What tricks do auto manufacturers have to deal with the chip shortage?

  
 automotive industry - image from internet

The impact of the global “chip shortage” to automotive industry has gradually surfaced, and major well-known automakers have taken countermeasures.

In July, Audi's remote control key chip production capacity was insufficient. Some models only provide one remote control key and one mechanical key. Although it indicates that the key will be supplemented after the production capacity is restored, it is not known when customers will wait.

Cadillac has also announced that it will remove the super cruise function from its flagship Escalade SUV model. General Motors will produce a batch of light and full-size 2021 pickup trucks without a fuel management module.

Recently, Li Auto also issued a response plan, "delivery first and then reinstall the radar." Affected by the Malaysian epidemic, the supply of millimeter-wave radar chips is insufficient. Vehicles originally scheduled for delivery in October and November this year will only be equipped with one front-facing millimeter-wave radar and two rear-angle millimeter-wave radars. Vehicles with only 3 millimeter-wave radars do not have automatic merging and front-crossing vehicle warning functions, and other ADAS functions can be used normally. Although there are no five radars that are smooth, it is said that there is no need to worry about safety.

"Reduced distribution" delivery is just a slow-down strategy. If the "core shortage" continues, how should manufacturers respond?