HARMAN Announces Ready Ride: A Rugged, Scalable Connectivity Platform Built for the Future of Two-Wheeled Mobility

BARCELONA, Spain--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Mar 2, 2026--

MWC Barcelona 2026 –HARMAN, the automotive technology leader and subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., announces Ready Ride, a future-proofed, rugged, end-to-end connectivity platform that lowers vehicle time-to-market for OEMs and total cost of ownership for riders. Announced today at MWC Barcelona 2026 (Hall 2, Stand #2D51), Ready Ride is the first connectivity platform from HARMAN that is designed specifically to meet the robust requirements of the two-wheeler segment.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260301843866/en/

Ready Ride is an embedded two-wheeler connectivity platform comprising a scalable telematics control unit (TCU), an intelligent software stack, cellular connectivity, and an OEM backend. The platform supports over-the-air (OTA) updates and enables the delivery of premium entertainment experiences aligned with the expectations of today’s consumers. Designed to safeguard hardware investment and support scalable deployment across markets, Ready Ride’s development roadmap includes a planned suite of telematics services to enable differentiated safety and security features. These are set to provide riders with greater visibility into vehicle status and diagnostics, and will enable capabilities such as theft alerts, stolen vehicle tracking, and remote vehicle functions.

Consumer-grade features, motorcycle-grade durability

According to Berg Insight, less than five percent of motorcycles globally are connected via telematics, despite growing demand for navigation, safety and security services, and vehicle upgradability. Given two-wheeler riders’ increased vulnerability on the road, connected safety systems are critical for delivering reliable, safety-critical response in the event of an incident. In the absence of built-in connectivity, many riders rely on mounting mobile phones to handlebars for navigation and media. However, vibration, weather exposure, and sudden changes in vehicle speed can cause devices to malfunction, fall, and break, underscoring the need for purpose-built, motorcycle-grade connectivity.

HARMAN’s extensive global automotive connectivity experience, delivering over 20 million connected vehicles across 120 countries, informs Ready Ride, which addresses connectivity in this cost-sensitive category by replacing one-off integrations with a packaged hardware and software stack. With a ruggedized small form factor optimized for two-wheelers, Ready Ride allows OEMs to reuse architecture across models and regions, reducing the need for engineering rework and enabling a smoother transition between design and production.

Technology leadership and platform evolution

HARMAN leverages Qualcomm Technologies’ Snapdragon Digital Chassis SoC tailored for the two‑wheeler market, combining proven technology with joint insight into future mobility and connectivity use cases. With the Snapdragon Digital Chassis two-wheeler SoC, HARMAN’s Ready Ride supports latency- and bandwidth-sensitive use cases over cellular connectivity.

Ready Ride also enables OTA updates, allowing OEMs to remotely enhance firmware and software, reduce service complexity, and continuously deploy innovations. By decoupling hardware from software delivery, OEMs can accelerate feature rollouts and extend platform longevity.

For riders, OTA updates keep the motorcycle current throughout its lifecycle, improving performance and adding new features without requiring dealership visits. Remote diagnostics and maintenance help reduce downtime, enhance reliability, and preserve vehicle value—differentiating Ready Ride from traditional two-wheeler TCUs.

Motorcycle-grade durability built in

Experienced in delivering robust and future-proofed technology in the automotive market, HARMAN has applied its high standards and low tolerances to meet the increased durability demands of the motorcycle industry. The enclosure uses IP69-certified sealing with rugged connectors to block dust and water ingress, enabling it to withstand washdowns common in two-wheeler maintenance. Shock and vibration performance is validated to motorcycle conditions, and the package includes mounting options to secure the unit in tight envelopes without compromising reliability.

Enhancing safety, security and user experience

Due to their lack of protection, riders are more vulnerable than vehicle occupants on the open road. Ready Ride will directly address this heightened risk by enabling safety-critical features that function reliably in real conditions. The platform will support Advanced Ride Assistance Systems (ARAS) for hazard alerts, such as forward collision warnings. The Ready Ride platform will also detect crash and tip-over, and is eCall-ready, with a backup battery that keeps critical functionality active in all conditions.

Beyond physical vulnerability, motorcycles are also vulnerable to be stolen when parked. Ready Ride is intended to address this risk with robust security-focused capabilities to deter theft and aid recovery planned for its product roadmap. The roadmap includes theft alerts, stolen vehicle tracking, and remote immobilization, which will work together to protect the motorcycle and help owners and OEMs respond effectively in the event of attempted or successful theft.

Ready Ride features dual Bluetooth support and compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing riders to use their preferred navigation, communication and media applications, one of the first connectivity platforms with this functionality on the two-wheeler market. This ensures a familiar, smartphone-like experience that reduces setup friction, supports hands-free interaction, and enables safer access to desired functions during every ride.

“Ready Ride brings our leading connectivity expertise to two‑wheelers, reducing complexity with a standardized TCU foundation that helps OEMs launch faster, lower program cost, and scale confidently across regions and generations,” explains Shahriar Ravari, Director, Ready Ride Business Lead at HARMAN. “With hardware packaged in a ruggedized small form factor, the end-to-end Ready Ride platform ensures riders, from busy city streets to remote mountain passes, will get robust, safe and connected experiences, while OEMs gain a dependable, low-friction pathway from first prototype to global roll-out.”

“We’re proud to support HARMAN Ready Ride with our purpose-built Snapdragon Digital Chassis SoCs for the two‑wheeler industry,” says Jeff Arnold, VP & GM, Auto Telematics & Consumer/Connectivity, IE-IOT, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. “Together we’re accelerating the future of two-wheeled mobility, delivering scalable, reliable, and always‑on connectivity that empowers OEMs to confidently bring next-generation rider experiences to life.”

Experience Ready Ride at MWC Barcelona 2026

Experience Ready Ride and HARMAN’s latest products firsthand at MWC Barcelona 2026 (Fira Gran Via, Hall 2 – Stand #2D51).

For more details about HARMAN Ready Ride, visit: https://car.harman.com/experiences/ready-ride

Snapdragon and Digital Chassis are trademarks or registered trademarks of Qualcomm Incorporated.

Snapdragon Digital Chassis is a product of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries.

ABOUT HARMAN

HARMANis a global leader in Lifestyle Audio and Automotive technology. We create intelligent experiences that enrich people’s lives on the road, in their homes, on the stage, and everywhere in between. Our iconic audio brands — including JBL®, Harman Kardon®, AKG®, Bowers & Wilkins®, Denon®, and Marantz® — bring premium sound to consumers and audio/visual professionals worldwide. More than 50 million vehicles globally rely on HARMAN’s technologies to deliver safer, smarter, and more intuitive in-cabin experiences. A wholly owned subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., HARMAN has approximately 26,000 employees around the world.

HARMAN Announces Ready Ride: A Rugged, Scalable Connectivity Platform Built for the Future of Two-Wheeled Mobility

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Iran and Iranian-backed militias fired missiles at Israel and Arab states, apparently hitting the U.S. Embassy compound in Kuwait, while Israel and the United States pounded targets in Iran as the war expanded on Monday with statements of defiance and increasing casualties.

At least 555 people have been killed in Iran so far by the U.S.-Israeli campaign, the Iranian Red Crescent Society said, and more than 130 cities across the country having come under attack. Eleven people have been killed in Israel, according to authorities there.

In Kuwait City, as fire and smoke rose from inside the U.S. Embassy compound, the country's defense ministry said “several” American warplanes had also crashed in the country. The ministry did not elaborate on what caused the crashes or how many aircraft were involved, but said the pilots were taken to a hospital and were in stable condition. The U.S. military did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The embassy compound was hit not long after U.S. issued a warning to Americans there to take cover and for others to stay away. There were no immediate reports on damage or casualties.

Meantime, as the American and Israeli airstrikes continued, top Iranian security official Ali Larijani vowed on X that “we will not negotiate with the United States.”

In Iraq, a pro-Iranian militia claimed responsibility for a drone attack targeting U.S. troops at the Baghdad airport, the day after it said it fired at a U.S. base in the city of Irbil in the north, and Cyprus said a drone attack targeted a British base on the Mediterranean island nation.

Israel and the U.S. bombed Iranian missile sites and targeted its navy, claiming to have destroyed its headquarters and multiple warships.

With world markets already rattled by the fighting and oil prices soaring, Saudi Arabia’s Ras Tanura oil refinery came under attack Monday from drones, with defenses downing the incoming aircraft, a military spokesman made the announcement on the state-run Saudi Press Agency.

Online videos from the site appeared to show thick black smoke rising after the attack. Even successfully intercepted drones cause debris that can spark fires and injure those on the ground.

Ras Tanura, near the city of Dammam in eastern Saudi Arabia, is one of the world's largest with a capacity over half a million barrels of crude oil a day. It was temporarily shut down as a precaution after the attack, Saudi state television reported.

Earlier in the day, debris fell on Kuwait's Ahmadi oil refinery, injuring two workers, after drones were shot down, the state-run KUNA news agency reported.

Iran’s decision to expands its attacks to major regional oil infrastructure add a new element to the war gripping the Middle East, directly targeting the lifeblood of the area's economy.

“The attack on Saudi Arabia’s Ras Tanura refinery marks a significant escalation, with Gulf energy infrastructure now squarely in Iran’s sights,” said Torbjorn Soltvedt, an analyst at the risk intelligence company Verisk Maplecroft.

“An extended period of uncertainty lies ahead as Iran seeks to impose a heavy economic cost by putting tankers, regional energy infrastructure, trade routes and U.S. security partners in the crosshairs,” he added.

Already, Iran has been threatening ships in the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow mouth of the Persian Gulf through which a fifth of all oil traded passes. Several ships have been attacked as well there.

Sascha Bruchmann, a defense analyst with the International Institute for Strategic Studies in Bahrain, told The Associated Press that Iran's goal in hitting energy infrastructure is to 'cause global backlash and impose costs" on the U.S. president.

So far, however, “this is not the wholesome destruction of critical infrastructure the Iranian regime seeks,” Bruchmann said.

Meanwhile, Iran’s Ambassador to the U.N. nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency, Reza Najafi, told reporters that the U.S.-Israeli airstrikes had targeted Iran's Natanz nuclear enrichment site on Sunday.

“Again they attacked Iran’s peaceful safeguarded nuclear facilities yesterday,” he said. “Their justification that Iran wants to develop nuclear weapons is simply a big lie.”

Israel and the U.S. have not acknowledged strikes at the site, which the U.S. bombed back in the 12-day war between Iran and Israel in June. The Israeli military also did not immediately comment on Najafi's allegation.

Israel has not publicized specific targets in Iran but has said that it is targeting “leadership and nuclear infrastructure.”

As the attacks on Iran continued, Hezbollah said it fired missiles from Lebanon into Israel early Monday in response to the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and “repeated Israeli aggressions.” There were no reports of injuries or damage, and Israel said that it had intercepted one projectile while several fell in open areas.

Israel retaliated with strikes on Lebanon, killing at least 31 people and wounding 149 others, according to Lebanon's Health Ministry. About two thirds of the dead were in the country's south.

Lebanon’s government said it was holding an emergency meeting after Hezbollah’s attack on Israel triggered the Israeli airstrikes.

Iran has been firing missiles at Israel and Arab states in a counteroffensive since the joint America-Israeli attack Saturday that killed Khamenei and many top Iranian officials.

Gulf Arab states have warned that they could retaliate against Iran after strikes that hit key sites and killed at least five civilians, and U.S. President Donald Trump promised Washington would “avenge” the deaths of three American troops who were killed in Kuwait, while predicting more casualties.

“Sadly, there will likely be more before it ends,” Trump said. “That’s the way it is.”

Trump has urged Iranians to “take over” their government and, while he has also signaled he would be open to dialogue with new leadership there following the death of Khamenei, suggested Sunday there was no end in sight to the military operations.

“Combat operations continue at this time in full-force, and they will continue until all of our objectives are achieved,” he said in a video message. “We have very strong objectives,” he added, without elaborating.

The U.S. military said B-2 stealth bombers struck Iran’s ballistic missile facilities with 2,000-pound bombs. Trump said on social media that nine Iranian warships had been sunk and that the Iranian navy’s headquarters had been “largely destroyed.”

Others have mostly stayed out of the war and pressed for diplomacy. But in an indication that the conflict could draw in other nations, Britain, France and Germany said Sunday they were ready to work with the U.S. to help stop Iran’s attacks.

Early Monday, Cyprus said an uncrewed drone “caused limited damage” when it hit a British air base on the southern coast. Further details were not immediately available, but it came after British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the U.K. would help the U.S. in the war against Iran.

The weekend attacks were the second time in eight months that the U.S. and Israel had combined against Iran, in a startling show of military might for an American president elected on an “America First” platform and pledged to keep out of “forever wars.”

In the 12-day war last June, Israeli and American strikes greatly weakened Iran’s air defenses, military leadership and nuclear program. But the killing of Khamenei, who ruled Iran for more than three decades, creates a leadership vacuum, increasing the risk of regional instability.

Hezbollah’s launch of missiles at Israel was the first time in more than a year that the militant group has claimed an attack.

Iran’s proxies were a chief concern for American and Israeli officials before they suspended negotiations with Iran last week and moved ahead with strikes on Iran.

Israel said the Lebanese militant Hezbollah group had “joined the campaign” alongside Iran as it retaliated with strikes on Beirut, Lebanon's capital.

Associated Press journalists in Beirut were jolted awake by a series of loud explosions that shook buildings and caused windows to shatter. Warplanes could be heard flying low overhead.

“The strikes continue,” said Maj. Gen. Rafi Milo, head of Israel’s Northern Command. “Their intensity will increase.”

The Iraqi Shiite militia Saraya Awliya al-Dam claimed a drone attack Monday targeting U.S. troops at the airport in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, further widening the retaliation over the killing of Khamenei. It had claimed a drone attack on Sunday against a U.S. air base in Irbil, in Iraq’s north.

The group is one of a number of Shiite militias operating in Iraq. The U.S. and Iraq did not immediately comment on the claims.

In the Persian Gulf, Iran’s retaliatory strikes pushed the conflict into cities that have long marketed themselves as regional safe havens. Three people were reported killed in the United Arab Emirates and one each in Kuwait and Bahrain.

In the United Arab Emirates, authorities said most Iranian missiles and drones were intercepted. But some either got through or fell as debris, causing the deaths and significant damage. Bahrain and Kuwait said Iranian strikes in both countries hit civilian targets outside the U.S. bases where Iran had pledged to retaliate.

Tehran’s streets have been largely deserted with people sheltering during airstrikes. The paramilitary Basij force, which has played a central role in crushing recent protests, set up checkpoints across the city, according to witnesses.

In the northern Iranian city of Babol, a student, speaking anonymously over concerns of retribution, told the AP that armed riot police were on the streets Saturday night and into the early hours of Sunday after the death of Khamenei.

“We don’t know whether to be happy about the elimination of the criminals who oppress us or to remain silent in the face of the U.S. and Israel’s war against the country and its interests and the terror that is taking place,” he said.

In Israel, rescue services have confirmed several locations have been hit by Iranian missiles, including Jerusalem and a synagogue in Beit Shemesh, where nine people were killed and 28 wounded, bringing the overall death toll in the country to 11.

The World Health Organization called Monday for sparing civilians and healthcare facilities in the Middle East amid the escalating conflict.

“The protection of civilians and health care must be absolute,” Hanan Balkhy, regional dietitian at WHO wrote on social media. “All parties must … ensure medical facilities remain protected.”

Rising reported from Bangkok and Magdy from Cairo. Associated Press writers Bassem Mroue and Sally Abou AlJoud in Beirut contributed to this report.

Iraqi Shiites hold pictures of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed by a U.S. airstrike in Tehran, during a symbolic funeral, in Najaf, Iraq, Sunday, March 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Anmar Khalil)

This image provided by U.S. Central Command shows a F/A-18F Super Hornet preparing to make an arrested landing on the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72)) in support of Operation Epic Fury, on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026. (U.S. Navy via AP)

In this photo taken with a slow shutter speed, a Middle East Airlines plane flies over Beirut as smoke rises from Israeli airstrikes on Dahiyeh in Beirut's southern suburbs, early Monday, March 2, 2026. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)

A man takes pictures of the damage in an apartment building after it was hit by an Israeli airstrike in Dahiyeh, Beirut's southern suburb, Lebanon, Monday, March 2, 2026. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla)

This image provided by U.S. Central Command shows a Navy sailor observing flight operations aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72)) in support of Operation Epic Fury, on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026. (U.S. Navy via AP)

Iraqi Shiites hold pictures of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed by a U.S. airstrike in Tehran, during a symbolic funeral, in Najaf, Iraq, Sunday, March 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Anmar Khalil)