Ola Kallenius, chair of Mercedes-Benz Group, said on the 13th, "LG is a long-standing and very strong partner of Mercedes-Benz," adding, "We will showcase amazing technology (together) with LG."
Kallenius said this while meeting with reporters ahead of a meeting with presidents of key affiliates of LG Group at LG Twin Towers in Yeouido, Seoul, that day.
Kallenius and senior management of LG Group discussed ways for the two companies to cooperate on vehicle components. Attending were LG executives overseeing major auto parts businesses, including LG Electronics CEO Cho Joo-wan, LG Display CEO Jeong Chul-dong, LG Energy Solution CEO Kim Dong-myung, and LG Innotek CEO Moon Hyuk-soo, along with Matthias Bäsecke, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Korea.
The management of both sides discussed various potential measures to realize Mercedes-Benz's future vision, including implementing future mobility centered on electrification and building a flexible and sustainable global production network through digitalization and automation.
In particular, they agreed to combine the advanced technological capabilities of major LG affiliates with Mercedes-Benz's innovative vehicle development capabilities to seek new cooperation opportunities and expand technological synergies in various fields such as batteries, displays, and automotive electronics components.
Mercedes-Benz has maintained a technology partnership with LG Group. It has worked with LG Electronics and LG Display on developing advanced infotainment systems, including the "MBUX Hyperscreen," and has strengthened the competitiveness of its electric vehicles by equipping them with battery cells from LG Energy Solution.
LG Electronics CEO Cho Joo-wan said, "Based on our core competitiveness in the vehicle components business—including a value proposition centered on user experience, an integrated SDV (software-defined vehicle) solution portfolio, and technology and reliability proven in the global market—we will further solidify our strategic partnership with Mercedes-Benz."
Kallenius said, "Mercedes-Benz firmly believes that strategic joint partnerships are the driving force shaping the future of next-generation vehicles," adding, "Together with LG, Mercedes-Benz shares a vision based on innovation, quality, and sustainability, and by combining the strengths of both companies, we are creating vehicles that will set new standards for the global automotive industry."
After the meeting with LG Group that day, Kallenius is scheduled to have dinner with Samsung Electronics Chair Lee Jae-yong at Seungjiwon in Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul. Also expected to attend are Samsung SDI President Choi Joo-sun and Harman CEO Christian Sobottka. A meeting with HS Hyosung Vice Chair Cho Hyun-sang is also scheduled for the day.