New microchip shortage: AI pushes out automakers
After the COVID-19 pandemic, the automotive industry faced a new global semiconductor crisis. This time, the cause was not a virus, but the rapid development of artificial intelligence. AI companies are actively building data centers, consuming huge volumes of DRAM memory chips, leading to a significant increase in prices. Automakers are already forced to respond to this situation.
DRAM price jump and reaction of automotive giants
According to a new report from consulting firm Kearney, spot prices for DRAM chips rose by approximately 450% between September 2025 and January 2026. Automakers are feeling the pressure and note that the situation has deteriorated rapidly in recent months. However, many insist that supply chains remain intact, and the auto industry continues to benefit from risk management systems implemented during the semiconductor shortage during COVID-19.
Ford and General Motors have already increased their raw material procurement forecasts for 2026 by several hundred million dollars due to the ongoing rise in memory chip costs.
A Volkswagen representative told Automobilwoche:
In recent years, we have implemented measures for early assessment of such market developments and minimizing supply risks. Currently, memory chip supply chains are stable. If potential problems arise in individual semiconductor categories, we are ready to respond flexibly with targeted countermeasures and hope to maintain stable supply.
Production unchanged for now
Joachim Kahmann from Stellantis, who serves as Senior Vice President of Global Electronics Procurement, notes that the company plans to increase purchases for 2026 and 2027 but has not yet adjusted production due to the shortage. He also believes that disruptions will be temporary and predicts an improvement in the market situation by 2028. Similarly, Renault stated that it expects the industry to adapt through ongoing investments and capacity expansion.
BMW holds the same position. The company notes that it does not buy memory chips directly, relying on long-term agreements with suppliers who handle these components. BMW sees no signs of future shortages and has not changed production volumes.
Why the risk has not disappeared
However, despite the public optimism of automakers, the threat of significant disruptions remains. According to ZVEI, demand from AI data centers and the years required to expand semiconductor production capacity mean that pricing pressure is unlikely to ease soon. Nearly 90% of global DRAM demand is met by Samsung, Micron, and SK Hynix, and they are far from significantly ramping up production. Currently, they can sell chips to the highest bidder, and often that is AI companies.
The current situation demonstrates how technological megatrends, particularly the AI boom, can create unexpected challenges for traditional industries. The automotive industry, which has already experienced one semiconductor crisis, is now forced to compete for resources with digital economy giants. Although manufacturers currently assure that the situation is under control, the concentration of the DRAM market in the hands of just three players makes the industry vulnerable to further price fluctuations. If demand from AI continues to grow and new production capacities are not brought online in time, automakers may have to reconsider their procurement strategies or even adjust production plans, despite current optimism.