Rhodes Clarifies Intent in Push for American Ownership of Chrysler Brands

Frank B. Rhodes, Jr., the great-grandson of Chrysler Corporation founder Walter P. Chrysler, has recently issued a clarification regarding his previous communications with Stellantis, the parent company of Chrysler. Rhodes, a passionate advocate for preserving the legacy of the Chrysler, Dodge, Plymouth, and Mopar brands, initially sent a letter to Stellantis that some interpreted as a personal bid to buy back the Chrysler brands. However, Rhodes has clarified that his ultimate goal is not personal ownership but rather to see the company return to American hands, potentially through employee ownership.

In his statement to MoparInsiders.com, Rhodes emphasized, “My letter to Stellantis gave the wrong impression that I personally want to buy back Chrysler and the affiliated brands. My ultimate goal is for this company to be brought back to America under American ownership. In my opinion, the best path forward is possibly for the union to become involved with employee ownership.”

Stellantis responded to the growing interest in its North American brands with a statement reaffirming its commitment to all 14 of its brands, including Chrysler and Dodge. The company stated, “Stellantis acknowledges the interest in its North American brands and reaffirms the Company’s commitment to its entire portfolio of 14 powerful, iconic brands, which were each given a 10-year timeframe to build a profitable and sustainable business. Like the Jeep® and Ram brands, Chrysler and Dodge are at the forefront of Stellantis’ transformation to clean mobility, benefitting from the Group’s cutting-edge technology and scale. The Company is not pursuing splitting off any of its brands.”

Rhodes, undeterred by Stellantis’ response, informed MoparInsiders.com that he remains committed to his mission of protecting the Chrysler, Dodge, Plymouth, and Mopar brands from being sold to a non-American entity. Recent rumors have fueled concerns, with reports of Chinese automaker BYD (Build Your Dreams) managers being spotted at various Stellantis sites, including Canadian automotive plants, the Chelsea Proving Grounds, and the Chrysler Tech Center in Auburn Hills. These sightings have led to speculation about potential foreign interest in the brands.

Rhodes has previously attempted to bring the brands back to American ownership and continues to explore options to achieve this goal. He noted that in the past week, there has been an outpouring of support and offers from individuals willing to help raise the necessary funds. However, with Stellantis not engaging in formal discussions about potential offers, it remains unclear how much the Chrysler, Dodge, Plymouth, and Mopar brands are currently valued at.

In a related development, AutoForecast Solutions has suggested that production of the next-generation Dodge Durango may move to Windsor Assembly in Canada by 2026. If true, this would mean that all Chrysler and Dodge products sold in the U.S. and Canada would be produced in Canada, raising further concerns about the future of American automotive manufacturing.

Despite these challenges, Rhodes sees a positive aspect in Stellantis’ recent statement. The company’s reaffirmation that it is not looking to part with the Chrysler and Dodge brands suggests that a deal with a foreign entity, such as the rumored Chinese automaker, is unlikely. Rhodes remains vigilant and determined in his efforts to ensure the brands’ American heritage is preserved for future generations.