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Core Viewpoint - The automotive chip discussion is shifting towards software-defined vehicles (SDV), with a focus on centralized and domain-controlled architectures, leading traditional chip manufacturers to adapt their strategies and technologies to remain competitive in the evolving market [1][9]. Group 1: Traditional Automotive Electronics - The traditional automotive electronic architecture is highly distributed, with high-end models using dozens to hundreds of ECUs, each serving specific functions like engine control and safety systems [3][4]. - Major players like TI, NXP, and Infineon have dominated the MCU market, which reached $6 billion in 2020, accounting for 40% of the global MCU market share [4][3]. - The rise of intelligent vehicles has disrupted this balance, as companies like Qualcomm and NVIDIA have entered the market with high-performance computing solutions, challenging traditional chip manufacturers [4][5]. Group 2: Emergence of High-Performance Computing - Qualcomm has established a strong presence in the cockpit chip market, with a 67% share in the Chinese passenger vehicle cockpit chip market as of 2024, driven by its advanced Snapdragon series [5][6]. - NVIDIA has dominated the autonomous driving sector, with its Orin chip achieving 508 TOPS of computing power, and its latest Thor chip reaching 2000 TFLOPS [6][7]. - The complexity of software and the need for high computing power in both cockpit and autonomous driving systems have made traditional MCUs less competitive [6][7]. Group 3: Strategic Response from Traditional MCU Manufacturers - Traditional MCU manufacturers are launching new products to regain control in the SDV landscape, focusing on high integration, advanced processes, and software architecture [9][10]. - NXP's S32N7 processor, based on 5nm technology, aims to be a system-level coordinator for core vehicle functions, emphasizing hardware isolation and software-defined partitioning [12][11]. - Renesas introduced the R-Car Gen 5 X5H, the first multi-domain automotive SoC built on 3nm technology, supporting ADAS and infotainment systems [15][16]. Group 4: Competitive Landscape and Value Reassessment - The shift from distributed to centralized architectures is redefining the roles of MCU manufacturers, transforming them from background players to key players in vehicle core functions [21][20]. - The strategic significance of this transition includes differentiated competition focusing on real-time reliability and safety, leveraging decades of experience and established relationships in the automotive industry [21][22]. - Cost control through high integration and efficiency is a common goal among MCU giants, with estimates suggesting potential cost reductions of up to 20% for NXP's S32N7 [22][21].