Chip shortage: GM factories back to normal

Semiconductor supply continues to improve at General Motors, to the point where the vast majority of its North American factories are functioning normally again. Many even work overtime on weekends to make up for delays.

A spokesperson for US manufacturer Dan Flores told The Detroit News this week.

If you've recently ordered a vehicle from GM or are planning to do so soon, then delivery times should be shorter and dealer inventories fuller.

The only two GM factories that remain inactive at this time have nothing to do with the semiconductor shortage. As previously reported, the Michigan plant (Lake Orion) that makes the Chevrolet Bolt EV and Bolt EUVs is shut down until at least the end of January while GM focuses on replacing all faulty batteries.

In addition, the Missouri (Wentzville) plant is currently undergoing renovations to prepare for production of the next-generation Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon, expected next year as 2023 models.

Earlier this year, GM had to shut down production at a number of sites for weeks, if not months, due to a shortage of parts like semiconductors, the tiny electronic chips that power myriad systems in manufacturing plants. vehicles.

After prioritizing its most popular models like full-size SUVs and pickup trucks, GM had to sacrifice some features and amenities, including the Super Cruise hands-free driving system, heated / ventilated seats and heated steering wheels. Finally, the heated seats can be installed by dealerships, at the manufacturer's expense, starting in mid-2022.

The chip shortage will be felt in the auto industry until 2023, although the firm JPMorgan expects to see a major improvement in supply starting next summer as the United States and Europe add to the effort to produce more semiconductors.

The US company GlobalFoundries approved in September an additional investment of US $ 6 billion (about C $ 7.7 billion) to double its production of semiconductors for vehicles. It should also be noted that the Taiwanese giant TSMC plans to manufacture 60% more semiconductors for the automobile this year.