Originally published on January 12, 2021 5:23 pm
Automakers around the world, from Japan to Texas, are grappling with a global shortage of computer chips.
Volkswagen sounded the alarm about the growing problem last month. Now more automakers are reporting problems, including a Ford plant in Kentucky that shut down temporarily, a Jeep plant in Mexico that extended its holiday shutdown and other factories that are trimming production plans based on their supply of semiconductors.
Semiconductors are at the heart of our phones and computers, but they re critical components for new cars, too and not just in fancy touchscreens and infotainment modules. They re controlling the engine and the emissions and [they re] even in the switches for raising and lowering your windows, says Kristin Dziczek, the vice president of industry, labor and economics at the Center for Automotive Research.
Automakers around the world, from Japan to Texas, are grappling with a global shortage of computer chips. Volkswagen sounded the alarm about the growing
Computer chips are an essential component for new cars. But car production has recovered faster than expected, and competing demand for semiconductors has also been rising. Some plants are struggling.
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