Samsung and Mercedes-Benz Hint at Deeper Partnership After Seoul Meeting

As earlier reports noted, Samsung Chairman Jay Y. Lee and Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius met in Seoul. According to local media, the two discussed ways to strengthen their partnership and expand cooperation in key areas of automotive technology.

Samsung and Mercedes-Benz bosses may have talked about a closer partnership

Korea Economic Daily reports that the talks between the Samsung and Mercedes-Benz chiefs covered batteries, in-car displays, semiconductors, and next-generation infotainment systems. Interestingly, the dinner took place at Seungjiwon in Hannam-dong, a private Samsung guesthouse traditionally reserved for important guests. It has hosted several top executives in the past.

The location alone shows that Samsung sees the meeting as a serious step toward a deeper partnership. Samsung SDI President Choi Joo-sun and Harman CEO Christian Sobottka also attended, further underscoring the focus on batteries and automotive electronics.

Samsung and Mercedes already have several active collaborations. Harman provides the MBUX digital cockpit system used in many Mercedes models. Samsung Display supplies OLED panels for future in-car screens, and Samsung Electro-Mechanics provides the MLCCs used in vehicle electronics. Samsung Wallet also supports digital car keys for select Mercedes vehicles.

Jay Y. Lee has long been working to expand Samsung’s automotive business. He has met with leaders of major global automakers to promote Samsung’s batteries, chips, and displays, and some of these efforts have already led to real deals, including Samsung SDI’s supply agreements with EV makers and Samsung’s foundry work on Tesla’s next-generation driving chip.

Källenius’ schedule in Korea also included meetings with top executives from LG and Hyosung, showing that Mercedes is actively seeking stronger ties with Korean suppliers. And chances are high that future Mercedes models will include even more Samsung technology.