Ford to reduce production of F-150 pickups due to semiconductor shortage

Ford Motor Co is cutting production of its profitable F-150 pickup trucks, going against the trend of automakers cutting production of less profitable vehicles to manage semiconductor shortage.

The No. 2 US automaker is cutting shifts at two F-150 pickup truck plants starting next week due to a global shortage of semiconductor chips, raising fears the problem could be worsening.

Ford will only run only one shift at its Dearborn Truck Plant the week of Feb. 8, while the truck production of its Kansas City Assembly Plant will run two shifts.

Both plants are expected to return to three shifts the following week.

Ford spokeswoman Kelli Felker did not explain why the F-150 had been affected. The company did say what part or supplier was involved or how much production would be lost.

Felker said Ford was coordinating with suppliers to address potential production constraints and would prioritize key vehicle production lines.

Global automakers have been caught off guard by the shortage of crucial shortage of crucial semiconductors. Carmakers use semiconductors for everything from emergency braking to computer management of engines.

Toyota Motor Corp, Nissan Motor Co, General Motors Co, Volkswagen AG, and Subaru Corp. were also hit by the shortage.