Samsung and Mercedes to Meet in Seoul Next Week to Talk What’s Next

In what might open the door to deeper collaboration, Samsung chairman Jay Y Lee and Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius will meet in Seoul next week. The two are expected to explore new partnerships in EV batteries, chips, and display technology. These are some key areas driving both companies’ next big moves.

Samsung’s Jay Y Lee and Mercedes’s Ola Källenius may have a lot to talk about

According to local reports, the meeting is set for November 13. Along with the two top executives, senior leaders from Samsung SDI and Samsung Display are also expected to join the talks. As for what’s on the agenda, neither company has said a word. But it’s not hard to guess where the conversation might go.

What makes this meeting especially interesting is that Samsung and Mercedes already have some history together. Samsung-owned Harman supplies Mercedes with its MBUX infotainment system; the same one found in models like the EQS electric sedan. Some Mercedes vehicles even support Samsung Wallet’s digital key, which lets drivers unlock and start their cars with a Galaxy device.

Reports suggest the talks will likely center on EV batteries and automotive chips. Mercedes currently sources its batteries from LG Energy Solution and SK On, while Samsung SDI supplies power packs to BMW, Audi, and Rivian — and is working with BMW on solid-state battery tech. The company also recently signed a deal to supply batteries to Tesla. Adding Mercedes to that roster would give Samsung an even stronger foothold in the EV space.

Displays are another likely talking point. Samsung Display has reportedly been tapped to supply OLED panels for future Maybach models. For which, the production could likely start around 2028. Expanding that partnership to more Mercedes vehicles could take the companies’ collaboration in luxury interiors even further.