Core Viewpoint - The demand for memory chips, driven by AI training and inference, has surged over the past two years, leading to price increases and supply shortages that are impacting the automotive supply chain. The shortage is expected to persist for one to two years, with limited space for domestic alternatives [3][4]. Group 1: Supply Chain Dynamics - The automotive industry is facing a significant supply gap of approximately 30% for memory chips, with suppliers unable to meet the demand from multiple clients simultaneously [5]. - Major memory manufacturers like SK Hynix, Samsung, and Micron have shifted their production focus from traditional DRAM to higher-margin HBM chips due to strong AI demand, resulting in a price increase of over 300% for DDR5 and over 150% for DDR4 since September 2025 [9][10]. - The automotive sector accounts for less than 10% of the global DRAM market, and memory chips only represent about 1% of the total BOM cost for vehicles, leading manufacturers to prioritize higher-paying clients [9][10]. Group 2: Competitive Landscape - Companies that secured memory chip capacity in advance are gaining a competitive edge, as they can protect their clients and navigate the crisis more effectively [5][11]. - Some leading automotive companies have begun switching suppliers to secure stable pricing and supply commitments, but this process is complicated by the need for certification and testing [11]. - The reliance on suppliers for inventory and negotiations means that automotive companies are at a disadvantage during supply crises, as suppliers prioritize clients willing to share cost burdens [11]. Group 3: Future Implications - The ongoing memory supply crisis is likely to lead automotive companies to make more strategic decisions regarding memory configurations in their products, potentially reducing specifications for lower-tier models and freezing certain software functionalities [12]. - Domestic manufacturers like Changxin Storage and Yangtze Memory Technologies are expanding their DRAM production, but the delivery timelines have extended significantly, indicating limited immediate relief for the automotive sector [12].
内存紧缺,被压了三年价的供应商替车企扛住第一波冲击