New car order freeze: Non-orderable models from Audi, VW and Co.

There are frequent significant delays in delivery of new car orders, and many models can currently no longer be ordered. We tell you what to do in case of delays and have a list of models that you can no longer order at the moment.

More and more manufacturers are imposing an order freeze on certain models. We tell you which models are affected and have answers to questions about car ordering, cancellation and delivery delays.

• Plug-in hybrids particularly affected
• Further order stops are to be expected
• Grace period in case of delivery delays
• Subsequent price increases possible to a limited extent
• Contract withdrawal usually only for money
• No right of withdrawal in case of force majeure

First the Corona pandemic, now the war in Ukraine – these were and are difficult times for the automotive industry. There are considerable supply bottlenecks and production delays. As a result, delivery times for new cars have increased enormously. The consequence: order stops.

The following models are currently no longer available to order. If the status changes, or new models are added, this will be updated in this table (as of April 26, 2024):

 

What rights do I have if my car is delivered late?

Here it depends on whether a binding or a non-binding delivery date has been agreed in the contract. The vast majority of car dealerships will only promise you a non-binding delivery date. This deadline may be exceeded by up to six weeks. Once this period has expired, you as the buyer have the right to request the car dealership to deliver.

If no delivery takes place within a further two weeks, the buyer can withdraw from the purchase contract. However, if the car dealership informs you at an earlier date that the car will not be delivered at all or will be delivered significantly late, you can withdraw from the contract before the deadline expires. Maybe a car with a one-day registration is more worthwhile for you, where you avoid long delivery times from the outset.

"Force majeure": delivery times significantly longer

However, the issue of "force majeure" is a problem. If operational disruptions occur at the seller or manufacturer that are not caused by their own fault, and if the vehicle cannot be delivered on time as a result, it is usually not possible to withdraw from the contract. These include the Corona pandemic, which is causing a chip crisis, as well as the current war in Ukraine.

Legally, "force majeure" is defined as follows: "An external event that has no operational connection and cannot be averted even by the utmost reasonable care."

In addition, changed delivery deadline conditions apply in the event of "force majeure". If problems arise with the supply of parts due to war or the pandemic, the non-binding delivery date may be exceeded by a further four months without the car dealership being in default of delivery.

Can I cancel my order?

Withdrawing after an order is not easy. As already mentioned, it depends on which delivery date was agreed. The rule is a non-binding deadline that may be exceeded by six weeks. After a further two weeks without delivery, withdrawal from the purchase contract is possible. However, if force majeure is involved, things look different again.

In addition, a free withdrawal is – usually – possible in the following cases:

• Retailer does not confirm the order within three weeks
• Confirmation differs from order
• A minor child made the purchase
• In the event of fraudulent deception on the part of the car dealership
• In the case of an Internet contract – withdrawal possible within two weeks
• Subsequent price increase of more than five percent

If you want to withdraw for a reason other than those listed above, for example because you have found a better offer, then you can only cancel for money – if at all. In most cases, 15 percent of the purchase price is due as a cancellation fee.

Does it affect my order if the price has been increased retrospectively?

It is essential to agree on a fixed price for the new car. A subsequent price increase is also only possible if this has been expressly agreed in the contract. The insertion of a corresponding clause is only possible if the delivery period is more than four months.

A price increase clause must also be described as precisely as possible and guarantee the buyer a right of withdrawal if the increase is more than five percent of the purchase price. This percentage hurdle is not regulated by law, but there are court rulings in which buyers have been granted a right of withdrawal from a five percent increase.

If you do not want to buy a new car due to the given circumstances, there is the possibility of leasing a used car. Here, the costs are kept within a very manageable range.