Berlin: Volkswagen has announced that it is actively evaluating potential risks in its supply chain following a trade and intellectual property dispute involving Nexperia, a Chinese-owned semiconductor company. While Nexperia does not supply Volkswagen directly, components from the chipmaker are used in parts of Volkswagen’s vehicles, prompting caution from the German automaker.
A Volkswagen spokesperson emphasized that current production has not been affected. The company is maintaining close contact with stakeholders to monitor the situation and identify risks early. “We are in close contact with all relevant stakeholders in light of the current situation to identify potential risks at an early stage and to be able to make decisions regarding any necessary measures,” the spokesperson said.
The dispute has broader implications in the semiconductor industry, especially amid rising geopolitical tensions. Governments and companies around the world are increasingly scrutinizing supply chains for critical components like chips, and Volkswagen’s proactive risk assessment highlights the importance of safeguarding production against unforeseen disruptions.
This development underscores the interconnectedness of global manufacturing and the vulnerability of automakers to disputes in the technology sector, even when direct supplier relationships are not involved. Volkswagen’s vigilance reflects an industry-wide trend of strategic planning to mitigate potential disruptions in a complex global market.