Here are a few reasons why your favourite Suzuki model might not be available right now. Read our advice below on what you can do to ensure you get yours ASAP.
The global pandemic has had an effect on every industry, and in the automotive & marine industry, one of these is a shortage of new outboards or parts, due to production constraints and shipping delays. The good news is that everyone is determined to get things running smoothly again as soon as possible. Here’s what’s happening:
- Suzuki Marine South Africa has experienced exponential growth.
Over the last 18 months, we have seen a tremendous rise in demand for Suzuki outboards. While we’re excited to be growing, we didn’t anticipate to be growing quite this fast, and we are working hard to increase the supply of outboards to our customers, even during these challenging and unprecedented times.
- There’s currently a microchip/semi-conductor shortage.
Used in cars for features such as Bluetooth connectivity, navigation systems, as well as in smartphones and consoles, the global shortage of semi-conductors is affecting many manufacturers. Outboards, gauges and control boxes also need semi-conductors and the worldwide shortage is affecting the ability to equip outboards with the much-needed technology. This is slowing down the production and assembly of outboards and their accessories from most manufacturers across the globe.
- There’s limited availability of marine shipping containers affecting the global distribution
Companies require marine shipping containers to move components required for production, and the current shortage of shipping containers means that companies like Suzuki are experiencing some difficulties shipping outboards and parts across the world. The average cost of shipping a standard large container has surpassed $10,000, some four times higher than a year ago, according to Drewry.
The shipping container shortage is an ongoing concern with suppliers and logistics companies around the world desperately trying to increase capacity especially nearing the busy year-end period when shipping volumes increase. The average door-to-door shipping time for ocean freight has gone from 41 days a year ago to 70 days, says Freightos.
- Receiving orders earlier in the season
The increase in demand for outboards started to show in South Africa in January 2021 and continued in the boating after-season. Customers purchasing their outboards earlier created more demand in winter. This created a long backorder list earlier in the season. As we receive shipments every month, we are reducing these backorders based on who placed their orders first. Therefore, we do recommend to check availability on your preferred outboard now so you are aware if there are availability constraints or not. The lead time may be longer on some models for which we have received high demand for. If you are flexible on the colour, we may be able to supply you sooner.
The good news is that the situation is improving and the backorder listing is reducing. We are working hard to ensure all customers can be assisted as soon as possible. So, if there is a delay on your dream outboard, keep the above exceptional circumstances in mind. These constraints are hard to control by Suzuki or your dealer. Stay in touch with your dealer and they will keep you updated.
If you’d like to read more about the current state of things, here are some great resources, just for you:
Read more about the semi-conductor shortage:
https://www.bbc.com/news/business-58230388
Read more about the Marine shipping container shortage:
https://www.economist.com/finance-and-economics/a-perfect-storm-for-container-shipping/21804500
