Stellantis announced its plans to invest $2.8 billion USD to seal the future of its Windsor and Brampton (Ontario) assembly plants as well as to expand its Automotive Research and Development Centre (ARDC).
The announcement was made by Mark Stewart, chief operating officer at Stellantis North America, alongside Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and other senior government officials at the ARDC.
“These investments reaffirm our long-term commitment to Canada and represent an important step as we move toward zero-emission vehicles that deliver on our customers’ desire for innovative, clean, safe, and affordable mobility,” said Stewart.
The announcement supports the company's long-term plan to invest $35 billion USD over the next three years in electrification and software globally.
“Today’s deal on made-in-Canada electric vehicles is yet another investment in our workers and in our future,” said Prime Minister Trudeau. “We’re building a world-class Canadian auto industry, an innovative economy and a clean, strong future for everyone. This is what a healthy environment and a healthy economy looks like.”
Assembly plants investments
The Windsor Assembly Plant will be transformed to support production of a new multi-energy vehicle (MEV) architecture that will provide battery-electric (BEV) capability for multiple models, according to a Stellantis press release. Retooling is expected to begin in 2023.
The Brampton Assembly Plant will be retooled and fully modernized, beginning in 2024. When production resumes in 2025, the plant will introduce an all-new, flexible architecture to support the company’s electrification plans, the company noted.
ARDC expansion
The Windsor-based ARDC is expected to open over 650 engineering jobs in various areas to support Stellantis’ growth in electrification. It will focus on electrified propulsion systems, including batteries, power electronics, electric machines, motor controls, energy management, and embedded software.
It will also become the first battery lab in North America, the company stated in the release, and plans to establish a similar centre in Turin, Italy. The company is planning to expand the current building by adding on 100,000 sq. ft. by the end of 2023.
