What's Happening?
Harman International, a subsidiary of Samsung Electronics, has announced a definitive agreement to acquire the advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) business of ZF Group. This acquisition, valued at €1.5
billion, includes automotive compute solutions, smart cameras, radars, and ADAS software functions. Harman's strategy, 'Consumer Experiences. Automotive Grade,' aims to integrate the speed and intelligence of leading technology brands into vehicles while maintaining high standards for safety and reliability. This acquisition positions Harman to enhance its role in the software-defined vehicles (SDV) market by integrating ZF's ADAS capabilities with its Digital Cockpit offerings. The deal is expected to close in the second half of 2026, pending regulatory approvals, and will see approximately 3,750 ZF employees transition to Harman.
Why It's Important?
This acquisition is significant as it strengthens Harman's position in the rapidly evolving automotive technology sector, particularly in the SDV market. By acquiring ZF's ADAS business, Harman can offer more integrated and scalable vehicle architectures that enhance safety and user experiences. This move aligns with the industry's shift towards unified computing architectures that combine safety, intelligence, and in-cabin experiences. For ZF, the deal helps reduce debt and allows the company to focus on its core technologies. The acquisition also underscores Samsung's commitment to expanding its automotive and audio business, which has grown significantly since acquiring Harman in 2017.
What's Next?
Following the acquisition, Harman plans to integrate ZF's ADAS capabilities into its central compute and digital cockpit roadmap. This integration will enable original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to deploy more scalable and safety-integrated vehicle architectures. The companies will continue to support existing programs while aligning engineering, ADAS, and compute teams to accelerate innovation for next-generation platforms. The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals.
