Just like the Suzuki Jimny, but for those who live above the clouds, the Land Rover Defender is a perfect SUV that blends retro and modern design. However, even Land Rover’s highly desirable SUV isn’t immune from the global chip shortage.

Production at the Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) plant in Nitra, Slovakia, has been put on hold according to a report by Autocar due to the production crisis that has affected almost every major car manufacturer in the world.

Also read: After MCO, chip supply shortage is slowing car production in Malaysia

Clearly, the current Defender has more modern components and electronics than the original Defender (also simply known as a Land Rover). The original Land Rovers were simple by comparison requiring only hand tools to repair or disassemble them.

Besides the Defender, the Slovakian plant also builds the seven-seater Discovery and has a capacity to assemble 150,000 units annually. This is the third Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) plant to have its production put on hold following two of its UK plants in Castle Bromwich and Halewood.

This has affected production of the Jaguar XE, XF, and F-Type as well as the Land Rover Discovery Sport and Range Rover Evoque, in addition to the two aforementioned models.

A JLR spokesperson told the British media that the company is working closely with its suppliers to resolve the issue and minimize impact on customer orders.

The Defender has been receiving praise from the media and the public. However, with the overwhelming response, Land Rover simply couldn’t catch up with the demand.

Also read: 2020 Land Rover Defender: What are UK reviewers saying?

The waiting period for the Defender, which is already affected by the coronavirus pandemic, is expected to be at least a year. Perhaps that’s why it hasn’t arrive in Malaysia yet.

Also read: What luxury cars are coming to Malaysia in 2021?