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C.O. car availability affected by worldwide computer chip shortage

(Update: Adding video, comments from Robberson Ford President)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- A global computer chip shortage is having far-reaching impacts, including on the High Desert, where customers for certain in-demand vehicles might have to wait longer to get their preferred new cars or trucks.

Jeff Robberson, president of Robberson Ford, says one major factor that’s contributed to the current car shortage was the months-long shutdown of factories that produce the chips.

“We still have them -- they’re still coming," Robberson said Wednesday. "It's just that if you are coming to get a vehicle, you may not get it today. You may have to wait weeks or months to get it.”

The lot that the dealership uses to keep a back-stock of their cars is nearly empty at the moment.

But even with the manufacturing issues, the demand for vehicles at Robberson Ford has not gone down. In fact, Robberson says his sales are actually up, even with his used vehicles.

Robberson added that anyone looking to purchase a car will need to be patient.

“We’re seeing about 58% of our incoming orders are pre-sold,” Robberson said.

Last week Ford, removed more than 70,000 vehicles from its production schedules. Experts say the semiconductor shortage could last into next year.

As a result, Robberson has cut back on advertising, for now. He plans on meeting with the Northwest Ford Dealers Advertising Association next Monday to further discuss what actions need to be taken with the ongoing car shortage.

Article Topic Follows: Business

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Leslie Cano

Leslie Cano is a multimedia journalist for NewsChannel 21. Learn more about Leslie here.

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