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With General Motors production lines and automakers worldwide temporarily closed for business, there will be lasting effects consumers will likely see for weeks and months to come. Car buyers may not see the immediate impact of a pause in production, but they soon will. The economy will eventually rebound, and consumers will be back to the market and ready to buy GM vehicles again. They just won’t have some of the models available like they had hoped.

As the plants have shifted from making cars to medical supplies, it means a slow return to production. There are some vehicles, including several models with original plans for redesigns, that will be delayed. For anyone who had an eye on any of these GM vehicles, you might have to wait a while before you can buy.

General Motors suggests delays are coming

GM is warning that some of its production plans will experience setbacks, meaning some model vehicles won’t make it to market on the original timeline. The automaker has stopped supplier preparations for mid-cycle updates to SUVs, pickups, and some sports cars.

Some 2021 models that were initially slated for launch later this year might have to wait until next year. The Detroit News reported that GM instructed a few of its suppliers to hold off preparing for 2021 model vehicles. Instead, the automaker is arranging for a product launch for 2022 vehicles. So, which models will consumers not likely be able to buy later this year?

The consumer favorites that might be hard to find

There are several GM vehicles that are wildly popular and highly anticipated, which will be affected by the company’s decision to fast track 2022 models and the 2021 production slowdown due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19).

The redesigned Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 pickups will be part of the delays for 2021. Also, the SUV lineup is expected to see production setbacks, including for the Cadillac XT4, both Chevrolet Traverse and Equinox, as well as the GMC Terrain.

The 2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV and Camaro are also expected to have production delays this year. Consumers were excited about some of these with expected redesigns this year. But now, they’ll have to wait to buy.

Not all GM models will be missing from the lineup

General Motors officials did confirm that their teams are continuously looking for timeline and spending opportunities to preserve their resources. In doing so, there will be some vehicle rollout timelines to which they can adhere.

They don’t expect delays, for example, for electric models like the Cruise Origin shuttle, the Cadillac Lyriq, and the Chevy Bolt EUV. GM is also maintaining its original rollout schedule for the new Ultium lithium-ion battery pack.

GM shifting gears to produce medical supplies right now

General Motors halted production at first, to minimize the risk of viral spread to its workers. Officials indicated initially that they would use the downtime to sanitize the lines and work areas, to prepare for staff to return.

Fast forward a few weeks, and GM is one of many automakers, shifting production from vehicles to medical supplies. In fact, they’ve committed to producing up to 50,000 face masks each day to support the supply efforts to the healthcare providers on the front line. The company has also partnered recently with Vantec Life Systems to produce much-needed critical care ventilators.

It is likely consumers will see the impacts of the Coronavirus across various industries when the economy makes a comeback. For those interested in buying new GM models, you might only be left with leftover 2020 models or have to wait until production timelines can rebound as well.

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