Citing supply chain snarls, Honda has temporarily stopped taking orders for the 2023 Civic Type R in Japan, according to a message of apology posted to its local website. Unfortunately for potential Japanese customers, it’s not clear when the automaker will start taking orders again.
“Since its launch, Civic Type R has been well received by customers, and we have received a large number of orders,” the automaker wrote on its website. “On the other hand, due to the impact of the spread of the new coronavirus infection, chronic semiconductor shortages, unstable parts arrival and delays in logistics, it is difficult to forecast future production.”
Honda said in the message that it is now focusing on completing the orders that it has already taken to get those customers their cars. According to the automaker’s latest update on delivery times, anyone who recently ordered a Civic Type R in Japan would have to wait “over a year” to get the car in their hands. This is just the latest sign that supply chain disruptions around the world have not completely stopped.
Read: Honda Civic Type R Sold Out For The First 18 Months In Australia
All Civic Type Rs are made at Honda’s Yorii plant in Saitama, Japan, while the engines are manufactured in Ohio. This issue will not affect the U.S. market, though, according to Honda USA spokesperson, Chris Naughton.
“The Japanese market is different in that customers there submit orders directly via Honda Motor or their dealership. In the U.S. we allocate production to dealers, and they sell to consumers,” he told Carscoops in an email. “Type R production has been allocated in the U.S. from the beginning in limited numbers, and that continues.”
The 2023 Civic Type R was introduced in July, promising many minor improvements over the model it replaces. The sixth generation of the model, its 2.0-liter turbocharged engine makes 326 hp (243 kW/230 PS) and 310 lb-ft (420 Nm) of torque in Japan with power transmitted to the front wheel exclusively through a six-speed manual gearbox.
The car has been a hit around the world. Honda Australia sold a year’s worth of Civic Type Rs within 24 hours of opening order books, and dealers have been able to charge huge markups in the U.S.
