Ford To Start Selling Vehicles Without Microchips, Will Install Them Later

The microchip shortage has caused a gigantic ripple effect within the automotive industry, among many others that rely upon semiconductors. Ford, like many major automakers, has had to deal with limited production, growing inventory awaiting microchips, etc.

It is being reported that Ford will be shipping and selling new vehicles with certain non-safety functions lacking microchips, but will have them installed in units after they have been sold within the year. In 2021, General Motors also announced it would be selling new models without additional features like auto start-stop, blind-spot monitoring, HD radios, and heated seats due to the chip shortage.

According to the Detroit Free Press, Ford is building Explorers without active climate controls for the rear seats. However, they can be controlled by the driver in the front seat.

“The Explorer’s rear-seat heating and air conditioning control, both the physical dial system and the semiconductor chip behind it, will be installed by Ford dealers at a later date,” says a spokesperson for Ford.

So if you have your eyes on a new F-150, Bronco, or Explorer, just know that not all of the bells and whistles will be installed right away. Many experts believe that the global chip shortage is expected to last until late 2022.