Volkswagen Australia is keeping customers apprised of supply issues with a new page on its website.
The page, accessible here, gives customers information on which cars are currently experiencing supply issues, while also providing answers to frequently asked questions.
The company is expecting a return to normal production times in 2022.
The company says there’s still secure supply of the Polo, T-Cross, T-Roc and Tiguan Allspace. It put out a press release a month ago advising these vehicles were unaffected by COVID-19 and semiconductor-related stock shortages.
Conversely, it has said the Amarok, Crafter, Golf, Tiguan and T6.1 van range are still experiencing supply shortages.
A large arrival of Amarok and Crafter 50 models (though not the Crafter 35) is expected imminently, with unspecified logistical delays the culprit behind the current Amarok shortage.
Deliveries of the new Caddy will begin this month.
The reintroduced Arteon will soon have ample supply in all bar the new Shooting Brake versions, though the company expects this to be remedied early in the new year.
That means over the past month, the Passat has become affected by supply issues.
There’s been a slow-down in production of right-hand drive Golfs due to the semi-conductors required for the dual-clutch automatic transmission in the GTI, plus the Harman Kardon sound system that’s optional in the Golf Life, R-Line and GTI.
Tiguan 162TSI R-Line and 147TDI R-Line models are being affected by gearbox component shortages plus a lack of the leather upholstery used in these models.
Semi-conductor shortages have also affected the Tourareg 210TDI due to its standard Innovision cockpit, with Volkswagen recently quoting an eight-week delay.
The company has assured customers any outstanding orders will be prioritised before new orders are accepted.
“To place the current semi-conductor issue in context, the brand experienced longer delays on certain models due to the mass re-testing required by the adoption of WLTP fuel consumption testing in Europe,” said Volkswagen Group Australia managing director Michael Bartsch.
“For instance, the full Passat and Arteon ranges are only this year returning to local showrooms after prolonged WLTP related absences.”
The introduction of this page follows the introduction of an online stock locator and ordering system deployed during 2020.
If you’re not too fussy with colour and trim, Volkswagen says you can use the stock locator tool to find a vehicle already in the country rather than ordering one and facing potentially long wait times.
