2021-05-12 04:35:39 GMT2021-05-12 12:35:39(Beijing Time) Xinhua English FRANKFURT, May 12 (Xinhua) -- A global shortage of semiconductor chips is taking its toll on the European manufacturing industry, hindering the sector's recovery and pushing Europe to rethink its supply chain strategy. Automakers are among the worst hit, as chips are now vital for everything from a car's battery system to in-car computer features. Several car makers in Europe have recently curtailed or halted production after failing to secure crucial components. German automaker Daimler in late April sent employees on short-time work and temporarily halted production at two plants in Bremen and Rastatt due to chip delivery bottlenecks. Audi later also partially stopped production at its Neckarsulm site.