Carmakers feel chip crisis easing as global economic growth slows

The global semiconductor shortage that’s bogged down the auto industry for almost two years is showing signs of easing, at least for now.

Mercedes Benz AG, Daimler Truck Holding AG, and BMW AG are among carmakers now getting enough of the high-tech components to produce at full capacity after experiencing crippling outages for months.

The breakthrough comes earlier than the companies predicted and marks a bright spot for an industry facing a deteriorating economy and inflation while managing an historic transition to electric-vehicle production. Manufacturers are cheering the chip-supply improvement but aren’t declaring victory yet.

“We’re still monitoring it week to week, but