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Auto Production Disrupted by Chip Shortages


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An automobile on the assembly line.

Automakers around the world are grappling with a shortage of computer chips.

Credit: industr.com

A global shortage of computer chips has hit automakers worldwide, a problem compounded by spiking demand for new cars.

Kristin Dziczek at the Center for Automotive Research said semiconductors are "controlling the engine and the emissions and [they're] even in the switches for raising and lowering your windows."

The shortfall stems from the pandemic-related suspension of auto manufacturing, which prompted the global semiconductor industry to sell more chips to other buyers.

Resurgent demand for chips from other sectors has further strained the global supply; a spokesperson for auto-parts supplier Continental said, "The bottlenecks from the semiconductor industry are expected to continue well into 2021."

This means consumers could have trouble finding certain vehicle models for the next several months.

From NPR
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Abstracts Copyright © 2021 SmithBucklin, Washington, DC, USA


 

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