New Stellantis Leadership Reignites Hope at Toledo Jeep® Plant

After months of uncertainty, employees at the Toledo Assembly Complex can finally breathe a sigh of relief. WTOL 11 sat down with United Auto Workers (UAW) Local 12 President Bruce Baumhower who shared an optimistic outlook for the plant after Stellantis reversed its decision to lay off 1,100 workers. The change in direction followed the resignation of former CEO Carlos Tavares in December, ushering in what Baumhower describes as a much-needed shift in company strategy.

“It’s all changed dramatically. It’s all for the good,” Baumhower said.

A New Direction for Stellantis and Jeep® – 

In early November, more than 1,100 workers at the Toledo plant faced potential job losses as Stellantis cited declining sales for the Jeep models produced there. However, Tavares’ departure marked a turning point.

Baumhower believes the prior leadership’s focus on continuously increasing prices hurt sales and put the Jeep® brand in a difficult position.

“The prior leadership had put us in a ditch, and we had no sales on our cars,” he explained. “They continued to raise prices to make more profits, and we couldn’t give our cars away. That’s what put us in this situation.”

With a new strategy in place, Stellantis has since lowered vehicle prices, which has rejuvenated interest from both dealers and customers.

“New leadership comes in, lowers prices, and dealers are happy, and we’re happy,” Baumhower added.

Boosting Jeep Gladiator Sales –

As the plant regains stability, Stellantis is now focusing on reinvigorating sales of the Jeep Gladiator, which has struggled in the competitive truck market. One potential game-changer? A plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version of the Gladiator, mirroring the success of the Wrangler 4xe.

“Truck sales have been slow, and I think the truck needs a shot in the arm,” Baumhower noted. “[Stellantis claims] they’re going to come up with a hybrid like they did with the Wrangler, and I think that’ll really boost sales.”

Despite high anticipation for the Gladiator 4xe, production remains in limbo.

“The only thing I can tell you is I hope it’s soon because we’ve been hearing about it for a long time. It’s been delayed, delayed, delayed. We’re ready to launch the new hybrid,” Baumhower said.

Future Workforce Changes – 

While the plant avoids large-scale layoffs, up to 400 employees could still leave within the next two years—not due to job cuts, but because of an opportunity to return home.

The Belvidere Assembly Plant in Illinois, which shut down in 2023, is expected to reopen in 2027. Many of its displaced employees transferred to Toledo, and they will now have the option to return.

“It’s bittersweet,” Baumhower admitted. “But it’s good to see Belvidere coming back, and those workers will get the chance to go home.”

With Stellantis’ new leadership adjusting its strategy, workers at the Toledo Assembly Complex remain hopeful for a more stable and successful future.

Source: WTOL