LG Electronics signs deal with Qualcomm on 5G for cars

LG Electronics is collaborating with Qualcomm Technologies for the development of 5G automotive platforms, its senior executive has said, as the Korean tech company tries to expand its presence in the automotive business for future growth.

Qualcomm, the No. 1 semiconductor supplier in telematics and wireless car connectivity, announced Tuesday that it aims to deploy "reliable, connected, intelligent and location-aware, next-generation vehicles" with partners including LG, Continental AG and ZTE.

"As mobile innovation leaders, LG and Qualcomm Technologies are bringing decades of research and development experience to the automotive industry, specifically in the area of 5G automotive platforms," Park Jong-sun, vice president of LG Electronics, was quoted as saying to Qualcomm. "Building on our long engagement with Qualcomm Technologies in the connected car segment, we believe 5G is vital to the deployment of a fully connected car platform."

A report from market researcher Strategy Analytics showed that nearly 75 percent of all vehicles sold in 2027 will have embedded cellular connectivity, up from 20 percent in 2015.

LG has been keeping a friendly relationship with Qualcomm. In 2004, it worked with Qualcomm to develop telematics technology, and in 2017, the two sides signed a partnership to collaborate on connected car solutions.

In 2019, the two companies agreed to strengthen the ecosystem of LG's in-vehicle infotainment system, webOS Auto.

LG has been trying to beef up its presence in the automotive solutions market in recent years.

Last month, LG signed a partnership with Canadian auto parts maker Magna International to set up a joint venture, tentatively named LG Magna e-Powertrain, to manufacture electric car motors and parts.

Yonhap