Abraham Long
A delay in NVIDIA’s cutting-edge car AI chip, Thor, is rippling through the automotive industry, stirring up strategic changes amongst major players.
Originally intended for mass production by mid-2024, Thor’s entry into the market has been postponed to the middle of next year. This setback is influencing the strategic planning of several domestic automakers in response to emerging demands for advanced intelligent driving technology.
XPeng Motors is weighing options to potentially abandon plans to use the Thor chip in its upcoming models. Instead, it is focusing on its proprietary Turing chip. XPeng has already taped out the Turing chip and is actively testing its capabilities, including its full-stack Navigation Guided Pilot (NGP) operating on the XP5 chip, the project’s internal code name.
Similarly, NIO has chosen not to plan for the Thor chip in its upcoming releases. Instead, NIO aims to equip its new vehicles with the NX9031, its own intelligent driving chip, alongside NVIDIA Orin and Horizon Robotics. This decision aligns with NIO’s strategy announced in July that focuses on its self-developed technology.
Other automakers such as BYD, Zeekr, and Ideal initially committed to integrate Thor into their systems. However, Ideal is now spearheading its own advancements in intelligent driving technology with a project codenamed ‘Schumacher’—an endeavor that aims to reduce future dependency on the Thor chip by exploring next-generation solutions like the Visual Language Action Model (VLA) for comprehensive intelligent driving enhancements.
These unfolding dynamics underscore the swift adaptations of leading automakers in the face of supply chain uncertainties.
NVIDIA’s AI Chip Delay: A Catalyst for Innovation in the Automotive Industry
The delay in the release of NVIDIA’s highly anticipated Thor AI chip has sent ripples through the automotive sector, prompting manufacturers to evaluate and adjust their technology strategies. Originally slated for mid-2024, the postponement of Thor to mid-2025 is encouraging companies to innovate and consider alternatives.
Strategic Shifts by Automakers
Several automakers are now refocusing their strategies in response to the delay:
– XPeng Motors: Considering a pivot away from NVIDIA’s offering, XPeng is advancing its proprietary Turing chip as a potential replacement. The Turing chip is already in its testing phase, demonstrating XPeng’s commitment to self-reliant technology. This includes perfecting its full-stack Navigation Guided Pilot (NGP) feature on its in-house XP5 chip.
– NIO: Similar to XPeng, NIO has decided not to rely on the Thor chip. Instead, it bolsters its upcoming vehicles with a blend of the NX9031 chip, NVIDIA’s Orin, and Horizon Robotics solutions. This shift aligns with NIO’s long-term strategy focused on self-developed technologies.
Emerging Innovation from Delays
The disruption caused by the Thor delay is also fostering innovation:
– Ideal: Known primarily for its commitment to integrating Thor, Ideal is making strides with ‘Schumacher,’ a project aimed at reducing dependence on any single technology provider. By exploring cutting-edge advancements like the Visual Language Action Model (VLA), Ideal is establishing itself as a leader in future-proof intelligent driving solutions.
Market Trends and Predictions
These strategic shifts reflect broader trends in the automotive industry:
– Increased Independence: Automakers are increasingly focusing on developing in-house technology to mitigate risks associated with supply chain disruptions.
– Technological Diversification: The delay in Thor’s debut underlines the importance of maintaining technological flexibility and readiness to adapt quickly to changing circumstances.
Potential Implications
This scenario has several implications for the automotive market:
– Acceleration of Custom Solutions: Companies may accelerate development of custom chips tailored to their unique vehicle platforms.
– Collaborative Innovations: As companies explore alternatives, there might be increased collaboration within the industry, blending different technologies to create innovative products.
Conclusion
The delay in NVIDIA’s Thor AI chip has become a catalyst for strategic realignment and innovation in the automotive industry. As automakers forge new paths, the focus on self-reliant technology and comprehensive intelligent driving enhancements is stronger than ever.
For more information on NVIDIA’s technological advancements, visit the official NVIDIA website.
