Spanish automotive industry dips in 2021

The Spanish carmaking sector ended 2021 on a down note. The industry says that its performance was impacted by persisting global semiconductor shortages. The continuous fall in demand in its main exporting markets is also weighing on the recovery to pre-pandemic levels, Kallanish notes. The microchip crisis is likely to persist at least until mid-2022, according to the national automotive association Anfac.

“The severe shortage of microchips is conditioning the rate of production,” the association observes. “Although the situation should improve this year, we will not see a complete solution until the beginning of 2023. According to Anfac, the sector is facing an industrial and social transformation towards new mobility.

“It is necessary to immediately find appropriate measures and apply for governmental support after Brussels has given the green light to the funds for the industry,” the association adds.

Output in December reached 147,404 vehicles, a decrease of 25.1% on-year. Full-year production amounted to 2.098 million units, down by 7.5% on-year.

Exports were 127,785 units in December, a decrease of 26% compared to the same month in 2020. Full-year shipments abroad fell by 6.7% y-o-y to 1.82m vehicles, Anfac data shows.

Todor Kirkov Bulgaria