General Motors will be able to retrofit seat-heating and ventilating functions to vehicles built during the height of the chip shortage. Not all features will be capable of being retrofitted, though.
Automotive News reports that a memo sent to dealers said that seat-heating and ventilation can be added when parts are available, potentially as early as mid-2022. The fix will be free, but it means that GM will discount those vehicles by just $50, instead of as much as $500 as was previously suggested.
Unfortunately, not all features can be retrofitted. The automaker noted in the memo that heated steering wheels cannot be added later. Their discounts will, therefore, remain at $150.
Read More: Chip Shortage Will Cause Drivers To Freeze Their Butts Off As GM Axes Heated Seats
GM, along with other automakers, has been forced to make compromises throughout the pandemic and particularly during the chip shortage. Along with forcing the automaker to pause the production of some vehicles, it also required it to sell some vehicles without some features, such as the ones noted above.
Naturally, the timing of the retrofitting campaign will depend on how the semiconductor chip crisis plays out, though it is showing signs of easing. Although many expect restrictions to continue until 2022, chip suppliers are moving to increase production and some automakers have even forged new partnerships to accelerate progress.
Despite that, the supply issue is expected to cost the automotive industry as much as $210 billion and a production shortfall of as many as 7.7 million vehicles in 2021. The shortages have led to high prices in both the new and used markets.
