Maretha Gerber
The global shortage of semiconductors, or computer chips, will remain an issue well into 2022, says Daimler Trucks & Buses Southern Africa (DTBSA) CEO Michael Dietz.
He confirms that the local truck and bus maker is especially affected by the shortage, as it is a premium brand with sophisticated on-board systems.
A single Mercedes-Benz truck may feature up to 50 semiconductors.
The worldwide chip shortage is driven by soaring demand, as well as Covid-19-related production stoppages, among other reasons.
DTBSA sales and marketing VP Maretha Gerber says the company is working as closely as possible with its customers who are affected by limited product availability.
“We are finding solutions for them to keep mobile.
“We are not getting no inventory, but we are not getting enough inventory.”
Gerber says DTBSA’s 2021 and 2022 sales numbers are unlikely to be impacted by the chip shortage, as sales are not cancelled, but the arrival of new trucks merely delayed.