Daimler chief executive Ola Kallenius has suggested that the automotive industry could continue to encounter semiconductor shortages into 2023.
Speaking to reporters during a round table event ahead of the Munich Motor Show, Kallenius indicated that the effects of the shortage will continue to be felt for quite some time, Auto News reports.
“Several chip suppliers have been referring to structural problems with demand,” Kallenius said. “This could influence 2022 and [the situation] may be more relaxed in 2023.”
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Daimler recently stated that it expects to see significantly lower third-quarter sales across the Mercedes-Benz brand due to the chip shortage. However, Kallenius did say that the automaker hopes its own supply of chips will improve in the fourth quarter.
The ongoing chip shortage comes at a particularly inconvenient time for Daimler as it aggressively shifts its range toward electrification. At the Munich Motor Show alone, the German car manufacturer has showcased the production-ready Mercedes-Benz EQE sedan and EQB SUV, as well as the Smart Concept #1 and Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV Concept. It also presented a Mercedes-Benz EQG Concept, previewing a forthcoming all-electric G-Class with four motors.
Late last week, General Motors announced that the shortage has forced it to pause production at almost all of its assembly sites throughout North America this week. This includes its CAMI Assembly plant in Canada, San Luis Potosi site in Mexico, as well as its Lansing Delta Township Assembly and Spring Hill Assembly sites.
