Zheng Quan Shi Bao·2026-01-13 18:06Core Insights - The automotive industry is facing unprecedented supply chain cost pressures driven by rising prices of memory chips, metals, and batteries, which are significantly impacting manufacturing costs [1][4] - The demand for storage chips in modern electric vehicles is growing exponentially, with high-end models requiring between 64GB to 256GB, potentially reaching terabyte levels by 2030 [3][8] - The competition for resources between the automotive sector and emerging industries like AI and energy storage is intensifying, leading to a supply-demand imbalance for critical components [5][10] Memory Chip Supply Crisis - By 2026, the automotive industry may face a memory chip supply crisis, with a predicted supply satisfaction rate of less than 50% [2] - The global DRAM market is experiencing its strongest price surge, with prices for DDR4 and DDR5 chips increasing by 200-300% over the past year [2][8] - The automotive sector's transition to smart vehicles has made storage chips essential, as they support various functions from infotainment to autonomous driving systems [2][3] Rising Material Costs - The prices of key metals such as copper, silver, and lithium have been on the rise, contributing to increased manufacturing costs for vehicles [3][4] - The cost increase for raw materials is being passed down to battery production, further straining automotive manufacturers [3][7] - The automotive industry is struggling to balance supply chain resilience with cost control amid these pressures [1][4] Competitive Resource Allocation - The automotive industry is in a "disproportionate competition" with AI companies for high-end memory resources, as AI applications are prioritizing these components [5][6] - Major memory manufacturers are focusing on fulfilling orders from AI clients, which are often more profitable than those from the automotive sector [5][6] - Predictions indicate that by 2027, approximately 70% of global DRAM capacity will be allocated to AI, significantly reducing availability for traditional industries like automotive [5][6] Supply Chain Adjustments - Automotive companies are actively seeking ways to mitigate cost pressures through supply chain optimization and technology transformation [10][11] - Some companies are exploring partnerships with local suppliers and signing long-term contracts to secure better pricing and availability [10][11] - The ongoing supply chain challenges may lead to a significant restructuring of the automotive industry, with a focus on building more resilient and self-sufficient supply systems [11][12]