Founded at the beginning of 1980 in Saint Etienne, Focal-JMlab started life in a small workshop, within a precision engineering firm. The fledgling company had a workforce of just two people including the current Chairman and CEO Jacques MAHUL, a trained engineer and specialist in drive units.

Whereas the first products meant for cars were created in 1989, as soon as 1997, a vehicle integrally equipped with Focal drive units won the world final of the IASCA competition in the expert category. Our skills in the field of onboard sound have helped us to take the top prize each year since then. In 2001, a French car won the final in the Pro category… a real “first” on American soil! 2002, Focal strengthens its leading position by winning first place in the expert category at the IASCA world finals.

In 2004, the Car Audio line grew to include the Utopia Beryllium series, with three kits of two and three way designs, all equipped with the famous Beryllium tweeter and innovative crossovers.

In the recent years, Focal could develop a global network of sales and service as well as a perfect product line-up for various channels. And even better, Focal is creating future trends for Car Audio such as the brand new "Integration line" offering a car specific and perfect fitting sound upgrade for plenty of car types.