NorthAm could lose 2mn vehicles in 2021

Auto production in North America could fall by as much as 2mn vehicles in 2021, driven by a lack of semiconductors.

AutoForecast Solutions released the new estimate today. The group has tracked lost auto production created by the lack of semiconductors.

The firm lists 1.1mn vehicles as unrecoverable, with another 353,000 at risk of not being built. It also counts yet another 325,000 vehicles as recoverable.

The North American auto industry has dealt with a lack of semiconductors since the beginning of the year by curtailing plant production, usually cutting production of smaller and less in-demand models to focus chip supply toward large and more profitable models like full-size sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and pickup trucks.

Still, automakers continue to announce new closures. Stellantis is cutting production at its Toledo South Jeep Gladiator pickup truck plant in Ohio for the week of 2 August, and General Motors (GM) announced on 28 July it was adding closures at five of its sedan and small SUV plants in North America.

By Rye Druzin