Core Viewpoint - The European Commission has approved a €623 million (approximately $729.16 million) aid package from the German government to support the construction of two semiconductor manufacturing plants in Germany, aimed at bolstering the automotive chip ecosystem in Europe [3][4]. Group 1: Impact on Automotive Chip Supply - The aid is seen as a crucial step for the EU in building a self-sufficient semiconductor supply chain, addressing the ongoing chip shortage in the automotive industry exacerbated by the "Nexperia incident" and other supply chain issues [5]. - The funding includes €495 million for GlobalFoundries to expand its foundry capacity, focusing on producing 28nm and more advanced chips essential for automotive electronics, which currently meet only 30% of local demand [5]. - X-FAB will receive €128 million to establish an open chip foundry, providing flexible manufacturing resources for small design firms, thereby lowering entry barriers for automotive Tier 1 suppliers [5]. Group 2: Addressing Manufacturing Shortcomings - Germany has historically relied on Asian and American suppliers for semiconductor needs, revealing vulnerabilities during the global chip shortage that led to over a million vehicle production cuts [6]. - The new plants will target automotive-grade chips, including power semiconductors and microcontrollers, which are critical for vehicle performance and safety [6]. - The initiative aims to transform Germany's position in the global automotive chip supply chain, moving from reliance on imports to local production capabilities [6]. Group 3: Short-term and Long-term Benefits - The construction of these plants is expected to provide immediate capacity relief for the German and European automotive industries, with production anticipated to start between 2027 and 2028 [7]. - Local production will significantly reduce supply chain response times, addressing the logistical challenges posed by long shipping times from Asia [7]. - In the long term, these facilities will enhance the integration of research and development with manufacturing, ensuring that chip production keeps pace with evolving automotive technology [8]. Group 4: Future Projections and Strategic Goals - Experts predict that by 2030, Europe's self-sufficiency in automotive chips could rise from 35% to 55%, reducing dependence on external suppliers and enhancing the region's bargaining power in the global supply chain [9]. - The initiative aligns with the EU's broader goal of achieving 20% of global semiconductor production by 2030, moving away from the "design in Europe, manufacture in Asia" model [10]. - The EU's conditional subsidy model may inspire similar strategies in other countries, potentially leading to a new wave of regional industrial policy competition [11].
欧盟6.23亿欧元支持德国新建两家芯片厂,力避车企再“芯荒”?
Zhong Guo Qi Che Bao Wang·2025-12-12 06:01