Stellantis Shifts Jeep Compass Production from Brampton to Illinois

The future of approximately 3,000 autoworkers at the Stellantis plant in Brampton, Ontario, is now uncertain following the company’s recent announcement to move the production of the Jeep Compass from Canada to its facility in Belvidere, Illinois. This decision, revealed in mid-October, has raised concerns among workers and union representatives, who fear the implications for the plant’s sustainability and their jobs.

Stellantis has faced criticism for scrapping its plans to assemble the Compass in Brampton, a move seen by some industry observers as an attempt to appease the Trump administration amid ongoing trade tensions. The automaker stated that it is actively collaborating with government officials and stakeholders to develop a plan that ensures a viable future for automotive manufacturing in Canada. Nevertheless, reactions have been overwhelmingly negative, particularly from local union officials and workers left in limbo.

Vito Beato, president of Unifor Local 1285, which represents the Brampton workforce, expressed deep frustration. “When you look at what the company’s done, they violated our contract, they violated the commitment with the provincial and federal government,” he stated. Beato emphasized the need for collective action to prevent this situation from affecting other facilities across the country.

The Canadian government has invested significantly in Stellantis, providing over $220 million in taxpayer funds prior to the recent decision. This has intensified scrutiny over the automaker’s commitment to retaining jobs in Canada. Beato warned that allowing Stellantis to proceed without accountability could set a precedent for other plants.

Despite the turmoil, some experts believe Stellantis may still have plans for the Brampton facility. Peter Frise, a professor of mechanical and automotive engineering at the University of Windsor, expressed confidence in Stellantis’s commitment to Canadian production. “There’s no reason that Stellantis would want to default on its Canadian commitments,” he remarked, noting the company’s positive history as an employer in the region.

As for what could replace the Compass in Brampton, Stellantis has not disclosed specific plans. In a recent statement, a company spokesperson indicated that outcomes would be communicated after discussions are concluded. Industry analysts speculate that Stellantis might introduce a Chrysler-branded crossover, which has been in development.

According to Sam Fiorani, vice president of global vehicle forecasting at AutoForecast Solutions, the automaker had originally planned to produce an electric Chrysler model alongside the Compass. However, due to a slowdown in the transition to electric vehicles and the withdrawal of various incentives, those plans may now be in jeopardy. Fiorani highlighted the possibility that Stellantis could produce a conventional internal combustion engine version of the new vehicle.

The Brampton plant had already begun preparations to assemble the Compass before work was abruptly halted in February, raising questions about Stellantis’s long-term intentions. This past summer, Chrysler’s CEO confirmed plans for a new Chrysler model, stating it would be a crossover vehicle and would launch with a hybrid internal combustion engine, leaving room for a fully electric version in the future.

Frise noted that the platform used for the Compass could accommodate various types of vehicles, including crossovers and even small pickup trucks. “That plan, that rumour is credible in my view,” he said, hinting at the potential for new models being produced in Brampton.

The ongoing trade war between Canada and the United States complicates the situation further. Fiorani indicated that official announcements from Stellantis are unlikely until spring 2026, following a mandated review of the existing Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), which must be completed by July 1, 2026. He explained that any investment announcements in Canada could be politically sensitive, especially given the current U.S. administration’s stance on trade.

Beato added that Stellantis has communicated its intention to develop “big plans for Brampton,” but these are contingent on tariff relief or a CUSMA deal. He acknowledged the credibility issues that have arisen due to the Compass decision, which the union deemed a severe breach of the company’s commitments.

“It’s going to affect us all if we don’t win this battle,” Beato stated, urging for unity among stakeholders to ensure the Brampton assembly plant remains operational. He highlighted the advantages of manufacturing in Brampton, including a skilled workforce and lower operational costs, which could benefit the company in the long run.

As discussions continue, the fate of the Brampton plant and its workers remains uncertain, with many hoping for a resolution that prioritizes local production and job security.