The global chip shortage is forcing car manufacturers to take dramatic measures. BMW temporarily supplies some models without a touchscreen, but at least gives customers a discount. People who have ordered a Tesla Model 3 or Model Y just suddenly see a few holes in the upholstery. Where USB ports should have been…
Photo: Electrek
If there’s one thing Tesla can’t do, it’s communicating. The company has no PR department – CEO Elon Musk’s Twitter account should suffice – and also regularly falls short in terms of customer contact. The news website Electrek received several reports last week from Model 3 and Model Y buyers who received a car without USB ports and the wireless charging option for the mobile phone.
Tesla has hardly informed anyone
Some customers have apparently been notified, but most have not. They were surprised to find that there are a few holes in the interior trim, where the USB connections should be. Only after the victims contacted Tesla was she told that the global chip shortage was the reason. So they weren’t told that in advance and they didn’t get a discount for it either.
Customers can have USB ports fitted later
Due to the chip shortage, there are more manufacturers that deliver incomplete cars. BMW has announced that it will supply some models without a touchscreen, but only if customers agree, for a discount of 500 euros. Tesla – and also BMW – previously removed the electrically adjustable lumbar support. At BMW, buyers get a 175 euro discount for this, at Tesla nothing. Some Tesla customers have been told they can have the USB ports built in later. Most don’t know about that.