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JLR Meridian

1 July 2024

  • Long‑term engineering collaboration with Meridian Audio has been extended for even closer development of high‑performance in‑car audio systems
  • British audio manufacturer Meridian and JLR have worked together since 2010
  • Automotive electrification presents new opportunities for immersive audio design
  • Future innovations will enhance the modern luxury experience for clients
  • Work already underway on world‑first technology to debut on JLR vehicles in future

Gaydon, UK, 01 July 2024: JLR has extended its long‑term engineering collaboration with British audio innovator Meridian to supply and develop high‑performance in‑car audio technology for its next generation of electric vehicle architectures.

Since 2010, JLR has been working with the Cambridge‑based audio specialist to develop the audio systems in all vehicles across its house of brands: Range Rover, Defender, Discovery and Jaguar.

The extension to this collaboration will enable Meridian’s specialists to input into in the design of new models at an even earlier stage, which is critical as JLR’s modern luxury electrification plans mature. This early work is something that has come to define the relationship between JLR and Meridian, with cabins designed to ensure optimum audio experiences can be created.

The collaborative partnership between JLR and Meridian allows us to deliver fantastic sounding audio systems while being sympathetic to the design language of the vehicles. Together we will ensure the listening experience in our vehicles continues to be as engaging and enjoyable as possible.

Callum Hubbard
Technical Specialist – Vehicle Audio Technology, JLR

It’s a true collaboration that creates one stronger team from the expertise of both participants, working together from a very early stage to create and deliver innovative, value‑adding experiences.

John Buchanan
CEO, Meridian Auto

The current pinnacle of Meridian in‑car audio technology can be found on Range Rover models with the Meridian Signature Sound System. This 1600W system features 35 speakers – including two 20W speakers in each of the four main headrests – for the most immersive sound experience. 

The audio system also supports the fundamental refinement provided by the MLA‑Flex body architecture to deliver serene cabin calmness – ensuring passengers enjoy a first‑class experience. A third‑generation Active Noise Cancellation system monitors wheel vibrations, tyre noise and engine sounds transmitted into the cabin and generates a cancelling signal, which is played through the system’s speakers. 

By monitoring wheel vibrations, tyre noise and engine sounds transmitted into the cabin, and generating a cancelling signal through the speakers, this technology can help occupants arrive at their destination feeling refreshed, even after the longest journeys.

Another innovation resulting from the JLR and Meridian collaboration includes the optional Range Rover Tailgate Event Suite which features an additional four rear speakers for the entertainment system to work perfectly when socialising with the tailgate deployed.

Further information

Media Enquiries: 

Mike Goodbun

Global Technical PR Manager

E: mgoodbun@jaguarlandrover.com

Notes to Editors

JLR’s Reimagine strategy aims to deliver a sustainability‑rich vision of modern luxury by design. 

 We are transforming our business, targeting carbon net zero across our supply chain, products, and operations by 2039. We have set a roadmap to reduce emissions across our own operations and value chains by 2030 through approved, science‑based targets. Electrification is central to this strategy and before the end of the decade our Range Rover, Discovery, Defender collections will each have a pure electric model, while Jaguar will be entirely electric. 

 At heart, JLR is a British company, with two design and engineering sites, three vehicle manufacturing facilities, an engine manufacturing centre, and a battery assembly centre in the UK. We also have vehicle plants in China, Brazil, India, Austria, and Slovakia, as well as seven technology hubs across the globe.    

Jaguar Land Rover is a wholly owned subsidiary of Tata Motors Limited, part of Tata Sons.