MICROCHIP SHORTAGE

Vehicle output in China kept shrinking in the first several weeks of July amid the persistent semiconductor chip crunch, adding to declines the previous two months, according to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers.

The automaker is keeping a close watch on the delta variant of the coronavirus and may be forced to adjust its mask policy, to keep in line with federal public health guidance.

Ford said it had expected a net loss for the quarter but performed better because of strong demand, lower incentives and a favorable mix of more profitable vehicles.

While pickup truck production is set to resume Monday, six other North American plants will take additional downtime, including Fairfax Assembly, which has been idled for nearly six months.