GM Extends Chevy Bolt EV Production Shutdown

General Motors Extends Orion Assembly Plant Shutdown

General Motors has announced an extension of the work stoppage at its Orion Assembly Plant, now anticipated to last until at least mid-October. This decision stems from a deficiency in battery packs, directly linked to the recent safety recall affecting the Chevy Bolt EV and EUV models.

Bloomberg was the first to report the company’s intention to keep the plant idled through the week of October 11. The ongoing disruption highlights the challenges facing automotive manufacturers.

Supply Chain Constraints and Production Prioritization

According to a company statement, the latest adjustments to production schedules are a consequence of persistent parts shortages. These shortages are primarily caused by limitations in the supply of semiconductors originating from international markets impacted by COVID-19 related restrictions.

GM expresses confidence in its team’s ability to develop innovative solutions to mitigate the impact on vehicles with high demand and limited capacity. Despite the complex and evolving situation, the company is prioritizing the production of full-size trucks, which continue to experience strong consumer interest.

Recall and Battery Supplier Collaboration

The initial shutdown of the Michigan assembly plant, which commenced on August 23, was previously extended to September 20. However, it is now evident that a resolution to the underlying causes of the delay has not yet been achieved.

GM is actively collaborating with its battery supplier, LG Chem, to refine manufacturing processes and adjust production timelines.

In July, the company initiated recalls for Chevy Bolt vehicles due to identified fire risks. The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration has advised owners to park their vehicles at a safe distance from buildings and other automobiles as a precautionary measure.

Impact on Other Assembly Plants

While full-size truck and full-size SUV production was slated to resume this week, chip shortages continue to affect GM’s operations. Production slowdowns have been announced at five additional assembly plants across North America.

Some facilities, including the Fort Wayne Assembly and Silao Assembly plants – responsible for the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 – have already returned to full capacity as of September 13, following a brief interruption due to the global semiconductor shortage.

The Lansing Delta Township Assembly plant, which manufactures the Chevrolet Traverse and Buick Enclave, will experience an additional week of downtime beginning the week of September 27. Production is currently expected to resume the week of October 4. This plant has been inactive since July 19.

Downtime for the Chevrolet Camaro and Cadillac Blackwing has also been extended through the week of the 27th, alongside previously announced disruptions for Cadillac CT4 and CT5 production. Camaro production has been halted since September 13, while CT4 and CT5 production has been suspended since May 10.

Further Production Adjustments

Production of the Equinox, Blazer, and GMC Terrain has been rescheduled through the week of October 11. These vehicles are assembled at the CAMI Assembly plant in Canada, as well as the San Luis Potosi Assembly and Ramos Assembly plants in Mexico.

Production of the Blazer and Equinox has been paused since August 23 and August 16, respectively.

Cadillac XT4 production, which has been suspended since February 8, is scheduled to restart at Fairfax Assembly in Kansas next week. However, production of the Chevrolet Malibu, also manufactured at Fairfax, will remain halted through the week of October 25.