…resulting in supply issues, delivery delays, and a shortage of various new makes and models.
We understand that whether you’re ordering your first car through the Motability Scheme, selecting your next vehicle, or awaiting delivery, you likely have questions about the reasons behind the current delivery delays and what steps you can take if your order is affected.
To assist you during this time, we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions addressing these concerns.
Why are vehicle orders being delayed?
The primary challenge impacting the availability of new cars stems from a global scarcity of semiconductors, commonly known as ‘chips.’ These tiny but vital components are found in a wide range of electronic devices, including washing machines, home computers, televisions, and automobiles.
To function optimally, each new car relies on approximately 1,500 of these chips, serving as the vehicle’s central processing unit. However, the surge in demand for electronic goods during the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a shortage of semiconductors.
Although chip supply is gradually improving, most manufacturers are still grappling with significant order backlogs. Consequently, it is probable that extended waiting times for new cars will persist throughout 2023, as manufacturers diligently work through these accumulated orders.
How is this affecting the Motability Scheme?
We understand that you may have noticed a reduction in the number of cars available on the Motability Scheme compared to previous years. Additionally, it’s possible that you may encounter higher Advance Payments than what you are accustomed to.
In addition to this, vehicles are occasionally being removed from the Scheme at short notice due to manufacturer requests. This situation presents challenges for GowringsVersa Mobility in obtaining reliable information about delivery dates, primarily because of the various factors that impact the supply of new cars.
What if the Advance Payment of the vehicle I’ve ordered changes after I’ve placed my order?
Price lists for the Motability Scheme are typically refreshed every three months, with updated prices released at the beginning of January, April, July, and October.
It’s important to note that the Advance Payment for a car can fluctuate during the year. However, Motability offers a price guarantee, ensuring that the Advance Payment of the car remains unchanged from the date your order is accepted, even if there are subsequent changes while you await the delivery of your car.
What if my delivery date changes more than once?
Due to the current dynamics within the new car market, it is important to acknowledge that your anticipated delivery date may undergo multiple changes. At GowringsVersa Mobility we, like most dealerships have to rely on updates from manufacturers, and there are situations where build dates and delivery timeframes may need to be adjusted due to circumstances beyond our control.
If you are an existing customer and experience such change, Motability will extend your lease for as long as necessary to ensure uninterrupted mobility during this period of uncertainty.
I am an existing customer – what happens if my next order is delayed?
If your next order is delayed and your new car is unlikely to be delivered before the end of your current lease Motability will extend the lease on your current vehicle until your new one is ready. This includes your insurance, breakdown cover and the other aspects of your worry-free package, so you should not notice any difference with your lease.
You’ll just need to make sure you’ve completed the MOT on your vehicle by your original lease end date, as we won’t be able to extend your lease unless this is done.
If this means that your lease is likely to extend more than a year beyond your original lease end date, you’ll need to arrange for another MOT and for some customers another service on your vehicle before it is handed back
Are there any delays with vehicle repairs?
The current global supply issues are having an effect on some vehicle repairers. The availability of certain parts, particularly those needing semiconductors, has been impacted and means it could take longer for replacement parts to arrive.
These delays also mean workshop space is taken for longer which has an effect on the number of vehicles that can be repaired.
If your vehicle needs insurance repairs, our insurance provider and their approved repairers will communicate with you throughout your claim. They will keep you informed of the progress and let you know if any delays are likely to occur.
Can you speed the delivery up for me because I have been awarded a grant?
Whether you order a car through the Scheme or privately at a dealership including GowringsVersa, it will be subject to the same delivery lead times and delays, Motability are unable to speed up the delivery of your vehicle on your behalf
If you have received an award letter from Motability, the Charity, it is not possible to increase your grant award or use your grant award towards vehicles other than those listed on your award letter to speed up delivery
At GowringsVersa Mobility, we have been proudly supplying wheelchair accessible vehicles for over 50 years. We understand the frustrations that can arise from waiting for your vehicle, and we also recognise the significant freedom that Motability provides. Your mobility is our priority, and we are here to address any concerns you may have. Contact us today, our team is available to speak with you and provide the support you need.
