Stellantis, a major global car manufacturer, is considering selling its ownership stake in a large electric vehicle battery plant in Canada. However, the company remains committed to advancing electrification efforts despite facing challenges in its electric vehicle plans. The CEO, Antonio Filosa, emphasized the company’s commitment to adapting to customer preferences.
In a strategic move, Stellantis plans to divest its 49% share in NextStar Energy, a joint venture with LG Energy Solution, aimed at constructing a significant battery facility in Windsor, Ontario. Nevertheless, Stellantis will retain its team of engineers in Windsor, particularly focusing on electric vehicle and battery research.
This decision comes amid ongoing uncertainty in Canada’s automotive industry, partly due to trade tariffs and evolving trends in the electric vehicle market. In a previous initiative, Stellantis had invested billions in transitioning its Ontario operations to electric vehicle production, with support from federal and provincial governments.
Stellantis has expanded its Automotive Research and Development Centre (ARDC) in Windsor, hiring 650 new employees and maintaining a total staff of 800. The ARDC plays a vital role in developing and testing various powertrains for Stellantis vehicles. The company is also progressing with its battery lab in North America, following plans for a similar facility in Italy.
Despite recent adjustments to its electric vehicle strategy, Stellantis continues to offer a variety of powertrains across its vehicle lineup, including the Windsor-manufactured Dodge Charger available in both traditional and electric versions. The company is also ramping up its recruitment efforts, announcing over 20 new positions in sales and marketing across Canada.