April 15, 2021—Intel, one of the largest technology companies in the world, could start producing semiconductors for the auto industry within six to nine months, The Verge reported.
Intel CEO Pat Geslinger commented on the possibility in a recent interview with Reuters.
“We’re hoping that some of these things can be alleviated, not requiring a three- or four-year factory build, but maybe six months of new products being certified on some of our existing processes,” Gelsinger told Reuters. “We’ve begun those engagements already with some of the key components suppliers.”
This is one of the first signs that a company not normally in the semiconductor business is looking to help alleviate the shortage that is hurting the auto industry. CNBC reported that the shortage could lead to profit losses of $1.5 billion to $2 billion this year.
