After extensive negotiations with the United Auto Workers (UAW), Stellantis has announced plans to restore significant U.S. production commitments, securing billions in investments and reopening a previously shuttered assembly plant.
The automaker will produce the next-generation Dodge Durango at the Detroit Assembly Complex and reopen the Belvidere Assembly Plant in Illinois by 2027 to manufacture a new midsize truck. These commitments, initially reversed under former CEO Carlos Tavares, have been reinstated under Stellantis’ new leadership.
“This is a major win for workers and a clear demonstration of the strength of collective action,” said UAW President Shawn Fain. “Protecting good union jobs in places like Belvidere, Detroit, and Kokomo is vital to the communities they sustain.”
Stellantis has also pledged to invest in Kokomo, Indiana, launching Phase II of the GME-T4 EVO engine in 2026. Additionally, the automaker will maintain GME-T4 EVO engine production at the Dundee Engine Plant in Michigan and increase component manufacturing at the Toledo Machining Plant in Ohio.
These developments follow months of pressure from UAW members and leaders as part of their “Keep the Promise” campaign, which included rallies and formal grievances. Their advocacy led to Tavares’ departure in late 2024 and the appointment of new North American COO Antonio Filosa, who has committed to strengthening collaboration with the UAW and bolstering U.S. vehicle production.
Key to enforcing these agreements was the UAW’s 2023 contract, which introduced a groundbreaking right to strike over product and investment commitments. The union continues to push for policies that deter offshoring and prioritize American autoworkers, standing firm against what it calls the industry’s “race to the bottom.”
After months of negotiations with the United Auto Workers (UAW), Stellantis has announced plans to reinstate significant production commitments in the U.S., securing billions in investments and reopening a closed assembly plant.
The automaker will produce the next-generation Dodge Durango at the Detroit Assembly Complex and reopen the Belvidere Assembly Plant in Illinois by 2027 to manufacture a new midsize truck. These plans, initially reversed under former CEO Carlos Tavares, have been reaffirmed by Stellantis’ new leadership.
“This victory shows the power of workers coming together to demand accountability from billion-dollar corporations,” said UAW President Shawn Fain. “We’re fighting to protect the union jobs that sustain communities like Belvidere, Detroit, Kokomo, and beyond.”
Stellantis also confirmed a major investment in Kokomo, Indiana, where Phase II of the GME-T4 EVO engine will launch in 2026, reversing earlier plans to shift production outside the U.S. Additionally, the company will maintain GME-T4 EVO engine production at Michigan’s Dundee Engine Plant and increase component manufacturing at the Toledo Machining Plant in Ohio.
These commitments follow persistent pressure from UAW members and leadership through rallies, marches, and the union’s “Keep the Promise” campaign. The movement played a significant role in the departure of Tavares in late 2024 and the appointment of North American COO Antonio Filosa, who has expressed a willingness to collaborate with the UAW to strengthen U.S. vehicle production.
The UAW’s 2023 contract introduced the right to strike over product and investment commitments, a critical measure in enforcing Stellantis’ promises. The union continues to advocate for policies that prevent offshoring and prioritize American autoworkers, opposing what it calls the industry’s “race to the bottom.”
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