Ford is partnering with audio powerhouse Harman to bring a high quality audio experience to their vehicles internationally. Specifically, starting in 2017 there will be B&O (Bang & Olufsen) Play systems arriving to the blue oval’s global vehicle line-up.
This is a big step up from the audio setups used in current-generation Fords, which so far have mostly been sourced from Sony, and will put it on par with many other more premium marques such as Audi, BMW, Aston Martin, and Mercedes-Benz who also offer bespoke speaker systems for their vehicles, often as an optional extra.
The fact that the partnership was articulated as being with Harman, this could signal the potential advent of a more varied line-up of in-car audio equipment from its other brands apart from Bang & Olufsen (automotive division) such as JBL, Harman/Kardon, Infinity, Lexicon, and Mark Levinson.
“Customers tell us they value consistent, high-quality audio experiences, and our collaboration with HARMAN is helping provide that,” said Raj Nair, Ford‘s executive vice president, product development and chief technical officer. “This is just one of the ways we are creating richer, more engaging in-vehicle experiences for customers.”
“Ford and B&O PLAY are a perfect match among brands that stand for quality, freedom and innovative design, coming together to revolutionise the driving experience for consumers,” said Michael Mauser, executive vice president and president of HARMAN’s Lifestyle Audio Division.
“With our shared commitment to seamless engagement and elevated experiences, Ford is the ideal automaker to bring the transformative power of B&O PLAY audio to drivers and passengers worldwide,” he added.
In-car audio quality is increasingly becoming a more serious consideration for more car buyers, especially as infotainment systems become more sophisticated and the reliance to services such as streaming music and podcasts are growing each year.
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