Several automakers said that they do not yet anticipate plant stoppages, but many said they are monitoring the situation.
“GM continues to work closely with the supply base to mitigate the impacts caused by the significant winter weather that affected a large portion of the country the week of Feb. 15,” said spokesman David Barnas. “We don’t anticipate any immediate production impacts.”
Toyota Motor North America also said it is coordinating with suppliers.
“We are aware of the petrochemical industry’s condition and are working with our supplier partners to mitigate any impact to our production plan,” said Toyota spokesman Eric Booth. “At this time, it is too early to predict the potential near-term impact.”
A spokesman for Hyundai, which has a recently expanded factory in Alabama to build the redesigned Tucson compact crossover, said: “We are in contact with our seat supplier, but don’t have any information yet on whether we will have an issue.”
Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia is similarly monitoring the situation, a spokesman said.
“We are aware of the chemical shortage concerns affecting seat foam supply across the industry and are monitoring our supply chain closely,” spokesman Rick Douglas said.
As of Monday, U.S. BMW production had not been impacted by the shortage, said company spokesman Phil Diianni.
Ford Motor Co. declined to comment.
A spokeswoman for Stellantis, the newly named entity from the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and France’s PSA, said in an emailed statement: “We are closely monitoring the situation. At this time, we do not expect an impact on our operations.”
