The automotive semiconductor industry: disruptive transitions and a new deal

Despite a relatively flat light vehicle market, the market for semiconductor chips is expected to increase from $44 billion in 2021 to $80.7 billion in 2027 at a CAGR of 11.1%. This represents a semiconductor chip value of ~$550/car, growing to ~$912 in 2027. It is also an increase in the number of chips implemented in cars, from ~820 chips today to ~1100 chips per car in 2027. 

In this dynamic context, Yole Intelligence has developed a dedicated report to provide an in-depth understanding of the changing automotive industry ecosystem and supply chain. In its Semiconductor Trends in Automotive 2022 report, the company, part of Yole Group, details the current and future internal and external factors affecting the durability of the car industry. It also provides a complete overview of the current technology trends and market forecasts, including wafers, for cars. This study delivers key technical insights and analyses about future technology trends and challenges. 

In addition, Yole SystemPlus experts, also part of Yole Group, are daily working on automotive Teardown Tracks. They are Reverse Costing analyses of electronic systems with technology and cost assessments. Yole SystemPlus’ experts deconstruct these systems with the purpose of scrutinising the automotive systems of various types right down to the semiconductor level, determining their supply chains in the process.

According to Pierrick Boulay, Senior Technology & Market Analyst in the Photonics and Sensing Division at Yole Intelligence: “The rapid increase in car electrification demands new types of substrates, such as SiC for power electronics. It is expected to represent 1,130 kwafers in 2027. While still low compared to the ~30,500 kwafers of Si expected for 2027, SiC will grow faster than Si and GaAs /Sapphire. ADAS is also an important driver, and MCU s with cutting-edge technology as low as 16nm / 10nm will go into ADAS, including radar and other sensor controls. Levels 4 and 5 of autonomy will drive increasing demand for more memory (DRAM) and computing power.”

For electrification, vertical integration is becoming popular among OEMs. It can work out in multiple ways: full integration down to the component level, system integration and subcontracting build-to-print parts, strategic cooperation/direct investments with key component suppliers, etc. The conventional automotive supply chain needs to examine its position thoroughly and transform through JVs, M&As, and new investments and divestments to retain its competitive edge.

Although semiconductors are critical to the automotive industry in the ongoing disruptive transition, most players, both OEMs and T1 suppliers, do not have well-defined strategies for semiconductors yet. Specific expertise in semiconductor technologies and their supply chains, both internally and externally, is urgently needed to prepare for the future.

Eric Mounier, Ph.D.,Director of Market Research at Yole Intelligence: “Supply chain management will change as OEMs will need to negotiate directly with chip manufacturers, learn from the consumer industry, and keep ‘buffer stock’, “They must work closer with chip manufacturers on volume forecasts and long-term orders. Just-in-time manufacturing, pioneered by Toyota in the 1960s, no longer works with chip manufacturers in the current geopolitical climate”.

Yole Intelligence and Yole SystemPlus teams invite you to follow the automotive semiconductor industry, the technology evolution, and the competitive landscape at the Yole Group website. In this regard, do not miss the Semiconductor trends in automotive webcast on December 14th! Program and registration here.