Supply Chain Update: September 29th

9/29/2011

Ford, Toyota identify models affected by carpeting and floor mat shortage

At least a half dozen auto assembly plants in North America have been forced to slow production as the result of a shortage in the supply of carpeting and floor mats. The shortage is due to flooding at a key supplier plant in Pennsylvania and is currently affecting North American vehicle deliveries across multiple manufacturers.

In last week’s issue of FleetWeek, we identified Chrysler, GM and Volkswagen models whose production has reportedly been affected by the shortage.  Information on those models is available here.

Ford has reported that shortage has affected production on the Ford Edge, Escape, Flex, Focus, and some F-150’s, as well as the Lincoln MKX and MKT.

Ford is currently building most vehicles without carpet or floor mats and holding them at the plant.  To help expedite production times, Ford has established arrangements with alternative suppliers to produce the carpet, and will be reworking vehicles as soon as possible.

In addition, on some new units coming off the production line, Ford may install black carpet if it closely matches the original interior color (e.g. Charcoal).  Any vehicles with interior colors that are not close to black may be built without carpet and held at the plant until supplies improve.

Toyota has said that its models currently affected by the shortage are the Camry and Sequoia.  On both models, the CF option (Carpeted floor and trunk mat set) will not be available for ordering until further notice; at this time, Toyota will only be offering the C4 option (Carpeted Floor Mats) on new orders.

All manufacturers affected by the shortage have indicated that they are working to resume normal production as soon as possible, but currently do not have a timetable for when carpeting and floor mat supplies will return to normal.  Please note that the manufacturers may not be able to provide updates on delivery timing or specific details regarding which orders are undergoing changes due to the shortage.

Wheels remains in constant communication with the manufacturers and will continue to keep clients informed as the situation unfolds and we obtain additional information.  Clients with orders identified by the manufacturers as being affected by the shortage will receive notification from a member of your Wheels account team.