GM Suspends Production at Mexican Pickup Plant, Impacting Best-Selling Models

According to Reuters, General Motors has paused production at its pickup plant in Mexico for several weeks, affecting the output of its best-selling models. The company confirmed this news after being questioned. Sources indicate that the Silao assembly plant in Mexico had already halted production during the first two weeks of July, with plans to suspend operations again for two weeks starting August 4. However, GM did not confirm the specific timeline for the shutdown. The plant produces models including the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra. In a response to Reuters, GM stated that the temporary suspension at the Silao plant is part of its normal operational process aimed at optimizing production efficiency at the manufacturing site. Currently, the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra are GM's top-selling vehicles in the U.S. and are major sources of profit. Furthermore, GM produces Silverado and Sierra models at its facilities in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Flint, Michigan, and Ontario, Canada. Automakers typically pause production to maintain or modify production lines to accommodate model changes. Last week, due to the U.S. Independence Day holiday, most of GM's plants in the United States were also not operating normally. Nevertheless, a multi-week shutdown at the Mexican plant, which produces GM's best-selling models, is rare. Pickup trucks are major profit products for GM, Ford, and Stellantis, so truck factories usually operate around the clock. In the first half of 2025, GM sold 278,599 Chevrolet Silverados, a 2% increase compared to the same period last year. During the same time, the company sold 166,409 Sierra pickups, a 12% increase from the first half of 2024. In recent months, trade wars led by U.S. President Donald Trump have disrupted the supply chains and production operations of automakers and parts suppliers, prompting some companies to adjust their production plans to mitigate the impact of increased tariffs on imported vehicles.