Chip Shortage Disrupts General Motors Factories Last Updated This briefing has ended. Follow our latest coverage of The General Motors plant in Ingersoll, Ontario, is among three that will be idled temporarily.Credit...Geoff Robins/Reuters General Motors plans to idle three North American plants next week because of a global shortage of semiconductors that is rippling through the automotive industry. The company said it would halt production for one week beginning Monday at its plants in Fairfax, Kan.; Ingersoll, Ontario; and San Luis Potosi, Mexico. Ford Motor, Volkswagen and other automakers have also had to stop or slow production at various plants because of a shortage of semiconductors, or chips, used in electronics that control engines, transmissions, entertainment systems and other major components.