Automakers to Blame for Semiconductor Shortage

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semiwiki.com, Apr. 23, 2021 – 

Automakers worldwide have scaled back production due to a shortage of semiconductors. Companies which have announced temporary halts on production include Volkswagen, Toyota, General Motors, Ford, Nissan, Honda, Suzuki, Mitsubishi, Daimler (Mercedes) and Stellantis (merger of Fiat-Chrysler and Peugot).

IHS Markit estimates 1Q 2021 light vehicle production was reduced by 1.3 million units due to the shortage. They stated the semiconductor shortage may not be resolved until 4Q 2021. Microcontrollers (MCUs) are in particularly shot supply. IHS Markit estimates 70% of MCUs are manufactured by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC), the worlds largest semiconductor foundry. In its 1Q 2021 quarterly conference call, TSMC stated they have worked to reallocate wafer capacity to support the automotive industry. TSMC expects the automotive semiconductor shortage for its customers to be largely resolved by 3Q 2021.

The largest automotive semiconductor suppliers are listed below. The automotive revenues are based on the companies' financial reports. The revenues for STMicroelectronics are for its Automotive & Discrete Group, which includes some non-automotive revenues. However, ST also has automotive products such as MCUs and sensors in its other product groups. Infineon's automotive revenue increased 1.1% for its fiscal year ended September 2020. The other companies all saw declines in 2020 versus 2019 ranging from 4% to 9%.

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