Stellantis Confirms Midsized Pickup Production at Belvidere in 2027

Stellantis (FCA US, LLC) has confirmed plans to manufacture an all-new midsized pickup truck at its Belvidere Assembly Plant in Illinois. This announcement follows a history of discussions between Stellantis Chairman John Elkann and then-President-elect Donald Trump in Washington, D.C., prior to the inauguration.

Earlier this year, Stellantis delayed its plans to produce an electrified midsized pickup truck, citing challenging market conditions and widespread industry adjustments. The decision drew criticism from the United Auto Workers (UAW) union, which threatened strikes at U.S. facilities, as well as pressure from lawmakers urging Stellantis to fulfill its commitments.

According to our sources, Belvidere employees were caught off guard by the announcement, learning about it only hours before the media reported it. While the news of a midsized pickup is exciting, many workers at the plant hope Stellantis will bring additional vehicles to the facility.

The plant has previously built models like the Jeep® Compass (MK49), Jeep Patriot (MK74), and Dodge Dart (PF), before transitioning to the Jeep Cherokee (KL) in late 2017. Production of the Cherokee faced repeated delays during the pandemic due to supply chain issues, halting operations multiple times. Adding more vehicles could help prevent such setbacks when production resumes in 2027.

In an internal message to U.S. employees, Stellantis outlined its plans, including the creation of 1,500 jobs at the Belvidere plant. Antonio Filosa, head of Stellantis’ North American operations, stated:

“John told the President that building on our proud, more than 100-year history in the U.S., we plan to continue that legacy by further strengthening our U.S. manufacturing footprint and providing stability for our great American workforce.”

Filosa emphasized Stellantis’ long-term goals, saying:

“Our plans, focused on increasing market share and growing sales volume, entail a multibillion-dollar investment in our people, great products, and innovative technology, all here in the U.S.”

Stellantis also provided updates on other U.S. operations. The Toledo Assembly Plant, which produces the Jeep Wrangler (JL) and Gladiator (JT), will receive investments in new technologies and product enhancements. Additionally, the Kokomo, Indiana facility will produce a new four-cylinder engine, believed to be the ‘EVO’ version of the turbocharged 2.0-liter GME-T4, expected to debut in the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee (WL).

In a surprising revelation, the internal message mentioned that Stellantis had briefly considered producing the next-generation Dodge Durango (D6U) in Mexico, despite initial plans outlined in the 2023 UAW Agreement indicating it would be built at the Detroit Assembly Complex – Jefferson (Jefferson North). This also shuts down rumors of the Durango being possibly produced in Windsor. However, the Durango will remain in Detroit after further discussions with U.S. officials. The Durango continues to be the only Dodge product manufactured in the United States.