Automotive Chip Shortage

Why Is There a Chip Shortage?

Semiconductor chips take a long time to produce, because they have to be made in a carefully-controlled lab environment to keep dirt and debris out. When the coronavirus pandemic hit, factories and labs that produce these chips were heavily restricted in terms of worker capacity and hours, making it take even longer to produce the chips. Automotive manufacturers were hit particularly hard by the COVID restrictions, making it harder and harder to produce cars on schedule.

How is the Chip Shortage Affecting New & Used Vehicle Supplies?

New vehicles require more semiconductor chips than most other appliances, which is why the auto industry has been so impacted by the chip shortage. Many manufacturers have slowed or even suspended production of new vehicles, making it harder and harder to buy a new car in the Westlake area. Prices of new vehicles have also increased due to the high demand and relatively low supply

Despite new vehicles being affected the most, the used car industry has been hit hard too. With new vehicles becoming scarcer, the price of used vehicles has shot up as dealerships add them to their inventories. It’s estimated that the cost of used cars has gone up by as much as 30% since the start of the car chip shortage, so many drivers have been trading in or even selling their cars to their local dealership.

How Long Will the Chip Shortage Last?

While there’s no way of knowing exactly when the automotive chip shortage will end, there are signs of improvement everywhere. More and more people have been getting vaccinated, and COVID-19 restrictions have eased significantly in many places, so vehicle production is slowly returning to pre-pandemic levels. It’s likely that supply and demand will even out before long and production will return to normal.

Can I Still Buy a Car from Mercedes-Benz of North Olmsted?

Of course! Whatever you’re looking for around Avon, we have plenty of new, retired courtesy, and pre-owned vehicles in our inventory for you to browse. We also have a few reasons for you to feel optimistic about pricing and availability:

• Our worry-free pricing is designed to make sure you get the most affordable price possible for your Mercedes-Benz. We promise to be as transparent as possible regarding the price of our vehicles, based on rigorous research conducted via third-party sources.
• We also offer our 5/30 guarantee, meaning that you are welcome to return your vehicle for a full refund within five days, or for a trade credit within thirty days.

Find a New or Used Vehicle at Mercedes-Benz of North Olmsted

If you’re looking for a new or pre-owned Mercedes-Benz, feel free to stop by our dealership anytime to take one of our available models out for a test drive. You can also contact our office with any questions, or to learn more about our inventory of Mercedes-Benz vehicles.