Kiwis may be waiting a little longer to import some types of cars because of China's energy crisis. 

The closure of smelters in China and problems finding coal to power smelters, have led to a magnesium shortage.  

The element is used to make aluminium alloys which are used in the body, bonnets and doors of cars.  

Motor Industry Association Chief Executive David Crawford told Mike Hosking it's just another blow for the car production industry.  

He says it's added to an already existing microchip shortage in the sector. 

Crawford says China shut down 25 smelters and reduced others to 50 percent capacity. 

“It’s only a matter of time before that lack of production catches the rest of the world out.” 

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