日本2nm，再获大投资

Core Viewpoint - Honda is preparing to invest in the Japanese chip manufacturer Rapidus to secure a domestic supply of semiconductors needed for next-generation vehicles [1][2]. Group 1: Investment Details - Honda is considering acquiring shares in Rapidus in the second half of the fiscal year ending March 2025, with expected investment amounting to several billion yen [1]. - Existing shareholders, including Toyota, NTT, and Sony Group, have already invested a total of 7.3 billion yen (approximately 50.4 million USD) in Rapidus [1]. - Rapidus is seeking an additional 5 trillion yen in funding before it begins mass production in 2027, with the Japanese government committing 1.72 trillion yen, leaving a funding gap of over 3 trillion yen [2]. Group 2: Strategic Partnerships - Honda plans to develop its own semiconductors for autonomous vehicles while outsourcing production to external foundries [1]. - The collaboration with Rapidus will help stabilize the procurement of next-generation automotive chips [1]. - In 2023, Honda signed a strategic cooperation agreement with TSMC to procure automotive chips, with TSMC set to start mass production of 2nm node chips in the second half of 2025 [1]. Group 3: Geopolitical Considerations - Partnering with Rapidus allows Honda to mitigate geopolitical risks arising from tensions between Taiwan and mainland China [1].