Global automotive supply chains remain under pressure as disruptions linked to Nexperia, a Netherlands-based chipmaker, continue to affect major automakers and suppliers.
According to Reuters and Nikkei, German automotive giant Bosch has been forced to temporarily shut down three European factories due to severe chip shortages, highlighting that the impact of the Nexperia dispute is far from over.
Bosch's plants in Ansbach and Salzgitter in Germany, as well as Braga in Portugal, are facing significant production disruptions affecting thousands of employees. At Salzgitter, roughly 300 to 400 of 1,300 employees have been placed on government-supported, unpaid leave, while in Ansbach, around 650 of 2,500 workers have adopted similar arrangements. In Braga, Portugal, about 2,500 of 3,300 staff have experienced temporary adjustments to working hours or unpaid leave.
Reuters added that sources familiar with Nissan Motor said that its Kyushu, Japan, plant will cut production by another 1,400 vehicles next week, following a reduction of 900 cars last week. Honda Motor has also faced component shortages, leading to temporary plant shutdowns or reduced output in North America. Honda aims to resume normal production by November 24, though final decisions will depend on inventory availability.
The situation stems from regulatory actions by the Dutch government, which placed Nexperia—headquartered in the Netherlands—under oversight, citing economic security concerns. This prompted backlash from China, where Nexperia operates significant production facilities, resulting in temporary restrictions on chip exports. Nexperia primarily produces general-purpose chips used in automotive electronic control units (ECUs), making it a critical supplier for global automakers.
Although the Chinese government lifted export restrictions on civilian chip shipments on November 9 following negotiations with the Netherlands, supply chain tensions persist. Marcus Bolli, CEO of the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA), warned that additional disruptions could still occur in the coming weeks.
Article edited by Jack Wu
