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Mercedes-Benz Steps Up Korea Partnerships for Next-Gen EVs and AI Vehicles

Kallenius signaled a dedicated Asia procurement push with outcomes from talks expected in three to four years.

Overview

  • During a Seoul visit, Ola Kallenius met LG Group chiefs and agreed to explore broader cooperation under LG’s unified “One LG” offering across batteries, displays, electronic components and software-defined vehicles.
  • He later held a private dinner with Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong, joined by Samsung SDI and Harman leaders, to discuss strengthening collaboration in next-generation mobility technologies.
  • Kallenius said Mercedes-Benz aims to set up a procurement team focused on South Korea and Asia, integrated with its global engineering and sourcing operations in Germany.
  • Mercedes-Benz reaffirmed large battery ties with LG Energy Solution following two supply deals worth an estimated 15 trillion won, while noting it works with multiple global battery suppliers including CATL.
  • Talks with LG expanded to AI-defined vehicle capabilities, with LG Innotek exploring cooperation on autonomous-driving sensors such as camera modules, LiDAR and radar.