MediaTek is widely recognized for its smartphone chips used in devices like the OnePlus Nord N300 and Asus ROG Phone 6D. However, the company is now expanding its focus to the automotive industry, leveraging the expertise gained from its work with mobile devices.
At the Computex 2023 trade show, MediaTek introduced the Dimensity Auto platform and announced a partnership with Nvidia. This collaboration aims to showcase their combined strengths in cars globally.
MediaTek doesn’t limit itself to smartphone chips. It produces processors for various everyday devices, such as smart TVs, Amazon Alexa devices, and Peloton exercise bikes. The experience gained from mobile technology will be key in transitioning to automotive applications. For instance, MediaTek’s Dimensity Auto Connect system aims to integrate 5G connectivity, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and satellite connections into vehicles, technologies they already excel in for smartphones. Essentially, while the end product is different, the core technology remains similar. The Dimensity Auto Cockpit system will utilize the same advanced technologies found in MediaTek’s televisions, mobile displays, and image signal processors used in phone cameras.
Nvidia, known for its GPU and AI expertise, is already a significant player in the automotive sector. In partnership with MediaTek on the Dimensity Auto project, Nvidia will incorporate its Drive OS software into the in-car infotainment systems. They will focus specifically on the Dimensity Auto Drive system and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). While MediaTek is already participating in the automotive sphere, this new initiative aims to deepen their involvement by integrating existing solutions into a unified system, facilitated by their collaboration with Nvidia to adapt to the evolving industry landscape.
The CEOs of both companies see this partnership as a step towards creating innovative, always-connected vehicles. They both shared a vision of offering a comprehensive solution for the automotive industry, ranging from luxury cars to entry-level models.
Although specific details about car manufacturers and launch dates are not yet disclosed, it’s anticipated that chip production will commence in 2026, with hardware ready for 2027 model-year cars. This solution aims to have a global impact, collaborating with manufacturers worldwide.
While MediaTek is the leading global supplier of mobile chipsets, it faces competition from Qualcomm, which has its own Qualcomm Automotive solution. According to Counterpoint Research, Qualcomm’s 5G connected car solution held an 80% market share at the end of 2022.