Harman, the global innovator in audio and entertainment technology, has launched a plug-and-play aftermarket car audio system in India called JBL Autostage. This audio upgrade aims to provide an economical yet premium solution to those who want more out of their car’s audio system. Starting at a price of Rs 29,990 and going up to Rs 34,990, the system provides customised upgrades to cars of almost any brand.

There are two Autostage packages to choose from – the Carstage and the Sportstage. Both packages include two front speakers, two rear speakers, two tweeters and an amplifier. The difference between the two is that Carstage is a 2000W setup while Sportstage is a 3000W setup. While the Carstage package bears a sticker tag of Rs 29,990, Sporstage is priced at Rs 34,990.

JBL Autostage is looking to provide car owners an easy, economical and hassle-free upgrade to their audio systems. Being a plug-and-play system, the product can be easily fitted into cars without tampering with the stock wires. The system does not require any slicing or fabricating, as it utilises the factory head unit. The highlight of this aftermarket upgrade is that it is recognised by most car manufacturers and doesn’t even void the manufacturer’s warranty. The amplifier is claimed to be extremely energy efficient and doesn’t put an extra load on the stock battery.

According to M Lakshmi Narayan, managing director, Harman India, “In an industry first, Indian consumers will be able to upgrade their in-car audio experience with great ease both at the time of installation as well as at the time of payment. We believe that this product will be a game-changer and will help to further cement JBL’s position as a market leader in the car aftermarket category.”

With this new system, Harman hopes to cash in on buyers who look for an upgrade over their factory-fitted audio system, but abstain as doing so voids the car’s warranty. Of the 2 million cars sold annually in India, nearly 75 percent of them come fitted with an OEM audio system. Yet, only 5 percent of these customers upgrade these systems. This is why Harman is targeting the mass market, with kits already available for cars from Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai Motor India, Honda Cars India, Volkswagen India, Skoda Auto India, Ford India, GM India, Renault India, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, Nissan Motor India and Mahindra & Mahindra.

Sahil Sani, CEO, Sahil International, Harman’s authorised sales and service partner in India, said, “With the launch of JBL Autostage, we aim to redefine the automotive audio category by launching a product that brings a premium sound experience to cars. We are confident that our new product range will resonate with our customers.”

JBL has set up a new assembly facility at Bhiwandi in Maharashtra, which is currently capable of producing 50,000 units per annum; production can be ramped up to 150,000 units if there is further demand for the product.