Stoob

Active Member
Apr 21, 2018
165
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Afternoon.

Wondering if anyone knows the current build time?
Im looking to order the 1.4 hybrid FR but a dealer told me not to expect it before Feb 2022. Is that right?
 
It may well be correct.

The worldwide semiconductor (computer chip) shortages are impacting pretty much all motor manufacturers as computer chips are an integral component part in all modern cars. The chip shortages have meant that many car manufacturers have temporarily shut down production lines and / or assembly workers are working reduced hours, so fewer cars are being built.

I’ve read on some of the VW forums of lead times of 9-10 months or longer for certain models of the current Golf.

If you do a Google search on ‘semiconductor shortage and impact on the motor industry’ or similar search, you’ll find more information on this issue.
 
Too right! They used to describe the Space Shuttle as "A bunch of computers flying in formation" - these days, a car is "A bunch of computers driving in formation" - there are chips everywhere so a semiconductor shortage can have serious consequences.

To try and avoid the delay, check out Autotrader (or similar) for "New car deals". Last month I got a brand new FR eHybrid with delivery-only mileage that a dealer had in-stock - also got it discounted by over £9K! At the time of purchase, it was the cheapest New FR eHybrid on Autotrader - ex-Demo's with 5,000 miles where more expensive! Had to drive 150 miles to collect it, but worth it for the discount and to avoid the 6 month+ wait. Only downside was you got the car they had - no choice of colour, options etc. but that suited us.
 
Not a Seat, but I ordered an Audi A3 in Nov 2020 (so before proper Brexit and chip shortages) and the car only turned up in UK ready for me to receive in mid May. So 6 months in total prior to any chip shortages. Saying that however I've seen some 1.4Hybrid brand new lease (but I think it was Xcellence trim not FR) and they stated September delivery, though perahps those are already here.
 
Usually any of the good lease deals are for a batch ordered some time ago and about to arrive, the finance company then get desperate to shift the last few and dump them in the broker pool. You might not get much choice in colour or spec but might get the car in just a few weeks
 
It may not take that long in reality but I suspect theres so many unknowns they quote long lead times as folk tend to be happy when it turns up early but know what to expect when it doesn't.

When I ordered a Leon 1.5FR end of April, the order form had estimated delivery as end of September, but I got it early this week - though maybe they just happened to have the right selection of components for that on.

The dealer (also a VW dealer) reckoned VW were so badly affected they are closing their factories early for the summer break so theres likely a degree of pot luck over actual delivery times
 
I have a Formetor Hybrid on order. confirmed build week date 19th Jul. As I’m waiting a delivery date and not heard anything I’m now told it’s off the production line but waiting semiconductors. So it’s now sat around waiting for who knows what ??? ?
 
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I ordered an FR Sport auto estate at the end of May, quoted 18 weeks. Still don't have a confirmed build week now :cry: