HARMAN brings JBL premium audio on board the all-new Kia Sportage
The 2016 Kia Sportage features a JBL premium surround audio system with Clari-Fi music restoration technology for a best-in-class listening experience.
BARCELONA, SPAIN and KARLSBAD, GERMANY – To expand upon its current collaboration with Kia Motors Corporation, HARMAN International Industries, Incorporated (NYSE:HAR), the premier connected technologies company for automotive, consumer and enterprise markets, has put the famous JBL Signature Sound on board the all-new 2016 Kia Sportage. Drivers of this newest model of the compact SUV in Europe can opt in for the JBL audio system and can look forward to an incredible audio experience, including Clari-Fi, a patented HARMAN technology that restores musical depth and authenticity to compressed digital sources.
Powerful audio performance for SUV drivers
The Kia Sportage is one of Kia’s best-selling vehicles and one of the cornerstones of the company’s business strategy. As the market for compact SUVs has continued to become more competitive, Kia wanted to offer its customers a vehicle with a true differentiator to provide a unique driving experience. Artur Martins, Vice President Marketing, Kia Motors Europe said, “Every audiophile world-wide knows the JBL Signature Sound and we are proud that now drivers will be able to experience this auditory excellence in our all-new 2016 Kia Sportage.”
The optional JBL premium sound system in the 2016 Sportage delivers high-end audio technology to the compact SUV class. “The combination of the JBL Signature Sound and our revolutionary Clari-Fi music restoration technology brings a true hi-fi feeling to the class of compact SUVs,” said Michael Mauser, President Lifestyle Audio Division, HARMAN. “Perfectly tuned to the interior of the car, and with a powerful audio performance, we are offering a true best-in-class listening experience to the drivers and passengers of the new Kia Sportage.”
With more people than ever streaming music into their cars from digital sources, the proprietary Clari-Fi software in the JBL premium audio system counters the unwelcome distortion that happens when digital sound is compressed – like flat vocals or dulled percussion. Unlike other systems on the market, Clari-Fi does not blindly add equalization, bass boost, or other effects that alter the intended listening experience. It works by analyzing the audio files during playback and actually rebuilding what was lost.
To raise the listening experience in the Kia Sportage to new levels, the JBL system includes eight strategically placed speakers, optimized and tuned for the Sportage cabin and powered by a 320 watt amplifier – which is twice as many watts as the standard system. Also with Automatic Speed Dependent Volume Control, drivers do not have to adjust audio volume while driving: the individual channels are adjusted automatically based upon the vehicle’s speed.
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About HARMAN
HARMAN (harman.com) designs and engineers connected products and solutions for automakers, consumers and enterprises worldwide, including connected car systems, audio and visual products, enterprise automation solutions and connected services. With leading brands including AKG®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon®, Mark Levinson® and Revel®, HARMAN is admired by audiophiles, musicians and the entertainment venues where they perform around the world. More than 25 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and connected car systems. The Company's software services power billions of mobile devices and systems that are connected, integrated and secure across all platforms, from work and home to car and mobile. HARMAN has a workforce of approximately 28,000 people across the Americas, Europe, and Asia and reported sales of $6.4 billion during the 12 months ended September 30, 2015. The Company’s shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol NYSE:HAR.
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