Samsung’s Harman invests $151 mil. for self-driving tech in Hungary

A visitor to CES 2025 in Las Vegas tests out Harman International's latest in-car audio product, Jan. 8, 2025. Courtesy of Harman International

Automobile electronics company Harman International, a subsidiary of Samsung Electronics, will invest 131 million euros ($151 million) in its research and manufacturing bases in Hungary for self-driving technology development.

According to the Hungarian Investment Promotion Agency on Friday, Harman’s investment will partly go to the development of software and hardware for autonomous driving functions at its main research and development center in Budapest.

In Szekesfehervar, the company will conduct research and development on autonomous systems and information management solutions.

The company will also increase productivity at its manufacturing bases in Szekesfehervar and Pecs by advancing manufacturing capabilities with automation and digitization.

Harman’s investment comes as global automobile makers including Mercedes-Benz are increasingly gearing toward self-driving cars and software-defined cars. While doing so, automakers are expanding collaboration with electronics and electric system developers to introduce integrated systems for advanced vehicles.

Industry officials say that Harman's investment is in line with Samsung's increasing partnership with Mercedes-Benz, particularly on early-phase product development. In November last year, Samsung Electronics Executive Chairman Lee Jae-yong met Mercedes-Benz Chairman Ola Kallenius in Seoul to discuss partnerships on electronic components for vehicles.

Harman, originally a developer of home and in-car audio systems, is now expanding its portfolio into connected car systems. Samsung Electronics acquired the company in 2017.