The weakened economy, in conjunction with inflation, has allowed automakers an opportunity to use decreased chip demand in other industries to their own advantage.
Daimler must recall 60,000 Mercedes diesel cars in Germany after regulators found that they were fitted with software aimed at distorting emissions tests.
Daimler said planned launches of battery-powered luxury cars were on schedule, following a report that they were facing delays because of battery shortages and other technical problems.
Ford shut down truck plants earlier this week because of parts shortages caused by a fire at a Michigan supplier. Production could continue this Friday.