In an interview, Norio Nakajima, president of Murata Manufacturing, which holds a 40% global market share in multilayer ceramic capacitors essential for smartphones, automotive applications, and data centers, highlighted the significant role of AI in the electronic components sector. He noted a slight increase in smartphone shipments compared to the previous period, though a shortage in semiconductor memory could affect the availability of low to mid-range models.

Focusing on the automotive market, Nakajima remarked on the slow-down trend in electric vehicle (EV) adoption, despite the rapid advancement in autonomous driving technology, especially in China, where government support fuels EV development. He indicated that while EV trends might be stagnating, the overall transition to electric vehicles remains crucial for the industry.

Furthermore, Nakajima acknowledged the surge in investments toward data centers, indicating a robust demand for electronic components driven by AI applications. As the industry navigates these dynamics, Nakajima emphasized that 2023 would be a pivotal year for Murata and the broader electronics sector, reflecting on market strategies and the importance of innovation in sustaining growth.