Top 10 Automotive Stories of 2023
Changing EV Demand, Changing EV Plans
Demand for electric vehicles is not the same across the country, and the situation is quite different in the U.S., too, forcing some automakers to adjust their plans. In September, Ford decided to halt work on a major $3.5 billion battery plant in Michigan “until we're confident about our ability to competitively operate the plant.” Later in the year, Ford eliminated a shift at the F-150 Lightning plant and will reportedly cut production in half starting in January.
Meanwhile, GM thought it would be better off pushing back the start of production of the Chevrolet Silverado EV and GMC Sierra EV at Orion Assembly in Michigan to late 2025. A spokesperson said the primary reason is to “better manage capital investment while aligning with evolving EV demand." In other words, the company is concerned about the number of reservation holders that will actually order a copy.