For the year 2022, some drivers are going to have to go without heated seats if they choose to buy a select few GM vehicles. The massive automaker recently announced that they are suspending both heated and ventilated seats on select vehicles and trims for the entire model year of 2022. The announcement stems from the global chip shortage and will also affect select models from Chevy, GMC, Cadillac and Buick.
To make up for the missing feature that so many Canadians have come to see as a must have, GM confirmed they would offer a rebate. In the United States, the rebate is said to be between $150-$500.
The models most affected by this are the Chevrolet Colorado, Blazer and Equinox and the GMC Canyon and Terrain. All Chevrolet Silverados and Traverses other than the High Country trims will be affected as well. For GMC trucks, all Sierras and Acadias will be without the heated or ventilated seats, except for the Denalis.
“Our teams are exploring ways to potentially retrofit vehicles with some of these features once parts become available. We will provide additional updates when available,” GM said. “Although the situation remains complex and very fluid, we remain confident in our team’s ability to continue finding creative solutions to minimize the impact of the semiconductor shortages that have been impacting the industry.”
A report done released recently by AlixPartners revealed that the semiconductor shortage will have cost the automotive industry $210 billion USD in lost revenue by the end of 2021. On a higher note, experts predict that by 2023 the chip supply will be back to pre covid levels. Hold on dealers, there’s light at the end of the tunnel!
