Nexperia notified its Japanese automotive customers that it may no longer be able to guarantee supply, triggering renewed concern about upheaval at the Dutch chipmaker snarling global supply chains.
The Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association said on Thursday that Japanese auto parts makers received the warning about supply from Nexperia, and its members are now working to mitigate any disruption. Still, Nexperia provides a key component and any shortages would have repercussions for Japanese automakers, JAMA said.
¡°The chips manufactured by the affected manufacturers are important parts used in electronic control units, etc., and we recognize that this incident will have a serious impact on the global production of our member companies,¡± the association said in its statement. ¡°We hope that the countries involved will come to a prompt and practical solution.¡±
The Dutch government seized control of Nijmegen-based Nexperia earlier this month in an unprecedented step intended to secure European access to the components made by the company.
Owned by Chinese parent Wingtech, the chipmaker is now in conflict with its China unit, which on Thursday said its business continues to be orderly and remains in compliance with Chinese laws and regulations. The rift, which was precipitated by the US threatening to put Nexperia on its no-trade list due to its association with Wingtech, has turned the company into a flashpoint for the U.S.-China trade war and now threatens the broader automotive supply chain.
European carmakers have already warned of potential disruptions. Volkswagen AG set up a task force to study potential exposure to its supply chain. Toyota, Nissan and Honda are all examining the situation, according to their representatives.
¡°We have been in a strategic partnership with Nexperia since November 2023 regarding power semiconductors. We also procure a small number of items from Nexperia China,¡± a Mitsubishi Electric spokesperson said. ¡°The impact in either case is limited. For any procured items that may be affected, we are taking steps to switch to alternative products as necessary.¡±
With your current subscription plan you can comment on stories. However, before writing your first comment, please create a display name in the Profile section of your subscriber account page.