Trucker Protests Are Impacting North American Auto Production
The continuing trucker protests, in particular those that have virtually shut down movement across the Ambassador Bridge linking Detroit and Windsor, Ontario, are now impacting on North American auto production. Several manufacturers announced reductions in production this week in direct response to the blockades.
Yesterday, Ford and Toyota both announced partial shutdowns of their operations. Trucker convoys have almost completely blocked movement across the heavily used bridge At mid-week, traffic was completely stopped in the direction of Canada, while U.S.-bound traffic was still partially moving.
The situation has prompted warnings from Washington and Ottawa. Governments at all levels are aware of the economic consequences of the blockade. The bridge is vital because 25 percent of all trade between the two countries passes across it.
That's why a number of automakers are affected by the disruption near Detroit, the heart of the U.S. auto industry. And the blockade comes on top of other problems that are impacting auto production, such as a shortage of microchips.
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