Amid the global chip shortage, LeasePlan goes the extra mile
to keep customers moving.
The current worldwide shortage of semiconductor chips can be
traced back to the early days of the pandemic in 2020, when
consumer demand for electronic goods skyrocketed. It was some
time before its effects hit the automotive industry, with the first
supply shortages emerging in the first quarter of 2021.
“There were two main pressure points,” says Gavin Eagle,
Managing Director of LeasePlan International. “First, we started
seeing limited vehicle availability. Second, it became clear that
the average number of days between order and delivery was
growing, month on month.”
The car production backlog grew throughout 2021, as OEMs
began facing other shortages, such as a shortage of the
aluminium from which most vehicles are built. On top of that,
shipping capacity was lower and container costs were rising.
These factors combined to create a perfect storm of delays
in getting new vehicles to customers.
As a trusted leasing partner for customers and businesses of
all shapes and sizes, LeasePlan acted to mitigate the impact
of the global chip shortage and keep everyone moving
throughout the pandemic.
“Because of the long waiting times for delivery, we reached out
to customers well in advance of their re-order date, helping them
place new orders as soon as possible,” explains Gavin. “Often,
we recommended pre-configured vehicles and electric vehicles,
which are being prioritised by manufacturers looking to meet
their emissions targets. In the meantime, we extended contracts
on current vehicles and offered used-car leasing solutions.”
LeasePlan will continue to monitor developments closely in 2022,
safeguarding our customers’ mobility.