Prime Minister Justin Trinto and Ontario Prime Minister Doug Ford visited Windsor, Ont., Along with Mark Stewart, CEO of Stellantis North America, on Monday to announce that Stellantis is investing $ 2 billion in rebuilding factories. In a press release Monday, the company said it would turn factories into “flexible, versatile vehicle assembly facilities” ready to “produce the electric vehicles of the future.” The media outlet said the investment was $ 3.4 billion, but during the announcement, officials clarified that it was a $ 3.6 billion investment. “Today is another example that our Ontario building plan is bringing tremendous victories to workers and communities across the province,” Ford said in a statement. “Ontario has what it takes to once again become the powerhouse of the North American car industry. Where other governments have stayed and seen jobs leave this province, we do and ensure that the cars of the future are built. in Ontario by Ontario workers. “ For the Windsor assembly plant, Stellantis hopes the changes will diversify its ability to introduce electric or hybrid models into the production line to meet what it calls “growing demand for low-emission vehicles”. The county is funding up to $ 287 million with this renovation.
2 new R&D facilities are planned with emphasis on EV
The company will also build two new R&D facilities focusing on EV production and battery technology. Stellantis will also expand the Car Research and Development Center in Windsor by building two Electric Vehicle and Battery Package Testing Centers that will support everything from car design to development. The centers are also expected to provide opportunities for students at universities, colleges and start-ups who want to take part in EV production. According to Stellantis, the province is investing up to $ 94 million in these centers. At the Brampton assembly plant, Stellantis will also change the assembly line to allow it to produce battery-powered electric and hybrid vehicles, with the province committing $ 132 million to the installation. In total, the county and federal government each provide up to $ 513 million to fund these developments. “Today is a great victory for Canadian workers, the future of the Canadian car industry and the Canadian economy as a whole,” François-Philippe Champagne, Minister for Innovation, Science and Industry, told a news release. “With this historic investment in Stellantis to build thousands of electric vehicles each year, we are securing thousands of well-paid jobs in Windsor and Brampton. With a century of excellence from Canadian car workers, today is another step in our efforts to build a sustainable economy of the future that is part of Canada’s path to zero “. With these changes and the EV battery factory, Stellantis said it was investing $ 6 billion in the province’s auto industry. In March, Stellantis politicians and executives announced a $ 4.9 billion joint venture, an EV battery plant for southwestern Ontario. Stellantis and South Korean battery maker LG Energy Solution have teamed up for the project, which will be launched in 2024.
