Are memory chips causing a disruption in the auto industry? 

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For auto industry depends on semiconductors. And just when things seemed to be settling down after the massive chip shortages of the early 2020s, a new potential constraint is beginning to show up. This time it involves memory chips.

A recent analysis from S&P Global Mobility points to a possible shortage of DRAM, or dynamic random-access memory, affecting the automotive sector. While this shortage may not look like the shutdowns we saw during the COVID-19 times, it could still create challenges for automakers, dealers and marketers who rely on memory chips.

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DRAM is the working memory that allows modern electronics to process information quickly. In today’s cars, it supports a wide range of features that drivers now see as standard: infotainment systems, digital dashboards, advanced driver assistance features and the growing number of software-driven functions built into electric vehicles. As cars become more connected and more dependent on software, the amount of memory they require is steadily increasing.

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At the same time, automakers are not the only ones chasing these chips. The surge in artificial intelligence has dramatically increased demand for high-performance memory used in data centres. These systems require large volumes of DRAM, and they tend to generate higher profits for chip manufacturers than automotive applications.

Because of that, memory suppliers are directing more of their production toward the AI and data centre markets. Companies such as Samsung, SK Hynix and Micron dominate the global DRAM supply, and their growing focus on AI-related demand means less capacity is available for the automotive industry.

The result is likely to show up first in the form of higher prices. Analysts expect the older types of DRAM commonly used in vehicles to become significantly more expensive, with prices potentially jumping sharply this year.

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This situation is quite different from the semiconductor crisis that disrupted global vehicle production a few years ago as the DRAM situation is more limited. It mainly affects the digital and computing features that are becoming more common in newer vehicles.

So, this could mean subtle but noticeable changes. Certain technology packages may become more expensive, some vehicle trims could be harder to source, and manufacturers may rethink how they design or equip their models to manage memory costs.

But this situation is reminder that cars are no longer just mechanical products. Cars today are computing platforms on wheels. As vehicles continue to evolve in that direction, automakers will increasingly find themselves competing with the tech industry for the same critical components that power the digital world.