Stellantis to invest $13 billion in US growth

Automaker Stellantis has announced that it will invest $13 billion over the next four years in growth in the United States.

«This investment is the largest in the company’s 100-year history in the US and will contribute to the introduction of five new vehicles to the brand’s portfolio in key segments, the production of an all-new four-cylinder engine, and the creation of more than 5,000 jobs at plants in Illinois, Ohio, Michigan, and Indiana,» the statement said.

It is noted that the new investments will further expand Stellantis’ already significant presence in the United States, increasing annual vehicle production in the country by 50% compared to current levels.

The launch of new models will complement the regular cycle of updating 19 others at all US assembly plants and the modernization of powertrains planned for 2029.

At the same time, Canada is threatening Stellantis with legal action, considering the plan to move production of one of its models (the Jeep Compass) from its plant in Brampton, Ontario, to the US state of Illinois unacceptable, according to The Canadian Press.

Canadian Industry Minister Melanie Joly expressed extreme concern about this move in a letter to the company.

Joly recalled that the company had agreed to maintain its presence in Canada, including operations in Brampton, in exchange for substantial financial support over decades. This refers to government aid to the automotive sector in 2009 during the financial crisis. As stated in the minister’s letter, “anything that does not comply with this commitment will be considered a breach.”

At the same time, Stellantis said in a statement that it has plans for the Brampton plant but did not provide any details. The company also said it continues to invest in the country, including adding a third shift at its Windsor assembly plant.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford said the company had informed him that they would keep the plant, but its reopening would be delayed while they figured out what car to produce there.

In September, Stellantis announced its intention to suspend production at several European plants. The company explained that this step was aimed at adapting production rates to the challenging European market and, at the same time, effectively managing inventory until the end of the year.