In this article, Stellantis Chairman John Elkann discussed various upcoming plans for U.S. investments during a meeting with President Donald Trump in Washington, D.C., before Trump’s inauguration. Elkann outlined the plans in an internal message to U.S. employees, which included creating 1,500 jobs and reopening a plant in Illinois to manufacture a new midsize pickup truck in 2027. Additionally, plans involved building a new version of the Dodge Durango SUV at a Detroit plant instead of Mexico and providing more support for plants in Toledo, Ohio, and Kokomo, Indiana.
Antonio Filosa, head of Stellantis’ North American operations, conveyed Elkann’s message to the President, emphasizing the company’s commitment to strengthening its U.S. manufacturing footprint and supporting the American workforce. Leaders from the “Big Three” automakers in Detroit, including General Motors CEO Mary Barra and Ford Motor Chair Bill Ford, also engaged with Trump before his inauguration to discuss the automotive industry and economy.
Some of Stellantis’ announcements, like producing the midsize pickup truck in Illinois, were anticipated under a contract with the United Auto Workers union. UAW President Shawn Fain welcomed the plans, highlighting the importance of protecting union jobs. Elkann, overseeing Stellantis during the search for a new CEO after Carlos Tavares’ departure, emphasized investments in the Jeep complex in Ohio and production of a new four-cylinder engine in Indiana.
Filosa emphasized Stellantis’ plans to invest in people, products, and technology in the U.S. to increase market share and sales volume. Elkann’s meeting with Trump and top administration officials before the inauguration was reported by Reuters, noting his absence at the inauguration due to a prior commitment in Italy to meet with Lewis Hamilton as the new Ferrari Formula One driver.
