FCA Canada News :

Stellantis rescinds decision to cut shift at Chrysler Pacifica plant
Breana Noble
The Detroit News


12/20/2022
The maker of the Chrysler Pacifica on Wednesday said its Windsor Assembly Plant in Ontario that makes the minivan will continue to operate on two shifts after the company had planned to cut the second shift next summer.


Stellantis NV more than a year ago said it was cutting the 1,800-person shift because of supply chain disruptions. It has extended that deadline multiple times, the latest being until the end of June. No reason was provided in an email from spokeswoman LouAnn Gosselin explaining its decision to maintain the second shift.
The reversal comes after the company announced earlier this month that it is idling indefinitely the Jeep Cherokee crossover plant in Belvidere, Illinois, at the end of February. It cited the global microchip shortage and the costs of electrification in its decision.

The plant in Windsor that employs 4,123 people is expected to be retooled starting in 2023 for a new platform to support battery-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles as a part of a $2.8 billion investment into Stellantis' Ontario operations. The exact time that will begin hasn't been shared, but Stellantis has said the plant will return to a three-shift operation following the platform change.

Stellantis continues to face supply-chain disruptions and expects the challenges to continue through 2023, Mark Stewart, chief operating officer in North America, recently said. The company cancelled the day shift at the Windsor plant because of supply-chain issues.

Following the investment, Windsor will produce vehicles on the STLA Large platform that was designed for all-electric vehicles, but is flexible to support alternative power sources. AutoForecast Solutions LLC says the company will build an all-electric minivan there along with the electric replacements for the Dodge Charger and Challenger muscle cars, whose gas versions have been built at Brampton Assembly Plant in Ontario. Brampton's future also has been secured as a part of the Ontario investment.

Windsor also will be home to the battery lab, and Stellantis has partnered with LG Energy Solution for a $4.1 billion joint-venture battery assembly plant in the city under the name NextStar Energy.

FCA Canada reports fourth-quarter 2022 and full-year sales results, becomes #1-seller of plug-in hybrid vehicles in the country

• 1 in 4 plug-in hybrid vehicles sold in Canada in 2022 came from a Stellantis brand
  • Jeep Wrangler 4xe remains Canada’s best-selling PHEV
• Annual sales increase, led by Chrysler, Jeep® and Ram brands
• Fourth quarter sales highlighted by gains for made-in-Canada Chrysler minivans and all-new Wagoneer vehicles

January 4, 2023 , Windsor, Ontario - FCA Canada today reported Q4 and full-year 2022 sales, with standout results for Chrysler, Jeep® and Ram brands, alongside a leadership position as the number-one seller of plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) in Canada.

Total 2022 sales results for FCA Canada surpassed last calendar year, rising five per cent, with 169,179 vehicles sold.

For the fourth quarter of 2022, 38,450 vehicles were sold, a decrease of two per cent versus the same period last year.

“We’re reporting a solid year of sales growth in 2022,” said David Buckingham, President and CEO, FCA Canada. “Looking forward, we have a strong product plan for 2023, including three PHEVs, plus more on the way as outlined in our Stellantis Dare Forward 2030 strategic plan. Combine all of that with once-in-a-generation investment announcements for our Canadian operations totaling over $8 billion (CAD), and 2022 will be remembered as a hallmark year.”

Sales highlights for the fourth quarter of 2022 include the Windsor, Ontario-made Chrysler Grand Caravan, Chrysler Pacifica and Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, which combined for a quarterly increase of 187 per cent and remain the best-selling lineup of minivans in the country.

Wagoneer, the premium extension of the Jeep brand, also finished the year strong, with quarterly sales up 27 per cent versus the same period last year.

For calendar year 2022, FCA Canada secured its position as the number-one seller of plug-in hybrid vehicles in the country, with its PHEV sales rising 38 per cent year-over-year. Two of the top-five selling plug-in hybrids in Canada for 2022 were Jeep Wrangler 4xe and Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid. Jeep Wrangler 4xe remains Canada’s best-selling PHEV. Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe is reinforcing that PHEV leadership, with a strong sales start in the latter part of 2022.

Other highlights from calendar year 2022 include an increase of 71 per cent for the Chrysler brand, led by Pacifica (up 71 per cent). The Jeep brand was up half a percentage point, led by Wrangler (up 20 per cent) and the Ram brand was up six per cent on the class-leading strength of Ram Heavy Duty (up 15 per cent).

Tomorrow at CES 2023 in Las Vegas, the Ram brand will unveil the Ram 1500 Revolution BEV Concept. Loaded with exclusive advanced technology features and based on STLA Frame, the BEV-by-design body-on-frame architecture, the Ram 1500 Revolution BEV Concept is a visionary roadmap and a glimpse into the future, showing how the leading truck brand will once again redefine the pickup truck segment.

Sales Chart:
Stellantis North America
Stellantis (NYSE: STLA) is one of the world’s leading automakers and a mobility provider. In North America, it's best known for producing and selling vehicles in a portfolio of iconic and award-winning brands such as Jeep®, Chrysler, Dodge, Ram, Alfa Romeo and Fiat. Powered by its diversity, Stellantis leads the way the region and the world move – aspiring to become the greatest sustainable mobility tech company, not the biggest, while creating added value for all stakeholders as well as the communities in which it operates. For more information, visit www.stellantis.com.

FCA Canada Will Return To The Canadian International Auto Show (CIAS) Next Month!


Stellantis (FCA Canada) is scheduled to make its return to the Canadian auto show circuit for the first time in three years at the Canadian International Auto Show (CIAS) 2023 in Toronto, Ontario, next month.

2019 Ram 2500 Laramie Longhorn at the CIAS Show. (MoparInsiders).
To help kick off its return, the Jeep® brand will be bringing its Camp Jeep indoor interactive off-road experience to Canada for the first time ever. The event allows participants the chance to experience the legendary off-road capabilities of Jeep vehicles without leaving the car show. Passengers will travel aboard the latest Jeep vehicles, facing five man-made obstacles that rigorously showcase their unparalleled capabilities.

2020 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Daytona 50th Anniversary Edition. (MoparInsiders).

CIAS is Canada’s largest and most-attended auto show. After being shuttered for three years by the global pandemic, the in-person event opens to the public on February 17th – 26th, 2023 at the Metro Convention Centre in Downtown Ontario.

Camp Jeep® – Toronto –

For the first time in Canada, auto show attendees can participate in the interactive Camp Jeep experience, a Trail Rated, man-made, an off-road course where professional 4×4 drivers allow riders to experience the legendary capabilities of Jeep vehicles.
Camp Jeep® Display. (Jeep).
The 1,858 square-meter (20,000 square-foot) exhibit will include five obstacles to provide a first-hand look at the unparalleled capability of Jeep vehicles for ground clearance, traction, stability, articulation, breakover, off-camber, and suspension travel:

• A four-meter high, 35° Jeep mountain
• A 1.5-meter high ground-clearance stair climb
• An extreme breakover obstacle
• An off-camber stability side slope
• A 30° banked articulation wedge

Camp Jeep will include a variety of Jeep brand vehicles, highlighted by the plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe and the 2023 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 4xe (the best-selling PHEV in Canada) in 2022.

Camp Jeep® Display. (Jeep).

Since 2004, more than 3,000,000 guests have experienced Camp Jeep events on 5 continents, in 15 countries, and across 28 different states in the U.S.

Camp Jeep® Display. (Jeep).

Stellantis Announces Leadership Change in Canada Operations
February 13, 2023 , Windsor, Ontario - Stellantis North America today announced that Jason Stoicevich will be leading the Canadian operations, reporting to Mark Stewart, North America COO, effective immediately.

Stoicevich first joined Stellantis in 2002 and has held a series of positions with increasing responsibility, including vice president – FIAT brand. He rejoined the company in 2018 as director of the California Business Centre after three years in a related automotive role. In 2022, he was appointed director of the Southwest (Dallas) Business Centre. He has a deep understanding of the automotive industry with a strong background in brand, sales, marketing, dealer network and service.

“Jason is joining the Canadian team at a pivotal moment in our history,” said Stewart. “I believe his combination of work experience and leadership skills will be a tremendous asset as we prepare for an electric future.”

In a related move, after 35 years of service, David Buckingham, current lead for operations in Canada, has announced his intention to retire at the end of May.

“The company is incredibly grateful for Dave’s many contributions, including his leadership in helping secure multiple long-term investments in Canada that will benefit generations of employees. I personally wish he and his wife Amy only the best in the future,” said Stewart.

Camp Jeep® Makes Canadian Debut, New Products at Stellantis Display for 2023 Canadian International AutoShow
February 17, 2023 , Windsor, Ontario - After three years, the Canadian International AutoShow (CIAS) is back in Toronto, Ontario, and the Stellantis display is sure to be the highlight for returning visitors. For the first time in Canada, attendees will be able to experience the Trail Rated thrills of the Camp Jeep® indoor off-road experience and to check out new vehicles from Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram Truck and Wagoneer brands.

Camp Jeep
Camp Jeep comes to Canada for the first time and will offer attendees a chance to experience the legendary off-road capabilities of Jeep vehicles without leaving the auto show floor. Passengers will ride along in the latest Jeep vehicles, experiencing five, man-made obstacles that rigorously showcase their unmatched capabilities.

Since its debut in 2004, Camp Jeep has welcomed Jeep enthusiasts on five continents and 15 countries. Just last week at the Chicago Auto Show, the 3 millionth Camp Jeep ride took place.

Toronto’s 20,000-square-foot exhibit is highlighted by a 13-foot (four-metres) tall metal mountain that the Jeep vehicles expertly scale and descend. Running every day at the auto show, attendees age 18 and over can ride for free off-road in the following vehicles:

• Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk 4xe
• Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe
• Jeep Wrangler 392
• Jeep Compass Trailhawk
• Jeep Grand Cherokee and Grand Cherokee L Summit

Stellantis Vehicles on Display

Alfa Romeo
Making its Canadian auto show debut in Toronto, the 2023 Alfa Romeo Tonale is the first premium C-SUV from Alfa Romeo and the brand's first entry into the EV market. With unmistakable Italian design, Tonale features more than 110 years of heritage and best-in-class performance from two all-new, efficient powertrain offerings, including a plug-in hybrid with more than 48 kilometres of pure electric range and 285 horsepower.

Tonale will be available in Alfa Romeo dealerships this spring and is part of a radical evolution taking place at Alfa Romeo, which looks ahead to a new era of electrification and connectivity.

Chrysler
Chrysler will showcase the Canadian-made 2023 Pacifica Hybrid, the first hybrid minivan, delivers up to 2.9 Le/100 km in electric-only mode, an all-electric range of more than 50 kilometres and a total range of more than 800 kilometres. Pacifica Hybrid offers a seamless driving experience, with no need for the driver to select between electric and hybrid modes. Chrysler Pacifica continues to hold its status as the most awarded minivan six years in a row with more than 170 honours and industry accolades.

Chrysler brand is continuing forward on the brand’s plan to launch its first battery-electric vehicle (BEV) in 2025 and full battery-electric portfolio in 2028.

Dodge
The all-new 2023 Dodge Hornet is also making it Canadian auto show debut in Toronto. The Dodge brand’s new entry in the compact utility segment, the all-new Hornet is the quickest, fastest and most powerful CUV on the market. It will arrive in dealerships this spring and be available for under $40,000 CDN (excluding destination and fees). A plug-in hybrid Dodge Hornet R/T model will hit dealerships later this spring.

The electrified future of Dodge will be signified by the brand’s unwavering commitment to its performance heritage, but with new technology capable of pushing limits well beyond the cars of today.

Jeep
The Jeep brand is bringing its electrified 4xe lineup to the 2023 Canadian International AutoShow, including the Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe and the Jeep Wrangler 4xe, the best-selling plug-in hybrid vehicle in Canada. Additionally, making its Canadian debut will be the 2023 Wrangler Rubicon 4xe 20th Anniversary. It proudly celebrates two decades of the most capable and iconic Wrangler, with a new seven-slot grille, beadlock-capable wheels, triple hoop grille guard, half-inch suspension lift, distinctive 20th Anniversary decals and more.

The global electrification efforts of the Jeep brand include a comprehensive plan for fully electric 4xe vehicles as part of a sustainable transformation that will result in Jeep becoming the leading electrified SUV brand in the world.

Ram Truck
A whole host of Ram trucks will be on the floor at the Canadian International AutoShow, including the 2023 Ram Heavy Duty Rebel, which further fortifies Ram trucks as North America’s off-road and performance truck leader. Also on-hand will be the Canadian-exclusive Ram 1500 Sport, the 1500 Limited trim showcasing unmatched luxury appointments and the mighty, supercharged 702-horsepower Ram TRX.

Ram brand recently revealed the Ram 1500 REV battery electric light-duty pickup truck. Available in 2024, it will push past the competition in range, towing, payload and charge time.

Wagoneer
At this year’s CIAS, Wagoneer will showcase both the new 2023 Wagoneer Carbide and Grand Wagoneer L Obsidian models, as well as the all-new Hurricane twin-turbo engine family. The 2023 Wagoneer builds on a rich legacy of premium American craftsmanship, heritage and refinement while offering unparalleled comfort, leading-edge technologies, safety and legendary 4x4 capability.

As the premium extension of the Jeep brand, Wagoneer plans to launch a premium midsize global battery-electric SUV in 2024, targeting a manufacturer-estimated range of 640 kilometres on a single charge, 600 horsepower and a 0-96 km/h time of around 3.5 seconds.

Stellantis North America
Stellantis (NYSE: STLA) is one of the world’s leading automakers and a mobility provider. In North America, it's best known for producing and selling vehicles in a portfolio of iconic and award-winning brands such as Jeep®, Chrysler, Dodge, Ram, Alfa Romeo and Fiat. Powered by its diversity, Stellantis leads the way the region and the world move – aspiring to become the greatest sustainable mobility tech company, not the biggest, while creating added value for all stakeholders as well as the communities in which it operates. For more information, visit www.stellantis.com.

FCA Canada Reports First-quarter 2023 Sales Results

• FCA Canada remains the No. 1 seller of PHEVs in the country
• Dodge and Ram brands deliver year-over-year sales increases
• Wagoneer sales rise 36 per cent for the quarter
• Ram 1500 sales increase 10 per cent for the quarter

April 3, 2023 , Windsor, Ontario - With the first quarter of 2023 complete, FCA Canada remains the No. 1 seller of PHEVs in the country, with three models among the top 10 best-selling plug-in electric vehicles. Sales of 40,073 units for the period are highlighted by increases for Wagoneer, Ram 1500 and Dodge Durango. That overall figure represents a 6 per cent decrease versus the first three months of 2022.

“As we execute the company’s Dare Forward 2030 strategic plan, we’re encouraged by our continued leadership in PHEV sales,” said Jason Stoicevich, president - Canada, Stellantis. “At the same time, despite the industry’s ongoing global challenges, vehicles like the class-leading Ram 1500, Wagoneer and Dodge Durango showed double-digit increases for the quarter and continue to resonate in hard-fought segments.”

Jeep Wrangler 4xe, with an all-electric range of 35 kilometres, accounted for nearly 20 per cent of the total 5,010 Wrangler models sold in Q1 2023. Sales of the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe continue to rise and, notably, the made-in-Canada Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid accounted for 35 per cent of Pacifica minivan sales in the first quarter.

As the premium extension of the Jeep brand, Wagoneer continues to build inroads. Sales rose 36 per cent for the first quarter of 2023. Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer received a revised engine lineup for 2023 featuring the new Hurricane Twin Turbo inline-six engine. Last week, Jeep brand unveiled a new collection of eye-catching, efficient and mission-capable concept vehicles for the 57th annual Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah, the brand’s home away from home. Stay tuned later this week, when the brand will make more headlines at the New York International AutoShow (NYIAS).

Also in the spotlight at the NYIAS this week will be Ram brand, as it continues its journey to electrification. Today’s tough, capable and class-leading Ram pickup truck products continue to resonate with Canadian buyers, with 20,125 sold, an increase of 10 per cent for the quarter.

Dodge brand saw sales rise 4 per cent for the quarter, thanks in large part to the muscle car of SUVs, the Dodge Durango, with 2,260 examples sold, an increase of 43 per cent. Late last month, Dodge brand unveiled the Challenger SRT Demon 170, the most powerful muscle car in the world. Demon 170 delivers 1,025 horsepower on E85 ethanol blend fuel and will be made in Canada at Ontario’s Brampton Assembly Plant.

Sales Chart:
Stellantis North America
Stellantis (NYSE: STLA) is one of the world’s leading automakers and a mobility provider. In North America, it's best known for producing and selling vehicles in a portfolio of iconic and award-winning brands such as Jeep®, Chrysler, Dodge, Ram, Alfa Romeo and Fiat. Powered by its diversity, Stellantis leads the way the region and the world move – aspiring to become the greatest sustainable mobility tech company, not the biggest, while creating added value for all stakeholders as well as the communities in which it operates. For more information, visit www.stellantis.com.

Stellantis offering voluntary buyouts to Canadian employees
The automaker says that the job-elimination action is necessary to make the company more competitive and efficient
Author of the article:
David Shepardson, Reuters
Published Apr 26, 2023
https://driving.ca/auto-news/indust...tary-buyouts-canadian-employees#comments-area
Minivan production at Stellantis' plant in Windsor, Ontario PHOTO BY STELLANTIS
Article content
Chrysler parent Stellantis said Wednesday it is offering voluntary exit packages to 33,500 U.S. employees as it looks to streamline operations. The offers cover 31,000 U.S. hourly workers and about 2,500 salaried workers. Stellantis did not say how many total jobs it is looking to eliminate. It is also offering some employees in Canada voluntary buyouts





[While the automaker’s Canadian arm would not confirm the number of employees eligible for buyouts on this side of the border, the U.S. Associated Press reported April 26 that Stellantis will offer buyouts to roughly 8,000 unionized workers in Canada. —Ed.]



Stellantis Chief Operating Officer Mark Stewart told employees in an email seen by Reuters that a review of its operations “has made it clear that we must become more efficient.”



United Auto Workers (UAW) union President Shawn Fain criticized the effort. “Stellantis’ push to cut thousands of jobs while raking in billions in profits is disgusting,” Fain said. “This is a slap in the face to our members, their families, their communities, and the American people who saved this company 15 years ago.”

Stellantis explores “contingency plans,” accuses Ottawa of failing on plant deal

BY THE CANADIAN PRESS ON MAY 13, 2023.


One of the world’s biggest automakers says the federal government has not lived up to its deal to build a battery plant in Windsor, Ont.
Stellantis and South Korean battery-maker LG Energy Solution say they will immediately begin implementing contingency plans.
The Chrysler, Jeep and Fiat maker has not said what those contingency plans involve.
Stellantis and LG committed $5-billion last year to build an electric vehicle battery plant in Windsor with financial support from all levels of government.
A spokeswoman for federal Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne says negotiations with Stellantis are ongoing.
The federal government and Ontario recently closed a deal with Volkswagen to build an EV battery plant that includes billions of dollars in government subsidies.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 13, 2023.

Stellantis stops construction on Windsor, Ont., EV battery plant amid fed dispute





The Canadian Press
Published Monday, May 15, 2023 11:41AM EDT


WINDSOR, Ont. -- One of the world's largest automakers said Monday it has stopped construction on a $5-billion electric vehicle battery plant in Windsor, Ont., saying the federal government has not delivered on what was promised.

Stellantis, which makes Chrysler, Ram and Fiat cars among others, and South Korean battery-maker LG Energy Solution announced the plant last year and said it was expected to create 2,500 jobs.
All levels of government were to provide financial support. While the amounts were not disclosed at the time, Stellantis now says the federal government has not held up its end of the bargain.



In this file photo taken on Jan. 19, 2021, the Stellantis sign is seen outside the Chrysler Technology Center, in Auburn Hills, Mich. A joint venture between Stellantis and South Korea's LG Energy Solution plans to build a large electric vehicle battery factory in Windsor, Ontario, employing about 2,500 people. It's expected to open early in 2024 and will be able to make battery cells and modules for over 500,000 electric vehicles per year. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio, File)
"As of today, the Canadian government has not delivered on what was agreed to therefore Stellantis and LG Energy Solution will begin implementing their contingency plans," the company said in a statement.


"Effective immediately, all construction related to the battery module production on the Windsor site has stopped."
The federal government says negotiations are ongoing.


Ontario Premier Doug Ford said the federal government needs to support Stellantis in the same way it did Volkswagen. A recently announced deal with that company to build an electric vehicle battery plant in St. Thomas, Ont., includes subsidies worth up to $13 billion plus a $700 million grant.
"It really worries me," Ford said after an unrelated announcement in Mississauga, Ont. "We need the federal government to come to the table and show their support like they have all along."
The province put up $500 million for both deals, Ford said, and is ensuring roads and energy for the plant.
"We'll go toe to toe with any state down in the United States," he said. "The only thing we can't do is go toe to toe with the U.S. federal government. That's the federal Canadian government's job, and they can do it. We're confident that they made a promise to the people of Windsor - I was down there with the prime minister - now they need to keep their promise to the people in Windsor."


This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 15, 2023.