Semiconductor shortage yet to bite

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JUSTone in four fleets (26%) say that they have been affected by the global semiconductor shortage that has caused a marked reduction in worldwide vehicle production.

Findings from the Arval Mobility Observatory’s 2022 Barometer show that 16% report having been impacted when acquiring petrol, diesel and electric vehicles (EVs); 5% on EVs only; and 5% on petrol and diesel vehicles only. Conversely, 74% say that there has been no impact at all.

Out of those who say they have been affected, the top three measures adopted in response include extending the life cycle of current vehicles (83%), speeding up the implementation of EVs (35%) and considering adding other vehicle manufacturers to their policy (11%).

Shaun Sadlier, Head of Arval Mobility Observatory in the UK, said: “This research shines a light on the semiconductor shortage, which has become a growing concern for fleets over the last couple of years and which, even now, may not be resolved for another year or more.

“It is perhaps surprising that as many as three out of four fleets report that there has been no impact on their operations. This is, in our view, quite a high figure. The most likely explanation is that it is largely accounted for by either fleets planning further ahead in their vehicle replacement process, or by the contract extensions that were widely undertaken by many businesses during the pandemic when mileage fell dramatically These particular fleets have been unaffected by delayed orders either because they have not been trying to replace vehicles, or have not yet really felt the full impact of the extended lead times.

“That line of thinking is backed by the research, which shows that among roughly one in four fleets (26%) who say that they have encountered problems, by far the most common response has been to extend vehicle life cycles. This is a finding consistent with the experience of Arval in the UK – and a sensible and accessible way of managing the situation for most organisations.”

Sadlier added that it was notable that more than a third (35%) of respondents believe that the shortage will speed up electrification.

“Presumably, in having to wait for vehicle delivery, they have decided to accelerate movement towards their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) targets by leapfrogging a replacement cycle where they would probably have chosen an ICE or PHEV and have instead opted to go straight to an EV, which often have shorter lead times as manufacturers appear to be diverting more of their production to zero-emission vehicles.

“Finally, 11% of respondents have considered opening up their choice lists, 9% have opted for used vehicles to meet their needs and 3% have examined the possibility of mobility solutions as an alternative. These are all creative solutions that we have seen used effectively by different businesses in different situations over the last year or more.”

Arval Mobility Observatory carries out its authoritative research of key trends in the fleet and mobility sectors every year. The 2022 Barometer talked to fleet decision makers in 26 countries and the figures shown here cover UK responses to this section of the survey.

Has your fleet been impacted by the semiconductor shortage?

Yes, impacted on EV, petrol and diesel vehicles 16%
Yes, some impact on EVs only 5%
Yes, some impact on petrol or diesel only 5%
No impact 74%

Of those who said yes, to the previous question, what measures have you implemented in response?

Extending the life cycle of current vehicles 83%
Speeding up the implementation of EVs 35%
Considering adding other vehicle manufacturers to our policy 11%
Considering used vehicles as an alternative to new 9%
Considering other forms of mobility as an alternative to cars 3%