Industry Update: Learn the Latest and What to Expect

Welcome, 2022. It’s a new year – the perfect time to start planning. We’re here to help. As you plan your future equipment and parts purchases, here is some firsthand information to assist you with making informed decisions. It’s never too early to contact our team for planning assistance and support.

At present, delivery timeslots for most new vehicles are already into late 2022…and beyond.

Here’s what’s going on in our industry.

  • Component shortages. As you’ve likely heard, there is a worldwide shortage of both semi-conductor chips and chassis. Companies across a variety of industries are competing to capture microchip inventory. In addition, Ford and Chevrolet chassis required for many of our vehicle upfits, including wheelchair-accessible shuttle buses/vans and Type A school/activity buses, are in short supply with record-setting customer demand. The availability of any chassis is very complex and restrictive. These are just a couple component shortages experienced across the industry.
  • Pricing pressure. Historically high raw material costs, including steel, lumber, and aluminum, are negatively impacting vehicle pricing. We expect this trend to continue for the foreseeable future.
  • Unprecedented demand. A return to semi-normal operations combined with larger-than-normal year-end budget dollars has led to record demand for new vehicles. In addition, many organizations have been awarded various grants and incentives with fast-approaching deadlines.
  • Manufacturing limitations. While most manufacturers are fully open and operational, production is limited due to previously mentioned component & chassis availability, increased demand, labor shortages, and challenges presented by the ongoing pandemic.

Here’s what we’re doing at Sonny Merryman to support you.

  • Tapping into long-term partnerships. During our 55 years in business, we’ve developed a long list of trusted partners. Our manufacturing partners, such as Forest River Bus, Thomas Built Buses, Braun, and many others, are using their experience, influence, and resources to maximize production. Be assured, we’re in constant communication with our partners so they understand your needs.
  • Building new partnerships. Even with agreements with more than 15 vehicle and 50 parts manufacturers, we’re not becoming complacent. In the last two years, we’ve built partnerships with more than 15 new vehicle and parts manufacturers to offer the vehicles and products our customers want. We’re exhausting all channels to find the equipment our customers need in a timely and cost-effective manner as possible.
  • Adapting & committing resources. To offset and overcome pandemic and industry obstacles, we’re adapting and changing the methods we use to best serve our customers. From increased parts shipments, no-contact vehicle deliveries, video-based training resources, remote diagnostics – we’re pivoting to ensure we still provide the service and support you’ve come to expect from our team.
  • Finding Alternatives. For customers who aren’t able to wait out these extended timeframes for their vehicle purchase, we’re finding alternative options to meet their fleet needs, such as accessible minivans.

In this turbulent atmosphere, it can be difficult to plan. One thing you can certainly count on though – our commitment to you, our customers. We’re doing all we can – pushing, pulling, shouldering everything possible to get the buses, vans, parts, and service you need in the most timely, efficient, and cost-effective way possible. Get ahead of the game now – give us a call today!