Parts Fire Halts Production of Trucks, Vans
Production on the Ford F-150, GM’s full-size vans, and the Chrysler Pacifica has been disrupted by a fire that struck a major Detroit Three parts supplier last week.
Production of several American-made trucks and vans, including the Ford F-150, has been halted as a result of a fire at a Michigan parts supplier. Photo courtesy Ford Motor Co.
EATON RAPIDS, Mich. — A fire at a parts supplier has impacted production of several top-selling vehicles, including Ford’s F-150 and Super Duty trucks and General Motors vans, according to reports.
Manufacturers have seen a shortage of die-cast components since the May 2 fire at Meridian Magnesium Products of America (div. Wanfeng Auto Holdings Group Co.) in Eaton Rapids, Mich.
Ford has suspended production of its F-150 at its Kansas City (Mo.) Assembly Plant and Dearborn (Mich.) Truck Plant. Super Duty production is also offline at the factory’s Kentucky Truck Plant, the factory announced. To address the issue, Ford plans to shift its Super Duty trucks to a plant in Avon Lake, Ohio, so production can resume.
General Motors has halted production of its full-size vans. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles officials have said production of its Chrysler Pacifica has been "affected," reports TheDetroit News.
The impact of the parts shortage on dealership inventories had yet to be assessed at press time. Stay tuned to F&I and Showroom and Auto Dealer Today for updates.
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