As we have written about before, the difference between technology companies and automotive companies is getting smaller and smaller. That trend continues to progress.

Samsung Electronics Ltd. is closer to becoming an auto parts supplier. As reported on AndroidHeadlines.com, “Last month Samsung Electronics acquired a stake in Chinese electric car company BYD, and according to a more recent report from Korea, the tech giant has already partnered with Italian automotive system manufacturer Magneti Marelli “on a group-wide basis”…” Samsung seems determined to not let Apple and Google dominate the automotive information technology segment. Considering Samsung’s success in both hardware and its associated software, Samsung could be poised to be a large auto supplier sooner rather than later.

Likewise, Verizon Communications seems determined to get a piece of the automotive industry. Specifically, Verizon appears to “see fleet management as a source of growth…” Verizon recently bought Telogis, thereby providing Verizon access to the connected vehicle market. Verizon combined that acquisition with the intended purchase of Fleetmatics, which specializes in GPS vehicle tracking. These acquisitions may very well position Verizon to offer more comprehensive fleet management services to companies – combining a wireless data network with connectivity and GPS. More acquisitions will surely follow.

When we discuss “automotive” companies, the list and variety of such companies just keeps growing. These are manufacturers, technology companies, aggregators, and more.