RAM Shortage Could Drive Up Car Prices
AI and electronics industry's RAM demand hits automotive sector hard.
1Technology Load in Vehicles
Modern vehicles require increasingly more RAM and powerful central computers to run everything from infotainment to driver-assistance systems. Karl Brauer from iSeeCars notes that every vehicle must reach a certain technology and cost level. This is one of the main reasons the average price of a new car in the US has reached $50,000.
2Impacts of RAM Shortage
AI companies are scrambling to acquire as much memory as possible for data centers, significantly driving up RAM prices. Sam Abuelsamid, an analyst at Telemetry, says the memory shortage could increase vehicle prices by a few percentage points on average next year. For a $50,000 vehicle, this means an increase of about $2,000.
3Manufacturers' Cost Pressure
Ford's CFO revealed the company paid $1 billion more in material costs due to memory shortage and inflation. GM and Volkswagen also reported rising chip costs to investors. Volkswagen stated they've taken measures due to increased demand from other sectors.
4Lessons from the Pandemic Era
During the pandemic, supply chain disruptions and rising electronics demand caused a major chip shortage. Nearly all major car companies had to cut production and focus on higher-margin models. Ivan Drury from Edmunds says customers willing to spend six figures are less likely to react to price hikes.
5Price Surge
Since the pandemic began, the average price of a new vehicle has increased by $11,000. The AI-driven chip crisis could have more severe consequences. The average price of a new car is expected to exceed $60,000 soon.
6Software-Dominated Future
As cars become more like computers and their software, manufacturers are starting to behave like modern tech companies. Some are introducing in-car ads and putting features like heated seats behind paywalls to offset higher prices.
7Role of Central Computers
Vehicles with central computers will be most affected, but no vehicle will be spared. Abuelsamid says, 'Even if you don't need high-end chips, you'll pay more for low-end ones due to supply constraints.'
8Lasting Consequences
RAMageddon is expected to last several years, but the consequences for car buyers may be permanent. Manufacturers' focus on higher-margin models and continuous price increases could negatively affect middle-income consumers. This trend is seen as part of the automotive industry's transformation.
Original article: Slashdot — RAM Kıtlığı Otomobil Fiyatlarını Artırabilir