In what should be a significant boost for the economy and job outlook throughout the Rockford region, Stellantis on Wednesday announced its plans to relaunch production at the Belvidere Assembly Plant starting in 2027.
The company’s announcement includes hiring back 1,500 members of the United Auto Workers and comes after months of talks with the union, UAW President Shawn Fain said in a news release.
“This victory is a testament to the power of workers standing together and holding a billion-dollar corporation accountable,” Fain said. “Your solidarity forced Carlos Tavares out as CEO of this company, and it’s been a game-changer. Since Antonio Filosa has taken over as North American COO at Stellantis, we have been meeting with their team, and the difference is clear. This is a leadership that is ready to recommit to investing in our membership, our communities and in this company.”
Here is what we know about Stellantis’ plans in Belvidere.
What kind of vehicle will be built in Belvidere?
Stellantis says a mid-sized pickup truck is slated for production in Belvidere starting in 2027, but won’t say what make or model is planned.
What kind of powertrain will the truck have?
Whether the vehicle will be powered by an internal combustion engine, hybrid engine or electric motor was not announced. However, plans for building a battery plant on nearly 300 acres assembled by leaders of the Region 1 Planning Council and Northern Illinois Land Bank were not discussed.
A company representative said plans are take advantage of the Stellantis’ “multi-energy strategy,” which includes all kinds of powertrains.
Isn’t a gas-powered truck likely?
State Rep. Dave Vella said Stellantis has a unique approach that allows gas powered, hybrid and electric vehicles to be produced on the same line. That means Stellantis could add additional types of the truck as time goes on.
“My guess is it will be internal combustion at first and hybrid after,” Vella said. “Stellantis has a unique powertrain where they can use the same line for internal combustion, EV and Hybrid, whereas most other car companies don’t. They have to have two separate plants. They can’t start with an internal combustion engine vehicle than move to hybrid and EV. The fact they are going to start making cars and didn’t say anything about a battery plant probably means they will start with a non-EV.”
Are there still plans for a battery plant and parts mega hub?
Stellantis in August backed off promises the company made to end the UAW’s 2023 Stand Up Strike. It announced plans to delay promised investments of nearly $5 billion to re-open the Belvidere Assembly Plant, build a joint-venture battery production facility in Belvidere and create a Mopar hub in part of the plant.
The latest announcement did not discuss the battery plant or the Mopar hub. A company spokesperson said the company is currently reassessing plans for both those initiatives.
Who is taking credit?
Everyone from Stellantis and the UAW to President Donald Trump and Congressional leaders to Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, members of the Illinois General Assembly and local elected leaders lined up to take credit for the agreement.
“We commend Stellantis on its investment in Belvidere that will put 1,500 Illinoisans back to work in good-paying union jobs and grow the automotive industry in Illinois,” Pritzker said in a news release. “This would not be possible without proactive collaboration and coordination between the State of Illinois, Stellantis, UAW, the Biden-Harris Administration, and our champions in Congress, including Sen. (Dick) Durbin, Sen. (Tammy) Duckworth, Rep. Bill Foster, and Rep. Eric Sorensen.”
Stellantis’ decision to reopen the plant was the result of a coordinated effort involving local, state and federal lawmakers, the private sector, and the “tireless advocacy” of the Northern Illinois Council of Governments, Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara and Belvidere Mayor Clint Morris said in a news release.
“Today is a great day for Belvidere, for the employees of the Belvidere Assembly Plant, and for our region,” Morris said.
Jeff Kolkey writes about government, economic development and other issues for the Rockford Register Star. He can be reached at (815) 987-1374, via email at jkolkey@rrstar.com and on X @jeffkolkey.
A new truck will be built in Belvidere. Here’s what we know.
Exciting news for the Belvidere community! A new truck will be built right here in our town, bringing job opportunities and economic growth to the area. The truck is set to be a game-changer in the industry, with cutting-edge technology and innovative features.
The manufacturing plant in Belvidere will be expanding to accommodate the production of this new truck, creating hundreds of new jobs for local residents. This investment in our community is a testament to the skilled workforce and excellent business environment that Belvidere has to offer.
While specific details about the truck are still under wraps, industry insiders are buzzing with anticipation for its release. With a reputation for quality and reliability, this new truck is sure to make a splash in the market.
Stay tuned for updates on this exciting development as we learn more about the new truck being built in Belvidere. The future is looking bright for our town!
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