Car dealers face inventory shortages

Car dealers across the country are facing inventory shortages on some of the hottest models, as automakers struggle to meet the rising demands of consumers.

During the downturn, many dealership owners were left with an overabundance of cars for sale on their lots, as automakers still had vehicles left over from before the recession, yet few buyers interested in them. Since the car companies have slashed production at many factories, however, dealers are now facing the opposite problem – not enough vehicles to quench Americans’ increasing thirst for cars.

According to Bloomberg, car supply among the Big Three is down 30 percent at Ford, 43 percent at GM and 53 percent at Chrysler as compared to 2008. Yet analysts surveyed by the news source predict that auto sales will rise to 11.9 million vehicles this year from 10.4 in 2009.

That can only happen, however, if the automakers make enough vehicles to achieve that. Already, the major auto companies have added shifts to factories that produce the most popular models.

One dealer interviewed by the news source said he had requested 100 Ford Fusions in July and received just seven – and he owned the best-selling Ford dealership in the country.

The laws of supply and demand dictate that an inventory shortage for new cars means that prices may soon rise. Those in the market for a vehicle might be better off shopping the used car market, where they’ll also find a wider selection.