April Ancira owns Ancira Auto group with various car dealerships and shops across Central Texas. She posted on ‘X’ Wednesday to give her customers a heads up.
SAN ANTONIO — As the historic port strike continues, many consumers are worried about the fall out when it comes to the auto industry.
For the first time since 1977, the U.S. is experiencing its first east coast port strike as dockworkers rally for higher pay and job security. But those negotiations are causing panic among consumers.
In the auto industry, one local businesswoman went to X Wednesday to share a message. April Ancira owns Ancira Auto group with various car dealerships and shops across central Texas.
“We were really sort of playing this by ear as we go along,” Ancira said.
Ancira said she is not panicking. However, she said one of her locations already got a call about possible shortages when it comes to repair parts.
“Nissan just released something to the dealers this morning that the central dealers will be impacted with some parts that are coming in,” Ancira said. “They did not list what parts those are.”
But Ancira said they have learned from the past with the supply chain issues caused by the pandemic and other labor strikes.
“We always carry a little bit more parts than we probably need just in case,” Ancira said.
However, her concern is if this strike lasts three or more weeks. When she posted to X, she warned consumers of the trickle-down effects, especially when it comes to loaner vehicles for those customers waiting on repairs.
“There won’t be a parts shortage globally per se in this,” Ancira said. “It will be sort of regional access ability. So, the parts will be there. It’s just about getting them to the store.”
She said her company, along with everyone else in the industry will do their best to adjust.
“I just wanted to be able to prepare people,” Ancira said. “They might need to be patient.”
Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Texas released a statement regarding the ongoing strikes:
“We are monitoring the situation closely and developing countermeasures to minimize any impact to our customers and dealers.”