Chipmaker TSMC says it can catch up with automaker demand by late June

[jimothy]

From Autoblog:

"Today, we think we are two months ahead, that we can catch up the minimum requirement of our customers, before the end of June," he said.

Asked if he meant the auto chip shortage would end in two months, he said no.

"There's a time lag. In car chips particularly, the supply chain is long and complex. The supply takes about seven to eight months," Liu said.

So better news, but not great news. This assuming seven to eight months counting from June, you’re looking at first quarter of 2022 before things are really cleared up.

 

[NorthStar]

And that’s assuming they’re able to maintain quality while trying to ramp up production...otherwise you turn on the windshield wipers to find the dome light comes on instead!

 

[Snofire]

Personally I doubt this will happen that quickly. They aren't just making chips for Auto but for thousands of other products.

 

[Buz]

Not to mention once they get the chips next year, then they need to build the trucks and ship them around the country. So add another few months.

 

[jimothy]

Not to mention once they get the chips next year, then they need to build the trucks and ship them around the country. So add another few months.

True, but right now, chips are a limiting reagent for a lot of vehicles. Ford is apparently building partially complete F-150s in which they’ll place chips once they’re available. At that point, they should be able to ship them as fast as transport allows (would there then be a glut of trucks?).

Several automakers are idling plants because of unavailability of chips. So right now, chips absolutely are a major reason for low vehicle inventory.

But as the TSMC chairman acknowledges, chips aren’t the only part of the supply chain problem, which is likely why he forecasts 7-8 months, and is not saying the shortage will be over in June.