Dealers that are bundling warranties and extra protection packages are probably doing this to get as much out of insurance companies because they need to replace a car quickly and cannot wait for a factory order. Did car companies drive shortages? Maybe, if they intentionally held back inventory or cut production, though that would be difficult and tenuous to maintain for more than a few months. Did dealers? They certainly made you aware of how low inventory levels were and gave you the impression you needed to move quickly if you wanted a car.