SK hynix in talks with Bosch over supply of automotive memory chips: sources

SEOUL, April 7 (Yonhap) -- SK hynix Inc., South Korea's second-largest chipmaker, is in talks with German auto parts giant Robert Bosch GmbH over a long-term supply of automotive memory semiconductors, industry sources said Wednesday.

SK hynix, the world's No. 2 DRAM vendor, is reportedly seeking to supply automotive DRAM chips to Bosch for at least 10 years, the sources said.

The company declined to comment on the issue.

If the two sides reach an agreement, SK hynix will get its first long-term contract in the area of automotive memory chips.

Industry observers believe that SK hynix will bolster its moves to expand its sales in the automotive sector amid a shortage of chips that led to production halts at some global automakers.

Demand for automotive chips has been surging recently as more carmakers adopt advanced electronic systems for their vehicles.

Market researcher TrendForce predicted that automotive DRAM applications will account for more than 3 percent of total DRAM bit consumption in 2024 on the growth of autonomous driving technologies.

"TrendForce expects infotainment to remain the primary driver of automotive DRAM consumption through 2024," it said. "Automotive DRAM applications represents an emerging sector whose potential for growth should not be underestimated."

kdon@yna.co.kr
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