Subject: Re: automotive supply chain implosion coming?
I like to watch youtubes of auto technicians that own their own shops.

One guy, who goes by "Wizard" has done a couple pieces ranting about OEMs no longer providing any parts support for cars that are not all that old. One example he pointed to was a Dodge Challenger, that, iirc, was less than 10 years old: head gaskets unavailable. The "Humble Mechanic" really ranted about VW abandoning it's owners. He had bought a Mk5 GTI, which was produced from about 2004 to 2009. The door wire harness was broken, a common problem as VW designed the Mk5 harness too short and the wires were bent sharply when the door was opened. No problem he figured, as he mosied down to the VW dealer for a replacement. "Obsolete" the parts counter guy said. Service parts used to be a gold mine for OEMs. Seems they are only concerned with pushing new cars out the door these days. Taking care of their customers after the sale, like providing parts support, is no longer a goal.

For the record, VW dealers have never had a part, outside of routine maintenance items, in stock, since my car was new. Brake anti-rattle clip? Gotta order it, come back in a week. Secondary air injection system pressure sensor? Gotta order it, come back in a week.

Steve