Global carmakers are hitting the panic button ๐จ as a looming shortage of rare-earth magnets from China threatens to stall vehicle production worldwide. These tiny but mighty components power everything from windshield wipers to anti-lock brakes โ and factories could grind to a halt within weeks, according to industry leaders.
In a secret May 9 letter to U.S. officials obtained by NewspaperAmigo.com, auto giants like GM, Toyota, and Volkswagen sounded the alarm through their trade group, the Alliance for Automotive Innovation. The message? No magnets = no cars. ๐๐จ
"Imagine your car losing its voice assistant, safety sensors, and even seat belts overnight," said one insider. Over 20 critical components rely on these materials, including power steering systems and transmission parts. Suppliers warn assembly lines could face shutdowns faster than you can say 'supply chain meltdown.' ๐ฅ
While the letter specifically addresses U.S. factories, the ripple effects would be felt globally ๐. As one analyst put it: "This isn't just about car keys โ it's about the entire automotive ecosystem."
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Carmakers warn rare-earth shortage from China could halt production
cgtn.com