STAMFORD, CT, Jan 6, 2026 – HARMAN has agreed to acquire ZF Group’s advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) business for €1.5 billion, consisting of automotive compute systems, cameras, radars and ADAS software. The acquisition strengthens HARMAN’s position in ADAS and central vehicle computing, supporting its expansion in DVV market.
The acquisition combines ZF’s ADAS technology with HARMAN’s digital cockpit systems on a centralized vehicle computing platform. The integration supports assisted and automated driving, safety functions, and user interfaces within a single architecture. The approach reduces integration complexity and shortens development cycles, enabling OEMs to scale context-aware vehicle experiences.
“The industry is at an inflection point where safety, intelligence, and in-cabin experience must come together through a unified computing architecture,” said Christian Sobottka, chief executive officer and president, automotive division, HARMAN. “With this agreement, we take a strategic step to expand our portfolio with complementary ADAS capabilities that unlock a new class of cross-domain experiences ranging from perception-informed audio cues to more personalized, situation-aware driving. Combined with HARMAN’s long-standing automotive expertise and supported by Samsung’s broader technology leadership, this positions us to help OEMs design the next generation of intelligent, empathetic, and connected vehicles.”
“With HARMAN, we have found the ideal partner to fully unlock the growth and innovation potential of our ADAS business,” said Mathias Miedreich, CEO of ZF Group. “At the same time, this deal makes an important contribution to reducing our company’s debt and allows us to focus our resources on the core technologies in which ZF is a global leader.”
“Samsung has a successful record of strategic acquisitions that accelerate innovation and expand what’s possible for our customers,” said Young Sohn, chairman of the board of directors, HARMAN and senior advisor, Samsung Electronics. “Since acquiring HARMAN in 2017, the company has scaled its automotive and audio business from $7 billion to more than $11 billion today. Adding ZF’s ADAS capabilities builds on that momentum. HARMAN will further expand its technology foundation to deliver safer, more intelligent, and more intuitive in-vehicle experiences. This acquisition reinforces HARMAN’s leadership in the industry’s transformation and underscores Samsung’s long term commitment to the future of mobility.”
“This transaction marks a major milestone in the execution of HARMAN’s long-term strategy and further strengthens our portfolio,” said Carolin Reichert, chief strategy officer of HARMAN. “Throughout the process, we worked in a very constructive collaboration with ZF and demonstrated our ability to successfully execute a highly complex carve-out.”
The agreement includes the transfer of about 3,750 ZF employees across Europe, the Americas, and Asia, with the deal expected to close in Q2 2026. After closing, HARMAN plans to integrate ZF’s ADAS technology into its centralized computing and digital cockpit roadmap. The companies will maintain existing customer programs while aligning engineering, ADAS, and compute teams to support scalable, safety-integrated vehicle platforms.
Source: HARMAN
About HARMAN
Harman designs and manufactures audio, infotainment, and automotive electronics products and provides enterprise software and connected services. The company was founded in 1980 and is headquartered in Stamford, CT. Its portfolio includes consumer and professional audio brands such as JBL, Harman Kardon, AKG, Bowers & Wilkins, Denon, and Marantz, as well as in-vehicle entertainment systems, car audio systems, and sound and lighting equipment. Harman serves industries that include automotive, consumer electronics, home audio, entertainment, and enterprise technology. The company’s technologies are used in more than 50 million vehicles worldwide. Harman operates globally as a wholly owned subsidiary of Samsung Electronics and employs between 26,000 and 33,000 people worldwide.
About ZF
ZF Group is a technology and manufacturing company founded in 1915 and headquartered in Friedrichshafen, Germany. The company supplies automotive systems and components for passenger vehicles, commercial trucks, and industrial mobility applications. Its products include driveline systems, chassis components, steering and braking systems, and ADAS technologies. ZF also provides components and systems for rail, marine, defense, and aviation markets. The company serves global vehicle manufacturers, commercial vehicle builders, industrial equipment producers, and transportation operators. ZF designs, engineers, and manufactures mechanical, electronic, and software-based systems used in vehicle motion control and safety functions. The company operates production, research, and engineering facilities in more than 30 countries worldwide. ZF supports customers across North America, Europe, Asia, and other regions. ZF employs about 156,000 people globally. The company’s operations span traditional automotive manufacturing and newer vehicle computing and safety technologies, supporting a range of mobility and transportation platforms.