A lack of key components such as semiconductors has led to a cut in commercial vehicle production. The shortfall, plus a boom in demand triggered by the home delivery explosion, means waiting lists for deliveries of some new vehicles are stretching into next year.

“Order a Eurocargo 18-tonner and we should be able to get it to you this year,” says Iveco UK business line director, truck Gareth Lumsdaine.

“If you want an S-Way tractor unit, however, then you may have to wait until the first quarter of 2022,” he adds.

Renault Trucks is citing 2022 delivery dates for certain models. So is Ford, which says that its bank of unfulfilled orders is bigger than it has ever been.