Car manufacturers state that chip shortage is causing low production of new cars. Can chip shortage be causing the same problem with new flashlight production?
Good question.
I haven't heard of a chip shortage for flashlights on the news, but something like that probably wouldn't make the news.
Of course. Many MCUs were very hard to get. Development of drivers using AVR1 was delayed.
it may not affect flashlights, they at least are way smaller, cheaper not as rugged as many of the car and phone chips;
The WT90 was delayed due to material shortages, aluminum amd th MCU…i can only sssume others are also.
No worry, Maglite 3d will work 
An interesting question.
Several automakers have said its not the high end chips but the older less complex base chips they are having the largest shortage in.
This could mean flashlight chip shortage if there is overlap.
Perhaps i should have kept my modding parts instead of selling them recently, might have been able to sell them for many bitcoins 
realistically, i Do Not Know.
however, according to the Internet:
1. automakers have a specific need for extra-rugged and reliable “dumb” chips which are not that profitable for chip makers.
2. then, the virus scare caused the automakers to cancel orders anticipating fewer sales. so….
3. chip makers retooled for higher profit (gaming) chips and they will not “go back”.
(and, one chip factory in Japan burned down)
which answers: no.
different chips.
more money.
No chips shortage at all where I am.
sp5it, Indeed, Maglite’s durability and versatility is reassuring.
I have discovered my 20-year-old Maglite 3D. The bulb is still working. But I have replaced it with a (made in China) LED, which costs only US$3.50.
Instead of using the regular 3D, I have tried putting in 26650 cells, AA cells in plastic adapters (one cell or three cells). And the Maglite lights up quite nicely. I am impressed.
My 20-year-old Maglite 3D. Still working nicely after changing its bulb (still working!) with a (made-in-China) LED.
No shortage of chips at the meeting hall, either: https://ibb.co/KyYvn2w
Actually, 2 chip factories in Japan burned down
Jack at Fireflies has had some shortages delaying PL47G3.
The Texas freeze also affected USA chip production.
And then there is the Trump effect: In 2018, as part of his trade war with China, Trump imposed 25% tariffs on semiconductors
this has not affected my flashlight purchases, and Im not looking to buy a new car… so, no chip shortage in my world.