Yazılar

Nissan and Monolith Expand AI Collaboration to Speed Up Car Development

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Nissan has expanded its partnership with UK software company Monolith to accelerate car development using artificial intelligence. The collaboration aims to reduce the need for physical testing by applying AI-driven data analysis, significantly shortening the time it takes for new models to reach the market.

The renewed partnership follows the successful use of Monolith’s AI to cut testing time for chassis bolt tightening on the new electric Nissan Leaf — a process that will now be applied to upcoming European models as well.

Emma Deutsch, Director of Customer-Oriented Engineering and Test Operations at Nissan Technical Centre Europe, noted that Chinese automakers can develop a new model in just 18 months, adding, “We’ve got to get vehicles to market quicker.” By applying Monolith’s AI to physical test data collected since the 1992 launch of the Nissan Micra, the company managed to shorten bolt-tightening tests from six months to five, with a goal to cut them further to three months.

Nissan is now working with Monolith on additional projects to reduce testing times for tyres and batteries. These AI applications could help Nissan reduce overall vehicle testing by 20%. Monolith’s recent acquisition by AI data centre operator Coreweave is expected to further enhance R&D efficiency in the automotive sector.

GlobalFoundries Q3 Outlook Disappoints Amid Weak Smartphone Demand

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GlobalFoundries, the world’s third-largest contract chipmaker, projected third-quarter revenue and profit below Wall Street expectations as the recovery in consumer electronics demand, particularly smartphones, remains sluggish. Shares fell 6% in premarket trading, adding to a roughly 15% decline this year.

U.S. tariffs and broader economic uncertainty have dampened smartphone sales, with IDC data showing global growth slowing to just 1% in the June quarter. CEO Tim Breen, who took over in February, said the company is awaiting a “return to meaningful growth” in consumer-driven markets.

For Q3, GlobalFoundries expects net revenue of $1.68 billion (±$25 million), versus analysts’ estimates of $1.79 billion. Adjusted EPS is forecast at $0.38 (±$0.05), below the $0.41 consensus.

Despite the weak outlook, the company beat expectations in Q2 thanks to cost controls and strength in automotive and datacenter segments. Revenue for the quarter rose 3.7% to $1.69 billion, slightly above forecasts, while adjusted EPS reached $0.42 against the $0.35 estimate.

GlobalFoundries is expanding in automotive with a chipmaking deal with Continental and the July acquisition of chip architecture supplier MIPS to strengthen industrial and AI processor offerings. In June, it raised its total investment plans to $16 billion, including $1 billion more for capital spending and $3 billion for R&D in emerging chip technologies for EVs and AI servers.

EU Nations Push for Faster Progress in Semiconductor Industry

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A coalition of nine European Union countries, including Italy, France, Germany, Spain, and the Netherlands, is accelerating efforts to strengthen the EU’s semiconductor industry. The group aims to present proposals for enhancing the sector by summer, according to Dutch Economy Minister Dirk Beljaarts.

The coalition is working on “homework for the new Chips Act,” referring to the potential second EU funding program for the semiconductor industry, following the initial 2023 Chips Act. While the 2023 Act has been credited with preventing the decline of Europe’s chip industry amid larger support programs from the US and China, it has faced criticism for being too slow to meet key goals.

Beljaarts emphasized the need for more targeted funding in the upcoming Act, calling for both private and public investments to support the sector. He also highlighted the importance of ensuring that small and medium-sized companies benefit from this funding. Despite Europe’s strengths in research and development (R&D), he noted gaps in areas like chip packaging and advanced production, particularly after Intel’s decision to shelve plans for a cutting-edge factory in Germany.

The coalition is also exploring internal demand within EU countries to encourage investment from companies, ensuring that it is worthwhile for them to invest in the region.

The European Commission has expressed strong support for the initiative, which aims to complement, rather than undermine, the Commission’s efforts.