Mei Ri Jing Ji Xin Wen·2026-01-21 14:34Core Insights - The automotive industry is facing significant cost pressures due to rising prices of memory chips, which are critical for smart vehicle systems, as demand from AI and data centers outpaces supply [1][2][6][8]. Group 1: Market Dynamics - The demand for DRAM and NAND flash memory is surging, driven by AI applications and data centers, leading to a supply shortage that is expected to worsen [2][4]. - Memory chip prices have seen dramatic increases, with DDR5 prices rising over 300% and DDR4 over 150% since September 2025 [3]. - The automotive sector, which accounts for less than 10% of the global DRAM market, is at a disadvantage as chip manufacturers prioritize higher-margin clients in the AI and cloud sectors [2][6]. Group 2: Supply Chain Challenges - Major semiconductor manufacturers are reallocating production capacity to meet the growing demand from AI, leaving automotive manufacturers to compete for limited resources [6][7]. - The transition to new memory technologies, such as LPDDR5, is hampered by the ongoing demand from AI, leading to a mismatch between automotive needs and available supply [7][8]. Group 3: Cost Implications - Automotive manufacturers are currently unable to fully pass on the increased costs of memory chips to consumers due to competitive market pressures [8][10]. - There are concerns that the supply of memory chips may not meet automotive production needs, with forecasts suggesting that supply satisfaction could fall below 50% [8][9]. Group 4: Strategic Recommendations - Industry experts suggest that automotive companies should consider long-term agreements with local memory manufacturers to secure supply and stabilize prices [10]. - A balanced approach to product memory configuration and transparent communication with consumers regarding pricing adjustments is recommended to manage cost pressures effectively [10].