Automotive chip shortage update from Carparison
As the United Kingdom moves towards the complete easing of COVID-19 lockdown restrictions, the long-term effects of the pandemic are still being felt in the automotive industry.
Now most prominently through the onset of a global semiconductor chip shortage: a tiny but vital component of many technological devices.
All production lines have been hampered by stock and staff shortages over the last 18 months, reducing potential output. This paired with changing consumer habits during worldwide lockdowns meant that what semiconductor chips there were, were diverted from automotive manufacturers to other industries.
Vehicle manufacturers across the globe are now experiencing lengthy delays in their efforts to produce and deliver their latest models or are being forced to make temporary changes to their models to keep up with demand.
The knock-on effects to the semiconductor shortage are vast and can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. Overall, we are expecting lead times on factory order vehicles to increase and there to be a risk of less choice across makes and models as stock depletes quicker than manufacturers can replenish it.
It is something all those undertaking their car search should be aware of, especially if the vehicle is needed urgently.