As the weeks go by, the semiconductor chip shortage continues to rob more and more vehicles from Ford production lines. Previously, we’ve seen over 40,000 units removed from The Blue Oval’s production schedules in one week, and now, the automaker is suffering more than ever, according to the latest data from AutoForecast Solutions, as reported by Automotive News.
That data shows that a total of 71,300 vehicles were removed from Ford production lines last week alone, which is a sharp increase from previous weeks. Some models and assembly plants were affected more than others, as has long been the case as well.
The models currently suffering the most from the chip shortage include the Ford F-150 and Ford Transit van produced at the Ford Kansas City Assembly Plant, which combined for 22,200 units of lost production last week. Meanwhile, the Ford Super Duty, Ford Expedition, and Lincoln Navigator saw 19,300 units removed from production at the Ford Kentucky Truck Plant.
A grand total of 13,400 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator models were cut from the lines at the Ford Chicago Assembly Plant last week, while 10,500 Ford Ranger and Ford Bronco SUVs were cut at the Ford Michigan Assembly Plant as a result of temporary closures at those facilities.
In total, automakers were forced to cut 285,000 vehicles from North American production lines last week, with 2.58 million lost to date globally.
President Joe Biden and his administration met with automakers last month to discuss the chip shortage, after which Biden promised to create legislation that directly addresses the issue and provide congressional funding to support the domestic production of chips. However, as we reported last week, it doesn’t appear likely that Biden will invoke the Defense Production Act and redirect available chips to automakers, a move that would lead to chip shortages for various other industries.
Meanwhile, new and used vehicle inventory is shrinking rapidly on dealer lots amid high demand, but as we recently reported, those factors aren’t deterring most shoppers from purchasing them.
We’ll have more on the chip shortage and its impact on production soon, so be sure and subscribe to Ford Authority for continuous Ford news coverage.
Comments
There is factory after factory boarded up with plywood over the windows in Detroit, Pontiac and the surrounding area’s because of outsourcing from corporate greed.
Even though there have been tax break after tax break and tax payer bailouts given to corporations in this country, their lack of long term planning is nothing less than the chickens coming home to roost.
What we are seeing is just another example of a failed experiment called trickle down economics ( can you say millions of jobs leaving this country ) which has left the rich richer and the poor poorer.
How long can dealerships last if they don’t have enough product to sale? At some point, the consumer is just going to get fed up & stay away, unless they absolutely need a vehicle for transportation, & the used market seems like a better source than new.
Ford dosen’t make good decisions, I should know I’ve worked in parts and assembly at Ford for over 27 years. Another thing is that Ford doesn’t admit when something doesn’t work out to their expectations. When covid hit last year they decided not to stock up on semiconductors which has now proved to be one of the worst mistakes and has now hit them directly in the ass. Give out packages to seniority workers and I’ll be the first to leave this sinking ship.
What auto maker actually stocked up on semiconductors? All are suffering last I checked
Make due with what you have for now…all these vehicles will have to be sold at one time or another…and as the year drags on, the pickups will become really cheap by September. Who needs a movie screen on the dashboard? Ford should go back to manual carberators and manual chokes…these are trucks…NOT a status symbol…all that aluminum will go to waste otherwise.
Ahh yes, sometimes pain is the only way we learn and adapt. Kind of primal, but sometimes it’s difficult to escape what and who we are…
Super Duty, Expedition & Navigator are produced ay Kentucky Truck Plant. Louisville Assembly produces the Escape & Corsair. Thanks.
Not sure if it matters. This chip shortage is proving to be profitable for both Ford dealers and FoMoCo. With a limited supply, dealers are charging sticker or more for each vehicle sold. Also, with a limited supply of chips Ford is manufacturing the most expensive trim levels which are fully loaded with all the bells and whistles. Which makes you wonder have they been producing too much inventory with too many discounts in an attempt to win market share while sacrificing profitablity?