Chrysler parent company, Stellantis, revealed plans to invest $2.8 billion at two of its Canadian vehicle production plants as part of a dedicated EV and software push that could include the electric Jeep shown earlier this year (above).
That $2.8 billion figure includes grants and incentives coming from the Canadian national and Ontario provincial governments, which will invest $410.7 million and $398 million, respectively into the company’s Windsor and Brampton, Ontario production facilities. The joint public/private EV overhaul was announced jointly by Stellantis North America chief operating officer Mark Stewart and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
“Today’s deal on made-in-Canada electric vehicles is yet another investment in our workers and in our future. We’re building a world-class Canadian auto industry, an innovative economy and a clean, strong future for everyone,” said PM Trudeau, speaking at Stellantis’ Automotive Research and Development Center in Windsor. “This is what a healthy environment and a healthy economy looks like.”
The Stellantis executive, too, spoke highly of the deal. “These investments reaffirm (Stellantis’) long-term commitment to Canada, and represent an important step as we move toward zero-emission vehicles that deliver on our customers’ desire for innovative, clean, safe and affordable mobility,” said Stewart.
Stellantis’ Windsor Assembly Plant will be transformed to support production of a new multi-energy vehicle (MEV) architecture that will provide battery-electric (BEV) capability for multiple models. The plant will have maximum flexibility to adjust production volumes as needed to meet changing market demand over the next decade. Retooling is expected to begin in 2023. The Brampton Assembly Plant , meanwhile, will be fully retooled and modernized, with that buildout set to begin sometime in 2024.
When production resumes in 2025, the plant will introduce an all-new, flexible architecture to support the company’s electrification plans to transition to a 100% electrified lineup by 2026— but will that be enough for Stellantis to fend off the Ford F-150 Lightning, already in production? Will it still beat the Tesla Cybertruck to market? Scroll on down to the comments and let us know.
SOURCE | IMAGES: STELLANTIS.
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