WASHINGTON — A U.S. auto trade group on Monday urged the federal government to assist because it warned the worldwide semiconductor scarcity might end in 1.28 million fewer automobiles constructed this 12 months and disrupt manufacturing for one more six months.

The U.S. Commerce Division ought to dedicate a portion of funding in a proposed invoice to increase U.S. semiconductor manufacturing to auto sector wants, the Alliance for Auto Innovation mentioned in written responses to a government-initiated overview.

U.S President Joe Biden in February ordered a number of federal company actions to handle the chip disaster and is also seeking $37 billion in funding for laws to supercharge chip manufacturing in america.

Some funding ought to “be used to construct new capability that can assist the auto trade and mitigate the dangers to the automotive provide chain evidenced by the present chip scarcity,” the group’s chief govt, John Bozzella, wrote.

The group mentioned the U.S. authorities might specify “a selected proportion – that’s fairly primarily based on the projected wants of the auto trade – be allotted for amenities that can assist the manufacturing of auto grade chips in some method.”

The group represents almost all main automakers with factories in america together with Common Motors, Ford Motor Co., Volkswagen AG, Toyota Motor Corp. and Hyundai Motor Co.

Automakers have been hit particularly hard by the worldwide chip scarcity after many canceled orders when auto crops have been idled throughout the coronavirus pandemic.

After they have been able to recommence manufacturing, they discovered that chipmakers have been busy fulfilling orders for the patron electronics trade which has seen demand for premium units – each for work and leisure – increase as individuals spent extra time at house.

Most automakers have been hit by the scarcity. In latest bulletins, Ford mentioned final week it will lower output at seven North American meeting crops, whereas Kia Motors mentioned it was reducing two days of manufacturing in Georgia.