More shutdowns hit NorthAm auto industry

More North American automotive factories were shut this week as global semiconductor shortages continue to inhibit production.

Stellantis announced its Belvidere, Illinois, SUV plant and Brampton, Ontario, full-size truck plant will both be closed this week because of the computer chip shortage..

General Motors is extending the shutdown of its Chevrolet Blazer production in Ramos, Mexico, through 17 October. Blazer production has been idled since 23 August. The company today restarted production at its Lansing Grand River and Lansing Delta Township plants, both in Michigan.

Automakers in the region have suffered production problems from a lack of semiconductors and other materials prompted by Covid-19 restrictions and related supply-chain issues, reducing North American output by at least 2.06mn vehicles, according to AutoForecast Solutions estimates.

By Rye Druzin