News sources have been awash in the past few months with information about the global shortage in computer chips. Initially caused by factory shutdowns as the Pandemic first hit and made worse due to massive demand (mobile phones, tablets, game consoles and yes….vehicles) this shortage has reached, as reported by The Guardian “crisis point.” How though, does this affect delivery times of your new car?
Computer chips are the “brain” within every electronic device in the world, including cars. Between 50 and 1000 chips are fitted into new cars, depending on how ‘high tech’ and ‘well spec’d’ they are. The chips control everything from power steering to brake sensors, parking cameras and infotainment systems (all pretty standard in most cars these days).
Ford has announced it will make 1.1 million fewer cars in 2021 because of the shortage and Autocar reported that some new cars will be de-spec’d for all but the highest end models.
As with so many things in the past 18 months, this situation is unprecedented so it’s a case of “watch this space” but our advice is also to plan far ahead. If you know your lease ends in November, start thinking about which car you want to order now and be flexible with your choice. Our team can help you every step of the way. CONTACT US TODAY.