By David Shepardson
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Ford Motor (NYSE:F) Co said Thursday it is cutting shifts at two plants that build its highly profitable flagship F-150 pickup trucks starting next week due to a global shortage of semiconductor chips, raising fears the problem could be worsening.
The No. 2 U.S. automaker said it will run one of three shifts of production at its Dearborn Truck Plant the week of Feb. 8, while the truck portion of its Kansas City Assembly Plant will run two of three shifts of production during that week. Both are expected to return to three shifts the following week.
Ford declined to say what part or supplier were involved or how much volume would be lost.
Global automakers have been caught off guard by the shortage of crucial semiconductors, used for everything from computer management of engines to driver-assistance features such as emergency braking.
Other automakers hit by the shortage include General Motors Co (NYSE:GM), Volkswagen AG (OTC:VWAGY), Toyota Motor (NYSE:TM) Corp, Nissan (OTC:NSANY) Motor Co and Subaru (OTC:FUJHY) Corp.
Up to now, automakers have largely focused on cutting production of less profitable vehicles as they manage through the shortage, but Ford cutting output of its high-profit trucks will raise concerns the impact is spreading.
Ford spokeswoman Kelli Felker declined to address why the F-150 had been affected, but the Dearborn, Michigan-based company may discuss the matter further when it reports fourth-quarter earnings after the market closes on Thursday.
Felker said the automaker was "working closely with suppliers to address potential production constraints tied to the global semiconductor shortage and working to prioritize key vehicle lines for production." Ford has previously cut other production because of the issue.
Also on Thursday, union sources told Reuters that automaker Stellantis will slow production at its Melfi plant in Italy next week due to a shortage of microchips and other parts and will put over 7,000 workers on furlough. Mazda Motor (OTC:MZDAY) Corp said it expected a production cut of 7,000 vehicles this month as a result.
On Wednesday, GM said it would cut production at four of its plants due to the chip shortage.
On Tuesday, a group of 15 U.S. senators including Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Republican John Cornyn urged the White House to work with Congress to address the global semiconductor shortage hitting auto manufacturing.