The Chevrolet Blazer is more popular than ever. Despite using a nameplate once famously attached to a traditional body-on-frame truck-based SUV, today's car-based Blazer crossover finds success thanks to smart packaging, attracting styling inside and out, and available all-wheel drive. There's only one problem: there aren't enough of them to go around, according to an updated report via GM Authority.

This all began last September when America's Blazer inventory began to run low with a 28-day supply. A 60-day supply is considered ideal for the industry. By January, dealer inventories had yet to be restocked to sufficient levels. The problem then wasn't directly related to a lack of semiconductor chips, an issue now affecting every major global automaker, but rather the Ramos Arizpe Assembly in Mexico unable to keep up with customer demand.

Lockdowns due to the pandemic played a role. However, the main culprit was that a single factory simply couldn't supply enough of one of America's hottest-selling vehicles. GM was reportedly examining the possibility of expanding production to another factory, potentially its Spring Hill, Tennessee plant, but no decision has been made. And then the semiconductor chip crisis began. Now, the lack of chips has forced GM to extend production cuts at Ramos Arizpe.

There are reportedly hundreds of completed Blazers parked at the facility waiting to be shipped north. But there's just one critical problem: they all lack chips, and until they do they're not going anywhere.

This is an especially big problem because national dealer inventory has dipped to a very troubling 19-day supply. Without enough Blazers to sell, sales are down. Way down. Q1 sales for 2021 were down by 13 percent compared to the same time last year.

There is no quick and easy solution to the problem as it could take quite some time for automakers to sufficiently restock those must-have chips, which control essential systems like navigation, Bluetooth, and even windshield wipers. Customers who can't wait to buy or lease a new Blazer will have to make do with what's on dealer lots for the time being.