no chip, go cheap?

[Domenico]

The global chip shortage has been a disaster for the automotive industry. I have read many articles that list manufactures that are suffering the most and what they have done to cope. In many instances the coping method is to remove electronics, or at least make them an option now. In other instances chips and production are used for the most popular selling model(s). I only came across one article that said Kia will stop production this month at a Korean plant that manufactures the K8, Sorento and Niro EV. How long until the Telluride is affected, I wonder? Will the 2022 models be built with removed technology? When I finally get to place and order and ask the dealer, will the dealer be honest if the answer is yes? Scary thought.

 

[Tortuga07]

The global chip shortage has been a disaster for the automotive industry. I have read many articles that list manufactures that are suffering the most and what they have done to cope. In many instances the coping method is to remove electronics, or at least make them an option now. In other instances chips and production are used for the most popular selling model(s). I only came across one article that said Kia will stop production this month at a Korean plant that manufactures the K8, Sorento and Niro EV. How long until the Telluride is affected, I wonder? Will the 2022 models be built with removed technology? When I finally get to place and order and ask the dealer, will the dealer be honest if the answer is yes? Scary thought.

I don't think they could remove features on the 2022 models now even if they wanted to. Too close to production time. Also, I think Tellurides and Carnivals will be the last thing affected. Most models have enough available on dealer lots that they can afford to delay production without too much lost in sales. Even if they have to shift inventory between dealers, at least there's a way to get customers their vehicle. With the Telluride and Carnival there's already negligible inventory so I'd expect them to keep those plants going as long as possible.

 

[Domenico]

I don't think they could remove features on the 2022 models now even if they wanted to. Too close to production time. Also, I think Tellurides and Carnivals will be the last thing affected. Most models have enough available on dealer lots that they can afford to delay production without too much lost in sales. Even if they have to shift inventory between dealers, at least there's a way to get customers their vehicle. With the Telluride and Carnival there's already negligible inventory so I'd expect them to keep those plants going as long as possible.

For some reason, despite only recently taking a close look at KIA, I think KIA will do right by customers.