In a 2022 article for ThinkBusiness.ie, Mint-Tek’s Siobhán ní Chofaigh offered a timely and insightful look into the global semiconductor shortage and its ripple effects on the automotive industry. Titled “Why the chips are down and impacting car supply,” the piece explored how a perfect storm of trade wars, natural disasters, and pandemic-related disruptions led to a scarcity of chips — the tiny components that power everything from electric windows to engine management systems.
With over 3,000 chips in a typical car, the shortage caused delivery delays, price hikes, and even made some second-hand vehicles appreciate in value — a rare phenomenon in the car market.
Edit: July 2025
Ní Chofaigh’s article also highlighted the fragility of global supply chains and the need for more resilient, diversified manufacturing strategies — themes that remain relevant today as Ireland positions itself as a semiconductor hub through initiatives like the Silicon Island Strategy.
👉 Read the full article on ThinkBusiness.ie: Why the chips are down and impacting car supply
