Semiconductor Shortage
How the global supply shortage is impacting vehicle production.
Supply chain issues take a toll.
Currently, there is a global supply shortage of semiconductor components. You may have heard this referred to as the “chip shortage,” a complex situation affecting the entire automotive industry. Certain semiconductors are the main component of microchips, which are used in electronic devices to control certain functions. In a vehicle, for example, they regulate control units and assistance systems, and enable functionality of connected services
Demand outweighing supply.
How did this happen? Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, many factories all over the world shut down to protect workers. This temporary cease in production, paired with a surge in consumer demand, created a domino effect of supply chain issues. The shortage affects industries manufacturing products like mobile phones, tablets, computers, game consoles, and indeed, automobiles. In short, not enough semiconductors are being made to meet the demand to manufacture features within these machines.
Necessary measures.
Despite best efforts and contingency plans, the entire automotive industry is now contending with this shortage. The result now forces us to impose restrictions on some vehicle features for the foreseeable future, leading to delays in vehicle delivery or delivering vehicles without certain features.
Navigating the road ahead.
With industry experts unable to forecast the end of the shortage, we can’t say exactly when these issues will subside and retrofitting can begin. However, we remain in close contact with our partners to make sure we assist you as quickly as possible. Once more chips are available, a Mercedes-Benz representative will contact you directly. Your vehicle can then be linked to the Mercedes-Benz app with all connected services activated at no additional cost.
A message from Britta Seeger, Mercedes-Benz Group board member.
"Buying a Mercedes is always something special, something many even dream about. Once the perfect ‘star’ has been found, no one wants to wait for a longer time. Unfortunately, the entire industry must cope with longer wait times due to a restricted availability of certain semiconductors. We are truly sorry for any inconvenience this situation might have caused. It is our top priority to find an individual solution together with you and shorten the wait as much as possible."