Are manufacturers trying to make people buy base models?

Like many others I am now into a nine-month wait for a new car with no idea of delivery date. I do not believe that it can only be the higher spec cars that have delivery problems as the lower spec cars are in stock. Is the manufacturer deliberately avoiding meeting their contract obligations to make people go for the more base but now equally expensive models?

Asked on 22 July 2022 by R forbes

Answered by Dan Powell

High spec cars require far more semiconductors than lower spec models.

The feedback I've received from manufacturers would suggest that the global shortage of semiconductors has forced carmakers to rationalise what stock they have, which means the vehicles with less tech can be built in far greater numbers than those filled with touchscreens and digital instrument displays.

Tags: buying a new car semiconductor chip shortage

Similar questions

My order has been cancelled, what are my rights?

In November 2021 I signed a contract with a leasing company and finance company to lease a brand new factory order car. The car was due to be delivered in March of this year. However, due to the semiconductor...

Why am I still waiting for a second key for my new Toyota?

I bought a Toyota C-HR brand new from a main Toyota dealership in January 2023. At the time, they were only issuing one car key fob due to the chip shortage on all new cars at the time. I am still being...

Long wait times on Citroen C5 X - is this normal?

I visited a Citroen dealer to ask about the new C5 X and was told build dates were showing around June 2022 followed by at least 14 weeks wait for delivery. Does it really take 14 weeks from factory build...