Daimler CEO Says Vehicle Manufacturers Could Face Chip Shortage in 2023

MUNICH, Sept. 5 (Reuters) – Growing demand for semiconductor chips means the auto industry could struggle to get enough next year and through 2023, though shortages should be less severe for then said Daimler AG CEO (DAIGn.DE) on Sunday.

Vehicle factory manufacturers, forced by the COVID-19 pandemic to close plants last year, face stiff competition from the consumer electronics industry for chip deliveries, hit by a series of supply chain disorders during the pandemic.

Cars have become increasingly dependent on chips, from computer engine management for better fuel economy to driver assistance functions such as emergency braking.

“Several chip suppliers have referred to structural problems with demand,” Ola Källenius told reporters during a roundtable before the IAA Munich Motor Show. “This could influence 2022 and (the situation) may be more relaxed in 2023.”

The IAA show is the first major event in the motor industry worldwide since the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more

Daimler said last week that it expected significantly lower third-quarter sales of its Mercedes unit due to the global shortage of semiconductors, becoming the latest in a chain of automakers to earn their income. Read more

The automakers of the American group General Motors (GM.N) in India Mahindra (MAHM.NS) and the Japanese Toyota (7203.T) have reduced production and sales forecasts due to the scarce supply of chips, worsened by a resurgence of COVID-19 in key Asian semiconductor production centers.

Källenius said on Sunday that despite the continued shortage of chips, the German manufacturer expects its own semiconductor supply to improve in the fourth quarter.

As part of its plans to electrify its model range, Mercedes-Benz will showcase several all-electric vehicles at the Munich fair.

These will include the world premiers of the EQE, the first all-electric for the high-performance AMG brand of the premium vehicle manufacturer and a concept car for its luxurious Maybach brand. The company will also introduce an all-electric SUV, the EQB, to the European market.

In July, Daimler said it would spend more than $ 40 billion ($ 47.5 billion) by 2030 to take over Tesla Inc. (TSLA.O) in a fully electric market, but warned that technological change would lead to cuts in power plants. work. Read more

Outlining its strategy for an electric future, the German manufacturer said it will build eight battery plants as production of electric vehicles (EVs) increases and by 2025 all new vehicle platforms will only manufacture electric vehicles.

Källenius said the company’s plan to separate its Daimler Trucks truck unit in late 2021 is still on track.

($ 1 = $ 0.8416)

Nick Carey Reports; Edited by Susan Fenton

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