Carmakers feel chip crisis easing as global growth slows

Breakthrough comes earlier than predicted as motor industry begins to produce at full capacity

Carmakers are working through their order backlogs and concerns are turning to how consumer demand will hold up amid accelerating inflation and higher interest rates. 

The global semiconductor shortage that has bogged down the motor industry for almost two years is showing signs of easing, at least for now.

Mercedes Benz, Daimler Truck Holding, and BMW are among carmakers now getting enough of the high-tech components to produce at full capacity after experiencing crippling outages for months.