Stellantis Postpones Production of 2026 Dodge Charger R/T Amid US Tariffs

As the world's automakers struggle with slowing growth in electric vehicle sales, Stellantis NV, the parent company of Dodge, has announced that it will postpone production of the 2026 electric Dodge Charger R/T at its Windsor, Ont., assembly plant due to US tariffs on Canadian-made cars. This decision is part of a broader trend of automakers re-evaluating their Canadian production plans in light of the ongoing trade tensions and waning demand for electric vehicles. The company's statement emphasizes that there will be no impact on jobs at the plant, which employs 3,800 hourly workers and also makes minivans. However, the delay is not the only challenge facing Stellantis and other automakers, as the company also plans to postpone the addition of a third production shift until next year and has seen rolling production cuts and layoffs through to July.

Key Takeaways:

• Stellantis has postponed production of the 2026 electric Dodge Charger R/T at its Windsor, Ont., assembly plant due to US tariffs on Canadian-made cars.
• The company emphasizes that there will be no impact on jobs at the plant, which employs 3,800 hourly workers, and continues to make minivans.
• The delay is part of a broader trend of automakers re-evaluating their Canadian production plans due to ongoing trade tensions and waning demand for electric vehicles.
• Stellantis has also postponed the addition of a third production shift until next year and has seen rolling production cuts and layoffs through to July.
• The company is planning a $5-billion car battery plant in Windsor with LG Energy Solution, which is expected to create 2,500 jobs.
• Mélanie Joly, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, has spoken with Stellantis's CEO and received assurances that Canadian jobs will be maintained.
• Ottawa is working to restore government support for EV purchases, which lapsed early this year.

Statistics:

• 3,800: The number of hourly workers employed at the Windsor assembly plant.
• 2,500: The number of jobs expected to be created by the $5-billion car battery plant in Windsor.
• $5 billion: The planned investment in the car battery plant by Stellantis and LG Energy Solution.
• 2026: The model year in which production of the Dodge Charger R/T has been postponed.
• Late 2025: The planned launch of the four-door Charger.

Sources:

• Stellantis NV statement to the media
• Unifor national president Lana Payne, who represents workers at the plant
• Mélanie Joly, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry
• Stellantis's statement to the media regarding the car battery plant
• Ottawa news conference with Mélanie Joly