It looks like you're using an ad blocker.

To enjoy our content, please include The Japan Times on your ad-blocker's list of approved sites. Milling Services

Thank you for supporting our journalism.

LONDON/BERLIN – The humble wire harness, a cheap component that bundles cables together, has become an unlikely scourge of the auto industry. Some predict it could hasten the downfall of combustion cars.

Supplies of the auto part were choked by the war in Ukraine, which is home to a significant chunk of the world's production, with wire harnesses made there fitted in hundreds of thousands of new vehicles every year.

These low-tech and low-margin parts — made from wire, plastic and rubber with lots of low-cost manual labor — may not command the kudos of microchips and motors, yet cars can't be built without them.

This could be due to a conflict with your ad-blocking or security software.

Please add japantimes.co.jp and piano.io to your list of allowed sites.

If this does not resolve the issue or you are unable to add the domains to your allowlist, please see this FAQ.

We humbly apologize for the inconvenience.

In a time of both misinformation and too much information, quality journalism is more crucial than ever. By subscribing, you can help us get the story right.

With your current subscription plan you can comment on stories. However, before writing your first comment, please create a display name in the Profile section of your subscriber account page.

Your subscription plan doesn't allow commenting. To learn more see our FAQ

One year older and wiser, 'QuadGod' Malinin descends on Saitama

Ryugu asteroid samples suggest ingredients for life came from space

China's diplomatic offensive lays down new challenge for U.S.

'Vampiric' water use leading to imminent global crisis, U.N. warns

Hot springs block Japan's geothermal potential

Haruki Murakami’s new novel. Plus, allegations resurface in J-pop.

Sponsored contents planned and edited by JT Media Enterprise Division.

Click here for information on advertising

Pcb Assembly Manufacturing The Japan Times LTD. All rights reserved.