Based on discussions on vwroc.com forum, Harman Kardon seems to be one of the options that is causing build delays on the mk8 Golf R - presumably HK themselves have supply chain issues as a result of ongoing semiconductor shortages. I dare say all Golf models (not just the R) where buyers have spec’d the HK audio upgrade will be impacted. VW have also removed the HK option from the Golf for new orders for the time being (it’s no longer shown on the configurator on VW UK website).Hi all, another frustrated newbie here. Just to add my experience this far, Golf Mk8 Estate, middle-of-the-range 'dad car' ordered July 2021, order number 313xxxxx, ordered from a VW franchise dealer in Scotland. Was told at the time 3-4 months, then possibly Jan 2022, and since then they won't give any estimate at all. Last time I chased, a couple of weeks back, I was essentially told that they had literally no info at all, and it would appear at some point! Tried calling VW customer services and got the same answer.
For info, its bog standard Pure White, and options were privacy glass, Harmon Kardon stereo upgrade, spare wheel and parking camera. Precise model is "VW Golf Estate Golf 8 5 Door 1.5 eTSI mHEV 150 Style DSG"
I'm not banking on it this year....
There could well be other supply chain issues affecting production - e.g. unavailability of other semiconductor-dependent parts and components, the situation in Ukraine (a primary location for manufacture of car wiring looms before the conflict started). The next supply issue might be automotive glass - forum member @The Fed recently posted the undernoted link to the undernoted article on the mk7 R forum board concerning a potential automotive glass shortage. The processes to manufacture automotive glass relies on large quantities of natural gas, and with the soaring energy costs, it seems there’s a threat to the glass supply chain. VW have apparently been stockpiling windscreens, but presumably that will only address short term supply issues.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/com...d5fa4406f857a0703fe206efc28a#image=AA11bcFb|8