📊Executive Summary

Daimler AG has announced that the global chip shortage is expected to continue through 2022, impacting production and sales. The company reported that it would cut hours for 18,500 workers due to the parts bottleneck. CFO Harald Wilhelm noted that while the semiconductor crunch would be less severe than in 2021, the shortage has already affected production output and sales figures. Factors contributing to the shortage include factory shutdowns at key suppliers like Samsung and Infineon due to a winter storm, as well as a fire at a Japanese fab. Additionally, Malaysia's lockdown due to COVID-19 is expected to further hinder microelectronics sourcing. Daimler is actively working to stabilize its supply chain amidst these challenges, which have also led other automakers to alter vehicle designs and production schedules....