Volkswagen Australia continues to talk a proactive approach to customer communication by opening a new page on its website to keep its customers informed as to the progress of their preferred vehicles in the supply chain.
The page, located at – https://www.volkswagen.com.au/en/vehicle-delivery-delays.html – augments the online stock locator and ordering capability that were introduced by Volkswagen in 2020.
VGA Managing Director Michael Bartsch said that desired production levels of certain models were a “perennial factor in the importing of European vehicles, especially those that are in great demand by markets in closer proximity to the factories”.
“To place the current semi-conductor issue in context, the brand experienced longer delays on certain models due to the mass re-testing required by the adoption of WLTP fuel consumption testing in Europe,” Mr Bartsch said. “For instance, the full Passat and Arteon ranges are only this year returning to local showrooms after prolonged WLTP related absences.”
“Nevertheless, the shortage of this key component is being felt in the supply in some ranges. While the supply disposition changes rapidly, even daily, Volkswagen is resolved to provide customers with the latest information possible.”
In Volkswagen’s passenger vehicle range, there is secure supply of the Polo, T-Cross, T-Roc and Tiguan Allspace. The Arteon, which shortly will have ample supply of both sedan versions, but little availability of the two new Shooting Brakes, until the New Year.
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ primary issue relates to the Amarok, with numbers reduced by logistical delays. Large numbers of Amaroks will become available shortly.
The T6.1 range is selling rapidly and further supply is sought. Global demand for the Crafter range, coupled to the semi-conductor issue, means that the Crafter 35 variants will not return in numbers until 2022. Crafter 50 variants can be delivered this year.
The new Caddy range is on sale this month.
