Carmakers Face $61 Billion Sales Hit From Pandemic Chip Shortage

Bloomberg (01/27/2021)
  • The COVID pandemic has disrupted the semiconductor supply chain forcing automakers to scale back production.
  • Electrical components account for 40% of the value of new vehicles.
  • At the pandemic’s onset, chipmakers slashed production in response to widespread factory shutdowns.
  • However, the faster-than-expected recovery has increased semiconductor demand from automakers and consumer electronics manufacturers.
  • The problem is heightened by Taiwan Semiconductor controlling 56% of global chip manufacturing.
  • Few expect the bottleneck to clear before this summer, potentially costing the auto industry $61B in lost 2021 revenues.