Shortage

The Semiconductor Shortage Is An Opportunity To Create A Win-Win Situation For Mexico And US

By Michael J. Moody 1 month ago

According to the Banco de México, Mexico’s central bank, stoppages in the nation’s automotive industry as a result of the global semiconductor chip shortage could cost Mexico up to 1% of the expected growth of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by the end of 2021.

The semiconductor shortage is hitting many industrial sectors hard, but the automotive industry has been hit much harder than others. This is because semiconductors are an indispensable component for auto manufacturers since they need them for a wide variety of in-vehicle systems such as security, navigation and entertainment. A combination of events such as the suspension of operations in factories and ports in Asia due to the pandemic and the increase in demand from the technology industry (especially cell phone companies, computers, and video game consoles) all led to a surplus of demand for this one component. This in turn has resulted in shortages in

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How to Buy a Car During the Chip Shortage

By Michael J. Moody 1 month ago

If you’ve found yourself in need of a vehicle since the pandemic started, you likely know that we’re in one of the worst times to buy, due in part to the chip shortage that’s taken the automotive industry out at the knees. As we’ve been emerging from the dark depths of the pandemic, pent-up demand for vehicles is driving customers to buy in greater numbers than ever before. Reeling from that perfect storm of parts shortages and unprecedented demand, the automotive market could stay upside down well into 2022.

Having said that, there’s plenty to look out for that will help you find a great set of wheels at a relatively reasonable price. As long as you approach your purchase with an open mind, willing to compromise, you’ll find that things aren’t as bad as they may seem.

As the Popular Mechanics Autos Editor, I keep my finger on the

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‘We have demand and no supply’: Computer chip shortage affecting car dealerships

By Michael J. Moody 2 months ago

CRANSTON, R.I. (WPRI) — One of the many industries affected by the COVID-19 pandemic has been the auto industry.

Finding used cars hasn’t been as hard as trying to buy a new one. It’s been a frustrating year for those who sell new cars, including Bob Tasca III.

“You know when we went into COVID, I said ‘we have supply but no demand,’ now we have demand and no supply,” Tasca said.

Tasca and his family have been in the auto-dealer industry for almost 80 years and said none of them have experienced this in their lives.

Driving by any dealership, locally or globally, there are a lot of empty parking spaces in the lot.

“Normally you see car after car after car and you can see the lines are short but we still have cars though and we have

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Lowest October UK Car Output Since 1956 Amid Chip Shortage | Investing News

By Michael J. Moody 2 months ago

LONDON (Reuters) – British car output fell by an annual 41.4% last month to its lowest October level since 1956 as the global lack of semiconductor chips and a plant closure hit the sector, according to a trade industry body.

A total of 64,729 cars rolled off British production lines, data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) showed on Friday.

The fall reflected the global supply chain problems and Honda’s permanent closure of its factory in late July.

Car output in the first 10 months of the year stood at 721,505 vehicles, down 2.9% on 2020 when sites were closed for months as the coronavirus pandemic hit Britain.

Full-year car and van output will be below 1 million for a second consecutive year but is expected to return to above that level in 2022, the SMMT said, citing an independent forecast by AutoAnalysis.

“Britain’s automotive sector is

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