Stellantis Pauses New Jeep Compass Production Plans in Canada, Yet Set to Launch in Europe in 2025 | Carscoops

      A spokesperson for Stellantis has confirmed that the European model, manufactured in Italy, is still set for a launch in 2025.

      The STLA Medium platform will be utilized for the next-generation Compass, providing flexibility in powertrain options.

      Although work in Brampton has been paused, Stellantis will proceed with the construction of the new Compass in Italy.

      Unifor warns that instability in the North American automotive sector threatens Canadian employment.

      Stellantis has unexpectedly slowed down operations at the Brampton Assembly Plant in Canada, surprising many. The facility was meant to serve as the production center for the next-generation Jeep Compass, but the North American launch of the model may now face delays as Stellantis reassesses its approach.

      Plans for the new Compass were already underway. This compact crossover is intended to be based on the STLA Medium platform, which allows Jeep the versatility to offer it in both internal combustion engine (ICE) and battery electric vehicle (BEV) formats. Initial pilot production was scheduled for January 20 but was pushed back to May of last year. Full-scale production was then set to start in February 2026.

      However, Stellantis spokesperson Lou Ann Gosselin informed Carscoops that the development of the new Compass in Canada has now been put on hold. All operations at the Brampton plant, including the retooling that commenced after production for the Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, and Dodge Challenger ended, have been suspended.

      “As we navigate today’s dynamic environment, Stellantis continues to reassess its product strategy in North America to ensure it provides customers with a range of vehicles featuring flexible powertrain options that best meet their needs,” the spokesperson stated. “As a result, the Company is temporarily pausing work on the next-generation Jeep Compass, including activities at the Brampton Assembly Plant. This does not affect our previously announced investment plans for Brampton.”

      A confidential source informed Auto News that Stellantis may be reconsidering the launch of a battery-electric version of the new Jeep Compass in North America. A decision regarding the new model could be made in March, potentially causing a delay of eight to twelve months for the Compass.

      No Impact on European Launch

      Importantly, the halt in Brampton will not affect Stellantis’s plan to commence production of the new Compass at its Italian facility. “The next-generation Jeep Compass, the brand's most globally available model, will debut in Europe with production starting in Melfi (Italy) this year,” Gosselin confirmed.

      Union Concerns

      Unifor, the union representing workers at the Brampton plant, has voiced concerns regarding the temporary work stoppage at the facility.

      “The company has assured the union that vehicle production plans remain in place for Brampton, although the timing of this announcement raises serious concerns for Unifor members both involved in the retooling efforts and those currently laid off,” the union stated. “The disorder and uncertainty affecting the North American auto industry, which faces ongoing threats of tariffs and potential dismantling of EV regulations from the United States, are having immediate ramifications for workers and corporate decisions. We have continuously emphasized that these threats are detrimental to our economy and to Canadian jobs.”