Ford is decreasing car manufacturing at six vegetation in North America as a consequence of chip shortages

Ford Motor is significantly reducing production at six plants in North America due to the ongoing global shortage of semiconductor chips, including facilities that make highly profitable pick-ups.

Measures vary by plant, but range from overtime cancellations to facilities closed for up to three weeks from April to June. Or a combination of both.

The affected plants are located in Illinois, Ohio, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, and Ontario, Canada. They manufacture a wide range of products – from F-150 pickups and vans to Ford Explorer SUVs and Ford Escape Crossovers.

Production of the F-150 in Dearborn, Michigan, will cease in the weeks of April 5th through April 12th, the company said. Ford is also canceling overtime at the factory in the weeks of April 26, May 10, May 31, and June 21. Another facility in Missouri that will manufacture the full-size F-150 will be shut down for a week starting Monday. Overtime at the plant will be suspended for eight weeks through most of June.

Semiconductors are key components that are used, among other things, in the infotainment, power steering and braking systems of new vehicles. With several plants closed due to Covid last year, suppliers turned semiconductors from automakers to other industries, creating a shortage after consumer demand fell more than expected.

Ford previously expected the shortage could cut its profits by $ 1 billion to $ 2.5 billion in 2021. Without releasing any new guidance, the company said it would “provide an update on the financial implications of semiconductor shortages” when it reports its first quarter earnings on April 28th.

This is a developing story. Check back soon for more updates.