Ford will sell and deliver vehicles without certain semiconductors or related components and have dealerships install them at a later date.
In an effort to deal with parts shortages, Ford will send vehicles without chips controlling non-safety critical features to dealers who will be able to sell them. The automaker will then send the necessary chips within one year for dealers to install in the vehicles.
Ford executives reportedly told dealers of the plan during a meeting in Las Vegas. Auto News notes that it remains unclear when shipments of these vehicles will commence nor is it known which specific Ford models will be impacted.
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However, Ford spokesman Said Deep did mention that the Explorer will be one of the models affected and that it will be sold without rear climate controls but that the function can be added later. Those who purchase an Explorer without the controls will receive a price reduction and when the necessary parts are available, Ford will install the controls at no cost.
“We are offering ways for our customers to get their vehicles sooner during the global semiconductor shortage,” Deep added.
Ford has previously offered customers the option to order F-150 models without the auto start-stop feature.
Among the models impacted by parts shortages is the Ford Bronco. Hundreds of Bronco models were recently seen piling up around the automaker’s Michigan manufacturing site. These Broncos are awaiting semiconductors and Ford plans to begin shipments of them within three months.
