BERLIN - Some 20% fewer cars are to be produced worldwide by 2026 due to a lack of semiconductors if no measures are taken to counter the problem, Germany's VDA auto association said on Thursday, citing a study it had commissioned.

The study found that the chip shortage had led to a 9% drop in global car production in 2021, the VDA added in a statement.

It said demand for chips was expected to triple by 2030, as carmakers transition to electric vehicles and as features such as electronic systems to assist drivers become more common.

(Writing by Rachel More)