COVER New car lead times

New car deals still playing the

OFFICIAL Manufacturers are making noises about lead times coming down, but it won’t be for a while yet

Tristan Shale-Hester

tristan _ shale-hester@autovia.co.uk @tristan _ shale

AS anyone who has looked at buying a new car recently will know, lead times in many cases are far longer than they normally would be. Just as Covid restrictions wound down, allowing pent-up consumer demand to be unleashed, a global shortage of semiconductors (along with other supply chain issues, not least because of the war in Ukraine) comprehensively throttled manufacturers’ ability to build new cars.

For buyers who are in a hurry to get their hands on a car, this situation has suddenly made pre-registered and second-hand models much more appealing, resulting in inflated prices across classified sites and dealer forecourts.

That said, it’s not impossible to buy a brand-new car, particularly if you’re not too fussy about make or model and are willing to wait a while for delivery. Furthermore, some car industry bosses reckon 2023 could be the year that the situation becomes significantly better.

The situation with new-car lead times is fluid and some brands simply can’t provide specific estimates, but we’ve rung round major manufacturers to get as much information as possible. Read on to find out how long you’ll wait for a new car.

OFFICIAL

DEALERS

Most car makers suggest contacting your local dealer for the most accurate information

THE LATESTUK LEADTIMES DIRECTFROM THE MANUFACTURERS

ALPINE

ALPINE makes just one car – the A110. The Renault-owned brand told us that buyers can expect to wait up to six months for a car.

ALFAROMEO

MOST of the Alfa Romeo range is subject to a lead time of four to six months. Giulia customer will have to wait between four and seven months, however, with buyers advised to ask their dealer for information.

AUDI

AUDI has said its lead time situation is changing on a frequent basis, with wait times for individual models impossible to pin down. The German firm is working hard to find ways around the problem and advises customers to contact their dealer if a delayed delivery is causing issues.

BMW

BMW has an average lead time of around four months, but this varies depending on model and retailer. The four-month average takes into account a transit time of between two and eight weeks for some models. The brand also warned of exceptionally strong demand for plug-in hybrid and electric models, which means longer lead times for these in many cases.

CITROEN

CITROEN currently has lead times of between two and four months. Its biggerselling electric and plug-in hybrid models (the e-C4, C5 Aircross Plug-in Hybrid and C5 X Plug-in Hybrid) are included and all available for delivery by the end of March 2023 if ordered now. Again, the French firm advises that customer queries should be directed to dealers. our dealer network, with further availability within our production pipeline. For specific requirements it is often necessary to factoryorder cars for customers, with lead times varying across models and model derivatives. We keep our dealers updated with the latest production lead-time availability so they can best manage customer expectations. ”

depend on the specification of each vehicle. A spokesman said customers can typically wait up to six months for their cars.

DS

WITH the exception of DS 9, which has lead times of up to six months, customers can expect to wait between two and four months for most DS models. DS buyers are being asked to speak to their dealer for more specific information.

FIAT/ABARTH

MOST Fiat and Abarth models are currently on a five-month lead time for factory orders. Dealers can offer more precise information about model-specific wait times and what cars are available from new stock.

FORD

FORD told us that its wait times are varying widely at present. Buyers can expect to wait three months for an EcoSport, five months for a Puma or Focus, and six months for a Kuga, S-Max or Galaxy. It’s expected to take seven months for an electric Mustang Mach-E, meanwhile.

For commercial vehicles, Ford says buyers are likely to have to wait between six to eight months for a new Ranger and, depending on spec, between six and 12 months for a Transit or Tourneo.

HONDA

HONDA told us: “Lead times for new cars vary across models and derivatives. We are keeping our dealers updated, and we therefore advise customers to check with their dealers for lead time information. Some vehicles are currently available immediately, while others have several months’ lead time. ”

JAGUAR

JAGUAR says buyers of its XE, XF saloon and Sportbrake, F-Pace, I-Pace and F-Type Convertible models can expect to wait around six months for their car. Indeed, orders of some E-Pace models have been suspended, while others are subject to wait times of between six and nine months. F-Type Coupé delays are up to six months, or between six and nine months, depending on the trim level purchased.

JEEP

THE Jeep Wrangler is currently available from stock, although most other models are expected to take between four and five months to order from the factory. Jeep advises customers to speak to their local dealer for more specific information.

KIA

KIA told us its facing increasing demand for its models in the UK and Europe, with supply chain issues also being felt.

The company said Sportage, Niro Hybrid, Picanto and several Ceed variants have a lead time of between 10 and 25 weeks depending on specification. The facelifted XCeed is likely to take around 10 weeks for delivery, while Rio, Stonic and Soul are currently estimated around 10-14 weeks. Other models that are seeing high global demand, particularly those being shipped from Korea, such as Niro EV, EV6 and Sorento, are currently taking between 30 and 36 weeks. You’ll wait nine months for new Defender

LAND ROVER

LAND Rover Defender 90 and 110 models are delayed by between nine and 12 months, while the Defender 130 is subject to a wait of up to six months. Discovery models are being held up for between six and nine months, while orders of petrol and diesel Discovery Sport models have been suspended; only P300e PHEV models are available, with a wait of nine to 12 months.

Range Rover Sport and Velar models are taking between six and nine months, while the new Range Rover faces delays of “more than 12 months” . Orders of around half of Evoque trims have been suspended, with the remainder expected to be delivered within six to nine months.

Customers should also be warned that Land Rover dealers are asking some customers to agree in writing not to sell their new car outside of the franchised dealer network within six months of receiving it (as we reported in issue 1,752). The Motor Ombudsman suspects this part of the contract can be refused under the Consumer Rights Act 2015.

MAZDA

MAZDA is now shipping UK-bound cars directly from Japan, rather than via Belgium, so lead times have been reduced. As a guide, Mazda says CX-5 and CX-60 are available for immediate delivery, as are a limited number of CX-30s, although factory orders should take around four months, the

e waiting game

same as it is for Mazda3 and MX-30 models. MX-5 orders should be fulfilled in four to five months. It’s better news for Mazda2 and Mazda6 buyers, who could receive their cars in as little as one month.

MERCEDES

MERCEDES hasn’t yet replied to our latest enquiry, but when we posed the same question to the German firm in February, it told us that customers should check with their dealer for information on any car they want to order. All dealer stock can be viewed on the Mercedes website.

RENAULT

RENAULT hasn’t responded to our latest query, but in February the French brand was looking at lead times of approximately six months, with a decent amount of stock also available for customers willing to compromise on model and specification.

SEAT/CUPRA

SEAT is instructing customers to contact their local dealership for delivery timings. Its sister brand, Cupra, said the same and added that it was “working hard to find solutions to supply chain issues” .

A MINI spokesman said it wasn’t possible to provide lead times on a model by model basis. In a statement, the firm told us: “The average lead time on built-to-order MINI models for retail customers is approximately four months, although this will vary by model and by retailer. Individual retailers are best placed to answer questions relating to lead times. We see exceptionally strong demand for PHEV and EV models and waiting times for these vehicles will exceed the above in many cases. ”

Dealer stock of new MINIs is more limited than usual, but some cars are available.

SKODA

SKODA lead times vary by model, with a two-month wait for a Fabia, two to three months for a Superb and three months for a Kamiq or Karoq, while the Kodiaq is subject to a delay of three to four months. Delivery times for the electric Enyaq stand at between five and six months, while the Octavia could take up to eight months.

TOYOTA/LEXUS

TOYOTA said some models are impacted minimally, others face a 12-month delay. A spokesman said that customers should contact their local retailer for information.

NISSAN

IN a statement, Nissan said: “Supply of different models varies significantly by model, grade and colour. Lead times will also vary depending on the stock available to individual dealers. If customers are

VAUXHALL

VAUXHALL lead times are currently sitting at around two to three months for internalcombustion-engined versions of its Corsa, Mokka and Astra, and up to around six months for its electric models. Customers are asked to speak to their dealers for more specific information, including about models available sooner from stock.

A Juke is available in just three months

willing to be flexible on their selection, then it is possible for orders to be filled in a matter of days or weeks. If a customer’s selection is not available from dealer or Nissan central stock, and a new build is required, waiting times will be longer.

“Approximate lead times for new builds are as low as one month on the Qashqai and LEAF, three months for Juke and the new X-Trail, and five months on Ariya. This is a continually evolving situation. ”

PEUGEOT

THE majority of Peugeot’s range has lead times of between two and four months, including its electric and plug-in hybrid models. However some models, including the e-Rifter and e-Traveller, will take longer. Peugeot retailers will advise customers about specific vehicle lead times. www.autoexpress.co.uk

VOLKSWAGEN

VOLKSWAGEN told us: “Delivery times for some of our model lines are longer than we would normally expect. ” Customers are being asked to speak to their local retailer to provide delivery times and advise on the limited supply of cars available from stock.

VOLVO

A VOLVO spokesman said lead times can vary hugely from car to car, with timings often dependent on the specification of that model. Some models ordered now are expected in February, while others could be longer. Currently, a mild-hybrid XC90 is likely to take around five months, while a plug-in hybrid version of the same car is expected to take six months. We want to hear your views. Send your questions or opinions to the E-mail address below Contact Tristan Shale-Hester

HOT TOPIC Ford Fiesta axed

FROM: David Douglas FORD is shooting itself in the foot here. I’ve driven Fiestas for the last 14 years – they’re great little cars, although £19,000 for an entry-level model is a joke. Even so, I think the Fiesta is a model that should be kept on sale. FROM: Oliver Percy IT feels as though Ford is slowly pulling out of the UK. First we lost the Ka, then the Mondeo and now the Fiesta. Sounds like the Focus will be next. It will be a shame if Ford is no longer a major UK car brand in five or 10 years from now.

Most readers are shocked that Ford will drop Fiesta as the firm moves to all-electric line-up

Join the debate at www.autoexpress.co.uk

■ “I’ve owned eight Fiestas and still have one now, as does my daughter. It’s a shame. ” Grant Stoodley ■ “Not everyone wants an SUV. Pensioners will always want a small runabout like the Fiesta. ” Kirsten Farr ■ “A bold move, but SUVs are taking over and the Fiesta has taken a kicking in sales charts. ” Robert Black

Poor website cost me dear at Budget

FROM: Dugan Cummings GOOD review of car rental sites (Issue 1,752). My recent experience with Budget was poor. Its website stated no issues for a driver aged over 80, but when I picked up the car, it had a list of conditions for drivers aged over 75 that I couldn’t meet immediately.

Renaultsport model would make Austral

FROM: Faisal Rafique IT’S definitely a busy time for Renault. The Austral E-Tech looks like a competent SUV, not least due to its ergonomic interior. The price point is interesting; my key question is whether a Renaultsport version will be available. I think that would make it a solid contender.

Get in line to save money on fuel bills

FROM: Glyn Pritchard I RECENTLY had a wheel alignment done on my car. The following weekend, I travelled 1,000 miles on a weekend trip to Cornwall and noticed an improvement in fuel economy from 36.5mpg to 37.5mpg. By my calculations, this saved me about £15 over the course of the trip.

Keep your distance to stay safe at speed

FROM: John Jones I USED a motorway the other day where some sections instructed drivers to keep two chevrons apart. Most seemed to do quite well at this, except when changing lanes. Many cars that overtook me pulled back in with less than two chevrons’ space.