Ford Halts Production at 7 Plants Over Transmission Defect
Ford Motor Co. said Friday it stopped production at seven plants, idling about 15,000 workers, after a problem was discovered with a part for engine transmissions. According to the Associated Press, the problem was identified during a test of a clutch mechanism in an automatic transmission. Three plants were shut down in Michigan, including Dearborn Truck, Michigan Truck and Wixom Assembly, along with plants in Norfolk, VA; Avon Lake, OH; and Cuautitlan, Mexico. Truck manufacturing at Ford's Kansas City Assembly plant in Claycomo, MO, was also shut down. Production was expected to resume at the plants today. Ford said it believed that none of the affected vehicles, which include F-150 pickups, Expeditions, E- Series vans and buses, and the Lincoln Town Car, were purchased by customers.