Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger, speaking at Munich’s IAA auto show,
also said the company would announce the locations of two major new European
chip fabrication plants by the end of the year.
There is speculation about possible production sites, with
Germany and France seen as leading contenders while Poland, where Intel also
has a presence, also in the picture.
The CEO said the aim was for a “total project of 80 billion
euros ($94.77 billion) over the next decade that would be a catalyst for the
semiconductor industry… a catalyst for the entire technology industry.”
Intel, the biggest maker of processor chips for PCs and data
centres, in March said it planned to open up its chip factories for outsiders
to use.
Gelsinger told Reuters in April that the company wanted to
start producing chips for automakers within six to nine months to help
alleviate a shortage that has disrupted vehicle production around the world.
It is unclear whether the latest announcement means Intel
will meet that goal.
“Cars are becoming computers with tires. You need us and we
need you… The aim is to create a centre of innovation in Europe, for Europe,”
Gelsinger said.
The “Intel Foundry Services Accelerator” is aimed at helping
automakers learn to make chips using what Intel calls its “Intel 16” chip
manufacturing technology and later move to its “Intel 3” and “Intel 18A”
technologies.
Those manufacturing processes would be far more advanced
than most of the processes currently used in the automotive industry. Intel
said that nearly 100 automakers and key suppliers – including BMW AG,
Volkswagen AG, Daimler AG and Bosch – had expressed support for its programmes.
An Intel spokesman declined to confirm whether any had committed to becoming
customers.
Gelsinger has been quoted saying Intel wants the EU to
commit state aid to Intel’s proposed European investment drive.
Intel views automakers as a key strategic priority.
Gelsinger said Tuesday that the company believes chips will make up 20% of the
cost of vehicles by 2030, a five-fold increase from 4% of the cost in 2019.
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