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Photo courtesy of Yonhap News |
[Alpha Biz= Kim Jisun] Samsung Electronics will supply automotive semiconductors for BMW’s next-generation electric vehicles, marking a tangible outcome of Chairman Lee Jae-yong’s push to strengthen the company’s automotive electronics business.
According to industry sources on December 30, Samsung’s System LSI Division is supplying its in-vehicle infotainment (IVI) chip, the Exynos Auto V720, for BMW’s next-generation electric vehicle, the new iX3. IVI chips play a key role in providing real-time driving information, high-resolution multimedia playback, and support for advanced in-vehicle applications, including high-performance gaming.
Samsung and BMW have maintained close cooperation since 2009, beginning with joint electric vehicle development projects centered on battery technology. In December 2022, Chairman Lee met with BMW CEO Oliver Zipse at the BMW Driving Center in Yeongjong Island, Incheon, where they reviewed the electric “New i7” equipped with Samsung SDI’s P5 battery cells—highlighting the depth of their strategic partnership.
Industry observers note that the new iX3 is particularly significant as it will be the first mass-produced model built on BMW’s next-generation EV platform, “Neue Klasse.” With Samsung selected as a key semiconductor supplier for this platform, expectations are growing that future models such as the iX7 could also adopt Samsung’s flagship automotive chip, the Exynos Auto V920.
The deal further reinforces Chairman Lee’s push to expand Samsung’s automotive electronics business. In March, he visited Chinese EV giant BYD to discuss potential collaboration in automotive electronics and later met with Lei Jun, CEO of Xiaomi, at the company’s EV plant in Beijing. Last month, he also held talks with Ola Källenius, CEO of Mercedes-Benz, during the latter’s visit to Korea, accompanied by Samsung SDI CEO Choi Joo-sun and Harman CEO Christian Sobottka.
Samsung’s automotive ambitions were further underscored by Harman’s recent acquisition of ZF’s advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) business for €1.5 billion (approximately KRW 2.6 trillion). Samsung acquired Harman in 2016 for $8 billion and has since expanded its portfolio beyond audio systems into digital cockpits, infotainment, and advanced automotive technologies. Through the ZF deal, Harman has secured key ADAS technologies such as front-facing cameras and controller units, laying the groundwork for a full-scale entry into the ADAS market.
Alphabiz Reporter Kim Jisun(stockmk2020@alphabiz.co.kr)
