On October 8, 2025, LG Electronics made a bold statement in the global automotive industry, revealing its rapid expansion into the software-defined vehicle (SDV) market. The company announced that it has secured ten production sites dedicated to autonomous driving and chassis systems, partnering with automotive giants including Toyota, Ford, Hyundai Kia, GM, Stellantis, Porsche, Honda, and Tesla. These sites boast a combined annual production capacity of about 2.85 million units, involving 1,262 employees—an impressive feat that positions LG Electronics at the forefront of the industry, according to Financial News and PoliNews.
LG Electronics’ reach now extends to eight of the world’s top ten automakers by sales, a group that collectively accounts for approximately 55% of global vehicle sales. This widespread adoption underscores the company’s emergence as a core partner in the rapidly evolving SDV ecosystem. The company’s VS (Vehicle Solutions) business division reported record-breaking results in the second quarter of 2025, with sales reaching 2.8494 trillion won and operating profits surging by 52.4% year-on-year. These numbers mark a 5.8% increase in sales from the previous year, reflecting robust demand for LG’s integrated automotive solutions.
What’s driving this growth? LG Electronics has strategically shifted its focus from merely supplying parts to offering comprehensive, integrated mobility solutions. At the heart of this transformation is the ‘LG Alphawave’ platform, described by PoliNews as a unified software suite that brings together in-vehicle infotainment (IVI), telematics, advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), and operating system enhancements. This platform is built around five core function groups: Playware (entertainment, including Xbox gaming and streaming), Metaware (immersive AR/VR experiences), Visionware (AI-based driving support and accident prevention), Baseware (OS performance and platform transitions), and Opsware (software integration, validation, and deployment support for developers).
According to industry observers cited by PoliNews, “LG’s Alphawave minimizes software function conflicts and allows for flexible feature expansion through over-the-air updates, making it an ideal platform for automakers transitioning to SDVs.” The ability to seamlessly integrate hardware and software, and to offer a platform not tied to any single hardware configuration, sets LG Electronics apart from most competitors.
The company is also forging partnerships with global tech leaders to further enhance its SDV offerings. At the ‘IAA Mobility 2025’ exhibition in Germany, LG Electronics announced collaborations with Microsoft’s Xbox division and Zoom, expanding the vehicle content ecosystem. These partnerships enable drivers and passengers to enjoy Xbox Game Pass and Zoom video conferencing directly from LG’s webOS-based in-car platforms, transforming vehicles into spaces for both work and entertainment. Additionally, at CES 2025, LG and Qualcomm unveiled a next-generation vehicle computing platform that combines infotainment and ADAS functions on a single chipset, reducing manufacturing costs and boosting performance.
LG Electronics’ ambitions extend beyond product launches and partnerships. The company is deeply invested in research and talent development, as evidenced by CEO Cho Joo-wan’s recent activities. On October 2, Cho visited Busan National University, his alma mater, to emphasize the importance of growth over mere success. Addressing around 300 students, he shared, “Usually, CEOs talk about success stories, but I want to emphasize the meaning of growth. The most important thing in my journey from a new employee at Goldstar in 1987 to CEO has been continuous learning and a mindset focused on growth.”
During this visit, LG Electronics and Busan National University signed a new agreement to expand industry-academic cooperation. This partnership aims to advance research in automotive electronics, wireless communication, and HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) technologies—fields crucial to the future of mobility. The collaboration also involves multinational efforts with King Saud University and the Shaker Group to develop technologies for extreme climate conditions. CEO Cho stressed, “The company is committed to researching and developing automotive electronics with sincerity and is actively pursuing overseas research and wireless communication.”
LG Electronics’ commitment to nurturing talent isn’t limited to Korea. The company’s Southern California headquarters, led by EV product manager Caleb Song, recently hosted a product seminar in Orange, California. This event, held on October 15, 2025, drew industry professionals and aspiring entrepreneurs alike, offering insights into LG’s automotive technology and providing hands-on training in component development and service methods. “Many customers in the automotive industry are open to new electric vehicle products and technologies,” Song noted, reflecting the company’s openness to innovation and collaboration in the North American market.
With over 30 years of experience in developing and supplying automotive components and technologies to North America, LG Electronics has established itself as a key player in the region’s automotive landscape. The company has been producing automotive modules for a decade and continues to expand its portfolio, particularly in the burgeoning EV sector.
The automotive industry is undergoing a profound transformation, shifting from hardware-centric to software-driven paradigms. As software now accounts for more than 90% of vehicle functionality, automakers increasingly rely on technology partners like LG Electronics to deliver integrated solutions that meet the demands of next-generation mobility. Industry insiders quoted by PoliNews believe, “LG is one of the few companies in the world that can cover everything from hardware to software and content, building an independent ecosystem to rival giants like Google and Apple in the SDV sector.”
Looking ahead, analysts predict that LG Electronics’ vehicle solutions business could account for up to 30% of the company’s total sales within the next two to three years. This projection is fueled by growing contracts with major automakers such as Hyundai Kia, GM, and Volkswagen, as well as a steady pipeline of new SDV-based orders.
As LG Electronics continues to blend innovation, partnership, and talent development, it’s clear the company is not just keeping pace with the automotive industry’s transformation—it’s helping drive it. The journey from hardware supplier to integrated mobility platform leader is well underway, and the world will be watching to see just how far and fast LG can go.
