Η Ford αναμένεται να μειώσει δραστικά την παραγωγή οχημάτων λόγω της έλλειψης μικροτσίπ

A worldwide semiconductor deficiency is expected to slash Ford Motor Co.’s vehicle output by up to 20% in the first yearly quarter, illustrating how greatly the fallout from the computer-chip crunch has struck the car business.Ford announced on Thursday that it plans to cut production of its F-150 pickup truck-the nation’s top-selling vehicle and the company’s largest moneymaker-due to the shortage, a day after confirming a hit to output of multiple sport-utility vehicles. Losses of vehicle production internationally in the first and second quarters could shorten $1 billion to $2.5 billion from its pretax bottom line this year, executives warned while discussing fourth-quarter earnings.These most-recent actions mark a remarkable upsurge in the chip-shortage issue that has deranged the auto sector and other industries in recent weeks.Most major automakers have been pushed to reduce at least some factory output; meanwhile, makers of consumer electronics have had a deal with limited supplies for their appliances. The shortages come as manufacturers work to rebound from shutdowns last spring while demand climbs with escalated use of technology during the pandemic.