If you are looking for a new car and believe you will find a better “deal” by waiting until the end of this model year, you may be mistaken. Due to the Japanese earthquake, we are starting to experience a shortage of inventory and the scenario will get worse. Many dealers are already concerned about their new vehicle allocations and predict that pricing will “spike” rapidly. Mazda could cut global production by 600,000 vehicles and with manufacturers uncertain about when their plants will resume full production, the figure is likely to increase further.
Japanese -made parts are used all over the world and Toyota may also lower production at its pick-up plant in San Antonio, Texas as soon as this week.
Toyota is the world’s largest vehicle maker and they have already lost output of 140,000 cars, with Honda losing production of 46,600 cars and trucks. MAZDA HAS SUSPENDED ORDERS FROM U.S. DEALERS BECAUSE OF THE DISRUPTION CAUSED TO THE SUPPLY OF ESSENTIAL VEHICLE PARTS.
Vehicle paint is also in short supply after production of the pigment Xirallic was disrupted at a plant in Japan owned by Merck. This has lead to some manufacturers having to suspend orders for vehicles in certain shades of black and red.
Prices on pre-owned vehicles could also continue to increase since more buyers may turn to used vehicles if they cannot obtain a new vehicle at the price they expect to pay. So, if you plan to wait, you might be prepared to spend additional money, rather than saving money.
