HARMAN International has announced plans to acquire the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) business of Germany’s ZF Group in a €1.5 billion transaction, marking a major step in strengthening its position in automotive compute platforms, smart sensing technologies, and ADAS software. The acquisition significantly expands HARMAN’s capabilities in cameras, radars, and intelligent driving systems, as the automotive industry accelerates toward software-defined and safety-centric vehicle architectures.
“The industry is at an inflexion point where safety, intelligence, and in-cabin experience must come together through a unified computing architecture,” said Christian Sobottka, Chief Executive Officer and President of HARMAN’s automotive division. He added that the acquisition expands HARMAN’s portfolio with “complementary ADAS capabilities.” The deal aligns with HARMAN’s broader strategy to integrate advanced safety systems with digital cockpit and vehicle intelligence platforms.
As part of the transaction, approximately 3,750 employees from ZF’s ADAS business across Europe, the Americas, and Asia will transition to HARMAN. The move is expected to strengthen HARMAN’s global engineering and R&D footprint, while ensuring continuity for customers and partners currently working with ZF’s ADAS technologies. HARMAN is a wholly owned subsidiary of Samsung Electronics, giving it access to Samsung’s broader expertise in semiconductors, displays, and connected technologies.
ZF Group sees the divestment as a strategic step to unlock the full potential of its ADAS unit under a partner more focused on scalable automotive software and computing platforms. Mathias Miedreich, CEO of ZF Group, said, “With HARMAN, we have found the ideal partner to fully unlock the growth and innovation potential of our ADAS business.” The agreement allows ZF to continue refining its portfolio while enabling the ADAS business to scale more rapidly under HARMAN’s leadership.
The acquisition also reinforces HARMAN’s ambition to play a central role in the future of software-defined vehicles. Young Sohn, Chairman of HARMAN’s board and Senior Advisor to Samsung Electronics, noted that “adding ZF’s ADAS capabilities builds on that momentum,” highlighting the company’s focus on next-generation vehicle platforms that combine safety, intelligence, and user experience.
Once completed, the transaction is expected to accelerate innovation across automated driving, vehicle safety, and intelligent mobility, positioning HARMAN as a key player in the evolving global automotive ecosystem.
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