Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius placed Samsung Electronics at the center of his Seoul visit, underscoring the company’s growing influence in next-generation vehicle technology.
Källenius began his high-level engagements with a meeting at Seungjiwon, Samsung’s private reception residence, where he discussed future mobility technologies with Jay Y. Lee, chairman of Samsung Electronics.
Samsung leads the group’s global semiconductor and consumer technology businesses—areas that are increasingly critical to premium electric and software-defined vehicles.
The meeting focused on electronic components and mobility solutions essential to the performance and competitiveness of modern cars. Jay Y. Lee arrived with senior leaders from Samsung SDI and Harman, signaling Samsung’s expanding presence across the global automotive supply chain.
Samsung and Mercedes-Benz already cooperate on digital features and infotainment platforms, while Harman supplies the MBUX system used in Mercedes’ flagship EV models. A potential deepening of battery-related collaboration could further elevate Samsung SDI’s position among top-tier players in the rapidly growing electric-vehicle market.
Following his discussions with Samsung, Källenius continued his engagements with a visit to LG’s headquarters.
There, he met executives from LG Electronics, LG Energy Solution, LG Display and LG Innotek to explore technologies that shape the premium car experience—from panoramic OLED displays and advanced battery systems to sensing components that support driver-assistance and autonomous-driving features.
These LG companies already supply critical components to major automakers preparing new EV and software-driven models for global markets.
Before the meeting with Jay Y. Lee, Källenius also held talks with HS Hyosung, which operates a major Mercedes-Benz dealership in Korea and supplies essential materials—including tire cord, seatbelt yarn and airbag fabrics—used in vehicle safety systems worldwide.
Källenius will conclude his trip by presenting Mercedes-Benz’s Korea strategy at a conference in Incheon.
His series of meetings across Seoul illustrates how integral Korean electronics, materials, and battery technologies have become as global automakers compete to define the next era of mobility—shaping vehicles far beyond Asia.
