Seoul – Mercedes-Benz Group Chairman Ola Källenius is scheduled to meet Samsung Electronics Executive Chairman Lee Jae-yong during his visit to South Korea for the Mercedes-Benz Future Strategy Conference on November 14, with industry observers anticipating significant discussions on expanding collaboration into electric vehicle batteries, automotive semiconductors, and display technologies.
The private meeting at Samsung Electronics’ Seocho headquarters will include Samsung SDI CEO Choi Joo-sun and Samsung Display CEO Lee Chung, signaling the strategic importance of potential partnerships across multiple Samsung affiliates.
Breaking New Ground in Battery Supply
The meeting carries particular significance as Samsung SDI has yet to supply batteries to Mercedes-Benz, despite maintaining long-standing relationships with other German premium automakers. Samsung SDI currently supplies batteries to BMW, Audi, and Rivian, with its partnership with BMW dating back to 2009. Mercedes currently relies exclusively on LG Energy Solution and SK On for its EV battery supply.
The two companies recently began collaborating on all-solid-state battery technology through a trilateral agreement with Solid Power, demonstrating Samsung SDI’s advanced capabilities in next-generation battery technologies that could appeal to Mercedes as it diversifies its supplier base.
Expanding Beyond Current Partnerships
Samsung and Mercedes have historically collaborated on in-vehicle technologies. The companies currently work together on display systems, including tablet PCs installed in S-Class rear seats and infotainment monitors. Samsung has also provided its Samsung Wallet digital key technology for major Mercedes models, allowing keyless vehicle access.
Samsung Display is reportedly in talks with Mercedes-Benz to supply organic light-emitting diode (OLED) panels for next-generation vehicles, with the upcoming meeting expected to provide momentum for these negotiations.
Strategic Context: Samsung’s Automotive Push
Lee Jae-yong has significantly accelerated Samsung’s engagement with global automotive leaders. In March 2025, Lee met with Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun at Xiaomi’s EV manufacturing plant in Beijing, and subsequently visited BYD headquarters in Shenzhen, signaling Samsung’s strategic push to position the automotive sector as a key growth engine.
Lee previously met with Tesla CEO Elon Musk in May 2023 to discuss cooperation on autonomous driving chips, demonstrating Samsung’s comprehensive approach to building relationships across the global EV ecosystem.
Parallel Discussions with LG Group
During his South Korea visit, Källenius is also expected to meet with executives from LG Energy Solution, LG Electronics, LG Display, and LG Innotek. The Mercedes chairman previously held similar meetings with LG Group leadership in March 2024, underscoring the German automaker’s strategy to strengthen partnerships with South Korean technology providers.
Industry Implications
The potential Samsung-Mercedes partnership would mark a significant shift in the global EV supply chain landscape. With Chinese battery manufacturers gaining market share, European automakers are actively seeking to diversify their supplier base among established partners with proven technology credentials.
Samsung SDI and BMW signed a 2.9 billion euro (3.35 billion US dollars) battery supply contract covering 2021 to 2031, demonstrating the scale of partnerships that could potentially emerge from successful negotiations with Mercedes-Benz.
The meetings scheduled for November 13-14 could reshape competitive dynamics in the premium EV segment, as both companies seek to leverage their complementary strengths in an increasingly competitive global market.
