Chip shortage not affecting local garage

Despite the scarcity of new cars, Galligan Motors reported a “very good” year in the motor industry.

“Cars are holding their value a lot better than what they were because supply is tight,” said owner Peter Galligan, with quality used cars making “good money at the minute".

The global shortage of semiconductor chips is impacting the motor industry. Peter explained “loads” of new cars have been produced, however they cannot be sold as there are no semiconductors available. The chips are required for vehicles to carry out safety functions, sensing, displays, power management and overall control of the vehicle.

“Everything depends on this famous chip and there’s a scarcity,” he explained.

The problem is “not just in cars” but everything.

“There’s yards in England full of brand-new tractors and lorries parked up and can't be moved because they don’t have that chip.

“They can’t run without it.”

Peter is thankful that the issue has not affected his business having retained the same customers for the past “thirty years or more".

“We’re a small county garage and we do a bit of everything,” he said, listing services including sales, servicing, crash repairs, breakdown recovery, panel beating, spraying and NCT checks.

“Anything to do with the motor trade,” he confirmed.

Peter thanked his customers for their continued support and wished them a happy Christmas and new year.