Stellantis chairman details U.S. investments for Jeep, Ram to Trump

DETROIT — Stellantis Chairman John Elkann detailed several upcoming plans the trans-Atlantic automaker has for U.S. investments when meeting with President Donald Trump during a dayslong trip to Washington, D.C., before Trump’s Monday inauguration.

The plans, as outlined in an internal message Wednesday to U.S. employees, included creating 1,500 jobs and reopening a plant in Illinois to build a new midsize pickup truck in 2027; building a new version of the Dodge Durango SUV that was being considered for Mexico at a Detroit plant instead; and adding more support for plants in Toledo, Ohio, and Kokomo, Indiana.

“John told the President that building on our proud, more than 100-year history in the U.S., we plan to continue that legacy by further strengthening our U.S. manufacturing footprint and providing stability for our great American workforce,” Antonio Filosa, head of Stellantis’ North American operations, said in the message.

Leaders from each of the “Big Three” automakers in Detroit have now separately spoken or met with Trump. They also were among the companies to each donate $1 million to Trump’s inauguration.

General Motors on Wednesday confirmed CEO Mary Barra also spoke with Trump prior to the inauguration about the U.S. automotive industry and economy. The company characterized it as a great, “friendly and productive” conversation.

Ford Motor Chair Bill Ford earlier this month said he had a lengthy phone call with the then-president-elect.

“We had a long, long, conversation,” Ford said Jan. 9 during an event for the Detroit Auto Show. “He called me out of the blue and we had a terrific conversation. And he understands the importance of our industry and Ford in the industry. He wants to be helpful. I think once he gets his staff together, we’ll probably be able to go a little bit deeper.”

Some of the Stellantis’ announcements, such as building the midsize pickup truck in Illinois, were previously expected under a contract with the United Auto Workers union. However, they had come into question under strategic decisions made by former Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares.

UAW President Shawn Fain, who had been campaigning for Tavares’ firing, hailed the announced plans. The union had previously filed grievances and held anti-Stellantis rallies over job cuts and potential changes to the company’s production plans.

“This victory is a testament to the power of workers standing together and holding a billion-dollar corporation accountable. We’ve shown that we will do what it takes to protect the good union jobs that are the lifeblood of places like Belvidere, Detroit, Kokomo, and beyond,” Fain said in a statement Wednesday.

Elkann, scion of Italy’s Agnelli family who founded Fiat, is overseeing the automaker amid a search for a new CEO following Tavares’ abrupt December departure amid declining profits, slumping market share and disagreements with the company’s board.

Plans for Stellantis’ Jeep complex in Ohio include “additional technologies and strong product actions for Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Gladiator” and “more components critical” to supporting facilities.

Stellantis’ investments for Indiana include production of a new four-cylinder engine, according to the memo.

“Our plans, focused on increasing market share and growing sales volume, entail a multibillion-dollar investment in our people, great products, and innovative technology, all here in the U.S.,” Filosa said.

Reuters on Tuesday reported Elkann met with Trump and several top administration officials before Trump’s inauguration, which Elkann was invited to but did not attend.

Elkann, who also serves as chairman of Ferrari, flew back to Italy prior to the inauguration to meet seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton as the new Ferrari Formula One driver, Reuters reported.