American automakers rely on thousands of parts suppliers to keep their factories running at full capacity. While the Big Three produce many of their own parts, corporations large and small contribute everything from door handles to sunroofs to automakers like Ford. Among the largest of these suppliers is Magna International.

A recent and very severe fire at Magna’s Howell production facility in Michigan damaged around 40% of the plant. This has led to a supply shortage that has affected all of the Big Three, including Ford, and production at the AutoAlliance International Plant in Flat Rock Michigan has come to a temporary halt due to supply shortages.

Since Ford does not discuss supplier shortages, there is no knowing exactly what parts are holding up production of the Mustang. However, Ford shares the AutoAlliance plant with Mazda (who builds the Mazda 6 there), and Mazda has reportedly told Automotive News that a lack of headliners and other interior components is holding up production. Ford decided to stop production of the Mustang as well, though it should be back up and running at capacity by next week. This could cause a small delay in delivery of new Mustangs, and the Magna plant is currently only operating at 50% capacity due to the fire. Ford says the production stoppage has nothing to do with the Magna plant fire, but we’re not so sure that is true. What do you think?