Some automakers are building vehicles with fewer semiconductor chips in response to the global shortage that has crippled the industry in recent months.
Two trim lines on Ford’s Puma crossover, for example – Titanium and ST-Line – are now offered alongside a cheaper “Design” specification that uses fewer chips, but loses some functionality as a result.
According to the latest price list, the Design versions of the ST-Line go without high beam assist, rear parking sensors, lane keeping assist, lane departure warning, pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking ( AEB), pedestrian and cyclist detection, and post-collision braking.
There is also a Design Edition of the EcoSport ST-Line which saves many of these features.
The Puma Design models are £ 900 and £ 1,550 cheaper than the ST-Line and Titanium forms, respectively, and a Ford spokesperson told Autocar their reduced reliance on chips means customers can choose to receive their cars in a month or two, or wait longer for a fully equipped vehicle.
“The global shortage of semiconductor chips has affected almost every automaker in the world, including Ford,” the spokesperson said. “In order to meet our customers’ needs for Puma and EcoSport, Ford is realigning the contents of a small volume of vehicles. To mitigate the impact of the chip shortage.”
The decision to reduce the number of chips in a popular model contrasts with other manufacturers who have chosen to temporarily halt production in some cases.
Meanwhile, the lack of AEB and lane keeping assist means that Puma’s five-star Euro NCAP – awarded in 2019 – does not apply to cars designated by design.
“We are aware of the situation,” said Matthew Avery, director of insurance research at Thatcham Research. “Ford, to give them their due, has been very responsible and contacted us as they agree they would be violating Euro NCAP requirements without this equipment.
“We understand that manufacturers are trying to move the metal and buyers are impatient for cars, but we wouldn’t want them specifying these vehicles. We ask consumers to wait: when it comes to safety equipment, we believe you should hold back because this technology can save your life.
The Ford Puma retains its five-star Euro NCAP rating, but the car’s online listing makes it clear that ““Design” quality pumas do not have all the necessary safety features“ to fulfill the car’s five-star status.
The AEB and lane departure warning systems are expected to become mandatory on new type approvals from May 2022: even if the shortage persists beyond that date, Ford will not break these rules because the Puma – which is already approved – will not have to comply until May 2024.
More about this article: Read More
Source: www.autocar.co.uk
This notice was published: 2021-09-01 23:01:24
