E-Class, GLE Waiting Extends To 6 Months - Here Are 3 Reasons Why | V3Cars

19 January 2022
By Amit Saraswat
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Mercedes-Benz India recently revealed that buyers of the GLA, GLE, GLS have to wait for well over 6 months for the delivery of their cars. Mercedes-Benz are facing challenges to cope up with demand globally. While the semiconductor shortage is a known term among us, there are other multiple reasons for the backlog of orders. We try to break down the complexities into simpler terms.

Here are 3 reasons for the long waiting period on not only Mercedes-Benz’s offerings but also among all other auto manufacturers:

Unexpected Spike In Demand

When the pandemic took over the world, the demand for cars fell flat. But no manufacturer expected such a strong recovery. Post the pandemic, Mercedes-Benz witnessed a V-shaped recover in demand, and had the best quarter of the year 2021. The rise in demand led to a backlog of orders. Due to the global supply chain disruptions, Mercedes-Benz couldn’t meet the demand and hence, the higher waiting periods. For the key models, the waiting period are swelling to 6 months. The top selling models for Mercedes-Benz include the A-Class sedan, GLA, GLC, GLE, GLS and E-Class.

Global Supply Chain Disruption

In the post Covid era, international trade often hit hurdles, which further added to the unpredictability. Auto manufacturers, like Mercedes-Benz, source raw materials and essential components from multiple suppliers around the globe. Many countries announced travel bans along with limited international imports of goods. That resulted in the shortage of raw materials and crucial other components, which are essential for the manufacturing of new-age vehicles. Multiple manufacturers have started to skimp on certain features, like Mahindra & Mahindra who stripped ADAS in the AX7 Smart variant of the XUV700, to deal with the shortage of semiconductor microchips.

Complexity In System

Since the pandemic, auto manufacturers are facing multiple, overlapping complexities. From supply chains and production outcomes to scarcity of materials and freight. When automakers were not finding it possible to mass-produce vehicles, electronic device manufacturers took over the global stock of semi-conductors. Once the world started opening up, auto manufacturers didn’t get adequate supply of semiconductor chips, which began affecting the production. During the second wave, multiple auto manufacturers also announced temporary shutdowns to contain the spread of the virus. Auto manufacturers were neither ready nor expecting a sudden spike in demand and hence, failed to cope up through the supply.

According to Mercedes-Benz India, the hot-selling products like the A-Class sedan, E-Class, GLA, GLC, GLE and GLS are under waiting periods ranging up to 6 months and beyond. Mercedes-Benz India head revealed that the team is trying hard to cope up with the demand and contain the waiting periods.

Also Read: Audi Approved Plus - Pre-Owned Car Showroom Opens In Surat

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Amit Saraswat

Born and brought up in Agra, he grew up reading magazines more than textbooks. With a keen interest in cars, he decided to make his future in automotive journalism and is currently helping in content at V3Cars.