Although Infinity Car Audio was generally removed from Best Buy shelves this spring, it is still in 200 Best Buy stores and the big box giant is evaluating the new JBL MS-8, said Dave Rogers, the new VP and general manager for the Harman Consumer Division, which owns the JBL and Infinity brands.
“We’re continuing to work with them and they like our future road map. There are ongoing discussions there,” said Rogers who has been with Harman since July.
Harman is currently racing to boost supplies of the JBL MS-8–a new $800 add-on sound processor/amp that is billed as an easy way to upgrade a factory sound system. The product is offered in several key retailers such as Car Toys, and Crutchfield, but Rogers noted that demand is outstripping supply and he’s hoping for full supply in October.
The MS-8 Internet micro site has received over 7 million hits since June, said Harman.
Overall, Rogers described Harman as boosting its commitment to car electronics and working to polish its brands by cutting off unauthorized Internet sales.
“Over two years ago there was less investment, but the company really started to focus on the parts of our business where we saw the growth opportunity. The MS-8 will be followed by amplifiers. We see some opportunity in general in next-generation aftermarket speakers,” he told us.
Regarding Internet discounters, in the past two weeks the company has sent out cease and desist orders for unapproved sellers that use Harman-owned logos. It is purchasing products from the vendors to track serial numbers (presumably to the transshipper who sold them).
Rogers is consulting Harman’s lawyers to determine if he the company can post the names of unauthorized sellers on its website, in a do-not-buy-from list. Also, in January, Harman stopped using distributors for its home audio products although it is not taking that step on the car side.
He says of retailers, “There’s a remarkable passion associated with the Harman portfolio of brands. They are looking for us to take care of the brand and how we approach Internet sales.”
Harman also recently became a PRO Group partner for car stereo products and will provide volume discounts plus marketing opportunities to PRO Group retail members.
Source: CEoutlook
Photo: JBL MS-8
