The Latest Numbers on Auto Microchip Shortage

According to AutoForecast Solutions’ latest estimates, the shortage of microchips would have required about 76,000 more vehicles to be cut from global suppliers’ production schedules.

About 22,400 vehicles have just been cut from North American factory production plans this week due to supply shortages, while European factories have cut 34,000 vehicles. In another notable development, AFS said assembly plants in South America are cutting his 19,700.

So far this year, automakers have had to cut a total of 3.23 million vehicles due to chip shortages. This excludes more than 10 million of his units lost in 2021, plus schedule cuts due to other supply problems in his chain, such as the war in Ukraine.

Despite billions of dollars being poured into future semiconductor production, shortages continue to undermine global auto production. Honda Motor Co. last week announced it would cut production at its Japanese plants by up to 40% until the end of September, while Volkswagen production in South America is expected to be restricted until at least the end of the year.

“The light at the end of this particular tunnel appears to be still far away,” said Sam Fiorani, AFS’ vice president of global vehicle forecasting, in an email.