In recent months, a global semiconductor chip shortage has had a major impact on Ford’s production, along with a host of other automakers. Though recent data suggests that pickup truck production has thus far been largely unaffected by the shortage, 2021 Ford F-150 deliveries have been curtailed as a result, as Ford is holding completed trucks until it receives the parts that it needs to finish them. And now, the chip shortage is affecting 2021 Ford Super Duty production as well.
FoMoCo has announced that the Ford Ohio Assembly Plant will be shut down completely this week, while the automaker will cut a number of shifts at the Ford Kentucky Truck Plant. Production at both plants, where Ford Super Duty production takes place, is scheduled to resume in full on March 29th. Both actions are a direct result of a parts shortage, according to the automaker.
In addition to the Ford Super Duty, the Kentucky Plant also assembles the Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator, while the Ohio Plant builds the Ford E-Series, chassis cab Super Duty trucks, and the medium-duty F-650 and F-750.
As of right now, no additional plant closures or shift cuts are expected to happen this week. “We are working closely with suppliers to address potential production constraints tied to the global semiconductor shortage and working to prioritize key vehicle lines for production, making the most of our semiconductor allocation,” said Kelli Felker, Ford’s global manufacturing and labor communications manager.
Ford recently shared its semiconductor chip shortage recovery plan with dealers, while The Blue Oval’s CEO Jim Farley believes that the problem will be solved by Q3 2021. However, Farley still believes that it’s important to manufacture more of these chips in the U.S. moving forward, a notion that also served as the centerpiece of a recent executive order signed by President Joe Biden.
We’ll have more on the global chip shortage soon, so be sure and subscribe to Ford Authority for 24/7 Ford news coverage.
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