Subaru Boys are lamenting looming shortages of new Subarus as Japan cuts production

There has been a shortage of the tiny, but critical chips used to calibrate cars’ fuel injection, run infotainment systems or provide the brains for cruise control.

This has not only affected Subaru but other makes including Suzuki.

Mercedes-Benz was last month reported to be hoarding its chips for expensive models and had temporarily shut down factories that produce lower-priced C-Class sedans.

In April, Porsche warned dealers in the US that customers would wait up to three months to get their cars, due to a shortage of chips used to monitor tire pressure.

Reuters on Friday reported that Subaru Corp would cut production at Japan’s Gunma plant in July due to a global shortage of the semiconductors, a move likely to affect imports coming into the country.

“It is part of the production adjustment due to shortage of semiconductors,” Subaru spokesperson said.

The Gunma plant builds models including the Outback and Forester, Suzuki Motor Corp is also contemplating a reduction in production next month at Kosai and Sagara plants in Shizuoka, Japan.

A common make on the Kenyan roads, Subaru is popular with the young generation.

Kenya imports 80 per cent of its second-hand cars from Japan with the units accounting for 85 per cent of Kenya’s car purchases, on an annual import of above 86,000 units.

Other import sources include United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, Singapore and South Africa.

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