Samsung SDI revealed its differentiated technology through new ‘high-voltage home ESS battery module’ with high energy conversion efficiency.  Samsung SDI participated in 'EES (Electrical Energy Storage) Europe 2018’ - the world’s biggest exhibition for the ESS - held in Munich Germany for three days from Jun 20, showing its slogan ‘Powering Tomorrow’ refers to ‘Samsung SDI’s will to contribute to the future of the energy industry’ and exhibiting a range of ESS products. This year, Samsung SDI attracted attention with its ‘high-voltage residential ESS battery module’ that features superior energy conversion efficiency by high voltage compared to the conventional residential ESS modules. To use the power generated by the photovoltaic generator at home, a current conversion process is required, which causes power loss.  In this process, the higher the voltage of the ESS holds, the lower the energy loss occurs, which leads to higher efficiency.   Samsung SDI’s 'high-voltage residential ESS module' has been evaluated to have evolved by twice the energy density compared to the products released last year. It is the cell & module design technology that enables a significant increase in energy density just in a year. Without changing the size of battery cell applied to the 'high-voltage residential ESS module,' Samsung SDI enlarged its capacity by more than 20% through innovation of internal materials and optimized the module design to double the energy density.  The residential ESS market is growing steadily, centering on the European market, where solar and other renewable energy supply is high. Market research agency B3 forecasts that the residential ESS market will be 1,259MWh (megawatt hours) this year and 1,889MWh in 2020, growing at an average annual rate of 15%. Executive Vice President Kim Jeong-wook representing Samsung SDI Strategic Marketing Office said, "Samsung SDI has been attracting global customers by introducing innovative ESS battery products each year. We will solidify our position as a leading ESS battery company through differentiated technology."  [Global Residential ESS Market] ※ Projection by B3​  

Participated in Energy Storage Europe 2018, Germany’s ESS Exhibition   □ The Company Unveiled High-capacity ESS Battery Cell with Substantially Enhanced Energy Density□ Showcased New Products Including E3, a Cell-integrated High-Capacity ESS model  Samsung SDI launched its new ESS product, including high-capacity 111Ah (Ampere hour) ESS battery cell, which the energy density is substantially increased.  Samsung SDI exhibited new ESS products such as ESS cells, high-capacity ESS, high-power ESS, and residential ESS at the Energy Storage Europe 2018 held for three days from March 13th in Düsseldorf, Germany.    Being an international conference and exhibition for ESS and renewable energies, Energy Storage Europe was taken part by more than 160 ESS related companies from around 50 countries, as well as global ESS companies such as ABB of Switzerland, SIEMENS of Germany, and Younicos.  The 111Ah ESS battery cell showcased by Samsung SDI at the conference has the feature of substantially increased capacity. The capacity of this ESS battery is enhanced while the size is maintained through material innovation, and thus significantly increased the energy density of the battery. Moreover, the strength of this battery is that it allows an easy product upgrade without having to modify its design. Samsung SDI first unveiled its new high-capacity ESS product, E3 model, which 111Ah cell is used to enhance the energy density. E3 can store the same amount of energy with less number of cells, enabling the size of the ESS facility to be reduced. This feature will receive spotlights from the market because it means that it can save installation and management cost.    In addition, Samsung SDI showcased residential ESS products that are widely used in connection with high-power ESS and solar power, which stabilize the power quality by maintaining the power of the generator from the substation at a certain value. Furthermore, Samsung SDI also introduced a solution optimized for ISO containers, the high-voltage ESS technology. This technology is improved by reducing PCS, the main parts of ESS, and thus enabling it to save space and be cost-effective.  “We will strengthen our focus on the market through differentiated competitive edge such as ESS cells and ESS cells integrated products,” said Sewoong Park, vice president of Strategic Marketing Office, Samsung SDI. According to projections on the ESS market around the world reported by B3, a market research company, Samsung SDI was listed the top company for its market share of 38% in 2017. SNE Research projected that the global ESS market will increase yearly average of 45%, from 6.9GWh this year to 90.4Gwh by 2025.        [Terms Explained]  * ESS(Energy Storage System) An energy storage system. In the order of cell → module →​ rack →​ container, collective cells become a module, modules become a rack, and racks become a container. ESS manufacturers supply products in various forms according to customers’ demand. The final installation form of ESS is in a form of a container.  * Ah(Ampere hour) A unit measurement for battery capacity. Energy density increases when the amount of power per unit volume increases.   * PCS(Power Conditioning System) It is a system, which is one of the ESS parts, that converts direct current to alternating current of power. For example, direct current generated from solar energy is converted to alternating current, which then is sent to households.     

□ 21700 Battery Products, the “New Normal” of Cylindrical Batteries□ Utility/Residential ESS with Remarkably Improved Capacities□ Diverse Electric Vehicle(EV) Batteries advancing the full-fledged EV era​​Samsung SDI featured a wide range of high-performance batteries during the InterBattery 2017, including the cylindrical 21700 model. InterBattery 2017 was held in Coex Seoul for three days from September 27(Wed) with Samsung SDI displaying present and future technologies through small-sized//ESS/EV batteries, as well as next-generation all-solid-state batteries(ASSB). InterBattery hosted by the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy, is an exhibition Samsung SDI has been participating since 2013. During the 3-day event, the cylindrical 21700 model was indeed at the center of all the attention at Samsung SDI’s booth. This battery is 21mm in diameter and 70mm in height, with 50% higher capacity than the previous 18650 model(18mm diameter, 65mm height). The commercialization of 21700 means that now a battery pack can be manufactured by connecting fewer batteries compared to 18650. In particular, the size of 21700 is optimal for extended life, output, and not to mention capacity which ensures cost competitiveness. Therefore, many predict 21700 will be the next standardized model of cylindrical batteries.  [Samsung SDI exhibited the 21700 model which will become the “New Normal” of cylindrical batteries]  Many assess Samsung SDI opened the New Normal era of cylindrical batteries through the display of 21700 battery mounted power tools, golf cart, and electric bikes during the exhibition. SDI also showcased ESS(energy storage system) products which have been gaining more attention recently. Utilizing innovative design technology, Samsung SDI introduced a Utility ESS model with an increased capacity of 9.1MWh. Utility ESS products are generally installed in power plants, commercial facilities and others to store energy for unstable power demands and reduce maximum load. Lower maximum load leads to lower basic power rates, a reason why many companies welcome these products.  Residential ESS products with higher expandability were displayed as well. Residential ESS are installed in homes, allowing the user to store power generated from solar panels into ESS batteries and use it when required. The market for such products is rapidly growing in Europe, where solar panels are more popularized. [Samsung SDI introduced innovative ESS products with higher capacity]  In addition, Samsung SDI exhibited an EV battery model with a capacity of 94Ah, a 50% increase compared to the 60Ah model. At one of the booth corners, BMW i3 which uses Samsung SDI batteries was displayed, catching the eyes of many visitors. SDI also presented the all-solid-state battery model, a technology under the limelight as the next-generation power storage solution. An all-solid-state battery uses solid electrolyte, as opposed to liquid ones which dramatically improves safety. Vice-President of Planning for Samsung SDI, Hojun Song said, “…With the advent of the 4th Industrial Revolution, the importance of batteries is becoming ever more evident...”, further stating, “Samsung SDI will continue to lead the global battery market through constant development of batteries that offer the best performances for diverse business environments.” 

- Samsung SDI to showcase its battery technology innovations and high-tech products with aims to make the popularization of electric vehicles - Exhibits multifunctional battery packs, low height cells, cylindrical batteries based on new technology standard '21700' - Raises vehicle interior space utilization with better mileage, customized battery and cells of various sizes   SEOUL, South Korea-- Samsung SDI (President: Jun Young-hyun) (KRX:006400) today announced that it has exhibited various products which could lead the popularization of electric vehicles at the Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA Cars 2017) which was opened on September 12.    The concept of the products Samsung SDI displayed at the show is “a battery company preparing for the popularization of EVs,” and high technologies were applied to them accordingly.  “Multifunctional battery pack” of Samsung SDI attracted the most attention. Its users can change the number of modules as they want as if they place books on a shelf. For example, if 20 modules are installed in a premium car, it can go 600 to 700 kilometers. If 10 to 12 modules are mounted on a regular sedan, it can run up to 300 kilometers. This pack is expected to catch the eyes of automakers, because they can design a car whose mileage may vary depending on how many modules of a single pack are installed.   Another groundbreaking product Samsung SDI exhibited is “Low Height Cell.” This is a cell whose height has been reduced by more than 20 percent than that of other existing cells. If this cell is applied, it can decrease the battery load height in an EV. If the height is reduced, interior space will be better utilized, enabling automakers to develop EVs of various designs. Samsung SDI also displayed cells and modules based on the new 21700 standard of cylindrical battery. A ‘21700’ battery is 21 millimeters in diameter and 70 millimeters in height. Its capacity is 50 percent bigger than the existing 18650 battery (18 millimeters in diameter and 65 millimeters in height). Its size is optimal for maximizing capacity, life and output simultaneously. The new battery beats batteries of any other size in light of cost competitiveness. A 21700 battery draws attention from major global manufacturers as the next-generation standard which can be applied to all sorts of products including electric vehicles, ESS and electric tools.  “Our products unveiled at the show are expected to advance the popularization of EVs because they use high technologies optimized to the needs of customers and the market,” Samsung SDI President Jun Young-hyun said. “We will keep leading the battery industry with our unrivaled technology.” Samsung SDI constructed an EV battery plant in Hungary in May, completing its worldwide production tripod with plants in Ulsan, South Korea and Xian, China. Samsung SDI is trying its best to meet the diverse needs of global automakers as a provider of total EV solutions including world-class cells, modules and packs all based on cutting-edge technology. ​ 

 ◇ The Company Debuted High-capacity E2 Model, and High-power P3 Model at Energy Storage Europe 2017◇ Showcased High-volt Residential ESS, a Perfect Alternative to Lead-acid BatteriesSEOUL, South Korea--Samsung SDI (KRX:006400) launched its new ESS products that adopted innovative design technology.   Samsung SDI presented new lineup of its comprehensive ESS solutions at the Energy Storage Europe 2017, an international exhibition held for three days from March 14, 2017 in Dusseldorf, Germany.      Being an exhibition dedicated to ESS batteries and renewable energies, the Energy Storage Europe 2017 was taken part by more than 100 companies in ESS-related front and rear industries from around 50 countries, including major ESS companies such as ABB, Siemens and Younicos that have operations in Europe and Global Market.      The company showcased new ESS products at the exhibition, high-capacity E2 and high-power P3 models, whose energy density is sharply increased.E2 model is a high-capacity ESS battery that substantially increased the number of cells integrated in the container by adopting innovative design technology. Samsung SDI dramatically raised intensity of space in the ESS container by upgrading module design and rack arrangement technology.The company designed a compact module by reducing its size from 42 liter to 35 liter, while configuring it to increase the number of integrated cells in the module by 10% from 20 in previous modules to 22 cells. Its design is innovated to integrate larger number of cells in a smaller space. And the container is designed to enclose larger number of ESS modules by adopting a new rack arrangement method that removed passages in the ESS container. The company prevented any problem in managing ESS by adopting improved cooling technology and installing gates on both sides of the container while removing passages.         As a result, E2 model realized the high-capacity ESS battery by enclosing the capacity of 9.1MWh in the container, nearly twice larger than previous products.  E2 model is developed targeting utility ESS market that requires large capacity. Needed for storing energy during low-demand hours and using it in high-demand hours, utility ESS batteries are widely used in recent years in connection with renewable energies such as solar photovoltaic power and wind power. As a utility ESS with larger capacity can store more energy, it can supply energy to larger number of facilities.    Samsung SDI also unveiled P3, a further upgraded high-power model. P3 is designed to maintain high-power for longer time by using 78Ah high-power and high energy density cells with 15% increased capacity without changing the size of 68Ah battery cells adopted for previous models. P3 model can be used for power stabilization that requires high-power ESS. An ESS for power stabilization plays the role of stabilizing quality of power at the substation by maintaining power of the generator at a certain value. ESS allows supplying high quality power by storing power when it exceeds standard value and discharging power when it is in shortage. And when power is insufficient, it needs high-power ESS that can supplement strong energy in an instant.     The common feature of E2 and P3 is that their energy density is improved by increasing capacity while retaining the size of previous ESS containers. ESSs with increased energy density can save construction and facility management costs by reducing scale of ESS facilities. Eventually, this will lead to reduction in investment on the part of customers.  In addition, Samsung SDI displayed two new residential ESS modules. One of them is an advanced lithium-ion ESS battery that can replace previous lead-acid battery by adopting a technology of delivering 48V, the same voltage as the lead-acid battery. The other is an ESS product that can reduce cost of ESS system by providing high voltage.  “The new lineup further sharpens competitive edge of our ESS products. We will lead the world market by developing advanced ESS technologies ahead of others,” said Sewoong Park, vice president for ESS Team, Samsung SDI.Navigant Research expects that the world ESS market will grow by around 50% to 4.3GWh in this year, and sharply increase by around 60% annually by 2020 to 14.8GWh. In its report on the world ESS market for 2015, B3, a market research institution, announced that Samsung SDI ranked first in the market by taking 18% of its share.  ​ 

 ◇ Hungarian employees who are currently receiving battery facility training at Ulsan Plan went to experience traditional Korean culture such as Korean archery, rice cake soup, traditional clothes, and ancient palaces during the Lunar New Year holiday.◇ Hungary Office, founded in 2001, is the foothold for Samsung SDI’s expansion into the European market. Beginning with the production of Braun tube in 2001, the Hungarian plant manufactured PDP in 2007 and batteries in 2018.◇ Employees who worked when the plant manufactured PDP returned to work for the renewed plant now producing batteries.◇ CEO Cho Nam Seong encouraged the employees to have “a healthy sense of crisis and passion about our future vision.​​Employees from Samsung SDI Hungary Experience Korean Culture Hungarian employees working at the Samsung SDI’s local outpost in Europe, who are currently in training in Korea, went to experience traditional Korean culture. The employees come from Hungary, a country that was selected as the European hub for Samsung SDI’s main business of automobile battery manufacturing. They are currently being trained to operate battery manufacturing facilities. These workers who are new to Korea went on an excursion to Jongno in Seoul for the Lunar New Year’s Day on the weekend to visit Hwanghakjeong Traditional Archery Museum and Gyeongbokgung Palace and experience Korean traditional culture. The employees hopped on KTX, a bullet train, from Ulsan to arrive at Seoul. They then were transported to Hwanghakjeong Traditional Archery Museum located in Sajik-dong, Jongno-gu. The Hungarian employees continued to shift their position while sitting on the floor, clearly unfamiliar with the Korean culture of sitting on the floor. “Hungary also has a tradition of archery. We used to be a country with a strength in horseback riding archery. I like ancient weapons, and it’s a great pleasure to view and make traditional Korean bows here,” said Mr. George, who showed the most interest in the bow making activity.After the employees shot several arrows at the shooting range in Hwanghakjeong with the bows they made, they visited a restaurant in Gwanghwamun Gate area to try traditional foods such as rice cake soup and noodles. The Hungarian employees, who have been in training at Ulsan Plant for three months, used chopsticks proficiently to eat the rice cake soup.  “In Hungary, we don’t eat chicken or duck dish because we are afraid of fortune flying away. Instead, we eat dishes made with lentils, because the beans remind us of money, people believe that they will bring wealth. Another food we eat at New Year’s is young pork meat because it is thought to bring fortune,” said Mr. Daniel who says his new year’s resolution is to quit smoking. The Hungarians talked about their hopes for the new year as they ate the rice cake soup.  As the last stop of the excursion, the employees visited Gyeongbokgung Palace in traditional Korean clothes. Some even wore gat, a traditional broad-brimmed hat, and made a traditional pigtail hairdo, in addition to beautiful Korean clothes, to which they expressed much satisfaction. Ms. Bernedette, the only woman to participate in the event on the day, said that she came to respect the Korean traditional fashion which is so beautiful, and wearing the clothes made her love the clothes even more. After taking a look around the palace, the employees gathered in front of the Gyeonghoeru Pavilion to share their feelings about the excursion. They also showed a great enthusiasm for the start of working at Samsung SDI Hungary in the new year. Mr. Chuber said, “Today’s experience was very special. I felt that the foundational mission of Hwanghakjeong, in particular, was relevant to our situation because we are preparing for the new start of the Hungary Plant.” He also asked other Korean participants to provide much emotional support for the Hungarian Office of the company in the new year. Hwanghakjeong, the place the employees visited first during this excursion, was founded by Korean Emperor Gojong in the late 19th century to pass down the art of traditional archery, which was on the course of being forgotten. The name of the pavilion means, “Bull’s-eye can be hit when the archer has good intentions inside and upright body on the outside.” It is a place that harbors the dreams of Emperor Gojong who dreamt of his country’s revival by setting himself upright and practicing archery. The five Hungarian employees returned to Ulsan after the series of activities, and pledged to contribute to the new beginning of Samsung SDI Hungary. ​    Hungarian Employees Who Led the Golden Age of PDP Come to Ulsan Plant At the beginning of the new year, a group of foreign employees are eagerly learning the operation of battery manufacturing facilities at Samsung SDI’s Ulsan Plant. These are employees from the company’s Hungary Plant, dispatched to Ulsan, Korea from November of last year until February of this year to learning how to set up a battery plant in Hungary. The Hungary Plant of Samsung SDI was first established in 2001, beginning Braun tube production in 2002 and transformed into a PDP manufacturing plant in 2007. For the next seven years, the factory produced PDP modules before ceasing production due to the advent of LCD and OLED technologies in 2013. In August 2016, Samsung SDI selected the site of Hungary Plant as the hub for manufacturing automobile batteries that will give the company a foothold in the European market. Hungary Plant is in the process of being set up, with the preparation of employee training and facility installations for the kick-start in later half of 2018. “Most of us have not lived in a dormitory before, and we were most shocked by the communal showers, which was difficult to get used to,” said a Hungarian employee being trained at Ulsan, laughing and talking about this culture shock.  It is newsworthy that these Hungarian employees came all the way to Korea to learn battery manufacturing process, but what is more special is that some of the visitors are making a renewed relationship with Samsung SDI. After its announcement in August 2016 that the Hungary PDP Plant will be renovated to manufacture automobile batteries, the company employees 97 people, 39 of whom used to work at Braun tube and PDP production line in the same factory. A returning employee cited the bright future prospect of the business to explain why he came back, saying: “Europe has a growing interest in eco-friendly vehicles, with a high possibility of growing electric vehicle market. I was looking at this new prospect in the market when I came across the news that Samsung SDI was repurposing the old factory into a battery plant and that new jobs were available there. That is why I returned.  Kovacs Zsuzsanna, who worked on Braun tube and PDP manufacturing from 2003 to 2008, feels much more specially attached to Samsung SDI, because she met her fiancé while working at the company. She fondly remembers her long time at the company for kind and good colleagues with whom she collaborated. She says that Samsung SDI “is a good working place with an excellent working environment.” Most of all, to Ms. Zsuzsanna, the company is especially special because she met her fiancé there. She said, “I am daunted by doing something new in automobile battery, but I am very happy because I can be with the company working on an industry with an infinite possibility.” Bolla David Sandor, who worked for Samsung SDI for ten years until its Hungary Plant ceased PDP operations in 2014, worked with Samsung Electronics Hungary Office after he parted with the manufacturing plant. He came back after hearing the news that the manufacturing plant will begin again as an automobile production plant. About why he came back to Samsung SDI from Samsung Electronics, Mr. Sandor said, “Samsung SDI, where I worked for ten years, is like a home for me. Although automobile is an industry that I had not experienced before, I wanted to nurture professionalism in a new promising area. I want to improve the company with my know-hows from various experiences from the past.” Karosi Laszlo, who worked in a facility technology department of Hungary Plant from 2002 to 2014, said, “I always had challenging goals because I began working from the setup of the factory. I enjoyed my work, which never ceased to change without staying stagnant.” Mr. Lazlo worked for a French automobile company after separating with Samsung SDI in 2014, said that he returned to his old company because of good memories there, and that he would like to work with his colleagues like those days when the factory manufactured PDP modules. The Hungarian employees are to finish training in mid-February, and return home to begin working on setting up the facilities at the renewed Hungary Plant. During the first half of this year the facilities will be ready, and in the later half it will begin the preparations for manufacturing to commence supply automobile batteries for the European market within this year. Samsung SDI CEO Cho Nam Seong visited the Ulsan Plant on January 12 to meet with the Hungarian employees receiving training. There, Mr. Cho said that the company chose Hungary Plant for battery production because of the outstanding record of labor-management relationship and excellent manufacturing competitiveness. He also explained that the Hungary Plant will be the foundation for Samsung SDI’s expansion into the European automobile market. Later, he urged the employees to have a healthy sense of crisis for the future vision and continue on in one direction together, also promising to continue to increase opportunities to communicate with employees.  ​ 

 ◇ With an aim to contribute to the widespread EV adoption, Samsung SDI introduces the cutting-edge battery cell technology with the fast charging capability and high-energy density for a driving range of up to 600km◇ Advanced "integrated battery module" is the latest concept that the company is working on, to maximize the safety and energy efficiencySEOUL, South Korea-- Marking its 4th consecutive year, Samsung SDI (President and CEO: Namseong Cho) (KRX:006400) participated at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) 2017 held on the 9th of January, 2017 in COBO Center, Detroit, MI.Samsung SDI introduced in its customer exhibition a “high-energy density battery cell of the next generation for a driving range of up to 600km that can fast charge EVs in 20 minutes” as well as an "integrated battery module" concept with a 10% decrease in component units and weight compared to the currently produced models.These innovations are expected to forge the leading position of Samsung SDI in the era of electro mobility. The development of the fast charging technology is making a rapid advancement thanks to its technological know-how in materials and processes that vastly decreased the resistance inside a battery cell. With a 20min charge, you can have a driving range of up to 500km which is 80% of the capacity. This means that only 20min in the highway rest area will be enough for a battery to be charged, eliminating the range anxiety of EV drivers. The mass production of this product is slated for 2021. In addition, Samsung SDI exhibited a brand-new concept, "integrated battery module" catching the eye of its visitors. A conventional EV battery module which consists of 12 cells has a capacity of 2~3kWh. By contrast, an “integrated battery module” has more than 24 cells with a higher capacity of 6~8kWh, which makes it an adequate module in the full-fledged high-capacity EV era. The integrated battery module is not only larger in size but shows a higher safety level because the advanced electro-mechanical design has been applied. This concept is expected to be a boon in the electro mobility, as it will be lighter with fewer components. We are increasingly witnessing a change in many automakers' sourcing strategy from battery cells to modules in the EV sector; thus, Samsung SDI is expecting a rising customers' demand in the integrated battery modules. An official from Samsung SDI said, “The high-energy density battery cell with the fast charging capability and the integrated battery module are the innovative technologies with full potentials that can transform the market. Expectations are high that we will be able to accelerate the vehicle electrification utilizing these technologies with improved driving range, manufacturing efficiency and user convenience.”Samsung SDI also showcased a full line up of 12V, 48V Low Voltage Systems (LVS) that goes in line with the current trend of higher fuel efficiency. In response to ever tougher CO2 emissions regulations, these products are grabbing the attention of automakers because of their outstanding fuel saving performance of up to 20% compared to conventional internal combustion engines. The “21700” cylindrical battery cell model with the improved energy density, power and performance was also exhibited by Samsung SDI. This is the technology which is attracting more focus as U.S. automobile startups are adopting this technology in their EVs. Samsung SDI initiated the construction of an automotive battery factory located in Hungary in August of last year, forming a triangular global operation: Korea, China and Europe. Based on this localization strategy, the plan is to actively respond to the diverse requirements of global automakers by supplying the cutting-edge automotive batteries and LVS solutions in the proximity.Sehwoong Jeong, Executive Vice President & General Manager of Automotive Battery & ESS Business of Samsung SDI, emphasized, “By providing the industry-leading technologies and products that meet the demand of our customers and market, we will contribute to a rapid market adoption of EVs in North America and worldwide."  ​ 

◇ The company decided Hungary as the third foothold, establishing a global triangular production structure along with plants in Ulsan,    Korea and Xian, China◇ Aiming to start commercial operation in 2nd half of 2018, the company will invest around 400 billion won to build production lines    with annual capacity of batteries for 50,000 pure electric vehicles◇ It is expected to reduce construction period and costs by utilizing existing plant infrastructure for PDPs…its location is ideal for    prompt response  to demand from European automotive manufacturers, and enhancing logistic competitiveness and accessibility◇ Executive Vice President Jeong SehWoong said, “In the forthcoming electric vehicle era, we will enhance our capability to respond to    customers in Europe.”SEOUL, South Korea-- Samsung SDI (President & CEO: Cho Nam Seong) (KRX:006400) decided Hungary as the foothold for producing batteries in Europe and launched construction of its plant. The new facility in Hungary will enable Samsung SDI to establish a triangular production structure along with existing plants in Ulsan, Korea and Xian, China.On last 30th, Minster Péter Szijjártó of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Vice President Jeong SehWoong of SDI, Automotive & ESS Business Division made announcement on SDI’s investment plan for battery plant construction in Hungary Aiming to start commercial production in 2nd half of 2018, the company will build production lines with annual capacity of batteries for 50,000 pure electric vehicles, investing around 400 billion won.      The Government of Hungary expressed strong commitment in supporting Samsung SDI’s activities in Hungary in order to ensure smooth implementation of the project.The new battery plant of Samsung SDI will be built in Goed located in a distance of 25 kilometers to north of Budapest in a site area of about 330,000 square meters by utilizing existing facilities previously used for display production.   As it can use large portion of existing plant infrastructure, Samsung SDI is expected to generate profit sooner than usual by reducing construction period and costs. The company initially built the plant in Hungary in 2001 to manufacture cathode ray tubes (CRTs) and remodeled it for PDP production several years thereafter. In addition, the new plant in Hungary will enable the company to significantly reduce logistic costs while immediately responding to  demand from customers since production bases of European automotive manufacturers are concentrated in Central and Eastern Europe. Moreover, the company will be able to sharpen its competitive edge in automotive battery industry by establishing integrated production system ranging from battery cells to packs, generating synergy with SDIBS (SDI Battery Systems, Austria), the production base of battery packs it acquired last year.  “By launching construction for the plant in Hungary, we now can set up the global triangular production structure for electric vehicle batteries. We can especially provide higher quality services to European customers in Europe by generating synergy with SDIBS.” said Executive Vice President Jeong SehWoong & Head of Automotive & ESS Business division.