Car and van buyers need to order early to combat delivery delays

Car and van buyers should respond to ever increasing manufacturer delivery times by ordering vehicles early according to Lex, UK leasing company.

Lex has seen orders being placed for cars and vans as far ahead as the new plate change in September as companies forward plan to combat manufacturers’ ever lengthening lead times, and suggests private vehicle drivers adopt the same strategy.

It has received over 1,000 incremental orders in the past two months alone and is urging more motorists to plan ahead, as this situation is likely to become the norm as more car and van makers look at streamlining their manufacturing operations.

“With manufacturers fighting to make profits, rightfully they have taken the decision to run their stocking schedules as tight as possible,” explained Jon Walden, Lex managing director.

“This is against a background of manufacturers widening customer choice by producing new car models for new sectors of the market, which adds further complexity to their businesses.

“However, I think the manufacturers should be very open about supply so that customers aren’t inconvenienced too badly,” he added.

Two of the biggest issues are with vans; the best selling van in the UK, the Ford Transit is on a five month lead time, while the Vauxhall Vivaro is also in short supply with lead times of 3-4 months.

A couple of manufacturers have advised Lex of supply delays caused by shipping issues and some Japanese manufacturers are diverting volume that was originally destined for the UK to the US where demand has increased and margins are higher.

“Car and van drivers planning to have a new vehicle in September should think about ordering now to avoid delays and we urge manufacturers to communicate any delivery issues early enough so dealers can ensure customers place their new vehicle orders in good time.”