Korean Media: Samsung Supplies Automotive Chips for BMW iX3 Electric Vehicle, Lee Jae-yong Expands into Global Automotive Semiconductor Market
Samsung Electronics will supply semiconductors for BMW's new generation of electric vehicles. Chairman Lee Jae-yong of Samsung Electronics is expanding his cooperation network by meeting with top executives of major automotive companies. In addition, through large-scale mergers and acquisitions (M&A) to enhance autonomous driving capabilities, the entire group is showing a strong commitment to boosting its automotive electronics (automotive electronics and electrical systems) business.
According to industry sources on the 30th, Samsung Electronics' System LSI Division has confirmed that it will supply "Exynos Auto V720" semiconductor for in-vehicle infotainment (IVI) systems to BMW's next-generation electric SUV "new iX3". IVI semiconductors play the role of a "brain", responsible for providing drivers with real-time operational information and supporting high-definition multimedia playback and high-spec game operation functions.
The new iX3 is a mid-sized electric sports utility vehicle (SUV), and also the first mass-produced model to adopt BMW's new generation of electric platform "Neue Klasse". The model was first unveiled at the European largest auto show "IAA 2025" held in Munich, Germany in September, and is expected to be launched in the South Korean market in the second half of next year.
Samsung Electronics plans to expand chip supply to the entire next-generation product line of BMW. In particular, the new 7 Series is likely to be equipped with its most advanced processor "Exynos Auto V920". With this, Samsung has successfully added BMW to its client list, following Audi (2019) and Volkswagen (2021).
Samsung Electronics has identified the mobile mobility market as a future growth engine and is pouring efforts at the group level. According to the Korea Institute of Electronics Technology, internal combustion engine vehicles such as gasoline and diesel require an average of 200 to 300 semiconductors, while electric vehicles require 1,000, and autonomous vehicles are expected to be equipped with more than 2,000 semiconductors. Chairman Lee Jae-yong visited BYD's headquarters in Shenzhen, China, the world's largest electric vehicle manufacturer, in March and discussed cooperation plans with Chairman Wang Chuanfu. Last month, he also met with Mercedes-Benz Chairman Ola Källenius at Samsung Group's guesthouse Chengjizhuang during his visit to South Korea, striving to strengthen cooperation in the field of mobile mobility.
To acquire substantial technology, Samsung subsidiary Harman announced on the 23rd that it would acquire the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) division of global automotive electronics giant ZF Friedrichshafen for about 2.6 trillion won. This is the second large-scale M&A in the automotive electronics sector since Samsung's 2017 acquisition of Harman, after eight years. Harman's Chairman Son Young-kyun stated, "This acquisition not only consolidates Harman's leadership in driving the transformation of the mobile mobility industry, but also becomes a clear demonstration of Samsung Electronics' long-term commitment to the future of mobile mobility."
Source: JoongAng Daily
Original: toutiao.com/article/1853276635456521/
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