LG, Qualcomm to cooperate in 5G platforms for connected cars

LG Electronics Inc. and Qualcomm Technologies Inc. have agreed to cooperate in the development of 5G wireless platforms for next-generation connected cars.

LG Electronics, a unit of South Korea’s fourth-largest conglomerate, said on Jan. 27 that the two companies will work together for the launch of 5G connected car services.

Separately, Qualcomm said in a statement that it aims to deploy "reliable, connected, intelligent and location-aware next-generation vehicles" with global partners, including LG.

The US tech giant said utilizing its Snapdragon 4G and 5G platforms, the new services will allow drivers to successfully connect vehicles to the cloud, neighboring cars and the surrounding environment, while supporting the advanced intelligence needed for in-vehicle experiences.

“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,” said Park Jong-sun, vice president of LG Electronics, in the statement.

“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.” 

According to market researcher Strategy Analytics, nearly 75% of all vehicles sold in 2027 will have embedded cellular connectivity, up from 20% in 2015.

LG AIMS TO ZERO IN ON FUTURE MOBILITY

LG has maintained a business tie-up with Qualcomm since 2004 when both sides agreed to develop telematics technology. In 2017, the two companies forged a partnership to collaborate on connected car solutions. And in 2019, both sides agreed to work together to further develop webOS Auto, LG’s connected in-vehicle infotainment system.

LG has been beefing up its presence in the automotive solutions market.

Last month, LG signed a deal with Canadian auto parts maker Magna International Inc. to launch a $1 billion joint venture to manufacture electric-car motors and other components.

Its latest move comes as the Korean electronics giant is looking to sell off its struggling smartphone division to focus on other future-oriented businesses such as supplying advanced technology for makers of EVs and self-driving cars.

Write to Jeong-Soo Hwang at hjs@hankyung.com
In-Soo Nam edited this article.