New Car Lead Times

A car lead time is the time between ordering the car and getting behind the wheel. Sounds simple, right? Well, in recent years, 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 lead times from various manufacturers. 

Why is the current lead time on new cars 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, new car lead times have 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.

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 lead times on new cars 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 car lead times?

When it comes to lead times on new cars, 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 car lead times

Although lead times on new cars are largely out of your control, there are a few things that you could reduce them.

1. 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.
2. Find an alternative. 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.
3. 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. That being said, new car availability is slowly returning to normal after years of disruption.

The industry is showing 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, lots of new suppliers are beginning to appear and are replacing the traditional car parts, therefore reducing lead times on new cars. 

Still have a question about new car lead times? Ring one of our car leasing experts on 0345 811 9595.