Dealer lots are getting pretty empty as the chip shortage rages on.
Major Shortage
Most people are well aware that dealer lots are quite empty at the moment, and that's a direct result of the ongoing semiconductor chip crisis. These components are widely used in infotainment systems and various other features prominent in new vehicles, and the lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic are wreaking havoc on the supply chain for this and various other components. All of this means that finding your next Ford truck isn't a terribly easy task at the moment.
Photos: Ford
Big Problem
Meanwhile, Ford has been building F-150s and Super Duty pickups and simply stashing them near its Dearborn and Kentucky plants until it can get its hands on some chips to finish them. Despite its best efforts, however, even dealers located near Ford's Michigan headquarters are facing serious inventory problems, according to Car & Driver.
Photos: Ford
>>Join the conversation about the woes of buying a new truck recently right here in the Ford-Trucks forum.
Big Drop
Varsity Ford in Ann Arbor, Michigan, one of the automaker's larger dealers, generally stocks around 1,500 new vehicles at any given time. At the moment, they have far less than that. "We have maybe 25 or 30 vehicles in inventory," Varsity Ford assistant general manager Max Stanford told Car & Driver, "and I'm probably overestimating."
Photos: Ford
>>Join the conversation about the woes of buying a new truck recently right here in the Ford-Trucks forum.
Taking Priority
Making matters worse, much of the inventory that is on the way to Varsity is already spoken for, as customers are choosing to order vehicles instead of purchasing already-built models on dealer lots. These ordered vehicles are being prioritized by Ford at the moment, too.
Photos: Ford
>>Join the conversation about the woes of buying a new truck recently right here in the Ford-Trucks forum.
Worse Deals
The shortage of both new and used vehicles is causing some pricing headaches for shoppers as well, who are now paying full MSRP and not receiving any sort of discounts in many cases. That means more profit for dealers on each vehicle sold, but with fewer vehicles to sell, it's still a problem.
Photos: Ford
>>Join the conversation about the woes of buying a new truck recently right here in the Ford-Trucks forum.
When Will It End?
Meanwhile, no one really knows when the chip shortage might actually end. Chipmakers are ramping up their efforts to meet demand, but it takes time. Some believe things will improve by the end of July, while others say the problem could persist for months or even years.
Photos: Ford
>>Join the conversation about the woes of buying a new truck recently right here in the Ford-Trucks forum.
Bad Timing
This means that now isn't a great time to buy a new truck for a number of reasons. For one, you'll have a hard time finding what you want on a dealer lot, and you'll likely have to wait for months to take delivery of a new order. If you do purchase a vehicle, you'll likely be paying full price. And with used vehicle prices reaching record levels, that isn't an attractive alternative, either.
Photos: Ford
>>Join the conversation about the woes of buying a new truck recently right here in the Ford-Trucks forum.
For help with your repair and maintenance projects, please visit our how-to section in the forum.
