More Bad News for Ford Dealers, Customers

Parts shortages and supply chain issues are causing nightmares for most automakers right now, but some are more affected than other.

Ford, in particular, says that 37 of its suppliers are failing to provide parts as scheduled, resulting in over 100,000 units of production being lost, according to a report by Automotive News from the National Automobile Dealers Association’s (NADA) annual congress in Las Vegas.

Production continues, Ford assures, but things are moving at a much slower pace. In fact, the company told dealers it will push back allocations and wholesale deliveries will be lighter until the end of May. In other words, don’t expect dealer lots and showrooms to reload anytime soon.

Though it’s not exactly clear when, Ford also plans to ship and sell incomplete vehicles that are missing chips or related components that control non-safety critical features, according to another Automotive News story. These components will apparently be sent by Ford within one year for dealers to install in customers’ vehicles.

Photo: bronco6g.com

A company spokesman, Said Deep, gave the example of Explorer SUVs built and delivered without rear seat heat controls that could be added later by a dealer’s technicians. If you ask us, having a somewhat unfinished vehicle is still better than no vehicle at all. Think about the thousands of Broncos that Ford has sitting in parking lots next to its Wayne, Michigan assembly plant (pictured above).

By the way, Ford's U.S. sales dropped 21 percent in February and are down 11 percent year-to-date. The numbers for Canada are not available since Ford only posts quarterly results on this side of the border.

According to several automakers and market analysts, supply chain bottlenecks will not improve in a significant way until the second half of 2022, and some parts shortages could stretch into 2023. 

Share on Facebook

More on the subject

NewsFord Bronco’s Soft Top Appears to Hate Canadian Winters
The Ford Bronco may be extremely desirable as evidenced by consumer demand far exceeding supply, but it looks like issues with the roof aren’t over yet. Remember, some of the first units equipped with a moulded-in-colour hardtop (manufactured by a Ford supplier) revealed quality defects and signs of abnormal wear …
NewsFord Stops Taking Orders for 2022 Maverick
UPDATE (01/28/2022): Ford Canada reached out to The Car Guide, saying "we are not closing orders on Maverick in Canada at this time like they have announced in the U.S., though we are nearly sold out" of 2022 models. Below is the original story. It’s not just the hybrid variant …
ElectricFord’s Future Electric SUVs Will Have to Wait
Along with the announcement of two new EV platforms during a presentation to investors back in May—one for RWD and AWD vehicles, another for large pickups—Ford confirmed the upcoming launch of an electric Explorer and Lincoln Aviator . However, don’t hold your breath if you’re waiting for either one: the …
NewsChip Shortage to Last Through 2022, Says Supplier for Toyota, Honda, Ford
Rohm Co., a Japanese manufacturer of semi-conductors, says these critical parts for vehicles and other electronic systems will remain in short supply at least throughout 2022. The Toyota , Honda and Ford supplier is dealing with a severe shortage of key materials and production lines running to the fullest. An …
NewsNew Vehicle Sales Fell 12 Percent in First Quarter of 2022
Production and supply chain issues resulting in a lack of inventory, combined with high inflation to start the year, have largely affected new light-duty vehicle sales in Canada. And now we have the numbers to prove it. Automakers collectively sold 337,039 units during the first three months of 2022 according …
NewsFord Bronco Probed in the U.S. for “Catastrophic Engine Failure”
Despite the huge demand it’s generating, things could go a lot more smoothly for the new Ford Bronco . Production delays, design flaws (particularly where the roof is concerned) and various mechanical and electronic issues have a number of reservation holders and owners complaining. In the U.S., the National Highway …
NewsSupply Issues Claim Unexpected Victim at Ford
Ford recently made the decision to put an end to vehicle brochures. And it’s not out of concern for the environment as electronic brochures will also be discontinued. In a letter sent to dealers, the company said its brochure program is being decommissioned "due to the microchip shortage and related …