Since the global semiconductor shortage began, UK dealerships have warned buyers to expect much longer waits when they order cars built to specification. Many manufacturers have adopted cautious production schedules and staggered factory restarts post-pandemic, meaning delivery estimates are often provisional and subject to alteration at short notice.
Average Lead Times by Brand
- Audi: Customers placing factory orders in the UK currently face waiting times of 23–27 weeks, depending on model.
- BMW: The German marque averages 36 weeks for new vehicles from order to delivery.
- Ford: Lead times for Ford models in the UK stand at around 27 weeks on average .
- Hyundai: UK buyers should expect 27–41 weeks, with SUVs and electric models often near the upper end of that range.
- Volkswagen: Factory-ordered VWs show the greatest spread, from 23 up to 52 weeks, reflecting high demand for both ICE and ID. series EVs.
- Volvo: Waiting times typically range between 18 and 27 weeks, depending on SUV or sedan variants.
- Toyota: Thanks to increased hybrid production, European (including UK) delivery times have improved to 60–70 days (roughly 8.5–10 weeks).
- Polestar 2 (EV): Select dealers hold stock, with delivery in 3–4 weeks for UK customers choosing readily available vehicles.
Factors Influencing Wait Times
- Semiconductor Shortages
Almost every manufacturer has been affected by chip supply constraints, lengthening lead times across the board and making precise delivery estimates challenging. - Electrification Transition
As brands retool factories and qualify new battery suppliers, production capacity fluctuates. Launches of new EV models often see initial allocations prioritised for key markets, delaying wider availability. - Global Logistics
Most cars bound for the UK travel by sea; weather-related delays, port congestion and shortages of skilled labour at docks can add days or weeks to transit times. - Model Popularity & Configuration
Highly-specified cars—or those in niche colours or trim levels—are built in smaller batches, extending lead times, whereas entry-level variants in popular finishes often arrive sooner.
Trends for 2025
- Gradual Normalisation: As manufacturers secure alternative chip supplies and stabilise production lines, average lead times have begun to shorten slightly in Q1 2025.
- Leasing & Stock Deals: Leasing companies are increasingly promoting in-stock vehicles to mitigate long factory waits. Buyers seeking rapid delivery can often secure EVs or near-new demos within a month.
- Hybrid Demand Peak: Toyota’s push on hybrid models has eased backlogs, but continued popularity means that some mainstream dealerships still quote two- to three-month waits
In the UK, waiting times for factory-ordered new cars in 2025 span a broad spectrum, from as little as 3–4 weeks for certain EV stock models to over nine months for some premium brands. Mainstream marques such as Audi, Ford and Hyundai typically quote lead times between 23 and 41 weeks, while BMW averages around 36 weeks. Toyota’s hybrid boom has seen delivery times tighten to around 60–70 days, and emerging EV brands like Polestar often have stock vehicles ready in just one month. Supply-chain disruptions—principally semiconductor shortages—and the rapid shift to electrification remain the principal drivers of lead-time variability, though there are signs in early 2025 of gradual improvement as production stabilises.
