Stellantis Unveils $10 Billion Investment Plan to Expand in America
Stellantis plans to pump around $10 billion into the United States as the struggling automaker behind Jeep SUVs and Ram trucks refocuses on its most profitable market. The company may announce $5 billion in new funding within weeks, adding to a similar amount already allocated earlier this year.
The multi-year investment will target manufacturing facilities across states like Illinois and Michigan. This includes reopening shuttered plants, hiring workers, and launching new vehicle models. Sources familiar with the plans say discussions are ongoing and final decisions haven't been made yet.
The spending reflects efforts by CEO Antonio Filosa, who took charge in May, to reassess where the company puts its money. His predecessor Carlos Tavares had aggressively moved production and engineering to lower-cost countries like Mexico. He also invested heavily in Europe, where car demand remains weak and profits thin, following the company's formation in 2021.
**Courting Trump's favor**
Stellantis joins companies across industries announcing major U.S. investment plans to win favor with President Donald Trump and help cushion potential tariff impacts. South Korea's Hyundai Motor Group said in August it would boost U.S. investments by $5 billion to reach $26 billion through 2028. Several major European pharmaceutical companies have made similar billion-dollar commitments.
The funding could help fulfill Chairman John Elkann's promise to build a new mid-size pickup truck at the company's idled Belvidere, Illinois plant. Elkann previously met with Trump to discuss American investments. The company committed to bringing back about 1,500 workers there, which would satisfy the United Auto Workers union that has pressed Stellantis on this issue.
**Reviving iconic brands**
Some sources say Stellantis wants to restore Jeep's past success and is considering new investments in Dodge. This could result in a powerful new Dodge V8 vehicle and possibly even long-term plans for the Chrysler brand.
The announcement comes as Stellantis has been lobbying the U.S. administration to cancel or reduce a potential 25% tariff that could hit the mid-size Ram trucks it makes in Mexico. The company faces financial pressures and needs to rebuild momentum in the American market where it generates much of its profits.
But here's the thing - this represents a major shift from the previous strategy of moving operations to cheaper locations. The new approach signals Stellantis recognizes it needs to invest where it makes the most money, even if costs are higher.
Omar Rahman