Stellantis has agreed to reinstate major production commitments in the U.S. after months of negotiations with the United Auto Workers (UAW), securing billions in investments and reopening a shuttered assembly plant.
The automaker will build the next-generation Dodge Durango at the Detroit Assembly Complex and reopen the Belvidere Assembly Plant in Illinois in 2027 to produce a new midsize truck, following through on commitments made in the 2023 union contract. These pledges, which had been reversed by former CEO Carlos Tavares, have been reaffirmed under Stellantis’ new leadership.
“This victory is a testament to the power of workers standing together and holding a billion-dollar corporation accountable,” said UAW President Shawn Fain. “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.”
In addition to the Belvidere reopening, Stellantis announced a significant investment in Kokomo, IN, where it will launch Phase II of the GME-T4 EVO engine in 2026, reversing prior plans to shift work out of the U.S. The company also pledged to maintain production of the GME-T4 EVO engine at the Dundee Engine Plant in Michigan and increase component manufacturing at the Toledo Machining Plant in Ohio.
The agreement follows months of pressure from UAW members and leaders through rallies, marches and formal grievances as part of the union’s "Keep the Promise" campaign. Their efforts contributed to Tavares’ departure in late 2024, and the appointment of new North American COO Antonio Filosa, who has expressed a commitment to working with the UAW to bolster U.S. vehicle production.
The UAW’s 2023 contract introduced a first-ever right to strike over product and investment commitments, a key factor in enforcing Stellantis’ agreement. The union continues to advocate for policies that prevent offshoring and support American autoworkers, reinforcing its stance against what it calls the industry's "race to the bottom."
