Semiconductor shortage continues to roil global auto industry, fueling geopolitical tensions An ongoing shortage of semiconductor chips is continuing to reverberate throughout the global economy, particularly impacting the auto industry and disrupting production at virtually every major automaker in recent months. General Motors and Ford Motor Company both announced new temporary plant shutdowns on Thursday. GM is halting production at six of its North American factories, including the Spring Hill Assembly plant in Tennessee, the Lansing Delta Township and Lansing Grand River plants in Michigan, and the Ramos Arizpe Assembly plant in Mexico. In addition, previously announced shutdowns at the Fairfax Assembly plant in Kansas and the CAMI Ingersoll plant in Ontario, Canada, will both be extended until at least May 10.