SK On, Mercedes-Benz Execs Meet Up to Discuss EV Business Cooperation

SK Group and Mercedes-Benz may reveal new partnership deals later as senior executives of both companies have met up this week to discuss business. It was reported that Chey Jae Won, the vice chairman of the SK Group who is also serving as co-chief executive officer of SK On, sat down with Ola Källenius, the chairman of the German automaker, this week in Seoul.

According to The Korea Herald, SK On’s co-chief and Mercedes-Benz’s CEO talked about ways that will allow them to further build up their business cooperation, in particular in the electric vehicle business. The topic of their discussion was confirmed by the South Korean company on Wednesday, Aug. 24.

Chey and Kallenius spent time talking about many possible collaborations. They have also laid out plans for electric vehicle products and services such as Tmap and battery supply. The Tmap is a navigation service created by the SK Group, and it is currently widely used in Korea.

The chief executive officer of Tmap Mobility, which operates the navigation system, Lee Jong Ho, was also present in the meeting. He agreed to collaborate by providing real-time traffic information in addition to adding an auto navigation feature to Mercedes-Benz models. The incorporation of the system may start next year.

"The Mercedes-Benz Group has been a long-time business partner and a major customer of SK Group,” Chey said during the meeting. “We hope that Kallenius’ latest visit will be an opportunity for the two firms to expand the partnership.”

Business Korea further reported that Chey stressed that the SK Group and the Mercedes-Benz Group have been long-time partners that have already worked together on many projects. The luxury vehicle brand is a major client of the company, and it hopes to continue this business partnership for as long as they have related business to do.

Photo by: Luke Oslizlo/Unsplash