'Worst in decades,' repair shops tackle shortages
Car repair shops in Norfolk tell NCN the car supply shortages are making this the "worst their industry has looked like in decades."
By News Channel Nebraska
NORFOLK, Neb.-- Repair shops in Norfolk tell NCN the car supply shortages are making this the "worst their industry has looked like in decades."
"It's progressively getting worse," said Dennis Mitchell. "There was a strike a few years ago but this is nothing like that," said Mitchell, who has been the owner of 3-D AutoBody in Norfolk since 2001. A while ago, he tried ordering a mirror for a car, but 13 weeks later, was still waiting. "It's progressively getting worse, I just wonder what's down the road."
Mitchell wonders if it could mean a change to car insurance, or even how cars are certified. He said the only solution for repair shops right now is to rely on connections and outsource jobs.
Global consulting firm AlixPartners predicts chip shortages will cost the auto industry $110 billion this year.
The shortage has led to an interesting dichotomy where, although sales are declining, service here in town has grown by 20 percent at places like Norfolk Auto Body Shop.