Seoul: Samsung Electronics Co. Chairman Lee Jae-yong is anticipated to meet with Mercedes-Benz Group AG Chairman Ola Kallenius in Seoul next week to discuss a potential collaboration in semiconductors and electric vehicle (EV) batteries, industry sources revealed.
According to Philippines News Agency, Kallenius is scheduled to attend the Mercedes-Benz Future Strategy Conference, which will take place at the Paradise City hotel in Incheon, west of Seoul, on November 14, as confirmed by the German automaker. Mercedes-Benz Korea acknowledged the planned meeting but did not disclose the specific topics to be discussed. Similarly, Samsung Electronics stated that it had no details regarding the agenda.
The two companies are expected to explore an expansion of their existing partnership, which currently focuses on vehicle infotainment systems and digital key technologies. The collaboration may extend to encompass automotive chips, EV batteries, and displays, as indicated by the sources.
Harman International Industries Inc., a US-based subsidiary of Samsung Electronics that specializes in electronic components and audio systems, currently provides the MBUX infotainment platform for Mercedes-Benz’s all-electric EQS sedan. The subsidiary also collaborates with Mercedes on car audio systems.
Some Mercedes-Benz models are equipped with the Samsung Wallet Digital Key, enabling drivers to lock, unlock, and start supported vehicles using ultra-wideband (UWB) technology. Beyond their current partnership, Samsung Display Co. is reportedly in discussions with Mercedes-Benz to supply organic light-emitting diode (OLED) panels for vehicles. Industry officials noted that the forthcoming meeting between the two leaders could facilitate progress in these discussions.
Samsung Electronics already supplies automotive chips to global carmakers such as BMW and Audi, while Samsung SDI Co. provides EV batteries to several automakers. During his visit, Kallenius is also expected to meet with executives from LG Group affiliates, including LG Electronics Inc., LG Energy Solution Ltd., and LG Display Co., according to the sources.
