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The chip shortage that ravaged the auto industry last year continues to terrorize vehicle production in 2022. BMW is changing chip suppliers to keep production going, but the new semiconductors aren’t fully functional, lacking Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It goes to new vehicles, but owners will receive an update with its features.
BMW says European Automotive News that it will install software features via an over-the-air update in late June. The chip also lacks wi-fi capability. According to the publication, BMW did not specify the number of affected models or disclose where they were shipped to. However, AN found owners on forums from the US, France, Italy, and more with cars that don’t have infotainment technology.
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This is not new territory for BMW. In November last year, a chip shortage forced the company to drop touchscreen functionality on models such as the Series 3, Series 4, Z4, and some crossovers. It’s not just touch screens and technology that’s affected. Earlier this week, Mini announced that it would stop making models with manual gearboxes as it simplifies its lineup with semiconductor shortages and ongoing supply chain issues.
It’s unclear when the chip shortage and supply chain issues will resolve on their own. In September, BMW and Mercedes estimated that the chip shortage could last until 2023 or later. The disruption has pushed up new car prices, and the pair may not want to lower them once chip supplies normalize. But that doesn’t look like it’s going to happen anytime soon.
Since March alone, Genesis, Ford, and Volkswagen have cut features from certain models, while Chevy and GMC have had to stop production. Chip shortages have also delayed the launch of new vehicles, such as the Alfa Romeo Tonale, and even supercars are not immune. McLaren had to delay Artura due to shortages.
BMW said that affected customers will update their software by the end of June. While not having the technology can be disappointing, it’s great that BMW could only do an over-the-air update to add to the missing functionality.
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