Skip to content
MarketScale
‹ Back to IndustriesEngineering & Construction

Searching for Auto Parts: Why is it so Difficult?

Supply chain disruptions continue to plague the automotive industry long after pandemic recovery efforts began

This story was produced through MarketScale. See how Engineering & Construction teams put it to work with Partner & Channel Enablement.

By Craig Austin · Auto Part ShortagesAuto PartsCraig AustinFlorida International University
Share

Key takeaways

01

Supply chain disruptions continue to plague the automotive industry long after pandemic recovery efforts began

Life was supposed to return to normal after the pandemic, but over a year after the official end of the crisis, searching for auto parts still has customers and distributors looking for answers.

So, how are auto manufacturers and part makers adapting to the ongoing challenges in the automotive supply chain, and why is it so difficult?

Craig Austin, an Associate Teaching Professor at Florida International University, delves into the current state of auto parts, highlighting innovative strategies to mitigate parts shortages and supply chain disruptions.

"The most complete solution to resolve this disruption in the auto parts industry would be for manufacturers to provide an inventory backstop," Auston says, underscoring the need for proactive measures in maintaining production continuity.

The most complete solution to resolve this disruption in the auto parts industry would be for manufacturers to provide an inventory backstop.
— Craig Austin, Associate Teaching Professor at Florida International University

Video TranscriptExpand ↓

A number of, auto manufacturers and part makers, whether for ATV or for a car or a brake assembly. They're adjusting manating the non essential features or components. Many of you are probably having problems and having your car repair or, you're waiting on a particular model, of a car that you really like, and, they put you on a wait list. And so a lot of you are have been schooled with a pandemic waiting, but you might be wondering where outside the pandemic Why am I still waiting? There are good reasons for this. First of all, supply chains, they were not broken during the pandemic. They were simply bruised. Quite a bit. And so what this means is that they have not fully reconstituted themselves, the parts shortage. The auto parts shortage is example, and it's a major concern for the industry. And this was caused by a variety of factors, supply chain disruptions that continue labor shortages and also just shipping delays and continuing gift of the pandemic. There's also the aftermarket accessories they are also experiencing the same kind of shortage issues on both new and used vehicles. Their model, any part, anywhere, anytime that's being severely tested these days. The most because they're having the same trouble as the the general industry, which is that they're struggling with getting access to raw materials. The most complete solution to resolve this disruption in the auto parts industry would be for manufacturers to provide an inventory back stop, which they have been reluctant to do. And so think of all the small suppliers, that are so critical to supply chains. For the automakers. Even a small bracket or bolt or plastic, component or parts, If they don't arrive on time, the production line does not start. And so the auto parts aren't made, the last three years automakers have been struggling to catch up, and recover from the pandemic. Many companies are in work shape because their volumes, their production volumes haven't returned as they were before the pandemic. And so they're also faced with a higher borrowing cost. As you've seen with higher interest rates. And so, and there are a number of other expenses too, but interestingly, the auto are making more money than that, which is why they had the UAW strike. Some automakers are avoiding the shipping delays in terms of not being able to get parts by eliminating those non essential features or components, that they have on a pickup car or an auto park And so their thinking is simply that call it the good enough philosophy from a friend of mine at Harvard University. It's the idea that customer doesn't need everything. They might be willing to accept last particular car or a part if, they can get it. And so a number of, auto manufacturers and part makers, whether for ATV or for a car or a brake assembly. They're a costing by eliminating the non essential features or components, and their thinking is that customers might be more willing to accept a product if they get it more quickly and think of, a digital control pain. If you can install a a analog control panel and the customer doesn't mind, relieve some of the, shortage And at the same time, you improve your customer service. And so automakers like GM have also been struggling with microchips which has been going on probably for a while longer. And so what they've done is they've looked for other ways of making money. And so what they're doing is they've been using the spare parts that they would normally sell, to repair shops, and, and the like, and they've been putting it into new cars. Which is where the money is. And so I also think of the insurance companies who are riding off vehicles rather than give you a loaner vehicle for a week or two weeks. Because it's cheaper for them. So this also squeezes the availability of auto parts or spare auto parts. And so a lot of thinking is going on these days with the automakers and the auto park manufacturers of just redesigning and and coming up with alternative inputs for the parts and standardizing more components instead of just specializing them, which costs more money if you make them yourself. So these are just some of the, thoughts I've been having, in this manner. Thank you, everyone.

About the author

Craig Austin
Craig AustinAssociate Teaching Professor

Craig Austin is senior export/import and logistics professional with more than fifteen years experience in all aspects of international logistics, CFS & Gateway operations, and supply chain logistics. Consistently able to manage multiple projects with competing priorities involving program development, quality control, and safety initiatives. Demonstrated capability in leading poor-performing groups toward higher productivity and excellence. A change-agent capable of leading corporate transition and process reengineering, possessing superior communication and business development skills with senior and other levels of management and staff.

Engineering & Construction: are you visible to AI?

Before they reach out, Engineering & Construction buyers ask AI engines which vendors to trust. See how AI describes your company today, and where competitors show up instead.

Free workspace

You just read one Engineering & Construction expert. Imagine publishing your whole team.

This article was produced through MarketScale. Create a free workspace and turn your own team's Engineering & Construction expertise into the articles, video, and social content B2B marketing buyers in your industry are searching for. No credit card, no demo required.

NPS +73 · 1,000+ creators · 38+ countries

What you get, free

Your own MarketScale Studio workspace
One video edit a month, on us
AI writing, editing, and publishing tools
In-platform coaching to learn the system

More Engineering & Construction Insights

Albany's construction sector signals growth from Regeneron's $2B expansion to rising contractor billings

Albany's construction sector signals growth from Regeneron's $2B expansion to rising contractor billings

Albany's construction sector is experiencing growth fueled by Regeneron's $2 billion expansion in Saratoga and an increase in contractor billings. Several new regional offices are opening, contributing to a busy construction cycle in the Capital Region.

  • 01Regeneron is investing $2 billion in its Saratoga facilities, boosting the local construction sector.
  • 02Contractor billings in the Capital Region are on the rise, indicating a growth trend in construction activity.
  • 03The opening of new regional offices is supporting the expansion of construction efforts in the area.

Jul 20, 2026

MasTec acquires Superior Group for $1.65B as grid buildout drives contractor consolidation

MasTec acquires Superior Group for $1.65B as grid buildout drives contractor consolidation

MasTec has acquired Superior Group for $1.65 billion in an all-cash deal, enhancing its utility portfolio. This acquisition comes as the clean energy sector is set to grow with upcoming federal awards. The acquisition brings in specialized electrical crews and equipment to MasTec.

  • 01MasTec acquired Superior Group for $1.65 billion in an all-cash transaction.
  • 02The acquisition strengthens MasTec's utility portfolio with specialized electrical crews and equipment.
  • 03The deal prepares MasTec for forthcoming federal clean energy awards.

Jul 19, 2026

Automated factories are raising the bar on efficiency. Here's where the benchmark sits in 2026

Automated factories are raising the bar on efficiency. Here's where the benchmark sits in 2026

Automated factories are significantly enhancing efficiency in manufacturing. Notable examples include Foxconn's lighthouse factory achieving a 45% cost reduction and GM's heavily robotized EV plant, which showcase the evolving standards in industry practices. These advancements set new benchmarks for world-class manufacturing as of 2026.

  • 01Foxconn's lighthouse factory achieved a 45% cost reduction through automation.
  • 02GM's EV plant features extensive use of robots, highlighting automation's role in efficiency.
  • 03New benchmarks in manufacturing are being established by advancements in factory automation.

Jul 18, 2026

Explore More Engineering & Construction Insights

Read more expert perspectives from across Engineering & Construction.

Browse Engineering & Construction Hub

About the Expert

Craig Austin
Craig Austin

Associate Teaching Professor

Craig Austin is senior export/import and logistics professional with more than fifteen years experience in all aspects of international logistics, CFS & Gateway operations, and supply chain logistics. Consistently able to manage multiple projects with competing priorities involving program development, quality control, and safety initiatives. Demonstrated capability in leading poor-performing groups toward higher productivity and excellence. A change-agent capable of leading corporate transition and process reengineering, possessing superior communication and business development skills with senior and other levels of management and staff.

For B2B teams

Your experts could be publishing here

Stories like this one run on content MarketScale captures from real practitioners. See how your team's expertise becomes coverage in Engineering & Construction and beyond.

Book a 15-minute demo

Or call us. No forms required. We pick up. 214-945-2512