TSMC Ramps Up Auto Chip Production As Carmakers Wrestle With Shortages
"Taiwan's economic minister said major Taiwanese chipmakers were prepared to prioritize supplies for automakers."
In the midst of a global shortage of auto chips, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co Ltd (TSMC) is 'streamlining' auto-related products through its wafer fabs and reallocating wafer power, the company said on Thursday.
Automakers around the world are closing assembly lines due to shortages, which in some cases have been intensified by the actions of the former U.S. administration against Chinese chip factories.
On Wednesday, Taiwan's economic minister said major Taiwanese chipmakers were prepared to prioritize supplies for automakers after meeting senior company managers, including TSMC.
In a statement, TSMC said it was discussing the "challenges" of chip supply as its top priority, "The automotive supply chain is long and complex and we have worked with our automotive customers and identified their critical needs".
"TSMC is currently expediting these critical automotive products through our wafer fabs. While our capacity is fully utilised with demand from every sector, TSMC is reallocating our wafer capacity to support the worldwide automotive industry."
Auto chips accounted for just 3% of TSMC's revenue in 2020, 48% for sluggish smartphones, and 33% for high-performance chips.
In the fourth quarter, TSMC auto chip sales jumped 27% from the previous quarter but still accounted for just 3% of total sales.
With German Economy Minister Peter Altmaier writing to his Taiwanese counterpart Wang Mei-hua to ask her for support in handling it, the problem has become a diplomatic one.
Volkswagen, Ford Motor Co, Subaru Corp, Toyota Motor Corp, Nissan Motor Co Ltd, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, and other carmakers have been impacted by the shortage.
Also Read:
EXCHANGE FAIR OF BAJAJ, YAMAHA AND TVS IN VALLEY, WHICH COMPANY HAS A LOT OF OFFERS