Advancements in electronics systems and software are driving a significant transformation in the automotive industry. Vehicles are increasingly equipped with sophisticated electronic systems, such as infotainment, advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), and vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication. This integration requires power distribution units (PDUs) to support the growing number of electronic control units (ECUs) and sensors, necessitating more complex and reliable power distribution n...

The Nvidia GPU Technology Conference (GTC) 2025 took place from March 17 to 21, 2025, at the San Jose Convention Center, California. This event continued to serve as a platform for developers, researchers, engineers and innovators to explore the latest advancements in GPU technology and its applications across various industries, such as AI and autonomous vehicles. At Nvidia's GTC 2025, CEO Jensen Huang's keynote highlighted the transformative potential of agentic AI using accelerated computi...

Even as global trade reels under the impact of the Trump administration’s tariffs, countries are in for another jolt from the other end of the world. In response to the US tariffs, mainland China has imposed its own limitations on exporting various medium and heavy rare earth metals, a sector in which it holds a dominant position. According to reports, mainland China controls more than 90% of global rare earth metal production. These key metals are used in almost all manufacturing industrie...

The automotive industry has long been recognized as a high-capital, low-return sector, grappling with various economic pressures and competitive challenges. In recent years, the landscape has shifted dramatically, particularly with the rise of mainland Chinese automotive companies. Here we review the profitability trends between original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and suppliers, and the implications of macroeconomic factors that shape the industry. The automotive sector is currently in tu...

The ability to charge an electric vehicle to a 400-km range in just 5 minutes represents a significant shift in EV technology with advanced semiconductor technology. BYD's Super e Platform achieved this through its newly developed car-grade silicon carbide (SiC) power chips. These chips are rated for 1,500-V operation, essential for supporting the platform's 1,000-V architecture and enabling megawatt-level charging capabilities. While Ron (on-resistance) is a critical factor in evaluating SiC...

The adoption of electric vehicles has not progressed as smoothly as anticipated five years ago. Many have questioned whether the transition to EVs is beneficial, as concerns about their practicality in everyday use persist, despite the advantage of zero tailpipe emissions. According to the S&P Global Mobility consumer survey conducted in 2024, primary concerns include the availability of charging stations, long charging times and the range on a single charge. Nearly half of the respondent...

In the March 2024 electrical/electronic (E/E) semiconductor report titled "Global chessboard of chips: geopolitical shifts reshaping the automotive semiconductor landscape", we highlighted that restrictions on mainland China's access to critical AI chips and autonomous vehicle technology may not solely serve to limit its capabilities. Instead, these measures could potentially accelerate mainland China's efforts to develop domestic alternatives. Over recent years, mainland Chinese companies have ...

Over the years the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) has become a center stage for automotive innovations. CES 2025 focused on the practical implementation of existing technologies rather than introducing new concept models, highlighting a shift toward refining and deploying previously unveiled innovations. Software-defined vehicles (SDVs) emerged as a central theme at CES 2025, reflecting their growing prominence and the intensified support from the broader automotive ecosystem. However, particip...

The recent directive from the US Commerce Department to Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) requires the company to halt shipments of advanced chips used for AI applications to mainland Chinese companies. Effective Nov. 11, 2024, this order targets chips of 7 nanometers (nm) and below, which are essential for supporting AI workloads and graphics processing units (GPUs). TSMC's decision to restrict the use of 7 nm or below processes for AI companies reflects its strategic positioning...

On Dec. 23, 2024, leading Japanese carmakers Nissan Motor Co. and Honda Motor Co. signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to further ongoing discussions for establishing a joint holding company, overarching the Honda and Nissan brands. While the merger could create the world’s third-largest vehicle manufacturer by sales, Nissan and Honda expect that the revenue of a joint holding company could exceed ¥30 trillion ($192.66 billion) with a 10% operating profit margin. This level of profit...

Mobileye hosted its Innovation Day on Dec. 9 and 10, 2024, in Munich, Germany. This event provided analysts and industry stakeholders with an in-depth look at Mobileye's technological advancements, strategic objectives and commercial progress. The agenda featured real-world demonstrations of the EyeQ5-based SuperVision system in production vehicles and the Drive system in robo-taxi vehicles. Additionally, Mobileye presented its technical approach to autonomous vehicle, introduced new technolo...

The US Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has officially implemented substantial revisions to its 5-Star Safety Ratings program, a critical initiative aimed at enhancing road safety across the nation. These updates involve the integration of advanced driver assistance technologies, the introduction of a crashworthiness pedestrian protection program, and the establishment of a strategic plan for future modifications over the next decade. The r...

In the aftermath of the US election, President-elect Donald Trump’s impending return to the Oval Office has sparked widespread speculation about the implications of his second term, particularly in the automotive sector. As the world watches, the intersection of politics and innovation becomes a focal point, with the administration's stance on the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and its impact on electric vehicle supply chains taking center stage. Meanwhile, the alliance between Elon Musk and th...

In recent years, Qualcomm, building on its automotive connectivity solutions, aggressively expanded into automotive domains using system-on-chips (SoCs), focusing on two major areas — the cockpit experience and advanced driver assistance systems. These efforts were showcased by including automotive for the first time in its annual Snapdragon Summit, where Qualcomm revealed its vision and developments for shaping the future of mobility. Key highlights from Snapdragon Summit 2024 Qualcommâ...

In late September, Hurricane Helene caused significant damage across the southern US. The storm brought heavy rainfall, widespread power outages and forced many residents to evacuate. The damage will impact individuals, families, communities and entire regions for weeks, months and perhaps years. Spruce Pine, NC, a small town vital to the global semiconductor supply chain, was among the hardest hit. It is home to the largest known deposit of high-purity quartz (HPQ), supplying over 70% of the wo...

Automotive semiconductor companies have declared their latest financial results for the year, as they continue to execute their strategy. In the first half of 2024, most experienced a decrease in revenue compared to the previous year, after three consecutive years of double-digit growth. Key players such as Infineon and NXP experienced slight year-over-year declines, with Infineon down by about 0.8% and NXP by 4.4%. STMicroelectronics suffered the biggest revenue drop, with a year-over-year decl...

The Indian automotive market is rapidly evolving, and semiconductor suppliers are eyeing it as a fertile ground for expansion. The demand is particularly high in infotainment, telematics and in-car entertainment systems with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) also showing signs of growth in the Indian market, although penetration of such drive assist technologies is relatively low compared to the EU and US markets. In recent years, leading semiconductor companies have been turning thei...

Recent public announcements from key players in the automotive and semiconductor industries have raised alarms about a potential chip shortage expected to hit in the later half of 2025 or 2026. A top executive from Continental has indicated that, based on current forecasts, the industry may face another round of semiconductor shortages around the third or fourth quarter of 2025. During its second-quarter earnings call, TSMC CEO C.C. Wei highlighted that the supply of advanced chips is unlikely t...

In June, Volvo recalled the EX30 electric small sport utility vehicles (SUVs) owing to a software issue. The software update, intended to enhance features and functionality, instead led to a multitude of problems and a surge in customer returns and refund demands. This situation has resulted in a range of issues, including blacked-out infotainment screens, incorrect information displayed on functioning screens and driver profiles reverting back to factory settings. Furthermore, driver aids have ...

The implementation of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) R155 cybersecurity regulation has ramifications for the automotive industry that are more immediate than one would ordinarily expect in the vehicle planning process. It has led to some shuffling of vehicle portfolios among original equipment manufacturers due to inputting cost-benefit scenarios into the vehicle planning process. Porsche's decision to discontinue sales of the internal combustion engine (ICE)-powered M...

The Automotive Computing Conference (ACC) is a premier event that brings together professionals, researchers and enthusiasts from the automotive industry and computing field. Topics covered include autonomous driving technologies, vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure communication, advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), in-vehicle infotainment systems, and the application of artificial intelligence in automotive technologies. Representing S&P Global Mobility, Richard Dixon...

The automotive semiconductor market grew another 18% in 2023 based on revenue share analysis. A solid performance, but 6 points lower than the previous forecast. What happened? What does it mean for the 2024 outlook and beyond? 2023 was good, but not as good as expected The automotive semiconductor market experienced a more than 25% increase in revenue in both 2021 and 2022, demonstrating significant momentum. Subsequently, in 2023, the market continued its upward trajectory with an increa...

Two major mainland China-based lidar suppliers, Hesai Technology and RoboSense, have recently announced the launch of new lidar products aimed at advancing autonomous mobility and intelligent driving systems. Hesai's ATX lidar boasts an ultra-wide field of view (FOV) and long-range detection capabilities, providing vehicles with enhanced 3D perception. It features a compact design, low power consumption, and intelligent rain and fog identification. The ATX has already gained interest from lea...

The Automotive Ethernet Congress is a high-profile event that brings together leading technology experts to discuss the future direction of new vehicle network architectures and all-automotive Ethernet network communication. This congress, typically held annually, focuses on current and future technology and product developments in the automotive Ethernet industry. The event provides a platform for professionals to share knowledge and insights on advanced features of automotive Ethernet technolo...

Nvidia’s GPU Technology Conference (GTC) 2024 took place March 18–21, 2024, at the San Jose Convention Center in San Jose, California. GTC serves as a platform for developers, researchers, engineers, and innovators to explore the latest advancements in GPU technology and its applications across various industries such as AI, autonomous vehicles and more. The conference featured keynote presentations, technical sessions, hands-on workshops and demonstrations all aimed at fostering collabor...

Taiwan's semiconductor industry is a global powerhouse, home to industry leaders like Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC), MediaTek, United Microelectronics Corp. (UMC) and more. These companies are crucial contributors to the global supply of advanced semiconductor chips, which serve as vital components in numerous technological devices, including automobiles. On April 3, 2024, Taiwan was hit by the most powerful earthquake in 25 years, registering a magnitude of 7.4 off the island...

The automotive semiconductor companies have declared their fourth-quarter financial results for 2023, as the companies continued to execute their strategies. Some of the companies have seen better-than-expected yearly results. In fiscal year 2023, automotive semiconductor revenue continued its significant growth trajectory, buoyed by various factors such as the increasing adoption of electric vehicles, advancements in autonomous driving technologies and the proliferation of connected car feat...

bitsensing develops a variety of radar solutions such as its flagship 4D imaging radar solution for autonomous driving, the next-generation traffic radar Traffic Insight Monitoring Sensor (TIMOS), and AI Wellness Radar for illness prediction. The company generated 12 billion South Korean won ($10 million) in revenue in 2023, and its autonomous driving solution is currently undergoing further development for mass production in collaboration with a global automotive tier 1 supplier. bitsensing ...

The high-performance semiconductor platforms showcased at CES 2024 underscore the pivotal role of advanced computing in driving the integration of AI capabilities into the next generation of vehicles. This emphasis on cutting-edge computing lays the foundation for transformative advancements in the automotive landscape. In the short term, the impact and volume of these innovations are expected to center around incremental advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) capabilities. The technical a...

The landscape of automotive engineering is currently witnessing a profound transformation in electronic and electrical (E/E) architectures. This evolution is currently traversing through various stages, which range from today’s distributed set of electronic control units (ECUs) to centralized domains and is now embracing the concept of zonal architectures. The surge in vehicle data generation, fueled by the integration of cutting-edge technologies has been a primary catalyst for this shift. As...

Ethernovia Inc. develops an ethernet system to process the bandwidth demands of the future. It offers a virtual communication solution that enables the software-defined vehicle (SDV) for future automobile communication. The company was incorporated in 2018 and is based in San Jose, California. Earlier this year, Ethernovia closed a $64-million Series A funding round with investors including Porsche SE, Qualcomm Ventures, AMD and Venturetech Alliance.  In September, the company announced a p...

In November, Renesas Electronics Corporation unveiled its latest automotive semiconductor strategy targeting all major applications across the automotive digital domain. While industry giants like NVIDIA, Qualcomm and Mobileye dominate discussions on next-generation automotive electrical/electronic (E/E) platforms, Renesas has carved out a unique position by announcing its new addition to the R-Car platform, R-Car Gen 5 systems on chip (SoCs) and chiplet options. This comprehensive semiconductor...

The automotive industry is currently experiencing profound shifts, ranging from electrification to the introduction of innovative vehicle features. Central to these transformations is the escalating importance of semiconductors. Traditional computing capacities housed in electronic control units (ECU) based on microcontroller units (MCUs) are rapidly becoming inadequate in the face of the expanding computational demands brought on by advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), communication proto...

Semiconductor exhibitions recently witnessed a resurgence in participation, with attendee and sponsor numbers surpassing pre-pandemic levels. The TSMC Symposium and SEMICON West are two such notable events that concluded a few months ago revealing several clear industry trajectories. Paramount among these is the automotive sector's emergent dominance within the semiconductor landscape. It is no longer just about in-car entertainment; we are witnessing a seismic shift as vehicles evolve into tech...

Lumotive's optical semiconductor solutions enable advanced sensing and perception capabilities in next-generation consumer, mobility and industrial automation products, such as mobile devices, autonomous vehicles and robots. On July 27, Lumotive announced that it has entered a commercial agreement with camera-module specialist Namuga, which will leverage Lumotive's Light Control Metasurface (LCM) chipsets to develop solid-state lidar module solutions for a range of 3D-sensing applications in aut...

NXP Connects is an annual conference organized by tier-1 semiconductor supplier NXP Semiconductors. The conference brings together industry professionals, engineers, designers and technology enthusiasts to explore the latest advancements in the world of semiconductors, embedded systems, and internet of things (IoT) technologies. NXP Connects provided a platform for attendees to gain insights into NXP's cutting-edge products, solutions and technologies. The conference featured keynote presenta...

With the rapid rates of electric vehicle adoption continuing in major markets globally, legislative agendas supporting aggressive transitions to phase out mainstream internal combustion engine (ICE) usage, and supply chains gearing up accordingly, the narrative around electrification technology is shifting toward one of maturity and scale. Click the link above to download the full article.

The global semiconductor industry has become a critical battleground for economic dominance, particularly between the US and mainland China. Mainland China will impose export controls on two metals used in semiconductor chip production to "safeguard national security and interests", the Ministry of Commerce and General Administration of Customs said in a notice on July 3. "The export control is not an export ban, and permits will be granted if exports comply with the relevant regulations," Shu J...

Gateway hardware serves as the vital link between modern automobiles and the digital world. An automotive network gateway is a vital component that acts as a communication hub between various electronic systems within the vehicle. A key role is to enable data exchange and communication between different networks or domains within the vehicle. In a vehicle, multiple electronic control units (ECUs) are responsible for controlling distinct functions like engine control, braking, steering, infota...

The automotive industry is undergoing a fascinating transformation with the emergence of steer-by-wire (SBW) technology, which is poised to revolutionize the driving experience and pave the way for the vehicles of tomorrow. As electric power steering (EPS) systems continue to dominate the market, SBW systems are captivating the industry by replacing mechanical connections with algorithms, electronics and actuators. The progress in semiconductor technology, control systems, electrical architec...

The market for wide bandgap power devices is projected to reach $19.45 billion in 2029, showing significant growth from $1.38 billion in 2022, indicating a CAGR of approximately 46%. SiC technology finds main applications in OBC, DC-DC conversion, and traction inverters, while also holding potential for new high-power applications centered around thermal management in BEVs, including PT heaters.  Click the link above to download this insight

Japan has announced export controls on 23 types of advanced semiconductor-manufacturing equipment, in response to US pressure to limit mainland China's access to the technology. Japan's export controls are seen as an attempt to limit mainland China's access to semiconductor technology. The move, which is expected to come into force in July, will affect around 10 major companies including Nikon and Tokyo Electron. These companies would need to get licenses to ship a broader-than-expected array of...

In vehicle electrical and electronic (E/E) architecture, a zone controller is a type of electronic control unit (ECU) that is responsible for managing and coordinating the various subsystems within a particular area, or "zone," of the vehicle. The zone controller acts as an intermediary between these subsystems and the main vehicle network, facilitating communication and ensuring that the subsystems are working together in a coordinated and efficient manner. This allows for greater flexibility i...

With Level 2+ autonomous vehicles nearing mass-market adoption and the era of the software-defined vehicle fast approaching, a new battle for control is set to emerge. Click the link above to download the full article.

Known for pushing the boundaries of innovation in the automobile industry, US automaker Tesla announced that it plans to slash the use of Silicon Carbide (SiC) transistors by 75% in its EVs (electric vehicles). During Tesla's Investor Day presentation in 2023, which was largely focused on efficiency and cost control, Colin Campbell, Tesla's powertrain engineering leader, discussed how the company plans to reduce the cost of their EV powertrains while maintaining high performance and energy effic...

To keep up with the technological advances and to better protect road users, EU has revised its General Safety Regulation with Regulation 2019/2144, (GSR II). It introduces a range of mandatory advanced driver assistant systems (ADAS) to improve road safety and establishes parts of the legal framework for the approval of automated and fully driverless vehicles in the EU. GSR II covers all motor vehicles (including passenger cars, light commercial vehicles (LCVs), buses, trucks and trailers), wit...

The US government has unveiled a new artificial intelligence (AI) and semiconductor export limits strategy for mainland China in October 2022. The limitations prevent major US AI computer chip designers, like NVIDIA and AMD, from exporting their high-end AI and supercomputing processors to mainland China. NVIDIA revealed in a regulatory filing that it needs permission from Washington to continue selling some high-end chips to mainland China. These AI accelerators are installed in large datace...

The first Consumer Electronic Show kicked off in 1967, with 250 exhibitors and 17,500 attendees in New York City. Since then, CES has grown by more than 10-fold and now encompasses traditional and non-traditional tech industries. Following limited participation in the last few editions owing to the impact of COVID-19, the annual Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas was back in full swing this year. Automotive companies showcased new concepts and products with a huge chunk dedicated to UI/UX. C...

The automotive semiconductor companies’ have declared their third-quarter financial results for the year, as the companies continued to execute their strategy. Some of the companies have performed better-than-expected quarterly results. However, the year 2022 is still very volatile, making it difficult to predict the semiconductor company’s short-term automotive revenues.   S&P Global Mobility has considered the pulse of top chip suppliers from third-quarter earnings to estimate ...

The CASE megatrends – connected, autonomous, shared and electric – in case you’ve not been paying attention, have been the hot topics of the automotive industry in the past decade. They’ve even given rise to talk of the industry in the whole as the mobility industry rather than the more prosaic automotive industry. But is the CASE narrative running into trouble? Hot on the heels of the news that Ford and VW were exiting their Argo AI autonomous driving technology venture came news out...

Qualcomm conducted its first automotive investor day on 22 September 2022. In the past, the automotive industry was considered a minor part of the multiple sectors Qualcomm covers. As a result of ongoing trends in the automotive industry, such as connected mobility and autonomous driving, Qualcomm's technologies are in high demand, and their adoption is accelerating. The automotive sector generates predictable long-term earnings growth and diversification for Qualcomm and is growing into an impo...

Megatrends associated with the penetration of driving assistance and driving automation features have stimulated demand for a new range of specialized chassis-related controllers designed specifically for the application in vehicles equipped with alternate centralized electrical/electronic architectures (EEAs). The previous article on this subject examined why the auto industry is moving toward centralized EEAs, how the application of domain controllers is helping to drive improvements to int...

An autonomy domain controller (ADC) is a central processing unit that integrates inputs from several sensors around System-on-Chip (SoC) processors. Based on sensor data, the ADC evaluates information from multiple sources to arrive at an outcome or guidance for the driver or vehicle to implement, such as indicators to the driver to aid parking or execute a lane change. In autonomous vehicles, ADCs directly communicate with control systems to independently drive the vehicle. The complexity of...

Over the last few years developments in the driving assistance and automation feature market have driven demands for a new generation of automotive controllers that are able to process, analyze, and communicate increasingly large amounts of complex real-time data rapidly, efficiently, and flawlessly. A progressive electronification of vehicle systems, meanwhile, has led to the penetration of by-wire chassis systems equipped with electronic control units (ECUs) that process information fed fro...

The automotive industry is undergoing a period of huge change fuelled by the adoption of connectivity, autonomous driving, shared mobility, and electrification. Digital cockpits, the Internet of Things (IoT), and advanced human-machine-interface can also be included in the list of trends. In addition to automotive safety and comfort features, the kind of connected-ecosystem experience that customers have come to expect from their smartphones has become increasingly important, and OEMs now com...

Complexity in the software has increased to a level where it has become not just difficult to debug and maintain, but it has compounded an OEM’s already difficult situation to comprehend the overall system interactions between various electronic control units (ECUs) and to properly test all the various combinations of features in a car. Most of the software in vehicles is written by suppliers that also use third-party software and work with externals, so the OEM’s control on the result is ve...

The rising trend of multiple high-resolution displays in vehicle interiors is creating a strong demand for a high-performance System-on-Chip (SoC) from OEMs over the next five to six years. This article offers insights from IHS Markit analysts into the key factors that will drive demand for such high-performance chips. In modern vehicles, with consolidated electrical and electronic (E/E) architecture, a single SoC could be required to process a large amount of data, including video feed from mul...

In 2022, the car chip market exceeded USD52 billion—a new high-water mark. In the wake of the growing global chip shortage due to COVID-19, prices for automotive semiconductors are reset, resulting in higher revenue for car chips in 2021 and 2022. The chip content continues to increase in the next five years, driven by electrification, autonomous driving, and connected cars, and automotive revenue will double again by 2027. The average chip value in cars will top USD1,000 by 2027. This arti...

A dramatic surge in new COVID-19 infections and the breakout of a new sub-strain of the Omicron variant forced the mainland Chinese government to impose a full-scale lockdown in the country’s financial hub, Shanghai, from early April. Shanghai is a major automotive component manufacturing hub as well, and a prolonged lockdown in the city would cause significant disruptions to vehicle production in the region, and logistical barriers hindering export of parts from the country. The lockdown h...

UWB is a short-range wireless communication system that employs radio waves, similar to Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. UWB can enable the very accurate measurement of time of flight (ToF) of the radio signal, leading to centimeter accuracy of distance and location calculations. In the United States, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) authorized the unlicensed use of UWB in 2002. According to recent IHS Markit analysis, the adoption of UWB technology will significantly rise in applications such ...

Japan-based chipmaker Renesas Electronics halted some of its production on 17 March after a 7.4-magnitude earthquake caused a tsunami in the country's northeast, causing blackouts and disrupting transportation. Renesas has temporarily stopped production at two semiconductor plants and partially stopped output at a third production after an earthquake.  One of the factories affected is Renesas’s Naka fab, which produces microcontrollers (MCUs) for the automotive industry. Based on dat...

Neon is used for the manufacturing of mature process nodes, which are already under supply chain pressure. The reduction in gas supply will likely lead to higher neon prices but will this cause any significant supply shortages of semiconductors? The supply chain and technology team of IHS Markit has been monitoring the Russia-Ukraine crisis to closely assess its impact on the already challenged automotive semiconductor supply chain. It is anticipated that the semiconductor grade neon supply f...

In 2021, chip technology has strategic geopolitical significance as every regional government announced billions of dollars in support of semiconductor industry. Now, semiconductors are at the center of major geostrategic interests as well as the global technological race. Automakers are eager to secure their supply of chips because they understand how it will affect their ability to act (economically and industrially) and drive digital transformation. The United States is currently debati...

The automotive semiconductor supply tightness will likely ease in 2022 and in the first half of 2023. However, there is a risk of pressure points building up again at the end of 2023 or early 2024. According to IHS Markit’s analysis, new concerns are emerging over the supply of analog chips. After microcontrollers (MCU) in 2021, analog chips are likely to become the main constraint for vehicle production for the next three years. The two major chip categories that have been most affected by...

Well-known auto parts maker Aptiv acquired automotive and IoT software developer Wind River on 11 January 2022. This is the first automotive acquisition of this year. This deal is the biggest since 2017 and the divergence of Delphi by Aptiv. Aptiv Aptiv PLC, formerly known as Delphi Automotive PLC, is a tier-1 supplier for the automotive industry. Aptiv designs and manufactures vehicle components and provides electrical and electronic and active safety technology solutions to the global au...

Ford Motor took a step toward in addressing the chip shortage challenge in November, announcing a collaboration that will allow GlobalFoundries (GF) to increase supplies of semiconductors for Ford for its current vehicle lineup, as well as research and development (R&D) purposes. Ford already purchases chips from the company, but the new collaboration allows for more direct discussions, which could speed up manufacturing and purchasing. This is also an example of the OEMs working to avoid lo...

Taiwan-based Foxconn, formally known as Hon Hai Technology Group, is promoting a new electric vehicle (EV) business model that has the potential to drive extensive collaboration in the industry, reduce research and development (R&D) cost, and shorten the development cycle for new EV products. Over the next five years, Foxconn could emerge as a company that can drive significant changes in EV manufacturing value chain and make the e-mobility landscape more competitive for the established OEMs...

Over the coming years, the automotive industry will be significantly affected by the confluence of autonomous driving, electrification, connectivity, and shared mobility. There has been rapid growth in the volume of data flowing in the vehicle, as more cameras, radar, and lidar systems provide huge amounts of raw data for processing either at the edge or for a sensor fusion electronic control unit (ECU). Meanwhile, next-generation infotainment systems become much more sophisticated and exchange ...

The ongoing global semiconductor shortage shows no signs of easing. Since the COVID-19 pandemic forced industry shutdowns, automakers have been grappling with vehicle productions caused by the unavailability of key car chips. According to the IHS Markit October light vehicle production forecast, total production has been cut by over 6% from August data to 74.8 million units in 2021. One of the biggest challenges is the shortage of microcontrollers (MCUs), which are required for all electronic...

For many years, growth in automotive sensors had been driven by improvements in safety, comfort, and propulsion efficiency, often spurred by local market regulations on emissions or key safety systems. While advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) have led to new suites of sensors, such as radar, lidar, and cameras, the established sensors for measuring speed, current and position, or pressure and flow, are now being significantly affected by electrification, and especially in regards to ...

The IHS Markit light vehicle production forecast has been cut by 6.2% or 5.02 million units in 2021, and by 9.3% or 8.45 million units in 2022, to stand at 75.8 million units and 82.6 million units, respectively. For 2023, we have reduced the forecast by 1.05 million units or 1.1% to 92 million units; this is a front-loaded adjustment and from the second quarter output levels are expected to be able to accelerate as supply chains return to normal. If this is the case then strong pent-up demand a...

Despite chip plants effectively running on full capacity, the global chip-shortage crisis may not be resolved next year, warned executives from German automotive companies during the IAA Mobility 2021 show in Munich. Top executives from several companies have publicly stated that they do not know when the chip shortage will be resolved. CEO of Daimler Ola Källenius said that “several chip suppliers have been referring to structural problems with demand … This could influence 2022 and [th...

Qualcomm, headquartered in California, is a semiconductor company best known for its efforts in smartphone connectivity through its popular Snapdragon brand of modems, application processors, and now radio frequency (RF). While smartphones are undoubtedly the company's bread and butter, Qualcomm also has a significant presence in a number of other industries. A great example of this is its USD10 billion (backlog) automotive business. While Qualcomm is a latecomer to the broader automotive ele...

Compared to the previous light vehicle production forecast, almost 1.5 million fewer vehicles are forecast to be produced in 2021, which translates to a growth of 11.7% over 2020. Another 1 million more cars are now forecast to be produced in 2022 followed by a 700,000-unit increase in 2023. These vary regionally with North America seeing the biggest reduction in 2021 at about 1.1 million fewer cars produced, followed by Europe with a reduction of about 600,000 units. Greater China is forecast t...

The ongoing global semiconductor shortage is causing major problems for many industries worldwide. The shortage has been going on for a while, triggered first by the pandemic slowing production and exacerbated by a variety of factors ranging from changing market dynamics to geopolitical tensions. As shortages spread from automobiles to smartphones and displays, governments from Washington to Brussels and Beijing prioritized semiconductors. Major changes are taking place in the manufacturing s...

Semiconductor chips are critical components in new automobiles spanning from advanced infotainment systems to basic equipment such as power steering and brakes. Vehicles have thousands of semiconductors worth hundreds of US dollars, depending on the car and its options. Therefore, the semiconductor crisis that began in the first quarter of 2021 has brought assembly lines to a halt worldwide. The silicon chips have hampered the manufacturing of everything from smartphones to home appliances to...

In the year 2020, the automotive semiconductor industry saw a series of unprecedented challenges that all started with the COVID-19 pandemic. Firstly, the decline in vehicle sales caused automakers to shut down production plants; then, suppliers canceled chip manufacturing orders, which later resulted in supply chain disruption. In the first quarter of 2020, automotive electronics companies such as NXP, Infineon, Renesas, Texas Instruments, and STMicroelectronics, were all affected by COVID-1...

The COVID-19 pandemic caused a major disruption just as the automotive industry was beginning to show signs of recovery. With demand for semiconductors growing across most markets, especially in consumer electronics, the auto industry has been facing a significant shortage of chips since the beginning of the year. This dearth has resulted in all major automakers idling plants, which has put a considerable dent on vehicle production. Carmakers have lost out on the production of around 1.2 million...

Since late 2020, there has been disruption within the supply chain of semiconductors to the automotive sector. Pressure built as the industry recovered from the widespread lockdowns implemented in the first half of 2020. Furthermore, the recovery cycle clashed with increasing demand from the wider consumer electronics sector, which was recovering strongly, and late in the year, building stocks for the holiday season. As a result, vehicle manufacturers are finding increased disruption to the s...

The semiconductor shortage crisis has hit the automotive industry at a time when the sector started to experience a moderate recovery in production levels following a pandemic-inflicted slowdown. The ramp up in demand of chips from the automotive industry started when the supply lines were already stretched by significant demand for chips from the consumer electronics sector, for 5G phones and infrastructure, new gaming platforms, and IT equipment. There are no easy fixes to the capacity constra...

In December 2020, IHS Markit published a comprehensive update on the impact of the semiconductor supply shortage on the automotive market, the link for which can be found here. Toward the end of 2020, it was evident that a shortage in the supply of semiconductors would disrupt the automotive industry. Widespread lockdowns caused by the COVID-19 pandemic led to the temporary suspension of activities in manufacturing units for a significant part of the year. However, after industries reopened, ...

The automotive industry has witnessed a sharp deceleration in vehicle sales over the last couple of years. While the trend was expected to reverse by the second half of 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic will certainly sustain the slump. Despite the temporary setback, the industry is entering a crucial period. The increase in electric vehicle (EV) production, the advancement of autonomous driving technologies, and the deployment of connected car systems are going to drive demand in the automotive senso...

IHS Markit conducted a survey in July that asked 30 automotive semiconductor suppliers about the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) viral pandemic. According to the survey, most respondents saw demand for automotive semiconductors rebounding faster than expected compared to a previous IHS Markit poll in April. Although demand was returning, it was not happening at an alarming rate, and semiconductor inventory levels were relatively constant. In short, there were few indications of...

In terms of consumer demand, electric vehicles (EVs) are still far away from internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. There is a constant and increasing push from automakers, suppliers, and technology companies to make EVs more efficient on performance and range to make them a viable alternative to ICE vehicles. In this endeavor, most of the attention has been on the improvements in battery and motor technology. However, in the background, a lot of R&D is happening to improve a few other c...

The rise in connected and autonomous services along with the growth in the number of electric vehicles (EVs) has led to the adoption of various new technologies in the automotive industry over the last decade. This trend has led to a broader use of wide bandgap (WBG) semiconductor materials. While silicon carbide (SiC) is already widely used in automotive components, the industry is currently exploring the adoption possibilities of gallium nitride (GaN). GaN can be used for manufacturing semi...

With the growing number of connected, autonomous, and electric vehicles on the road, ethernet in automotive is inevitable and will become crucial. The sixth edition of the annual Automotive Ethernet Congress was held in Munich on 12 and 13 February 2020. During the event, industry leaders and experts discussed new technologies, such as SerDes links and plastic optical fiber, and trends, such as the expected migration of the in-vehicle network (IVN) from the largely distributed, one-feature-per-E...

Safety has become an incredibly important priority for today’s automotive manufacturers. Vehicles are becoming increasingly powerful and more complex, and when that is coupled with improving road infrastructure in many parts of the world and a steadily rising density of automobiles, it has the potential to become a high-risk mix. Therefore, making vehicles as safe as possible is vital. Manufacturers have added a wide variety of safety features to their model lineups, and these features eventua...

The automotive industry experienced one of its most sluggish periods over the last couple of years. Macroeconomic factors such as the US–China trade war and a weak Chinese manufacturing output led to dented consumer sentiment across most verticals, but the automotive industry bore one of the biggest brunt. Passenger car sales have been badly hit during the period, including in major markets such as China, and recovery is not expected until at least the second half of 2020. However, the grow...

The growth in electrification, connected car and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), along with the strict regulatory emphasis on emission norms in the automotive industry, have set the ball rolling for changes that are expected to continue well into this decade. Multiple macro-economic factors led to depleted auto sales in 2019 around the world. Automakers cut car production during the year leading to, what IHS Markit predicts, will be a 2.9% drop in semiconductor sales. Power semiconduc...

Sales of plug-in electric vehicles (PEV) totaled more than 2 million units in 2018, a 63% increase from the previous year, according to the IEA’s Global EV Outlook 2019. PEVs accounted for 2% of global light-vehicle sales in 2018, which is a quantum jump from 0.3% in 2015. If recent announcements by OEMs on electrification are any indication, PEVs will continue to record strong growth over the next decade. IHS Markit forecasts production of battery electric vehicle (BEV) to be over 15 million ...