Volkswagen, a leader in the automotive industry, has taken a proactive stance to ensure a stable chip supply by forging direct partnerships with key manufacturers including NXP Semiconductors, Infineon Technologies and Renesas Electronics. This strategic move comes as a response to the anticipated scarcity of crucial chips that are essential for modern vehicles.
Direct Procurement for Chip Security
Breaking away from the conventional approach of relying solely on suppliers for chip acquisitions, Volkswagen has taken matters into its own hands. Since October of the previous year, the German automaker initiated direct negotiations with prominent chipmakers. This approach is driven by the goal to secure an uninterrupted supply chain and bolster its overall operational resilience.
Addressing Supply Challenges
Dirk Grosse-Loheide, the Chief of Purchasing for Volkswagen’s passenger car brand, highlighted the need for proactive action, stating, “Global market capacity is not sufficient. We must get active.” This statement underlines the urgency of the situation and the necessity of direct intervention to mitigate potential chip shortages.
Rising Demand and Complex Integration
The automotive industry has experienced a sharp surge in chip demand, particularly due to the exponential growth in electric vehicle manufacturing and the intricate software integration required. However, the supply of these vital components has struggled to keep pace, primarily due to the complexities involved in establishing chip manufacturing facilities.
Collaborative Ventures for Chip Development
Volkswagen’s commitment to addressing the chip supply challenge was evident when it partnered with Franco-Italian chipmaker STMicroelectronics in July last year. This collaboration marked a significant milestone as Volkswagen ventured into direct engagement with secondary and tertiary semiconductor suppliers, signaling a comprehensive approach to chip procurement.
Berlin’s Initiatives and Global Impact
On a broader scale, the city of Berlin in Germany has extended substantial subsidies to attract major contract chip manufacturers. Notably, global giants like U.S.-based Intel and Taiwan’s TSMC have announced plans to establish manufacturing facilities within Germany in the near future.
Communication for Strategic Alignment
While Volkswagen has not established a direct supply relationship with TSMC, the world’s largest contract semiconductor manufacturer, the company maintains consistent communication with the manufacturer. This communication ensures that TSMC is well-informed about Volkswagen’s demand dynamics, facilitating strategic alignment.
Streamlining for Efficiency
Volkswagen’s forward-looking strategy also involves optimizing its chip requirements across its vehicle lineup. This effort aims to simplify the intricate supply chain, ultimately enhancing the automaker’s software offering. This proactive measure is expected to fortify Volkswagen against potential chip supply challenges, enhancing its overall operational efficiency.
Volkswagen’s proactive stance in directly securing strategically important chips highlights the company’s commitment to maintaining a resilient supply chain. This move not only addresses immediate challenges but also lays the foundation for a more robust and adaptable approach in the face of evolving chip supply dynamics.