Going Big in Gothenburg: AES 2024 Automotive Audio Conference

Immersed in Audio Innovations. More than 20 demonstration cars. Record number of sponsors. Sold-out registrations for the 5th Audio Engineering Society (AES) Automotive Audio Conference at the spectacular Geely Uni3 Center, in the historic town of Gothenburg, Sweden. Roger Shively explains why the 5th International AES Conference on Automotive Audio, in Gothenburg, Sweden will be one to remember.

Swedish digital audio processing specialist Dirac is showcasing the latest version of the Dirac VIRTUO automotive audio solution, for the first-time to the European market, at the IAA Mobility Show 2023 in Munich, Germany. During this event (September 5-10, 2023), Dirac OPTEO tuning is paired with the all-new Trèves "Sonified" technology to showcase a future of automotive audio where smaller, lighter, and more strategically-positioned speaker systems can produce increasingly high-quality sound.

Bose announced its first-ever sound system for Volvo Cars, bringing the power of Bose sound to the all-new, all-electric, and recently unveiled Volvo EX90. Available by early 2024, the Volvo EX90 represents the launch of a new collaboration between Bose and Volvo Cars that will extend to additional models in the coming years. The 14-speaker Bose sound system is designed to enhance the premium in-cabin experience for Volvo EX90 drivers and passengers.

Polestar 2, the new all electric car model from the exclusive brand owned by Volvo Car Group and Geely, is also betting strongly on distinct interiors and a focus on the whole audio experience. The Polestar 2 features a premium Harman Kardon audio system developed by Harman uniquely for the car, and allows over-the-air (OTA) updates to introduce new and improved audio features and functions over time. And being a Swedish brand, Polestar 2 also features Spotify Group Sessions Beta directly in its built-in Spotify app.

Following the recent Bowers & Wilkins acquisition, Sound United LLC, parent company to Denon, Marantz, Polk Audio, Definitive Technology, Classé, and Boston Acoustics, announced its intent to capitalize on Bowers & Wilkins’ in-depth knowledge of the automotive audio industry to expand its development into the growing automotive market. "Bowers & Wilkins’ heritage of automotive audio excellence empowers Sound United with deep well of knowledge, bettering its position for growth," the company states.

Dirac, Harman and Volvo have revealed the results of a unique collaboration effort to recreate the sound experience of Sweden's famed Nefertiti Jazz Club, inside Volvo’s 2021 60 and 90 series of vehicles. The Dirac-enabled Bowers & Wilkins car audio system adds "Jazz Club" mode, to transport drivers and passengers to a unique immersive experience, by recreating the acoustics of the Gothenburg club within the car cabin.