Michigan Strives to Retain Stellantis’ North American HQ

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer is working diligently to ensure Stellantis keeps its North American headquarters in the Detroit area, as the automaker reviews its office locations. As Stellantis reassesses its presence in suburban Auburn Hills, Michigan, Whitmer has made it clear that retaining the company in Michigan is a top priority.

“We have an open dialogue going on. We want to help Stellantis see the wisdom and opportunities for adjusting their headquarters but making sure it stays here in Michigan,” Whitmer told The Automotive News.

Stellantis Faces Operational Challenges and Uncertainty – 

Stellantis, the parent company of Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep®, and Ram, has encountered significant operational challenges in its North American market. Declining sales and mass layoffs have impacted the company’s operations, including in Michigan, where Stellantis’ 5.4-million-square-foot Chrysler Tech Center (CTC) is located. This facility, north of Detroit in Auburn Hills, has been the subject of an ongoing review as the automaker evaluates its office footprint.

In 2023, during a United Auto Workers (UAW) strike, Stellantis confirmed it was considering changes to its office spaces in Michigan and other locations. While the future of the CTC remains uncertain, a local UAW representative noted that about 1,500 unionized workers are currently employed there.

Governor Whitmer’s Commitment to Stellantis Staying in Michigan – 

Governor Whitmer is determined to keep Stellantis anchored in Michigan. “The future footprint doesn’t necessarily look like the past, but we want to make sure they are grounded here in Michigan, and that’s a top priority for me and my administration,” Whitmer said.

She remains hopeful that the automaker will continue its long-standing presence in the state. “We’ve had a lot of productive conversations. Nothing to announce at this juncture, but as they refigure what Stellantis looks like, we want to make sure they can see it continuing here in Michigan,” Whitmer added.

Stellantis’ Global Shift and Michigan’s Economic Importance – 

Since its merger with Peugeot S.A. (PSA) in 2020, Stellantis has shifted much of its focus to Europe, where its global headquarters is located in the Netherlands. Despite this, the company maintains deep roots in Michigan, where it has been based for over 100 years.

In a statement to The Automotive News, Stellantis said, “We appreciate the partnership with Governor Whitmer and the State and have no further comment at this time.”

Whitmer’s efforts to keep Stellantis in Michigan coincide with other significant changes in the auto industry. General Motors (GM) recently decided to vacate its long-time headquarters in the Renaissance Center in Detroit. GM plans to move to a smaller space in a new development downtown, marking a major shift in the city’s business landscape.

Detroit’s Role in Michigan’s Economic Future – 

“What happens in Detroit matters to the whole state of Michigan,” Whitmer emphasized, highlighting the critical importance of keeping large employers like Stellantis in the region.

While Stellantis has yet to finalize its decision regarding the future of its North American headquarters, Governor Whitmer remains optimistic about the ongoing discussions with Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares.

Keeping Stellantis in the Detroit area is crucial for Michigan’s economy, and Whitmer’s administration is fully committed to making that a reality.

Source: The Automotive News