???? Big bang one day before Christmas ????
HARMAN International has announced a definitive agreement to acquire ZF Group’s ADAS business, including compute platforms, smart cameras, radars and ADAS software, for €1.5 billion. The deal is expected to close in the second half of 2026, subject to regulatory approval.
The strategic direction that stands out to me is the plan to bring ADAS and the digital cockpit together on a centralised computing architecture to support the next wave of software-defined vehicles (SDVs).
???????????? ???????? ???????????????? ???????? ???????????????????????????? ???????????????????? ???????????????? ???????????????? ???????????? ???????????????? ???????????????????????????????????? ???????? ???????????????????????????????????????????????????? ????????????????????????????. As complexity grows (sensors, AI, computing, functional safety and lifecycle support), scale and platform integration are becoming decisive differentiators. We will probably see more deals like this as the market moves towards fewer, stronger end-to-end players.
❔I’m curious to know how others see this trend playing out – does consolidation speed up innovation or reduce diversity in approaches?
About HARMAN
HARMAN is a global leader in Lifestyle Audio and Automotive technology. We create intelligent experiences that enrich people’s lives on the road, in their homes, on the stage, and everywhere in between. Our iconic audio brands — including JBL®, Harman Kardon®, AKG®, Bowers & Wilkins®, Denon®, and Marantz® — bring premium sound to consumers and audio/visual professionals worldwide. More than 50 million vehicles globally rely on HARMAN’s technologies to deliver safer, smarter, and more intuitive in-cabin experiences. A wholly owned subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., HARMAN has approximately 26,000 employees around the world.
About ZF
ZF is a global technology company supplying advanced mobility products and systems for passenger cars, commercial vehicles and industrial technology. Its comprehensive product range is primarily aimed at vehicle manufacturers, mobility providers and start-up companies in the fields of transportation and mobility. ZF electrifies a wide range of vehicle types. With its products, the company contributes to reducing emissions, protecting the climate as well as enhancing safe mobility. Alongside the automotive sector – passenger cars and commercial vehicles – ZF also serves market segments such as construction and agricultural machinery, wind power, marine propulsion, rail drives and test systems. With some 161,600 employees worldwide, ZF reported sales of €41.4 billion in fiscal 2024. The company operates 161 production locations in 30 countries.
