With the combination of Covid 19 related supply chain disruptions and a major fire at a critical supplier, Ford Motor Company is reporting that the shortage of semiconductors will result in 50% production setback in the second quarter. To compensate, the company is moving to an online sales model with lower dealer inventory levels.

The heavy equipment industry is an important leading indicator for overall economic health, and a new survey of senior management in the off-the-road sector shows high levels of optimism for 2021, especially if the Biden Administration follows through on infrastructure spending plans.

And industry heavyweight ABB has commissioned a report on electric vehicle battery supply chains that suggests a global arms race is developing between Asia, Europe and America. The winner may determine the future of global automobile production.

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