Intel’s Strategic Move: Acquisition of French Startup Silicon Mobility for Advanced System-on-a-Chip Technology in Electric Vehicles
Intel Announces Further Workforce Reductions with Additional Layoffs
Intel has declared its foray into the automotive semiconductor market by introducing AI-enabled chips tailored for future cars.
This strategic move positions Intel in direct competition with industry giants Qualcomm and Nvidia, reflecting a significant step into the rapidly evolving landscape of automotive technology.
Intel has announced its intention to acquire French startup Silicon Mobility, recognized for its expertise in designing system-on-a-chip technology and software to control electric vehicle motors and charging systems.
The acquisition, whose purchase price remains undisclosed, signals Intel’s commitment to advancing its presence in the electric vehicle technology space.
Intel’s AI system-on-a-chip is set to transform the in-car experience in collaboration with Chinese automaker Zeekr. Jack Weast, Intel’s automotive business chief, shared that Zeekr will be the pioneering user, introducing an “enhanced living room experience” within vehicles. This entails the integration of AI voice assistants and video conferencing, promising a new level of connectivity and convenience for passengers.
To achieve this, Intel’s latest automotive system-on-a-chip products leverage the advancements in the company’s recently launched AI PC technology. This adaptation is crucial to ensuring that the AI capabilities are tailored to meet the specific durability and performance requirements of vehicles.
Despite Intel’s significant contribution of chips for infotainment systems in 50 million vehicles, the company has faced challenges in gaining prominence in the competitive market for powerful semiconductors used in automated driving technology, upgradeable vehicle system software, and intricate dashboard displays. In this landscape, Nvidia and Qualcomm have taken the spotlight.
Jack Weast, Intel’s automotive business chief, acknowledged the company’s communication shortcomings in highlighting its achievements within the automotive sector. He expressed Intel’s determination to address this issue and effectively convey the company’s success and capabilities in the automotive industry.
Intel aims to distinguish itself in the automotive semiconductor market by providing chips that cater to automakers across their entire product range, spanning from budget-friendly to premium vehicles. Jack Weast, Intel’s automotive business chief, criticized Nvidia’s high-power and costly products, emphasizing the importance of scalability in AI for cars.
Nvidia, acknowledging the need for lower-cost chip sets, partnered with Taiwan’s MediaTek, known for its technology in Android-based infotainment displays for affordable vehicles. This move reflects the competitive landscape and the growing importance of providing solutions that cater to varying price points.
In the competitive Chinese electric vehicle market, chip makers like Intel and Nvidia are vying for a significant share. Companies such as Zeekr, a customer for both Intel and Nvidia, are at the forefront of integrating advanced infotainment systems and automated driving capabilities.
Intel’s approach is marked by being technology-agnostic, allowing automakers the flexibility to choose the technology for automated driving or other functions without being tied to specific chips. Intel’s willingness to incorporate automakers’ chiplets into its system at a lower cost emphasizes a customer-centric and adaptable strategy in the evolving automotive technology landscape.
