Chip shortage: Automakers’ plan to ensure supply of chips and guide their design

Direct collaborations between automakers and chip manufacturers as a result of the semiconductor shortage

Ford Motor took a step toward in addressing the chip shortage challenge in November, announcing a collaboration that will allow GlobalFoundries (GF) to increase supplies of semiconductors for Ford for its current vehicle lineup, as well as research and development (R&D) purposes. Ford already purchases chips from the company, but the new collaboration allows for more direct discussions, which could speed up manufacturing and purchasing. This is also an example of the OEMs working to avoid longer-term supply issues of the legacy nodes common to automotive.