This flagship chip will reportedly be used only in premium models, like cars made by Hyundai’s sub-brand Genesis.

Hyundai reportedly chose an 8nm process for its chip due to its cost-effectiveness while still offering comparable performance to 5nm chips. The chip will be used in several cars across Genesis, Hyundai, and Kia brands. The 5nm chip will only be used in high-end cars.

Seems like a relatively small market, a quick web search suggests Hyundai sold 230 K Genesis brand cars in 2024 (a small number for their 5 nm order). I will speculate that Samsung had to offer Hyundai a very good deal as automotive is a highly competitive, low margin business. I highly doubt they would be willing to pay a premium.

That being said, it does looks like Samsung is trying to build out a business focusing on older (but still relatively modern) nodes. I wouldn’t be surprised if in the next 5-10 years, 7/8 nm and 5 nm become mainline nodes for many industries that don’t need to be on the leading edge of semiconductor fabrication.