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Samsung Electronics chair returns from Europe after likely talks on EV battery cooperation

Published: 13 Mar. 2026, 17:23

Samsung Electronics Executive Chairman Lee Jae-yong arrives in Korea through the Seoul Gimpo Business Aviation Center in Gangseo District, western Seoul, on March 13 after wrapping up a business trip to Europe. [YONHAP]

Samsung Electronics Executive Chairman Lee Jae-yong returned on Friday to Seoul from a business trip to Europe after likely holding meetings with European carmakers for discussions on cooperating in the field of batteries.

Lee replied, “Yes,” as he returned via Gimpo International Airport in western Seoul with Samsung SDI CEO Choi Joo-sun when asked whether he had met with European automotive clients.

Industry watchers speculate that Lee likely met representatives from major German carmakers, including Mercedes-Benz, as Samsung aims to bolster its battery business through Samsung SDI.

Chairman Lee arrives at the Seoul Gimpo Business Aviation Center in Gangseo District, western Seoul, on March 13. [YONHAP]

“We met with various clients [besides Mercedes-Benz as well],” Choi told reporters at the airport without elaborating on details.

Samsung SDI, which currently counts BMW and Volkswagen among its major clients, is known to be in talks with Mercedes-Benz over the possible supply of EV batteries, according to industry sources.

Lee, meanwhile, is widely expected to meet Lisa Su, the head of AMD, in Korea next week.

Yonhap