In Conversation with MD Krishna Kumar Gopalakrishnan: HARMAN India’s Impact on the Automotive Technology Revolution

HARMAN India Leads the Charge in Automotive Innovation

In a rapidly evolving automotive industry, HARMAN India is making waves as a key player driving technological advancement and shaping the future of automotive technology. Krishna Kumar Gopalakrishnan, the Managing Director of HARMAN India and the Automotive Country R&D Leader, sheds light on the pivotal role played by HARMAN India within the global HARMAN ecosystem, particularly in the automotive domain.

Gopalakrishnan highlighted the significant evolution of HARMAN India into a hub for architecture, design, development, and testing activities for both Indian and global OEMs. With India emerging as a massive market for passenger cars, HARMAN India strategically positions itself as an Innovation Hub and the strongest engineering center within the HARMAN network. The center has a proven track record of end-to-end product development, launching both global and local programs that have contributed significantly to HARMAN’s global revenue stream.

With around 4,000 automotive professionals based in India, HARMAN has seen remarkable success stories emerge from the region. India’s contribution has been instrumental in the development and delivery of automotive cockpit products, earning accolades and multibillion-dollar business awards for HARMAN Automotive.

Gopalakrishnan emphasized that India is not just a low-cost nation but a hub for talent, skills, and leadership prowess globally. India plays a crucial role in HARMAN’s success across various fronts, from product specifications to final delivery. The company’s R&D center in India has evolved as a global center of competence for Automotive Software engineering, contributing to global platforms and programs for both Indian and global customers.

Looking ahead, Gopalakrishnan envisions significant growth for HARMAN India in the next 5-10 years, with a focus on new technologies like SDV, E/E, and Zonal computing. The center is well-positioned to leverage its strong software capabilities and emerge stronger in these new technology areas. HARMAN India will continue to prioritize shaping the next generation of automotive architecture and enhancing overall productivity to better support customers. The center’s collaborations with key automotive players in India, such as TATA, Maruti Suzuki, and Mahindra, have been instrumental in driving innovation and delivering cutting-edge solutions to the market.