Posted on 07/23/2021 5:13:01 PM PDT by george76
Have you heard the one about the dead cars? No, not the ones we find in junkyards, but the ones that haven’t had life yet, thanks to the chip shortage.
These so-called “dead” cars are vehicles that have rolled off the assembly line, otherwise ready for sale, sitting in fields or on lots near the factories that produced them, just waiting for chips
The New York Times even recently recounted an anecdote from a dealer principal who took a pilgrimage to a Ford factory to see all the “dead” cars for himself.
We weren’t able to pin down a reliable estimate on how many dead cars there are sitting outside of factories, but we’re going to guess the number is a lot.
And that number is set to grow, as GM announced that plants in Indiana, Michigan, and Mexico that produce the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra will halt next week, thanks to, you guessed it, the chip shortage.
GM had so far avoided chip-related shutdowns by skipping some features, and by … building some trucks and adding the chips in later. See how that “dead” car anecdote links to today’s news story?
Of course, halting production is a step beyond finishing vehicles and letting them sit until the chip cavalry arrives.
“The global semiconductor shortage remains complex and very fluid, but GM’s global purchasing and supply chain, engineering and manufacturing teams continue to find creative solutions and make strides working with the supply base to minimize the impact to our highest-demand and capacity-constrained vehicles, including full-size trucks and SUVs for our customers,” the company said in a statement.
Leaving vehicles partially finished and cutting out certain features are just two solutions for automakers struggling through an unusual time.
Worked with some damn good engineers from Michigan Tech. One said because it got so cold the beer would freeze, you might as well study.
They need need to build supply-chain resiliency for the long term.
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One of my friends was an EMT that knew rescue/recovery divers that worked in Michigan.
The joke up there was “You Go Over, we go under.”
wife was telling me they are bringing back the key as a result of the computer shortage ;)
4x4 and 1 ton axles that’s alright with me.
I poke at my K5 and jeeps.
Thanks man! EE undergrad. Tough school. High attrition. Especially after Chem 101.
I have a 79 K5 that I hope to have driveable one day.
I got the last of the mechanical 7.3 turbos.. built in 5 of 1994.. in 6 of 1994 Ford went to the power stroke and all it’s computers.
with a manual transmission behind it, it requires 12 volts to open the fuel shut off at the mechanical pump. as long as you have that, she’ll run.
HopefuLly a wakeup call to the woke engineers that want to computerize the crap out of cars. Time to buy a motorcycle.
No kidding. I don't realize any advantage with a 'fob.'
Amen!
They told us where the car plants are. They didn’t mention where the chip plants are.
When they do get the chips for the trucks I wonder what kind of deals there will be for 2-3 year old “new” trucks?
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The largest suspension bridge in the World. Last I heard.
5 miles long.
Crossed it many times. No way water can reach its height.
“But at least in a Yugo you wouldn’t have to worry about a chip shortage.”
I don’t have to worry about a chip shortage in my Toyota 4-runner.
Those are good motors.
Built at the old Intl Harvester plant here in Indiana.
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