New car buyers are being forced to wait up to a year for delivery of their new cars, according to a survey by whatcar.com.

Dealers are facing the challenge of exasperating car buyers by having to give them frequently changing delivery dates for in-demand new launch models because of supply issues, reports the consumer website.

It even goes so far as to imply that dealers may unnecessarily keep their customers in the dark about supply issues.

Total waiting times revealed by the survey included a VW Touareg at 11.5 months, a Golf for 10.5 months and a Skoda Octavia Scout a 8.5months.

What Car? Is giving this advice to car buyers:

> Ask the dealer to provide a reference from a customer who has recently taken delivery of the car you are interested in.

> Request at the time of order that if the delivery date is missed, a loan car will be provided. Ensure this is stated in writing. If the dealer is not prepared to do this then he probably has no faith in the delivery date you've been given.

> Request that any agreed trade-in value will be honoured should the delivery date slip, and more miles are put on the vehicle to be exchanged.

Is What Car right? How does your team manage customer expectations? Email am@bauermedia.co.uk with your views.