The worldwide shortage of semiconductors (computer chips) is having a significant impact on many industries, including motor manufacturers. Some car manufacturers have had to take actions such as reduce production output, temporarily close production facilities, move to a shorter working week and reduce employees working hours because of semiconductor supply issues, all of which will impact normal lead times. The measures that car manufacturers are having to take would probably explain why there’s not much information forthcoming by way of updates on build and delivery dates. I dare say that even where specific customers‘ cars have been scheduled for production, semiconductor supply chain issues could mean delays.
It‘s not just VAG that are affected; most - if not all - car manufacturers are having problems getting sufficient supplies of semiconductors to build cars / fulfil existing orders, so there’ll be lots of frustrated customers of many car makers not knowing when they may get their new car.
Below are is a small selection of recent news articles on semiconductor shortages;
Volkswagen, Daimler, GM and Renault vie with consumer electronics groups for scarce chips
www.ft.com
Wondering why a shortage of microchips is having a big impact on car production? Read on to find out.
www.carwow.co.uk
Britain's biggest carmaker to suspend output at two factories because of global semiconductor shortage.
www.bbc.co.uk
The Renesas fire is set to make it even more difficult for car-makers to buy the chips they need.
www.bbc.co.uk
