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The head of General Motors (GM) Co., Mary Barra, recently paid a visit to Seoul to meet with executives from Samsung Group affiliates. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss potential collaboration in the areas of electric vehicle (EV) batteries and auto electric parts.
Industry sources revealed that Barra had a productive discussion with Choi Yoon-ho, head of Samsung SDI Co., as well as Choi Joo-sun, CEO of Samsung Display Co., and Chang Duck-hyun, CEO of Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co. The meeting took place in southern Seoul and marked Barra's first official visit to South Korea since assuming the role of GM's chairperson in 2016.
Joint Venture EV Battery Factory Project
Yonhap News Agency reported that one of the key topics discussed during the meeting was the ongoing construction of a joint venture EV battery factory between Samsung SDI and GM. The companies are currently building the facility in Indiana, with a target of commencing commercial operations by 2026.
The factory aims to have an annual capacity exceeding 30 gigawatts per hour, providing batteries for future GM EVs. This collaboration between GM and Samsung SDI holds great promise in advancing the EV industry and supporting the transition to sustainable transportation.
In addition to the EV battery factory project, Barra and the Samsung executives also explored opportunities for cooperation in other areas. Discussions focused on displays and vehicle camera modules, which play a crucial role in enhancing the driving experience and safety features of electric vehicles. By leveraging Samsung's expertise in these technologies, GM aims to further enhance the performance and functionality of its future EV models.
GM's Commitment to Sustainable Transportation
Korea Times noted that GM's engagement with Samsung and other industry leaders in the EV space underscores the company's commitment to sustainable transportation solutions. As the demand for electric vehicles continues to grow, GM recognizes the importance of collaborating with key partners to drive innovation and accelerate the adoption of EV technologies.
In addition to collaborating with Samsung, GM is also working closely with LG Energy Solutions Ltd. The two companies are currently building a separate joint EV battery plant in Michigan. The partnership aims to further strengthen GM's supply chain and ensure a steady and reliable source of batteries for its EV lineup.
Photo: GM Newsroom
