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The Canadian Freedom Convoy and international bridge blockade by Canadian truckers on the US-Canada border is really starting to wreak havoc on US automakers’ supply chains again. Just as it started to seem like there may be some light at the end of the tunnel for US auto production, another setback hit. The big 3 US auto manufacturers are lobbying local and federal governments alike for a solution to unblock the Ambassador bridge that runs between Detroit and Windsor Ontario. This is a major shipping lane for not only parts for the auto plant in Michigan but also for completed vehicles built in Canada like the Chevrolet Equinox and Dodge Charger and Challenger. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer said recently in a statement, “It is imperative that Canadian local, provincial, and national governments de-escalate this economic blockade. They must take all necessary and appropriate steps to immediately and safely reopen traffic so we can continue growing our economy, supporting good-paying jobs, and lowering costs for families.” As I think both parties involved in the dispute would like a quick resolution, the truckers seem to be standing strong for the removal of the vaccine mandate and restrictions in Canada. Even local tow companies are refusing to help the government agencies and many people involved with vehicle towing removal have stated how long it would take to remove all of these big rigs, some even loaded with trailers, if they have the cooperation of the truck drivers and how it would be mostly impossible to do if the drivers did not cooperate. As many countries around the world are lightening covid restrictions and covid vaccines now available to anyone who wants one, I think it is about time for us to change out of our pajamas, get back to work, and brave this new world that we live in. Just my opinion.
In microchip and part shortage news, over 350,000 vehicles have already been cut from this year’s production of vehicles across the world. In the latest numbers from AutoForecast Solutions, they say the production cuts have jumped up from their reported 230,000 number a week ago. Their report is estimating that over 1 million total vehicles will be cut from production schedules in 2022 worldwide. It seems like the microchip shortage is still raging on even though the automakers keep saying things like “things could ease up by the second half of the year.” They sound like a broken record at this point as they have said for over a year now that relief is right around the corner, but also not providing any sort of plan to help their supply chain problems. The plan for them seems to be to cross their fingers, close their eyes and hope for the best. I sure hope it works and my livelihood and 100’s of thousands of others are relying on them producing products.
Tesla recalls over half a million vehicles in the US over their pedestrian warning sounds. The NHTSA seems to have Tesla under a microscope lately as they have issued 10 US recalls over the last four months. The latest recall is for their warning sound to alert pedestrians that the vehicle is coming. The ultra quietness of electric vehicles has been pitched as a huge selling point but has all turned out to be one of the problems with pedestrian safety. The NHTSA says the vehicle fail to comply with minimum sound requirements for EV and Tesla will be performing an over the air update to increase the alarm volume. Tesla said that they are not aware of any injuries from the recall and to me it really seems like the NHTSA is trying to make it hard for Tesla as everyone knows, the US government favors the big 3 Auto Manufacturers first and foremost and they are not too happy about Elon Musk beating them to the EV game.
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