[HTP99]

Yes quite common, It can be damaged, can be awaiting a software update, can be part of a batch of cars where one has been found to have an issue with a component meaning all in that batch have to be manually checked, but TBH a three week wait between the car arriving into the UK and then being delivered to the dealer isn't unheard of with no issues with the car, caused by haullier issues which is delaying deliveries to dealers.

 

[HTP99]

it is difficult as customers have absolutely no idea about what goes on at the import centre (why should they), the ones that can't understand why it takes 2-3 weeks for a dealer to receive a car once the ship has docked, it can take days just to empty the ship, these cars then all need to be processed, PDI'd, stripped of their transport protection, etc and then there isn't a fleet of hundreds of transporters just waiting idly to get them delivered. (this isn't a moan at the OP by the way).

Alot of the issues ref "where is my car" is dealers are generally spectacularly crap at managing expectations or keeping their customers informed, every single one of my customers is kept informed as to where the car is, if it is late, why it is late (usually if I don't actually know I just make something up, like a recall or quality check) and each time I give dates I always explain that these dates are not set in stone and can move and I also let them know about known logistical issues, I also tell them that it can take 2-3 weeks from it landing in the UK to it arriving at the dealer, this is when there are no known issues and when it is running smoothly.

However the information that dealers get ref deliveries, dates and problems is spectacularly crap.

 

[HTP99]

I was told on 23rd April 2023, by a main dealer that there was a severe shortage of drivers to transport the cars out to the dealers and this was the main reason for delays after importation.

That is 100% correct, every industry currently across Europe is suffering with logistics and drivers.