The year 2021 is about to come to an end, and it was certainly a challenging one for the auto industry. While the learnings from 2020 did somewhat help OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) to get back on their feet, this year came with its own set of challenges. Right from the second wave or the covid-19 pandemic to the global shortage of semiconductors, which again crippled the auto sector. And right now, the world is fighting the new Omicron variant of the coronavirus. However, things are expected to get better in the next few months, and while we do not want to jinx it, we do hope to achieve a somewhat state of normalcy in 2022.
Existing chipmakers are ramping up production and planning to set up new facilities to meet the growing demand
Also Read: India Approves $10 Billion Plan To Lure Semiconductor And Display Makers
More than covid related restriction, the biggest challenge for the auto sector worldwide is the shortage of semiconductors chips. This badly impacted both vehicle production and sales, and we do hope that things get better in 2022. While existing chipmakers are ramping up production and planning to set up new facilities, several local players, including Tata Group has decided to start semiconductors production in India by 2023. This would certainly help in streamlining production.
Also Read: India Approves $10 Billion Plan To Lure Semiconductor And Display Makers
Maruti Suzuki India, the country's largest carmaker is seeing an average waiting period of 9-12 weeks
Also Read: Maruti Suzuki Sees Delivery Backlog Of 2.5 Lakh Cars; Longer Waiting Period On CNG Models
A direct result of the electronics component shortage is reduced inventory at showrooms, which has led to long waiting periods on vehicles. And this is one of the biggest factors that is deterring customers from buying new cars. In fact, Maruti Suzuki India, the country's largest carmaker is seeing an average waiting period of 9-12 weeks. With better chip availability and streamlined production, we do hope the waiting period on vehicles come down in 2022.
Also Read: Top 7 SUVs Launching In 2022
The Skoda Kodiaq facelift, which was expected to arrive this year will now go on sale in India in January 2022
Covid-19 related challenges and the chip shortage also affected the launch timelines of several models. Cars like the Skoda Kodiaq facelift, Audi Q7, new-gen Mahindra Scorpio and others, which were supposed to be launched in 2021 have now been pushed to 2022. And there are certainly more that are expected to arrive next year like the Kia Carens and new-gen Maruti Suzuki Alto. So, we are eagerly waiting to drive several new cars in 2022.
Today, even with EVs that offer a range of more than 300 km, there is still some range anxiety among buyers
The EV scene in India is certainly growing at a fast pace, however, when it comes to charging infrastructure, we are still quite behind. Today, even with EVs that offer a range of more than 300 km, there is still some range anxiety among buyers. With a host of new EV models ready for a market launch in 2022, we are hoping to see more charging stations come up, especially fast chargers, which could help with the range anxiety that consumers have. In fact, earlier in November 2021, Indian Oil has said that it will establish over 10,000 electric vehicles (EV) charging stations across India in the next three years. More projects like that would certainly help.
Also Read: Upcoming Electric Cars In India In 2022
We hope that COVID cases come under control so at least travel within the country happens in a free manner
Last but not the least, we certainly do hope there is ease on travel. With the growing number of COVID-19 cases and the Omicron variant, several countries are again restricting travel, and even within India, several states have announced night curfew. We hope that the cases come under control so at least travel within the country happens in a free manner, allowing us to go on more road trips and drives, and share those experiences with you, our readers.
