HARMAN International India Pvt Ltd, a subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., has announced a Rs 345 crore investment over three years to expand its automotive electronics manufacturing facility in Chakan, Pune. 

This expansion is designed to raise capacity by about 50 %, add new SMT (surface-mount technology) lines and support production of advanced telematics, infotainment systems and connected-car modules. 

India is being positioned as a global manufacturing base for automotive electronics thanks to rising electric-vehicle (EV) penetration, connected-car demand and supportive policy regimes (such as the PLI scheme). HARMAN’s move reflects this trend and validates India’s cost and supply-chain attractiveness.

The upgraded facility is expected to create roughly 300 new jobs and raise output to produce multiple millions of units annually: audio components, infotainment modules and telematics units. The ~Rs 45 crore initial outlay will be followed by ~Rs 300 crore in subsequent years. 

Challenges ahead include ensuring high quality standards, sourcing of specialised components, automation and workforce upskilling. 

On the upside, HARMAN’s commitment enhances the Pune region’s electronics-ecosystem credentials and paves the way for more tier-1 global suppliers to scale in India.