Stellantis Retains 650 Jobs in Canada Despite EV Strategy Overhaul

Stellantis has confirmed its commitment to retaining 650 staff members in Canada, despite significant changes to its electric vehicle (EV) strategy. The automotive giant, which recently announced a financial hit of €22 billion due to a shift away from its ambitious electrification plans, is focusing on maintaining its workforce dedicated to EV and battery technology research.

The announcement, made on February 10, 2024, revealed Stellantis’s intention to divest its 49 percent stake in NextStar Energy, a joint venture established with South Korean battery maker LG Energy Solution. This venture was responsible for the development of a $5 billion battery plant in Windsor, Ontario. Despite the sale, Stellantis remains committed to advancing low-emission technologies, emphasizing the importance of its engineering teams in Canada.

Antonio Filosa, CEO of Stellantis, stated, “The reset we have announced today is part of the decisive process we started in 2025, to once again make our customers and their preferences our guiding star.” This shift from a sales mandate for EVs to offering purchase rebates reflects broader changes in the North American automotive market, which have been influenced by government tariffs and evolving consumer preferences.

Stellantis previously announced a $3.6 billion investment in its Ontario operations to transition towards EV production. The Canadian federal and provincial governments pledged to contribute up to $1 billion in public funding to support this transition, particularly for the Windsor and Brampton assembly plants and the Automotive Research and Development Centre (ARDC) in Windsor.

The ARDC expansion has led to the hiring of 650 engineers, raising the total staff to 800. According to a spokesperson for Stellantis, “There is no change to the electrification/battery testing work being done at the ARDC related to the NextStar Energy announcement.” The engineering team plays a vital role in developing and testing vehicles for both the North American and global markets.

The battery research facility at the ARDC will be the first of its kind in North America, following an announcement for a similar center in Turin, Italy. This facility is expected to serve as a state-of-the-art technology center for developing and validating advanced battery cells, modules, and packs for various vehicle types, including battery-electric and hybrid models.

In addition to its focus on battery research, Stellantis continues to diversify its vehicle offerings. The company produces models such as the Dodge Charger, which is available in both gas-powered and fully electric versions. On the recruitment front, Stellantis also announced plans to hire for more than 20 new positions in sales and marketing across Canada, indicating a robust outlook for the company as it scales its operations in the region.

As Stellantis navigates this transitional phase, the commitment to maintaining its workforce in Windsor reflects a focused approach to sustaining innovation and leadership in the evolving automotive industry.