Average waiting times for newly built vehicles are being extended

Average waiting times for newly built vehicles are being extended. While several global carmakers are being forced to shut down production due to missing chips, problems with Slovak operating leasing providers are already beginning to be felt. The vast majority offer cars directly from the factories. The world has been experiencing this problem since the end of last year, but the first problems of operating leasing companies are being felt during this period. "When the client ordered the Škoda Octavia model, for example, a year ago, he waited three to four months for it. Today it is even nine months," said Michal Duška, sales director of Arval. He pointed out that if someone wants to buy a new car, they should think about it in advance. The pandemic of the new coronavirus, the enormous interest in electronic equipment, but also the blockade of the Suez Canal and the fire in the semiconductor factory in Japan caused a serious shortage of semiconductors, which led to a reduction in the production of electronics, appliances and cars. Almost every brand reports a lack of chips. According to Dušek, if clients want a premium car or special equipment, they may encounter a more significant shift in delivery. Approximately 1,500 chips are needed to produce one car. Operational leasing providers are preparing for the fact that there will still be a shortage of cars next year. This is mainly due to the fact that car manufacturers do not have a situation with chips in their hands, as they rely mainly on Asian suppliers.