Di Yi Cai Jing·2026-02-27 13:25Core Viewpoint - The automotive industry is facing a significant shortage of DRAM chips, leading to increased costs and potential price hikes for vehicles due to rising chip prices [1][2][4]. Group 1: Chip Price Increases - The price of general DRAM is expected to rise by 55% to 60%, while NAND Flash prices are projected to increase by 33% to 38%. High-end automotive-grade DDR5 chips have seen price surges of up to 300% [1]. - Since the second half of 2025, automotive storage chips have experienced substantial price increases, with car-grade DRAM prices rising by 180% in three months and DDR4 prices increasing over 150% [2]. - The current shortage is attributed to a shift in supply dynamics, as major DRAM manufacturers are reducing production of lower-margin DDR4 chips in favor of higher-margin HBM and DDR5 chips [2][3]. Group 2: Impact on Automotive Costs - The cost of DRAM chips for a mid-range electric vehicle, which typically requires 5 to 6 chips, has increased from approximately 700 yuan to about 2000 yuan, reflecting a nearly threefold rise [4][5]. - The overall cost pressure on automotive manufacturers is expected to lead to an increase in vehicle prices, with estimates suggesting a cost increase of 1000 to 3000 yuan due to rising storage chip prices [5]. - Some manufacturers, like Volkswagen and BYD, have secured priority supply through long-term agreements, but the overall price increases remain unavoidable [5]. Group 3: Market Dynamics and Consumer Behavior - The average price of passenger vehicles in China has risen, with the average price reaching 186,000 yuan in January 2026, an increase of 15,000 yuan [6]. - The average price of new energy vehicles also saw a significant rise, reaching 195,000 yuan in January 2026, up from 179,000 yuan in December 2025 [6]. - The ongoing "trade-in" policy for vehicles in 2026 is expected to stimulate consumer demand, particularly in the mid-to-high-end market segment [6].