JL Audio officially becomes Garmin Audio! End of a legend?

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Soundandmachine.com (Olathe) - Who does not know JL Audio? For true car audio fans, the name JL Audio is more than just a brand. Known worldwide for its sound quality and product durability, JL Audio holds a special place in the hearts of car audio installers and enthusiasts, especially in Indonesia.

From subwoofers that set the gold standard in competitions to high performance amplifiers, JL Audio has been a major player in the car audio industry since it was founded in 1975. But in April 2025, the global car audio community was surprised by official news: JL Audio has officially changed its name. JL Audio is now Garmin Audio, following a full acquisition by Garmin Ltd.

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Garmin Acquires JL Audio: What Happened? It all started in September 2023, when Garmin Ltd. A global tech company known for its GPS and marine electronics announced that it had fully acquired JL Audio. As reported by ceoutlook.com, on April 24, 2025, JL Audio was officially rebranded as Garmin Audio. This change applies globally, including in Indonesia. JL Audio’s official website has also been redirected to Garmin.com. Many fans are asking why would such a strong and well known audio brand suddenly become part of a navigation tech company?

The answer involves a mix of factors. Despite its solid reputation, JL Audio faced challenges in global distribution and adapting to new digital and marine technologies.

Garmin, which has been expanding aggressively in the marine and recreational vehicle (RV) segments, saw JL Audio as a perfect fit for its growing product range. Why Did Garmin Acquire JL Audio? Garmin isn’t just expanding its business, they want to create a complete audio experience, from land to sea. The acquisition of JL Audio is part of Garmin’s push into high end audio. By acquiring JL, Garmin can directly integrate JL’s audio technologies into its marine products. It also helps expand Garmin’s reach in both OEM and aftermarket products for cars and boats.

“We are thrilled to welcome JL Audio to the Garmin team. JL Audio has a strong reputation for providing premium audio quality, and we are excited to integrate these highly regarded features into the Garmin ecosystem,” said Cliff Pemble, President and CEO of Garmin Ltd., in an official press release on September 20, 2023. What Does This Mean for JL Audio Fans in Indonesia? For Indonesian JL Audio fans, this change may feel emotional. The good news is JL’s signature products like subwoofers, speakers, and amplifiers will continue to be made with the same quality standards. In fact, the JL Audio label will still appear on some product lines. However, over time, the product names and catalogue will shift toward “Garmin Audio.” JL-branded products are expected to remain available for a limited period before the full transition. Farewell, JL Audio. Welcome, Garmin Audio!