Hustler Words – Stellantis, the multinational automotive conglomerate behind iconic brands like Chrysler, Jeep, and Ram, has unveiled a massive $13 billion investment plan aimed at bolstering its manufacturing footprint in the United States. This strategic move, driven by the company’s new CEO, signals a renewed commitment to American production and job creation, albeit with a surprising twist: a reduced emphasis on all-electric vehicles.
The investment will be spread across factories in Illinois, Ohio, Michigan, and Indiana, fueling the development and production of five new vehicles by 2029. Notably, the plan includes the reopening of the Belvidere Assembly Plant in Illinois, which will significantly increase the production capacity for the Jeep Cherokee and Jeep Compass models destined for the U.S. market. Stellantis anticipates the creation of over 5,000 new jobs as a direct result of this expansion.
While previous investment pledges from Stellantis heavily emphasized electrification, this latest initiative takes a different approach. Only one of the five new vehicles is slated to be a range-extended EV, combining a battery with a gas generator to extend its driving range. This model will be produced at the Warren Truck Assembly Plant in Michigan, with production commencing in 2028. The Warren plant will also be responsible for manufacturing a large, new, gas-powered SUV.
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The remaining additions to Stellantis’s lineup include a next-generation Dodge Durango, set to be produced at the Detroit Assembly Complex in 2029, a new midsize truck to be assembled at the Toledo Assembly Complex in Ohio, and an all-new four-cylinder engine, dubbed the GMET4 EVO, which will begin production in 2026 at the Kokomo, Indiana, factory.
Antonio Filosa, Stellantis CEO and North America COO, emphasized the importance of this investment in driving the company’s growth, strengthening its manufacturing base, and creating jobs within the United States. "Accelerating growth in the U.S. has been a top priority since my first day. Success in America is not just good for Stellantis in the U.S. – it makes us stronger everywhere," Filosa stated.
This shift in strategy comes after Stellantis scaled back some of its electrification plans for the U.S. market earlier this year. The automaker previously announced the cancellation of plans to produce an electrified Gladiator and a battery-electric full-size pickup. However, the company remains committed to producing the extended-range Ram 1500 REV, formerly known as the Ramcharger.
While the future of transportation is undoubtedly electric, Stellantis’s latest investment suggests that gasoline-powered vehicles will continue to play a significant role in the company’s strategy for the foreseeable future. This move reflects a pragmatic approach to meeting consumer demand and navigating the complexities of the evolving automotive market.
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