Rolls-Royce is concerned ongoing supply chain issues could prolong waiting lists that already stretch into the second half of next year for some models.
Parent BMW has prioritized feeding semiconductors Rolls-Royce’s way because of the contribution it makes to the group’s profitability, CEO Torsten Mueller-Oetvoes told Bloomberg Television.
Recent lockdowns in China have forced the UK brand to import some parts by air.
“Supply chain is something that worries us, I would even say daily,” Mueller-Oetvoes said Thursday. “With all these port lockdowns in China, we also see certain constraints now. If only one part is missing, I cannot finish the product.”
Automakers that already were struggling to source chips are now also grappling with disruptions stemming from China’s efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19, as well as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Rolls-Royce is coming off a record year, having delivered almost 5,600 vehicles globally in 2021.