KATHMANDU: Samsung Electronics has announced a $1.8 billion deal to acquire the autonomous driving technology unit of Germany’s ZF Friedrichshafen, marking a major expansion of its automotive electronics business.
The acquisition, valued at 1.5 billion euros, will be integrated into Samsung-owned Harman. It will strengthen Harman’s portfolio with advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) technologies, including front-facing vehicle cameras and ADAS controllers.
Samsung said the move represents its full-scale entry into the fast-growing driver assistance and in-car platform market, as vehicles become increasingly software- and sensor-driven. ADAS technologies use cameras and sensors to detect lanes, vehicles, and pedestrians to support safer driving.
According to Samsung, the global market for ADAS and central vehicle controllers is expected to grow from 62.6 trillion won in 2025 to 97.4 trillion won by 2030.
Industry analysts view the deal as strategically positive, noting that ADAS is becoming a core technology in the expanding global telematics market.
The transaction is expected to close in 2026. The deal follows Samsung’s recent acquisition of German cooling system maker FlaktGroup, highlighting its push to diversify beyond smartphones and memory chips into vehicle electronics and other growth sectors.
