It’s officially fall which brings football, cooler temperatures, and 2022 vehicle models. We can predict that at least two of those things are happening this year. New vehicle production challenges continue to linger. Chip shortages, supply chain disruptions and factory shutdowns still plague our need for new inventory.
According to Cox Automotive, only 1.2 million new vehicles were ready to roll onto lots as of July 19th, compared with the average inventory of 3 million. In August, dealers reported just under 1 million new cars on lots, 72 percent lower than August 2019. The major manufacturers have projected production reductions well into the fall, making the new inventory forecast even gloomier.