The Association of European Vehicle Logistics (ECG) has warned that the “very existence” of finished vehicle carriers is threatened by the ongoing global microchip shortage.

The association cited depleting inventories, factory suspensions and closures, declining volumes and a lack of government support as culminating in a perfect storm facing the industry.

“Components are manufactured worldwide and delivered to the automotive industry via global supply chains involving highly complex planning,” said ECG president Wolfgang Göbel. “The problem is not the lack of planning competence of the companies, but the fact that other industries are competing for the semiconductor products and global demand exceeds supply for the foreseeable future.”