The automotive and other industries around the globe are facing production challenges
due to a shortage of semiconductors. A global semiconductor shortage has caused car
giant General Motors to halt production at all but four of its plants in North America.
GM owns a number of popular car brands, including Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC. A GM
spokesperson told the Detroit Free Press news agency that the company is focused on
trying to resolve its supply-chain difficulties. He said: "Although the situation
remains complex and very fluid, we remain confident in our team's ability to continue
finding creative solutions to minimize the impact on our highest-demand and
capacity-constrained vehicles."
Semiconductors are an indispensable part of many of the gadgets and electrical products
we use in our everyday lives. Sony, Toyota, Ford and other multinational companies are
reporting production hitches due to the current dearth in supply. One reason for the
shortage is the COVID-19 pandemic. Staff shortages in factories that manufacture the
chips in China, South Korea and Taiwan have negatively hit production. The website
engadget.com said companies would experience challenges for the foreseeable future.
It reported: "With the shortages expected to continue until at least 2023, and no
immediate solutions forthcoming, GM likely won't be the last company to change
its production schedule."