Ford Continues to Wrestle with Supply-Chain Problems

The war in Ukraine is the latest in a series of obstacles that have hobbled automakers’ progress as they struggle to keep up with hot demand for new vehicles. That demand is hot is good news, of course, but starting with the pandemic, and then the supply-chain issues that have affected carmakers’ ability to get their hands on microchips and other components, the post year has been a challenging one as buyers continue to be faced with long delays in getting their purchase delivered.

All of this as automakers continue their large-scale, and very costly, transition to electric mobility.

Automotive News reports that Ford is currently dealing with delivery delays from 37 different suppliers. The accumulated shortages have meant that the automaker has produced 100,000 fewer vehicles than planned in recent months. At this weekend’s annual National Automobile Dealers Association’s (NADA) convention in Las Vegas, Ford warned dealers to expect fewer deliveries of vehicles than ordered at least until the beginning of June.

Shopicar.com, 100% online, shop for your next car, buy online and get it delivered to you anywhere in Quebec!

One workaround Ford is using – and we’ve seen this before from other manufacturers – is to deliver vehicles incomplete, with certain features and systems missing. Some 2022 Explorer SUVs, for one, will be delivered to customers without rear-seat heating; in a few months, when Ford receives the needed components, it will install them in those vehicles.

Read more