[DigitalToday intern reporter Kyungmin Hong (홍경민)] Rapid growth in the global AI industry is again squeezing supplies of semiconductors used in vehicles, and the industry is seeing fresh signs of crisis.

The pandemic-era shortage of chips for cars, which led to production disruptions and price increases, is increasingly likely to be repeated. This time, demand for high-end DRAM for AI servers is being analysed as spilling over into the automotive industry.

On Jan. 21 (local time), mobility outlet Inside and semiconductor manufacturer Astutegroup said competition to secure chips for vehicles is intensifying as AI data centre expansion drives a surge in DRAM demand. As of the third quarter of 2025, DRAM prices rose 171.8 percent from a year earlier, reaching a record level that surpassed the rise in gold prices. With orders for high-bandwidth memory (HBM) and server RDIMMs jumping, memory makers are prioritising data centre parts over consumer DDR5 modules, making it harder to secure semiconductors for vehicles.

An S&P Global Mobility report warned that a 2026 shortage of DRAM for vehicles could push prices up 70 to 100 percent, and could lead to production delays and competition to secure inventory at some manufacturers. With limited silicon wafer supply and competition for advanced chips for AI, automakers and parts suppliers are finding it increasingly difficult to secure stable supply even if they use older, lower-performance legacy memory chips. These supply pressures are likely to have an especially large impact on technology-focused companies such as Tesla and Rivian that rely heavily on electronic devices.

The industry sees a situation in which OEMs must hurry system redesigns and secure supply, with existing memory chips scheduled to be discontinued by 2028. Automakers are discussing inventory and supply chain management strategies to respond to the DRAM shortage. Experts are reviewing possible options, including long-term contracts, diversifying suppliers and boosting design flexibility. If rising DRAM prices and supply constraints persist, both vehicle output and price stability could face a heavy burden.

Industry analysts point out that the DRAM shortage could affect overall car manufacturing strategy, beyond a simple parts issue. As demand increases for chips needed for advanced electronics and self-driving functions, securing stable memory supply and managing prices are essential. Some manufacturers have moved to adjust supply chain priorities and draw up long-term plans, including by signing four-year multi-year supply contracts with Samsung and SK Hynix to try to secure high-priced memory.

If DRAM supply is limited, advanced memory may be concentrated in AI servers, affecting not only the PC, mobile and embedded markets but also semiconductors for vehicles. Industry officials said, "As long as explosive growth in the AI industry intensifies competition for semiconductors, vehicle production and price stability are bound to remain under threat for the time being." They stressed that diversifying supply chains, managing inventory proactively and optimising designs are essential.