Bosch CEO says US support needed for full expansion of California chip factory

FILE PHOTO: Bosch logo is seen on a bike during Munich Auto Show, IAA Mobility 2021 in Munich, Germany, September 8, 2021. REUTERS/Wolfgang Rattay

SAN FRANCISCO/TAIPEI (Reuters) -The top executive at German technology group Robert Bosch said on Wednesday the company needs subsidies from the U.S. government to carry out the full expansion it has planned for a California chip plant it is acquiring.

In April, Bosch said it planned to buy key assets of TSI Semiconductor's chip production facilities in Roseville, California and invest $1.5 billion to retool the site to make silicon carbide chips, which can help boost the range of electric vehicles. Production at the new company, called Robert Bosch Semiconductor LLC, will start in 2026.