Semiconductor Strategy & Validation - Ming-Chi Kuo's analysis and predictions regarding Elon Musk's semiconductor strategy are validated by Musk's remarks at the latest Tesla shareholder meeting [1] - Musk anticipates transitioning to AI6 within a year of AI5 production, aiming to double performance metrics, aligning with industry projections of AI6 mass production in 2027 [1] Tesla's Chip Production Ambitions - Musk's intention to build Tesla's own chip production plants validates the view that shifting AI6 orders to Samsung was to gain foundry experience at a low cost [2] - Musk is concerned about future chip supply, stating current supplier capacity projections are insufficient [2] - The industry believes TSMC is unlikely to be the primary bottleneck, as TSMC CEO indicated willingness to supply chips if Tesla is willing to pay [2] Geopolitical & Strategic Considerations - Geopolitical concerns, particularly the concentration of advanced node capacity in Taiwan, drive Musk's desire for a Tesla chip production plant [3] - TSMC's advanced-node and advanced-packaging capacity in the U S is expected to remain limited, likely no more than approximately 10% of its global capacity by 2030 [3] - Tesla, as a second-tier customer at TSMC, experiences less priority on R&D support and production flexibility, motivating the move of AI6 to Samsung and the pursuit of its own chip production [3] Integration & Customization Advantages - Customizing key design and manufacturing segments, particularly chip production, enables a highly integrated final product and maximizes the benefits of vertical integration for Tesla's cutting-edge technologies [4]

How quickly can we stand up uh more and better chip production in the US. For sure. Look, it's a huge priority for us to get geographic diversity. It's a big priority to get um more manufacturing in the US.I think we've seen um some big strides. So, uh, the progress that's been made, um, on the silicon side, for example, in Arizona with, you know, TSMC's, um, you know, new investments as well as some of their announcements. We have some of our trips running there right now, and they look really, really good ...