Report: Ford to sell cars without some non-safety related chips, install them later

DETROIT – Amid an ongoing chip shortage, Ford is reportedly planning to ship and sell vehicles without certain non-critical chips as the automaker deals with a pile of unfinished vehicles.

Automotive News reports that Ford told dealerships on Saturday that they plan to sell vehicles without chips for some non-safety features, with plans to install them in the already-sold cars within a year.

Ford, like other automakers, has been dealing with a shortage of semiconductor microchips, and have a growing inventory of vehicles waiting for chips.

Ford isn’t the first to eliminate some chip-powered features. GM temporarily dropped heated seats in some models earlier this year.

Earlier this year, In an effort to boost auto semiconductor chip manufacturing to address a global shortage hitting the auto industry, Ford announced a new partnership with GlobalFoundries.

The collaboration aims to advance semiconductor manufacturing and technology development within the United States, aiming to boost chip supplies for Ford and the U.S. automotive industry.

Last week, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer joined President Biden, Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, Director of the National Economic Council Brian Deese, Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb, and key private sector leaders at the White House to speak about economic competitiveness legislation and urge full funding for the CHIPS Act.