Belvidere Assembly Plant To Gain New Midsize Pickup

Will Offer Both ICE And Electric Options...

Robert S. Miller October 29, 2023

STLA Large-Based Electric Unibody Pickup. (Stellantis).

Last night, the United Auto Workers (UAW) announced they had reached a tentative agreement with Stellantis. While it signaled the return to work for those at the Mopar Distribution Centers, Toledo Assembly Complex, and Sterling Heights Assembly Plant, it also marked a celebration for the community of Belvidere, Illinois.

“Eight months ago, Stellantis idled Belvidere Assembly Plant, putting 1,200 of our members on the street. From the strength of our strike, we are bringing back those jobs and more,” stated UAW Vice President Rich Boyer. “Stellantis is reopening the plant, and the company will also be adding over a thousand jobs at a new battery plant in Belvidere.”

According to the UAW, the new product at the plant will be a new mid-sized pickup truck. While many believed it would be a variant of the Brazilian-built compact Ram Rampage pickup, our sources have indicated that it could be a true successor to the popular Dodge Dakota. However, we expect this new midsizer to stray away from its body-on-frame roots and instead be based on the STLA Large architecture, which underpins the upcoming Dodge Charger (LB) and off-road-oriented Jeep® Recon (EJ).

It makes sense that the new pickup would be based on the STLA Large unibody-based architecture, as Belvidere is already set up as a unibody production plant. However, it only marks the beginning as the plant has produced several types of vehicles on the plant’s flexible line. So, the possibility of other vehicles joining Belvidere isn’t off the table.

Reports have indicated that the state of Illinois has lined up 250 acres of land near the Belvidere facility, in addition to the 280 acres Stellantis already owns. More real estate would be needed to build a new battery facility. Stellantis is already the largest property-tax payer in Boone County, paying $1.9 million in property taxes in 2022.

UAW President Shawn Fain indicated that the new pickup would offer electrified and internal combustion engine (ICE) power. “We are bringing both combustion vehicle and battery jobs to Belvidere,” said Fain.

We hope to learn more about the plans for Belvidere later this week.

Source: UAW and Crain’s Chicago Business News

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bill burke Oct 29, 2023 #1

Not only is this a victory for the UAW (congratulations) it is a victory for the US auto industry. Keeping manufacturing of a key vehicle, or more possibly, in the states can not be underestimated. My 2019 Cherokee, manufactured at Belvedere is an excellent and flawless product and a tribute to its workforce. If my Jeep is any example, this was a wise decision by Stellantis and a tribute to intelligent and fair collective bargaining.

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M Mike201 Oct 29, 2023 #2

I agree Bill. This is great news for everyone In Belvedere and for all us Mopar guys who want that mid size truck back!! Also I agree on quality from that plant. We have a 2017 Cherokee and it’s one of the best vehicles we have had overall! Congratulations to the hard workers at all our Mopar plants in the US.

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TripleT Oct 30, 2023 #3

Crystal ball is pointing the proper path. The JGC pickup is a great idea. While the Heavy and Crowded BOF midsized market is crowded... Honda hangs out nearly unchallenged with the engine running the wrong direction.

I would still make the Rampage in Mexico and import it. But that market also is going to be crowded.

redriderbob Oct 30, 2023 #4

Crystal ball is pointing the proper path. The JGC pickup is a great idea. While the Heavy and Crowded BOF midsized market is crowded... Honda hangs out nearly unchallenged with the engine running the wrong direction.

I would still make the Rampage in Mexico and import it. But that market also is going to be crowded.

No, I disagree with another Jeep® truck. The problem with the Gladiator is you pay the premium for the Jeep name, and they aren't selling.

But I would build the Ram Rampage in Mexico for sure. That truck needed to be here yesterday!

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TripleT Oct 30, 2023 #5

No, I disagree with another Jeep® truck. The problem with the Gladiator is you pay the premium for the Jeep name, and they aren't selling.

But I would build the Ram Rampage in Mexico for sure. That truck needed to be here yesterday!

Sorry I wasn't clear it would be a RAM.

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