Samsung to announce new devices at IFA in Berlin as SDI looks at EV battery market after Cheil Industries merger

Samsung Electronics is looking to unveil new products at major European electronics trade show during September, as affiliate Samsung SDI gears up to take a growing stake in the emerging electric vehicle (EV) battery market.

According to a report in The Korea Times, Samsung Electronics is set to unveil new products at an event taking place outside the main exhibition hall during the IFA trade show in Berlin, which will run from September 5 to 10.

The Korea Times reports the organiser of the IFA exhibition, Messe Berlin, has announced the consumer electronics giant will hire out a nearby venue, called CityCube, for presentations during the conference.

The decision to conduct a major product unveiling in Germany is reportedly part of an effort by the electronics giant to boost its presence across Europe.

The news comes as Chosun Ilbo reports strong sales for Samsung’s new flagship smartphone, the Galaxy S5 sold 200,000 units across South Korea’s three largest mobile carriers, SK Telecom, KT and LG Uplus.

Meanwhile Samsung SDI is reportedly approaching automakers in a bid to become a global leader in the EV battery market.

As SmartCompany reported earlier this month, battery maker Samsung SDI has recently announced a merger with chemical manufacturer and fellow Samsung Group affiliate Cheil Industries through a stock swap.

According to a separate report in The Korea Times, Samsung SDI hopes the merger of Samsung Group’s chemicals businesses will help the company compete in the emerging EV battery market against South Korean rival LG Chem.