First reported by The Wall Street Journal citing anonymous sources, Ford is said to have supply chain issues involving its badges. In other words, there is a severe lack of blue oval badges that may be found on every Ford vehicle, including its most popular F-Series trucks. Not only that, but even the badges that distinguish the model names are becoming rare.
A Ford spokesperson has confirmed the issue to CNBC, though the specific number of vehicles affected wasn't disclosed.
The main reason for the shortage wasn't reported, as well. However, The Journal reported that a Michigan-based supplier called Tribar Technologies that has made badges for Ford in the past had to limit operations in August, after disclosing to Michigan regulators it had discharged industrial chemicals into a local sewer system.
When asked for comment, neither Ford Motor nor Tribar Technologies had anything to say.
The issue is the latest is a yearslong supply chain crisis that has ranged from critical parts such as semiconductor chips and wire harnesses to raw materials and now, vehicle badges. On Monday, Ford revealed that component shortages have affected roughly 40,000 to 45,000 cars and trucks, mostly high-margin vehicles and SUVs, who have been unable to do so.
