Bryant Motors

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(800) 886-2701
2901 South Limit Ave. Sedalia, MO 65301
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How a Microchip Shortage Is Making New Cars Hard To Come By

July 1, 2021

car microchip shortage

In addition to Clorox wipes, toilet paper, gas and countless other everyday products, you can add microchips to the short supply list we’ve encountered in recent months. Microchips are used for just about every type of electronic, including new cars.

Because of the global microchip shortage, it’s already becoming difficult to find certain makes or models of vehicles due to the fact that several automakers have had to reduce or halt production. So, if you’ve got your eyes on a particular new car, truck, SUV or van, NOW is the time to buy it before it’s gone!

What caused the microchip shortage?

The COVID-19 pandemic initially slowed down production of most consumer products (including cars themselves), but the shortage on microchips continues because of a few different factors:

  1. The pandemic created a sudden demand for more home computers, iPads, Chromebooks and other devices to make working from home or virtual schooling possible. Thus, there was also a sudden demand for more microchips.
  2. A major semiconductor manufacturing factory in Japan—Renesas Electronics Corporation—caught on fire in March of this year. They produce microchips for several big auto companies, but had to stop production to repair and replace equipment as well as investigate the cause of the fire.
  3. The Suez Canal was blocked for 6 days in March when a large container ship got lodged sideways in the canal. About 10% of global trade goes through the canal every day, so that also had an effect on microchips making their way to the U.S.

In addition to these 3 factors, demand for more and better microchips also added to the shortage because of the release of the new Xbox and Playstation gaming consoles.

Why does my car need a microchip?

Cars today use microchips (also called semiconductors) for a lot of different purposes. If you take off the outer shell of any vehicle, it basically looks like a rolling computer. Chips are used for all of the displays in your vehicle (stereo, backup cameras, dashboard, A/C and heat knobs, etc.) as well as parts of the engine, anti-lock brake system and any power control buttons (power windows, power locks, etc.).

And that’s just for your standard gas-powered vehicle! If you’re looking at an electric vehicle (EV), it may be powered by thousands of microchips.

How has the microchip shortage affected auto manufacturers?

Almost every major automaker has been affected, but Jeep has been hit particularly hard by the microchip shortage. Stellantis — the manufacturer of Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Jeep and others — announced in April that they were cutting way back on production of new Jeep Grand Cherokees and temporarily laying off workers.

Since the Jeep Grand Cherokee is the best selling Jeep vehicle, the automaker is doing everything they can to keep production moving, but you can expect this vehicle and others to be in short supply for a number of months.

Don’t wait to find the Jeep you want!

Bryant Motors still has a wide selection of Jeep Grand Cherokees and many other Jeep models in stock. If you’re in the market for a new or used car, come see us and we’ll help you find the right fit!

Filed Under: News & Specials Tagged With: buying a new car

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2901 South Limit Ave
Sedalia MO 65301
(800) 886-2701
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Full Service Dodge, Chrysler and Jeep Dealership
Serving Sedalia, Warrensburg and Whiteman AFB, Missouri

If you're in the market for a new or used vehicle, we invite you to browse our online showroom or come on down to our dealership and check out our inventory. Bryant Motors has been the premier go-to place for central Missouri's transportation needs for nearly 80 years.

Once you step on the lot or in the showroom, our personable and caring team of auto specialists will show you why we've remained Sedalia's leader for new & used trucks, SUVs, cars and more.

Check Out Our Vehicle Inventory including:

New Cars: Come test drive our Chrysler 200, 300 and Dodge Avenger. The revitalized Dodge Dart provides economical transportation with the handling you'd expect from a sports car. For modern day classics, we recommend Dodge Charger and Challenger. And if you're really in need to speed, the Dodge SRT Viper is in a class all to itself.

New Trucks: Find the best selection of both 2-wheel and 4-wheel drive trucks in central Missouri at Bryant Motors. For best-in-class towing & fuel economy, test drive Motor Trend's Truck of the Year for both 2013 and 2014, Dodge's Ram 1500. For a more heavy-duty truck, we recommend Ram 2500 and 3500 models.

New Minivans: Looking to buy a family car? Check out Dodge Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country. These popular family vans set the standard for minivans.

New SUVs: When it comes to Jeeps, we have the best selection of all Jeep models including Cherokee, Grand Cherokee, Wrangler, Patriot and Compass. Dodge SUVs are one of our best sellers. The Dodge Durango provides both power and room, while Dodge's new crossover, the Journey, seats 7 and is the most affordable crossover-SUV on the market today.

Used Cars & Trucks: looking for a good used vehicle? Bryant Motors' pre-owned department carefully screens each used vehicle to ensure you're getting the dependability you need. Choose from a wide array of makes and models, including many one-owner cars, trucks and SUVs.

Find the latest Dodge Ram, Jeep Wrangler and other exciting models, or browse our extensive inventory of quality new and used automobiles

Our Sedalia-based auto dealership serves the new and used car needs of surrounding communities, including Warrensburg and Jefferson City.

Find top-quality Dodge, Chrysler and Jeep, including the Ram 1500, Wrangler/Grand Cherokee and other models designed for getting the job done or getting through some of the serious farm and rural country Missouri is known for.

Bryant Motors is centrally located to residents of Sedalia and surrounding areas, as well as vacationers heading to Lake of the Ozarks or Osage Beach.

When you visit our showroom at 2901 S. Limit in Sedalia, you will not only find exciting new Dodge, Chrysler and Jeep models. You'll also find the most knowledgeable and friendly sales staff out in all of central Missouri.

Come visit our dealership near: Warrensburg , Whiteman AFB , Jefferson City, Marshall, Clinton, Boonville

Bryant Motors Auto Service & Repair Serving Sedalia, Warrensburg, Whiteman AFB and Jefferson City

Where you purchased your new Dodge Ram, Grand Caravan or used car is irrelevant - Bryant Motors' service department is here to help with all your automotive maintenance and repair needs.

We offer auto repair and maintenance on all models, regardless of where they were manufactured or purchased.

Whether you need a basic oil change , brake services , auto A/C repair , transmission repair or a total engine overhaul, experienced, factory-trained technicians will get you back on the road as fast as possible.


Find Popular New & Used Cars, Trucks and SUVs:

Chrysler: Chrysler 200 Touring, Chrysler 200 Limited, Town & Country, Chrysler 300

Dodge: Dodge Journey

Ram Trucks: Ram 1500 Ram 2500

Jeep: Patriot Latitude, Compass Latitude, Grand Cherokee (Limited, Overland, Summit), Wrangler

Bryant Motors
Central Missouri Best Car Dealership
Serving Customers in Sedalia, Warrensburg, Whiteman Air Force Base, Jefferson City & Surrounding Areas including Marshall, Boonville, and Clinton, MO