Ford Joins Hands with HARMAN to Transform In-Vehicle Audio Experiences

Leading auto manufacturer Ford has joined hands with Harman to totally transform in-vehicle audio experienced through the global debut of the all-new B&O PLAY audio systems in Ford vehicles.

Speaking about this move, Raj Nair, Ford‘s executive vice president, product development and chief technical officer said that consistent, high-quality audio experiences are important for customers and the company’s partnership with HARMAN will help Ford to provide customers with what they need through richer, more engaging in-vehicle experiences.

A recent Ipsos 2016 Automotive Audio Branding study revealed that for about one-third of new car buyers, the audio brand in their next vehicle would play a key role in their purchase decision.

B&O PLAY has considerable expertise in the audio segment , with a heritage that goes back more than 90 years and products that are known for their eye-catching design, use of natural materials and their high-quality audio that provide listeners with seamlessly integrated audio experiences whether the customer is in the car, at home or on the go.

Ford announced the exclusive partnership with HARMAN during Ford’s annual Further with Ford trend conference and said that B&O PLAY audio systems will be installed in Ford vehicles globally from next year onwards.

B&O PLAY will focus on creating a customized audio experience for customers through careful speaker placement and calibration for each vehicle in the Ford range. This means that irrespective of driving conditions and the place where a person is sitting in the vehicle, optimal sound is maintained in the cabin through dynamic tuning.

Michael Mauser, executive vice president and president of HARMAN’s Lifestyle Audio Division said that Ford and B&O PLAY are a perfect match as they both value quality, freedom and innovative design, and are now coming together to transform the driving experience for consumers. Both brands share a commitment to provide seamless engagement and elevated experiences for customers and this makes Ford the perfect partner from the automotive sector to convey the transformative power of B&O PLAY audio to drivers and passengers on a global basis.

In order to showcase the power of sound Ford and B&O PLAY unveiled an installation called Sound Journeys, an on-site experience that brings into play all five senses. The installation uses B&O PLAY products to bring three entirely three different environmental habitats – a forest, a canyon and an ocean to life through amplified sound. Sound is even “visualized” as sound waves to show how even normal spaces can be transformed through sound to create a more thrilling experience for people.