SEMI and Center for Automotive Research Announce Collaboration to Harmonize Semiconductor and Automotive Supply Chains

MILPITAS, Calif., and ANN ARBOR, Mich. – April 19, 2021 – SEMI, the largest global trade association for the design and manufacture of semiconductors, and the Center for Automotive Research (CAR), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit independent automotive/mobility industry think tank, today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for joint exploration to advance increased supply chain collaboration between the semiconductor and automotive industries. Building on the SEMI Smart Mobility initiative, which fosters collaboration across the global automotive electronics supply chain, the MOU lays the foundation to connect microelectronics manufacturing and design stakeholders with the automotive and mobility ecosystems through programs and events that advance both industries.

For SEMI, the collaboration with CAR supports the mission of its Smart Mobility initiative to foster mutually beneficial interactions and broaden transparent dialogue between its global member companies and the automotive ecosystem. For CAR, as electronic systems are increasingly becoming the critical differentiators in vehicles, having automakers, suppliers, and semiconductor manufacturers work together more closely will add visibility into supply and demand trends. The result is intended to help connect larger cross-sections of the supply chains and minimize the impact and risk of future chip shortages and over-supply.

“This MOU provides vehicle OEMs with access to innovation, the ability to influence technology direction and pace, along with greater visibility into global supply chain developments,” said Dave Anderson, president of SEMI Americas. “Working with CAR will expand the cross-industry collaboration that is part and parcel to our automotive electronics and mobility activities, helping SEMI members in the global electronics design and manufacturing supply chain to better serve their automotive customers.”

“As automotive technology evolves, the industry will become more semiconductor-intensive – advanced safety features, electric vehicles, powertrain controls, automated driving, telematics, and infotainment all drive rapidly increasing auto chip demand,” said Carla Bailo, president and CEO for CAR. “In today’s market context, this MOU serves as a first step toward cultivating strategic partnerships between automotive OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers and semiconductor suppliers, and it can help to strengthen industry-wide efforts to share information and drive alignment.”

About SEMI Smart Mobility

The SEMI Smart Mobility initiative is designed to engage automotive OEMs, Tier 1s, device makers, design houses, equipment and materials companies as well as R&D institutes in SEMI’s Global Automotive Advisory Council (GAAC) to connect, collaborate and innovate across the global automotive electronics supply chain.

About SEMI

SEMI^® connects more than 2,400 member companies and 1.3 million professionals worldwide to advance the technology and business of electronics design and manufacturing. SEMI members are responsible for the innovations in materials, design, equipment, software, devices, and services that enable smarter, faster, more powerful, and more affordable electronic products. Electronic System Design Alliance (ESD Alliance), FlexTech, the Fab Owners Alliance (FOA) and the MEMS & Sensors Industry Group (MSIG) are SEMI Strategic Technology Communities, defined communities within SEMI focused on specific technologies. Visit www.semi.org to learn more, contact one of our worldwide offices, and connect with SEMI on  LinkedIn and  Twitter.

About CAR

The Center for Automotive Research is a nonprofit organization; its mission is to conduct independent research and analysis to educate, inform and advise stakeholders, policy makers, and the general public on critical issues facing the automotive industry, and the industry’s impact on the U.S. economy and society.

Media contacts:

SEMI

Samer Bahou
Phone: 1.408.943.7870
Email: sbahou@semi.org

CAR

Katie Ramsburgh
Phone: 1.734.476.1706
Email: Kramsburgh@cargroup.org