The global microchip shortage continues to seriously impact the automotive industry, and now Jaguar Land Rover has written to customers to advise that more than 50 of their models now face lead times of 12 months or more.

JLR have paused production of motors at its Halewood and Castle Bromwich factories this year due to a problem that has its origins in the global covid pandemic. When motor manufacturing plants closed last year at the height of lockdown, many microchip manufacturers switched their focus to creating chips for smaller electronic goods, rather than the onboard computer technology in new cars.

When factory lines kicked back into life earlier this year, it quickly became clear that microchips were in short supply as demand outstripped supply from the far east. The world’s biggest customers have all been affected, with Stellantis Chief Executive Carlos Tavares saying earlier this summer that he expects the crisis to run into 2022.

“The microchip shortage, combined with pandemic lockdown has already seen production down 40 per cent in the UK based on a ten-year-average, and now customers are feeling the impact too,” a JLR spokesman told The Daily Mail.

“Like other automotive manufacturers, we are currently experiencing some Covid-19 supply chain disruption, including the global availability of semiconductors, which is having an impact on our production schedules.

“We continue to see strong customer demand for our range of vehicles. We are working closely with affected suppliers to resolve the issues and minimise the impact on customer orders wherever possible.

“If customers have any questions, they should contact their local retailer.”

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