DETROIT — Ford Motor Co stated on Thursday it can idle manufacturing of its extremely worthwhile F-150 pickup truck at a plant in Michigan by Sunday because of the world semiconductor chip scarcity.
Ford and different automakers have careworn they’re making an attempt to guard manufacturing of its most worthwhile automobiles, however the lack of even some full-sized pickups exhibits the scarcity has hit Ford the place it least needs.
Ford’s River Rouge plant in Dearborn, Michigan, might be idled from Friday by Sunday, and resume work on Monday. A spokeswoman declined to say how a lot quantity can be misplaced.
The No. 2 U.S. automaker beforehand stated it could assemble its flagship F-150 truck with out sure components and maintain them for a “variety of weeks” till they are often accomplished and shipped.
Ford stated the most recent motion is a part of its prior forecast that the chip scarcity might shave $1 billion to $2.5 billion off its 2021 income.
The chip scarcity got here as North American auto crops have been shut for 2 months in the course of the COVID-19 pandemic final 12 months and chip orders have been canceled, and as demand surged from the patron electronics trade as individuals labored from residence and performed video video games. That has now left carmakers competing for chips.
Semiconductors are used extensively in vehicles, together with to observe engine efficiency, handle steering or computerized home windows, and in sensors utilized in parking and leisure techniques.
On Wednesday, Ford stated it could reduce output this week of the Transit van at its Kansas Metropolis, Missouri, meeting plant because of the scarcity. Manufacturing of the flagship F-150 pickup on the plant will not be affected.