Ford expects cut in Q3 earnings

DEARBORN, Mich. — A parts shortage that has thousands of Ford’s most-profitable vehicles sitting on lots waiting to be fully assembled has forced the automaker to slash its third-quarter earnings forecast.

Ford said it expects to have 40,000 to 45,000 unfinished vehicles on its hands when the quarter ends Sept. 30.

The company, based in Dearborn, now expects its third-quarter earnings before interest and taxes to be $1.4 billion to $1.7 billion. It reported adjusted earnings before interest and taxes of $3.7 billion in the second quarter.

The company did, however, say it expected the vehicles that it couldn’t fully assemble in the third quarter to be completed and sold to dealers in the final three months of the year.