Samsung and Mercedes meet to discuss prospects for future cooperation

In a move that could pave the way for deeper cooperation between the two industry giants, Samsung Chairman GY Lee and Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Kallenios are scheduled to meet in Seoul next week. In this meeting, the two sides are expected to discuss electric vehicle batteries, chips and display technology, which are key areas for both companies.

According to reports, this meeting is scheduled for November 13 (November 22). In addition to these two managers, senior managers of Samsung SDI and Samsung Display will also be present in the negotiations. Although neither company has provided official details of the meeting’s agenda, it is not difficult to guess the likely direction of the talks.

What makes this meeting remarkable is the history of previous cooperation between the two companies. Harman, which is a subsidiary of Samsung, supplies Mercedes’ MBUX infotainment system; The same system used in models such as EQS (Mercedes electric sedan). Some Mercedes cars also support the Samsung Wallet Digital Key feature, which allows drivers to unlock and start the car using their Galaxy phones.

According to reports, the main focus of the talks will likely be electric vehicle batteries and automotive chips. Currently, Mercedes sources its batteries from LG Energy Solution and SK On, while Samsung SDI makes packages for BMW, Audi and Rivian and collaborates with BMW on solid-state battery technology.
Samsung SDI recently signed a contract to supply batteries to Tesla. The addition of Mercedes to Samsung’s customer list will further strengthen the company’s position in the electric car market.

Screens have also been raised as another possible focus of the negotiations. According to reports, Samsung Display has been selected to supply OLED panels for Maybach’s future cars, and production of these displays may begin around 2028. The expansion of this cooperation to other Mercedes models can mark a new chapter in the luxury interior design of this brand’s cars and strengthen the bond between Samsung and Mercedes even more.