Global automaker Stellantis has announced a three-week shutdown for its Windsor, Ontario plant, starting later this month, due to tariffs and shifting consumer demand in North America. The company stated that the Windsor Assembly Plant will be idle during the weeks of October 19, 26, and November 2, following a two-week shutdown earlier this month. Over 6,400 employees at the facility were laid off for the previous two weeks and are scheduled to return to work on Monday. Stellantis cited 'evolving market conditions, including consumer demand and the impact of tariffs' as the primary reasons for the operational adjustments. The announcement comes amid ongoing contract negotiations between Stellantis and Unifor, the workers' union, which have reached a standstill. The impasse centers on the future of Stellantis' Brampton, Ontario plant, which the company has indicated it wants to sell due to 'market and trade conditions.' Unifor has criticized this plan as 'indefensible.' The union's Local 444 President, James Stewart, expressed concern over the additional downtime, stating it was 'something we didn't want to hear.' The collective agreement between Unifor and Stellantis expired on September 20, and workers are currently following the terms of the expired agreement. Stewart mentioned that the union is preparing a leaflet to update workers on the bargaining process and future expectations. The Windsor plant produces Chrysler Pacifica minivans and Dodge Charger muscle cars, and the company's casting plant in Etobicoke is also part of the negotiations. The situation reflects broader challenges in the automotive industry, with U.S. tariffs impacting Canadian manufacturers and trade relations between Canada and the United States. Stellantis' decision to idle the Windsor plant highlights the company's strategic response to market pressures, while the unresolved contract talks underscore the tension between management and labor over the future of manufacturing operations in Canada.

The Union representing Canadian workers at Stellantis, Unifor, is urging the automaker to honor its commitment to retool the Brampton, Ontario plant for Jeep Compass production, as Stellantis signals plans to sell the facility to armoured vehicle maker Roshel. The union president, Lana Payne, stated that Stellantis is '100 per cent serious about exiting Brampton' and that the company's decision to potentially sell the plant has created complications in ongoing bargaining talks. The Brampton plant has been idle since 2023, initially intended for retooling to produce the Jeep Compass, but the plan was paused in early 2025 and production was moved to the U.S. The union has not accepted Stellantis' decision to sell, emphasizing that 'Don't close, don't sell. Protect the integrity of the plant as a bridge to future vehicle production.' Stellantis has shared a letter with CBC News stating it remains 'firmly committed to Canada,' noting ongoing operations in Windsor, Etobicoke, and investments in R&D. However, the letter also indicated that market and trade conditions have impacted the business case for maintaining the Brampton facility, with 'unpredictable trade policies, challenging regulatory requirements, and affordability pressures' cited as factors. The current collective agreement between Unifor and Stellantis expires on September 20, 2026, and Payne warned that strike action remains a possibility if a settlement isn't reached. Unifor has also written to Industry Minister Mélanie Joly, requesting details on government discussions with Stellantis regarding the potential sale. The union criticized the timing of the sale announcement, stating it is 'indefensible' to sell the plant during a trade war and collective bargaining period. Stellantis has reportedly evaluated options to return production to Brampton but found none that provided a 'sustainable long-term business case.' The company has also indicated it is open to meeting with Roshel to understand their vision for the plant. The news comes amid broader trade tensions, including Canada's 25% tariff on U.S.-made vehicles, which Prime Minister Mark Carney described as a response to 'unpredictable trade policies' from the U.S. government. Unifor continues to advocate for the plant to remain operational as a strategic asset for future vehicle production in Canada.

Is there a demand for this product? Or does Stallantis just have to use up all those batteries?

The RT would have probably would have been the ~300 mile range model as it was in the coupe and that's where the market is but typical of Stallantis..

Empresas como Volkswagen o Stallantis están a favor de dar preferencia a los vehículos ensamblados dentro de la UE, pero con condiciones para no crear "cercos proteccionistas"