Consumers have been finding it difficult to lay their hands on the elusive Google Nexus 4 since its release in November. The smartphone was sold out within an hour of its release in both the UK and the U.S. and has been on backorder with many consumers yet to receive their handset; however, now, per reports, Google's MD has confirmed that the orders will be shipped in time for Christmas.

The Nexus 4 has met with unwarranted shipment delays for those who were lucky enough to procure the smartphone. However, buyers who originally received a three to five days shipping estimate are still awaiting their handset.  

However, Google UK & Ireland's Managing Director Dan Cobley, per a Phonearena report, has issued an apology citing "scarce" supplies from the manufacturer.

"I know that what you are going through is unacceptable and we are all working through the nights and weekends to resolve this issue. Supplies from the manufacturer are scarce and erratic, and our communication has been flawed. I can offer an unreserved apology for our service and communication failures in this process," noted Dan Cobley."

Cobley also confirmed that consumers who had ordered their Nexus 4 and received the three to five days shipping estimate will be receiving their Nexus 4 soon and that their orders were in process. These buyers can expect e-mail alerts early in the week which will provide the tracking information.

"For those that originally received a 3-5 days shipping estimate, your orders are now in process for fulfillment. You can expect an email notification early this week which will include tracking information," averred Cobley.

Google had earlier announced that it would waive off the shipping charges owing to the delay. Cobley confirmed the same and mentioned that although buyers would be charged in full initially, they would receive "a credit for the shipping charge soon after."

Cobley estimated that consumers who received pre-Christmas shipping estimates would have their orders processed "for fulfillment this week."

"I realise that the people who ordered the Nexus 4 so early are among our most committed and loyal users and we are doing all we can to put things right," asserted Cobley.

With Cobley taking charge of the situation, it seems that it won't be long before Nexus 4 fans will be able to lay their hands on the elusive smartphone.