The Looming Chip Crisis 2.0: Why Oakland County Drivers Should Prepare for the Next Semiconductor Shortage

Just as the automotive industry was catching its breath from the devastating semiconductor shortage of 2020-2023, key companies in the automotive and semiconductor industries have expressed concerns about a potential semiconductor shortage in the second half of 2025 or 2026, with the shortage likely to affect mature nodes of 40 nanometers and above. For Oakland County drivers, this emerging crisis could once again reshape the car buying landscape, making vehicle protection more critical than ever.

Understanding the New Threat

Unlike the previous shortage that caught the industry completely off guard, this potential crisis has a different origin story. While demand for chips from the consumer electronics industry has softened recently, it is likely to rebound while the use of semiconductors in autos continues to increase, and the structural lack of capacity for mature node capacity has not been addressed. The automotive industry’s growing appetite for chips—driven by electric vehicles, advanced driver assistance systems, and connected car features—is creating unprecedented demand pressure.

The average modern car can have between 1,400 and 1,500 chips, some even up to 3,000, with cars accounting for 15% of global chip consumption. As vehicles become increasingly sophisticated, this number continues to climb, setting the stage for potential supply constraints.

What This Means for Oakland County Car Buyers

The lessons from the previous shortage are still fresh in consumers’ minds. During the last crisis, 59% of automotive OEMs had to delay shipments to customers and dealers, while 33% delayed the introduction of high-tech features, resulting in 1.7 million fewer vehicles produced in 2021 compared to 2019. If history repeats itself, Oakland County drivers could face similar challenges: limited inventory, higher prices, and longer wait times for new vehicles.

The impact extends beyond just purchasing new cars. Facing unyielding demand despite high prices, OEMs made tough choices about features, with many temporarily removing features that require backordered chips—like rear heated seats, wireless smartphone charging, and premium audio or touchscreen functionality—from some models to get cars out to consumers as quickly as possible.

The Protection Strategy: Maximizing Your Current Vehicle’s Lifespan

Given the potential for another shortage, protecting your current vehicle becomes a strategic financial decision. Many consumers prefer to keep their private vehicle for longer if technical updates can extend its lifespan and alternate transportation modes reduce their annual mileage. This trend makes vehicle protection services more valuable than ever.

For Oakland County residents looking to safeguard their automotive investment, professional paint protection film represents one of the most effective strategies. PPF Oakland County MI services have become increasingly popular as drivers recognize the long-term value of protecting their vehicles’ paint and resale value during uncertain market conditions.

Industry Adaptation and Consumer Response

Governments, companies, and industry groups have banded together to prevent future supply chain issues and create a more diversified and resilient supply chain, with collaborations making the microchip supply chain more resilient, though building more factories and better integrating the auto and chipmaking industries will take years.

While these long-term solutions are in development, consumers need immediate strategies. Many owners have decided to skip car buying for now and concentrate on what’s already in the driveway. This shift in consumer behavior emphasizes the importance of maintaining and protecting existing vehicles.

Preparing for the Future

The potential semiconductor shortage of 2025-2026 serves as a reminder that the automotive landscape remains volatile. Looking forward, the question may not simply be how many chips are available to the automotive industry, but how different automakers allocate their supply. This reality suggests that premium vehicles and high-margin models may receive priority for chip allocation, potentially making affordable options even scarcer.

For Oakland County drivers, the message is clear: invest in protecting what you have. Whether through professional paint protection, regular maintenance, or comprehensive detailing services, maintaining your vehicle’s condition and value has never been more important. As the industry braces for potential supply challenges, those who take proactive steps to preserve their automotive investments will be better positioned to weather the storm.

The automotive future may be uncertain, but one thing remains constant: the value of protecting your investment through professional vehicle care services that extend your car’s lifespan and maintain its appearance for years to come.