Samsung Electronics’ Harman to invest 230 billion won in Hungary for autonomous driving solutions

Harman International, a subsidiary of Samsung Electronics, will invest about 230 billion won in Hungary to develop autonomous driving solutions. The project aims to strengthen cooperation on in-vehicle electrical and electronic systems with European automakers, including Mercedes-Benz.
According to the Hungarian Investment Promotion Agency (HIPA) on the 27th, Harman will invest a total of 131.18 million euros (230 billion won) in a project to enhance its research and development (R&D) and production capabilities in Hungary.
At its R&D center in the capital city of Budapest, the company will develop software and hardware that support autonomous driving functions. In Székesfehérvár, a central Hungarian city, it will conduct tests related to autonomous driving systems and vehicle information management solutions.
Automakers are increasingly working with automotive electronics suppliers from the early stages of development to prepare for the era of smart cars and software-defined vehicles (SDVs). Harman’s investment project in Hungary also includes a collaboration with Mercedes-Benz on automotive electronics solutions. Harman plans to introduce digitalization and automation technologies at its production bases in Székesfehérvár and Pécs to boost manufacturing capacity, while simultaneously installing solar power facilities.
Harman is a global company in the fields of in-vehicle audio and infotainment systems. It was acquired by Samsung Electronics in 2017. As Chairman of Samsung Electronics Lee Jae-yong pushes to expand the company’s automotive electronics business, Harman’s automotive electronics operations are also gaining momentum.

ehcho@fnnews.com Reporter Cho Eun-hyo Reporter