Car Manufacturer Lead Times

A car lead time is the time between ordering the car and getting behind the wheel. Sounds simple, right? Well, in recent times, manufacturers have faced unprecedented circumstances, such as supply chain disruption and a shortage of semiconductor chips.

This has caused lead times to fluctuate across the automotive industry, leading to a lot of confusion surrounding car manufacturer lead times.
Why are car manufacturer lead times so long?
The automotive industry is currently going through a transitional period, with manufacturers across the globe looking towards electrification. However, this transition has been a struggle, thanks to challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the semiconductor chip shortage, and the ongoing war in Ukraine. As a result, lead times have drastically increased.
During the pandemic, the automotive industry was brought to a halt as nobody was buying cars. This led to a void in the semiconductor chip market as the demand from the car industry was no longer there. This void was filled by the technology industry, which boomed during lockdown.
As the automotive industry got back on its feet, semiconductor chips were no longer as widely available as before, leading to big delays in production.
The war in Ukraine has also influenced manufacturer lead times. Russia was a huge exporter of car components to brands across Europe, but these brands have had to find alternatives because of the economic sanctions imposed on Russia. Also, Western Ukraine was a big producer of harnesses and interior switches, which stopped because of the war.
What are the current car manufacturer lead times by manufacturer?
NOTE: Lead times may vary depending on a specific model. Current times as of March 2023.
Audi Lead Times
Lead times for Audi cars currently range from 23 to 27 weeks, depending on the specific model.
Model | Wait time (weeks) |
---|---|
Audi A1 Sportback | 27 |
Audi A3 Sportback | 27 |
Audi A3 Saloon | 27 |
Audi A4 | 23 |
Audi A4 Avant | 23 |
Audi A6 | 23 |
Audi A6 Avant | 23 |
Audi Q2 | 23 |
Audi Q3 | 27 |
Audi Q3 Sportback | 27 |
Audi Q5 | 27 |
Audi Q7 | 23 |
Audi S3 | 23 |
Audi S3 Sportback | 23 |
Audi e-tron | - |
Please note, the above lead times are an estimate based on information supplied by the manufacturer and do not constitute an obligation to supply the vehicle in the time specified.
BMW Lead Times
Lead times for BMW cars currently average at 36 weeks, depending on the specific model.
Model | Wait times (weeks) |
---|---|
BMW 1 Series | 36 |
BMW 2 Series | 36 |
BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe | 36 |
BMW 3 Series | - |
BMW 3 Series Touring | - |
BMW 4 Series | 36 |
BMW 5 Series | 36 |
BMW 5 Series Touring | 36 |
BMW 7 Series | - |
Please note, the above lead times are an estimate based on information supplied by the manufacturer and do not constitute an obligation to supply the vehicle in the time specified.
Ford Lead Times
Lead times for Ford cars currently average 27 weeks, depending on the specific model.
Model | Wait time (weeks) |
---|---|
Ford Fiesta | - |
Ford Fiesta ST | - |
Ford Focus | - |
Ford Focus ST | - |
Ford Kuga | 27 |
Ford Puma | 27 |
Ford Mustang | 27 |
Please note, the above lead times are an estimate based on information supplied by the manufacturer and do not constitute an obligation to supply the vehicle in the time specified.
Hyundai Lead Times
Lead times for Hyundai cars currently range from 27 to 41 weeks, depending on the specific model.
Model | Wait times (weeks) |
---|---|
Hyundai i10 | 36 |
Hyundai i20 | 36 |
Hyundai i30 | 41 |
Hyundai Kona Hybrid | 27 |
Hyundai Kona Electric | - |
Hyundai Ioniq Electric | - |
Hyundai Santa Fe | 36 |
Hyundai Tucson | 41 |
Please note, the above lead times are an estimate based on information supplied by the manufacturer and do not constitute an obligation to supply the vehicle in the time specified.
Jaguar Lead Times
Lead times for Jaguar cars currently range from 27 to 52+ weeks, depending on the specific model.
Model | Wait time (weeks) |
---|---|
Jaguar E-Pace | 36 |
Jaguar F-Pace | 41 |
Jaguar I-Pace | - |
Jaguar F-Type | 27 |
Jaguar XE | 52+ |
Jaguar Xf | 52+ |
Please note, the above lead times are an estimate based on information supplied by the manufacturer and do not constitute an obligation to supply the vehicle in the time specified.
Kia Lead Times
Lead times for Kia cars currently range from 18 to 52 weeks, depending on the specific model.
Model | Wait time (weeks) |
---|---|
Kia e-Niro | 18 |
Kia Niro | 23 |
Kia Sorento | 52 |
Kia Sportage | - |
Kia Picanto | - |
Kia XCeed | - |
Please note, the above lead times are an estimate based on information supplied by the manufacturer and do not constitute an obligation to supply the vehicle in the time specified.
Land Rover Lead Times
Lead times for Land Rover cars currently range from 27 to 41 weeks, depending on the specific model.
Model | Wait time (weeks) |
---|---|
Land Rover Defender | 27 |
Land Rover Discovery Sport | 41 |
Range Rover Evoque | 27 |
Range Rover Sport | 27 |
Range Rover Velar | 27 |
Please note, the above lead times are an estimate based on information supplied by the manufacturer and do not constitute an obligation to supply the vehicle in the time specified.
Mercedes-Benz Lead Times
Lead times for Mercedes-Benz cars currently range from 10 to 45 weeks, depending on the specific model.
Model | Wait time (weeks) |
---|---|
Mercedes A-Class | 10 |
Mercedes A-Class Saloon | 18 |
Mercedes AMG A35 | 45 |
Mercedes CLA | 45 |
Mercedes C-Class | - |
Mercedes E-Class | - |
Mercedes E-Class Coupe | 45 |
Mercedes GLA | 45 |
Mercedes GLB | 14 |
Mercedes AMG GLB 35 | 27 |
Mercedes GLC | 45 |
Mercedes GLC Coupe | 23 |
Mercedes GLE | 45 |
Mercedes EQC | - |
Please note, the above lead times are an estimate based on information supplied by the manufacturer and do not constitute an obligation to supply the vehicle in the time specified.
Nissan Lead Times
Lead times for Nissan cars currently average 36 weeks, depending on the specific model.
Model | Wait times (weeks) |
---|---|
Nissan Leaf | - |
Nissan Qashqai | - |
Nissan Juke | 36 |
Nissan X-Trail | - |
Nissan Micra | - |
Please note, the above lead times are an estimate based on information supplied by the manufacturer and do not constitute an obligation to supply the vehicle in the time specified.
Peugeot Lead Times
Lead times for Peugeot cars currently range from 14 to 36 weeks, depending on the specific model.
Model | Wait time (weeks) |
---|---|
Peugeot e-208 | 14 |
Peugeot e-2008 | 18 |
Peugeot 208 | 14 |
Peugeot 2008 | 18 |
Peugeot 3008 | 27 |
Peugeot 5008 | 36 |
Please note, the above lead times are an estimate based on information supplied by the manufacturer and do not constitute an obligation to supply the vehicle in the time specified.
SEAT Lead Times
Lead times for SEAT cars currently range from 27 to 50 weeks, depending on the specific model.
Model | Wait times (weeks) |
---|---|
Seat Arona | 27 |
Seat Ibiza | 27 |
Seat Leon | 50 |
Seat Tarraco | 27 |
Seat Ateca | 27 |
Please note, the above lead times are an estimate based on information supplied by the manufacturer and do not constitute an obligation to supply the vehicle in the time specified.
Skoda Lead Times
Lead times for Skoda cars currently range from 18 to 52+ weeks, depending on the specific model.
Model | Wait time (weeks) |
---|---|
Skoda Enyaq | 52+ |
Skoda Kamiq | 18 |
Skoda Karoq | 18 |
Skoda Kodiaq | 36 |
Skoda Superb Estate | 41 |
Please note, the above lead times are an estimate based on information supplied by the manufacturer and do not constitute an obligation to supply the vehicle in the time specified.
Toyota Lead Times
Lead times for Toyota cars currently range from 14 to 45 weeks, depending on the specific model.
Model | Wait time (weeks) |
---|---|
Toyota Aygo | - |
Toyota C-HR | 14 |
Toyota Corolla | 18 |
Toyota RAV-4 | 45 |
Toyota Yaris | 18 |
Please note, the above lead times are an estimate based on information supplied by the manufacturer and do not constitute an obligation to supply the vehicle in the time specified.
Volkswagen Lead Times
Lead times for Volkswagen cars currently range from 23 to 52 weeks, depending on the specific model.
Model | Wait time (weeks) |
---|---|
Volkswagen Golf | 41 |
Volkswagen Golf GTI | 45 |
Volkswagen Golf R | 45 |
Volkswagen Polo | 32 |
Volkswagen T-Cross | 23 |
Volkswagen Tiguan | 52 |
Volkswagen Touareg | 52 |
Volkswagen ID.3 | - |
Volkswagen ID.4 | - |
Please note, the above lead times are an estimate based on information supplied by the manufacturer and do not constitute an obligation to supply the vehicle in the time specified.
Volvo Lead Times
Lead times for Volvo cars currently range from 18 to 27 weeks, depending on the specific model.
Model | Wait time (weeks) |
---|---|
Volvo V60 | 27 |
Volvo V90 | 27 |
Volvo XC40 | 18 |
Volvo XC60 | 27 |
Volvo XC90 | 27 |
Please note, the above lead times are an estimate based on information supplied by the manufacturer and do not constitute an obligation to supply the vehicle in the time specified.
What factors influence lead times?
Production capacity is the maximum output a manufacturer can produce using available resources. Essentially, the more staff and resources available to a manufacturer, the more they'll be able to build cars and reduce lead time.
On the other hand, if a manufacturer is going through financial trouble, they may have been forced to let go of some of their staff. This will decrease their production capacity and increase lead time.
Availability of materials is also crucial to car manufacturers' lead time. Many car components are sourced from external suppliers, so if there's been a delay of some sort by the suppliers, the car's production will slow down and increase the lead time.
The best example of this recently has been the semiconductor chip shortage.
Even when your car is built, there could still be some delays. Almost all cars are transported by ship, which could be delayed if inclement weather or a blockage on their route. Also, if the car is damaged in transportation, it will have to be repaired, which could take up to a couple of weeks.
Tips for reducing lead times
Although lead times are largely out of your control, there are a few things that you could reduce them.
Order a lower-specification car. If you need your car as soon as possible, be willing to sacrifice a few added extras. Manufacturers make their standard cars in large batches as they are the most popular, so sticking to the standard equipment will keep your lead time as low as possible. This even goes for things such as the exterior colour, stick to a popular colour like black or silver rather than purple or green.
Like the point above, if you want the quickest lead time, you might have to sacrifice the car you want. Thanks to the competitiveness of the car industry nowadays, it shouldn't be too hard to find an alternative from a different manufacturer. For example, if you want an Audi A3 Sportback but it's out of stock, you could consider the SEAT Leon or Volkswagen Golf instead.
Finally, lease a car that's in stock. Stock cars are available to be arranged for delivery as soon as you order, with lead times only being around two to three weeks. Whereas, if you choose a factory order, this could take several months.
Future outlook
Predicting what will happen to car lead times in the next couple of years is tough, but it's hoped that it will return to somewhere near normality.
The industry is beginning to show signs of recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic, and manufacturers have started to find alternative parts to those produced in Russia and Ukraine.
Also, as manufacturers begin to move towards total electrification, loads of new suppliers will begin to appear that will replace the traditional car parts, hopefully reducing lead times.
Still have a question about car lead times? Ring one of our car leasing experts on 0345 811 9595.