Canada's Anger Grows as Stellantis CEO Faces Tough Questions Regarding Jeep Relocation | Carscoops

      Stellantis is facing criticism in Canada after deciding to relocate Jeep Compass production from Canada to the United States, with lawmakers expressing skepticism about the company's justifications for this move.

      Canadian lawmakers questioned Stellantis' president regarding this decision. The mayor of Brampton alleged that the automaker was pressured by the Trump administration. The company is currently exploring new possibilities to replace the Compass production in Brampton.

      The decision to shift production of the next-generation Jeep Compass to Illinois, rather than Ontario, has reignited political tensions in Canada.

      Just two weeks after Canada threatened legal action against Stellantis, president Jeff Hines was summoned to address members of parliament during a session of the House of Commons industry and technology committee. Hines labeled the decision as one taken “not lightly,” but attributed the challenging economic and trade conditions as reasons for moving production.

      His remarks seemed to reference the federal government's imposition of limits on tariff-free imports of Stellantis vehicles following the company's shift in plans.

      Hines acknowledged the impact of these decisions, emphasizing the need for stability in trade discussions, so the industry can adapt and invest accordingly. He expressed a desire to continue vehicle production in Brampton and to introduce a feasible option, highlighting the necessity for a conducive environment.

      Initially, Brampton was scheduled to start Jeep Compass production in February 2026. However, production will now move to Illinois, as part of a $600 million investment aimed at reviving that facility.

      Mayor Patrick Brown claimed the company was “bullied by the Trump administration” into prioritizing U.S. operations over Canadian interests.

      Reports from The Canadian Press indicate that the Brampton facility has been inactive since early 2024 as it underwent retooling for the Compass program. Hines stated that while the plant is not closed and workers remain on layoff, those employees will have “first choice” for the 1,500 new jobs being created at Stellantis' Windsor assembly site.

      The future of the Brampton plant remains uncertain. Ontario Premier Doug Ford has recently noted that Stellantis indicated they would identify a new model to produce at the factory. Hines mentioned that the automaker is considering “a couple of different potential options” but has yet to make any commitments.

      He stated, “When we achieve some stability in the current environment, I believe it could yield positive outcomes for the plant and our customers across Canada.”

      Source: The Canadian Press