes Rs 450 million for immediate expansion and an additional Rs 3 billion to be invested over the next three years to scale up production of advanced telematics and next-generation connectivity systems. With this, Harman’s total investment in the Pune plant will rise to Rs 5.54 billion since its establishment in 2014. The expansion is expected to create 300 new jobs by 2027.

“This investment is a clear signal of our commitment to India,” said Christian Sobottka, CEO and President, Automotive at Harman. “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.”

The Pune facility serves as a global hub for connected car technologies, producing digital cockpits, telematics units, and car audio systems for automakers such as Tata Motors, Maruti Suzuki, and Mahindra & Mahindra, alongside export markets in Europe and North America.

The new expansion will add 71,505 sq ft of built-up space, including a 45,000 sq ft production floor, increasing capacity by 50 per cent. It will feature four new SMT (Surface Mount Technology) lines and enhanced capabilities for module and speaker manufacturing. By 2027, the facility aims to produce 4 million car audio components, 1.4 million infotainment units, and 0.8 million Telematics Control Units (TCUs) annually.

A highlight of the new product portfolio is Harman Ready Connect, a 5G-ready telematics control unit co-developed with Samsung and locally manufactured in India. The system supports over-the-air updates, cybersecurity protection, diagnostics, and cloud integration, and is compatible with Harman’s Ready Aware system for real-time vehicle-to-network (V2N) communication.

“India is where Harman designs, builds, and exports the next generation of in-car experiences. From connected infotainment to telematics and safety solutions, our engineers here don’t just serve India — they serve the world,” said Krishna Kumar, Managing Director and Head of Automotive, Harman India.

Harman India’s 5,000-strong automotive team oversees product management, software and hardware engineering, manufacturing, and quality. The Pune plant also leads the company’s sustainability initiatives, with solar installations generating over 317,000 kWh annually and the elimination of diesel generators. The facility targets 100 per cent renewable electricity use by 2030.

Through this expansion, Harman aims to strengthen local manufacturing of advanced connected mobility solutions while reinforcing its commitment to sustainable and innovation-driven growth.