Samsung Electro-Mechanics to supply cameras to Hyundai Motor, Kia

[Courtesy of Samsung Electro-Mechanics]

South Korea’s top conglomerates Samsung Group and Hyundai Motor Group are deepening ties in the automotive electronics business, with Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co. being named the first-tier supplier of Hyundai Motor Co. and Kia Corp.

Samsung Electro-Mechanics announced Monday that it has been selected as a primary supplier to Hyundai Motor and Kia after being recognized for its technological edge in the field of automotive cameras.

The company will supply two types of cameras for Hyundai Motor and Kia vehicles, one for surround view monitors (SVMs) and the other for rear view monitors (RVMs).

The camera modules to be supplied by Samsung Electro-Mechanics will be used for a parking assistance system that displays the vehicle’s surroundings on video.

The company, by applying a special technique to the lens joint, has secured visibility and safety while preventing unnecessary light from entering the lens.

The product’s water-repellent performance is also the best in the industry as it lasts more than 2,000 hours, about 1.5 times longer than existing products, the company said.

“We will strengthen our production capacity for cutting-edge cameras for electronics,” said Jang Deok-hyun, chief executive officer at Samsung Electro-Mechanics.

Samsung Group and Hyundai Motor Group, long considered rivals in the conglomerate scene, have been upping collaboration in the automotive electronics business.

Ties began when Samsung Display Co.’s organic light-emitting diode (OLED) displays were supplied to Hyundai Motor’s IONIQ 5. The Genesis GV60 was also equipped with Samsung Electronics Co.’s automotive image sensor. Samsung Electronics also decided to supply Hyundai Motor with its Exynos Auto V920, an application processor for in-vehicle infotainment (IVI).

It is the first time since the partnership with Harman International Industries Inc. that a Samsung Group affiliate has been chosen as a primary partner of Hyundai Motor and Kia.