Samsung’s Harman Acquires ZF Group’s ADAS Business for $1.8 Billion

Samsung’s Harman to Acquire ZF Group’s ADAS Business in $1.8 Billion Strategic Deal

December 23, 2025 — Samsung Electronics’ automotive subsidiary Harman International has announced a major agreement to acquire ZF Group’s Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) business for approximately €1.5 billion ($1.8 billion). The transaction stands out as one of the most significant automotive technology deals of 2025 and underscores Samsung’s accelerating push into smart, software-defined vehicles.

ADAS technology has become a cornerstone of modern mobility, enabling critical safety and automation features such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, automatic emergency braking, driver monitoring systems, and collision avoidance. As global demand for safer and semi-autonomous vehicles rises, ADAS is emerging as a key growth engine for the auto industry. Market estimates place the global ADAS market at around $42 billion in 2025, with projections exceeding $70 billion by 2030, driven by stricter safety regulations and rapid innovation.

Under the agreement, Harman will acquire ZF’s ADAS unit, which includes advanced camera systems, radar technologies, electronic control units (ECUs), and ADAS software platforms. The business is valued at roughly €1.5 billion, equivalent to $1.77–$1.8 billion depending on exchange rates. Following the transaction’s completion, approximately 3,700–3,800 employees from ZF’s ADAS division are expected to transition to Harman, significantly strengthening its global engineering and R&D capabilities.

For Samsung and Harman, the acquisition represents a strategic expansion beyond infotainment and premium audio systems into vehicle safety and intelligent driving solutions. Since Samsung acquired Harman in 2017 for about $8 billion, the company has steadily built a strong presence in connected-car platforms. By adding ZF’s ADAS portfolio, Samsung aims to integrate sensors, software, and computing systems into a unified automotive ecosystem, positioning itself as a key supplier for software-defined vehicles (SDVs).

From ZF Group’s perspective, the divestment aligns with its broader restructuring strategy. The German auto-parts supplier has been streamlining operations to reduce debt and sharpen its focus on core areas such as drivetrains, chassis systems, and commercial vehicle technologies. Selling the ADAS business provides ZF with fresh capital while allowing it to concentrate on long-term industrial priorities.

The deal remains subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions, with completion expected by mid-2026. Once finalized, it is likely to intensify competition in the global automotive technology market, placing Harman and Samsung in closer rivalry with major players such as Bosch, Continental, Nvidia, and Mobileye.

Overall, Harman’s $1.8 billion acquisition of ZF’s ADAS business marks a transformative step in Samsung’s automotive strategy. It highlights the growing convergence of electronics, software, and mobility, and signals Samsung’s ambition to become a global leader in safe, intelligent, and connected vehicle solutions.