Photo: Colin McPherson / Corbis via Getty
DETROIT, September 7, 2021 ~ Due to the global shortage of semiconductor computer chips, General Motors announced that they will be halting production for the next two weeks at eight of their 15 North American assembly plants.
Ford and Stellanis, formerly known as Fiat Chrysler Automobiles also announced a partial shutdown of their plants, as well as Toyota and Nissan.
“We are seeing a major, major crisis here, and it just drags on, Paul, that’s the big problem,” Chief of TheDetroitBureau.com Paul Eisenstein told 760 WJR’s Paul W. Smith. “People were thinking ‘Ah, it will be over by June, it will be over by July, August,’ now it could be pushing into the end of the year, even some were saying into 2022.”
“Bottom line, it’s hitting everybody: automakers, auto suppliers, auto dealers, and of course auto buyers alike.”
September 7, 2021 ~ Chief of “TheDetroitBureau.com” Paul Eisenstein talks to Paul W. about General Motors‘ decision to close many of is plants this week due to the ongoing chip shortage.
Ford stated that shifts will be cut at the truck plant in Dearborn. An announcement from Toyota said production in North America and Japan would be cut by more than 40% over the next two months.
Microchip supply has greatly decreased over the last 18 months, as COVID-19 caused many chip plants in Asia to close, and Delta variant has extended the closings.
Manufacturer demand for the chips increased during the pandemic, as consumer demand increased for small electronics. Computers, game consoles, webcams and other items saw massive sales increase during quarantine, due to more people working and spending free time in the home.
“If you are a buyer, try to find a car, and if you do, try to get the discounts you did a year ago,” said Eisenstein. “You might be paying a premium for some models. I have heard of some folks, even spoken to some, who paid three, five, even $10,000 above sticker, and I’ve heard of people spending as much as $20,000 to $40,000 over sticker.”
WJR TOP STORIES:
Thank you Detroit!
$2,064,269 raised during the SAY Detroit Radiothon … our biggest fundraising year EVER!
Thank you for helping to build better days in Detroit! See the official grand total announcement here!