AUTOMAKER ANXIETY
European carmakers and parts suppliers had warned of chip shortages supplied by Nexperia that would force stoppages at production lines in Europe.
The chipmaker supplies 49 per cent of the electronic components used in the European automotive industry, according to German financial daily Handelsblatt.
The European auto lobby ACEA warned last month that production would be seriously hit.
“Without these chips, European automotive suppliers cannot build the parts and components needed to supply vehicle manufacturers and this therefore threatens production stoppages,” the group said.
Nexperia’s chips, while widely used, are not “unique” in terms of technology and therefore “easily substitutable”, French parts maker OPmobility said.
But suppliers must get the new products approved by automakers, which takes time.
Beijing suggested on Saturday that some shipments would resume.
Companies experiencing difficulties could contact the ministry or local commerce authorities, the Chinese ministry spokesperson said.
Source: CNA
