2025: Reasons Why New Car Delivery Is Delayed and Countermeasures! Explaining Semiconductor Shortages and Distribution Disruptions
Reasons Why New Car Delivery Is Delayed
The main reasons for delays in new car delivery are the following two:
- Semiconductor shortage: Due to the impact of COVID-19, demand for semiconductors surged rapidly and supply could not keep up. Since automobiles use many semiconductors in particular, this has had a major impact on delivery times.
- Distribution disruptions: Disruptions in distribution due to changes in social conditions and the situation in Ukraine have affected parts supply.
Current State of New Car Delivery
As of 2025, new car delivery times have extended from the usual 1 to 3 months to cases where waiting over six months is not uncommon.
Especially for popular vehicle models or specific grades, delivery times may be further extended.
Can You Cancel a New Car Order?
Whether you can cancel a new car contract depends on the stage of the contract and the circumstances.
- Provisional contract stage: Cancellation is relatively easy at a stage where the contract has not been formally established.
- After formal contract: After the contract is established, cancellation may incur penalty fees or damages.
The conditions under which cancellation is possible are as follows:
- Breach of contract: When there is a violation of contract terms or when agreement cannot be reached between both contracting parties.
- Unavoidable circumstances: When unforeseen circumstances such as injury or job transfer occur during the extended delivery period.
Troubles Due to Delivery Delays and Countermeasures
Delays in delivery can cause troubles such as vehicle inspection expiration and arrangement of loaner cars. The following countermeasures can be considered:
- Request refund of automobile tax or arrangement of loaner car: You can request the dealer for a refund of automobile tax paid before delivery or arrangement of a loaner car.
- Communication with dealer: Regular communication with the dealer is important for confirming delivery dates and resolving troubles.
Countermeasures and Points to Consider When Purchasing
- Choosing vehicles in stock: By choosing vehicles in stock, you can shorten the delivery time.
- Choosing less popular models or grades: Less popular models or grades may have shorter delivery times.
- Consider purchasing a used car: If new car delivery times are long, considering a used car is also an option.
Price Negotiation Using Delivery Delays as an Opportunity
Extended delivery times increase the possibility that buyers may cancel their contracts. You can use this situation to negotiate price reductions. Especially during fiscal year-end sales or bonus periods, dealers become more aggressive in sales, making discount negotiations easier.
Tips for Price Negotiation
- Obtain quotes from other dealers: By presenting quotes from other dealers, price negotiation becomes easier.
- Negotiate just before signing the contract: Just before signing the contract is the most effective timing for negotiation.
- Utilize dealer options: Dealer options are easier to negotiate discounts on, so it's important to take advantage of them.
Negotiation Tactics by Adding Options
By adding options, you expand the scope for price negotiation. Dealer options in particular have high profit margins, making discount negotiation easier. It's effective to negotiate discounts after adding expensive options such as car navigation systems or audio systems.
Key Points for Option Addition Negotiation
- Decide on necessary options in advance: By deciding on necessary options in advance and adding them during negotiation, dealers may be more willing to offer discounts.
- Check option prices: It's important to check option prices and conduct appropriate discount negotiations.
Preparation for Purchasing a New Car
New car delivery issues are expected to continue in 2025.
While automobile manufacturers are working to strengthen supply chains and review production systems, it is said that improving the situation will take time.
When purchasing a new car, pay attention to the following points:
- Check delivery times: Delivery times vary greatly depending on the vehicle model and grade, so confirmation is necessary before purchase.
- Understand inventory status: If vehicles are in stock, delivery times may be shortened.
- Communication with the dealership: It's important to consult thoroughly with the dealership about delivery times and inventory status.
Conclusion
The problem of delayed new car delivery is expected to continue in 2025. When considering a purchase, it's important to check delivery times and understand inventory status.
Also, by choosing vehicles in stock or less popular models, you can shorten delivery times.
For those planning to purchase a new car, it's important to make optimal choices while considering these points.