Man who ordered new van says he's still waiting for delivery more than one year later
Supply chain issues and a computer chip shortage have affected the production of new vehicles and led to delays in deliveries to showrooms.
A Scarborough, Ont., man who put a down payment on a vehicle in November 2020 was told he would have to waits months for his new vehicle to arrive.
One year later, he said he is no closer to receiving it.
“I'm so disappointed. I’m so upset," said Samuel Chow, a retired postal employee who has been looking forward to having his new loaded 2021 Chrysler Pacifica Pinnacle.
The pandemic, a computer chip shortage and the closure of some manufacturing plants due to COVID-19 has led to a backlog in new vehicle production.
Many dealerships are warning car buyers they could have to wait three to six months for their vehicles to be delivered, but Chow said after calling the dealership where he ordered his vehicle every month there is still no sign it will show up anytime soon.
“I've been told the vehicle will come and I’m still waiting. I’m very patient, but it's very inconvenient,” Chow said.
Complicating matters is that when he ordered his new van, not long after, he gave his current van to his daughter for her birthday.
Chow said his wife Sandra also has health issues and they need a vehicle to get her to her medical appointments.
“There are many doctor’s appointments and I always have to borrow a vehicle to get there. There is wheel trans, but they can't always get there on time," Chow said.
The Chrysler dealership has tried to work with Chow and offered him different vehicles they have in stock, but Chow says he doesn't want them.
He could now also receive a 2022 Pacifica model as the 2021 model year is no longer available which is fine with him, but he said he can’t wait much longer.
"Even if I get a 2021, I don't care as long as I get the vehicle that I ordered," Chow said.
CTV News Toronto reached out to Chrysler Canada about the year long delay in Chow receiving his vehicle and a spokesperson for Stellantis, the parent company of Chrysler, said, “Stellantis continues to work closely with our suppliers to mitigate the manufacturing impacts caused by the various supply chain issues facing our industry.”
Chow is holding out hope that one day he'll get his van and said, “I want my vehicle."
Some analysts in the automotive industry have said that supply chain issues could affect new car production for another year or longer.
If you order a new vehicle you may have to be flexible about the colour, trim level and even the model or you could also have to wait to get it.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Solar storm puts on brilliant light show across the globe, but no serious problems reported
A powerful solar storm put on an amazing skyward light show across the globe overnight but has caused what appeared to be only minor disruptions to the electric power grid, communications and satellite positioning systems.
'It was violent': Police tear down U of A pro-Palestinian encampment Saturday morning
Multiple people at the protest camp torn down at the University of Alberta campus Saturday say police's actions against protesters were "violent" and "disproportionate."
'I am angry': Alberta farmers will continue fight over world class motorsport resort
The rolling hills leading to the hamlet of Rosebud are dotted with sprawling farms and cattle pastures -- and a sign sporting a simple message: No Race Track.
'My family doctor just fired me': Ontario patients frustrated with de-rostering
Dozens of Ontarians are expressing frustration in the province’s health-care system after their family doctors either dropped them as patients or threatened to after they sought urgent care elsewhere.
Canada Post cracks down on Nunavut loophole to get free Amazon Prime shipping
Amazon's paid subscription service provides free delivery for online shopping across Canada except for remote locations, the company said in an email. While customers in Iqaluit qualify for the offer, all other communities in Nunavut are excluded.
Potentially toxic chemicals hide in our drinking water and countless household objects, and they're not going anywhere
For decades, North Bay, Ontario's water supply has harboured chemicals associated with liver and developmental issues, cancer and complications with pregnancy. It's far from the only city with that problem.
Suspect sought after fatal slashing in downtown Toronto
Police are searching for a suspect in a homicide investigation after a man was slashed in downtown Toronto on Sunday.
U.S. aims to stay ahead of China in using AI to fly fighter jets, navigate without GPS and more
When two U.S. fighter jets recently faced off in a dogfight in California, only one was piloted by a human.
'Increased fire activity' expected for Fort Nelson, B.C., blaze
A wildfire near Fort Nelson, B.C., that forced thousands to flee their homes grew almost 800 hectares overnight Saturday, according to officials.