Big Three automaker Stellantis (STLA) is making a number of US moves in response to the new Trump administration and its focus on building products in America.
In a letter to employees, Stellantis North America COO Antonio Filosa acknowledged that group chairman John Elkann met with Trump ahead of his inauguration and noted Trump’s “enthusiasm” for his strong commitment to the US and growing jobs and the US economy.
Stellantis — which owns Ram, Jeep, Dodge, and other brands — confirmed a number of specific actions it will take to “entail a multibillion-dollar investment in our people, great products, and innovative technology, all here in the US,” Filosa said.
To that end, Stellantis said it would build a new midsize pickup truck at the recently shuttered Belvidere, Ill., assembly plant. Stellantis previously ended production at Belvidere for the Jeep Cherokee SUV, angering UAW representatives and workers. Now Stellantis said it will return approximately 1,500 UAW members to work, a reversal of the move by former CEO Carlos Tavares, who resigned in early December.
The decision comes after chairman John Elkann met with Trump, whose focus on boosting U.S. jobs and manufacturing seems to be driving tangible results. This move not only marks a major shift in strategy but also signals that the Big Three automakers are bracing for a new era of pro-American production policies.
228 views